The Netherlands has over 480 coffeeshops spread across 100 cities. While Amsterdam gets all the attention, some of the best coffeeshop experiences are found in smaller cities with less tourist crowds, better prices, and friendlier staff. This guide highlights the top coffeeshop destinations across the country — from the biggest cities to hidden gems most visitors never discover.
Amsterdam — The Cannabis Capital (113 coffeeshops)
Amsterdam needs no introduction. With 113 coffeeshops, it has the largest concentration in the country. The city offers everything from high-end boutique shops like Boerejongens (known for their bowler-hat-wearing budtenders) to legendary spots like Grey Area (a celebrity favorite) and The Bulldog (the very first coffeeshop, opened in 1975).
Best for: First-time visitors who want maximum choice and the full Dutch coffeeshop culture experience.
Top picks: Boerejongens, Coffeeshop Oost, ProGram, Grey Area, The Dolphins, Paradox.
Tip: Avoid the very touristy shops right on Damrak and the Red Light District — they tend to be overpriced. Head to De Pijp, Jordaan, or Amsterdam West for better quality and atmosphere.
Rotterdam — Modern and Underrated (39 coffeeshops)
Rotterdam is the anti-Amsterdam — modern architecture, a grittier vibe, and coffeeshops that cater more to locals than tourists. With 39 shops, there is plenty of choice, and prices are generally lower than Amsterdam.
Best for: Visitors who want a more authentic, less touristy experience.
Top picks: Harvest, Coffeeshop New York, Coffeeshop Dreams, Space Coffeeshop.
Tip: Rotterdam Zuid has some of the best-rated shops. Do not stick only to the city center.
The Hague — Political Capital, Serious Weed (33 coffeeshops)
The Hague (Den Haag) is home to the Dutch government, the royal family, and 33 coffeeshops with some of the highest-rated cannabis in the country. The Scheveningen beach area has a few shops too, making it possible to combine a beach day with a coffeeshop visit.
Best for: Quality seekers. Several Highlife Cup and Jack Herer Cup winners are based here.
Top picks: Coffeeshop The Box Green Harvest, Coffeeshop Doctor Green, The Canna Club, Greenhouse Secret Farmers, Fly II.
Haarlem — Charming and Close to Amsterdam (14 coffeeshops)
Haarlem is just 15 minutes by train from Amsterdam and offers a completely different atmosphere — historic streets, fewer tourists, and 14 excellent coffeeshops. The Willie Wortel chain (Sativa, Indica, and Sinsemilla) is particularly well-known for quality.
Best for: A day trip from Amsterdam with a more relaxed, local vibe.
Top picks: Coffeeshop Birdy, Maximillian, Willie Wortel Sativa, The Greengrocers.
Utrecht — Student City Energy (13 coffeeshops)
Utrecht is a vibrant university city with beautiful canals and 13 coffeeshops. The standout here is Culture Boat — a floating coffeeshop on the Wittevrouwensingel canal. There is also Wiet Drive-thru Griffioen, one of the few drive-through coffeeshops in the country.
Best for: Young travelers and those looking for unique coffeeshop concepts.
Top picks: Culture Boat, Wiet Drive-thru Griffioen, The Grass, Gallery Colorado, VIP Shop.
Eindhoven — Tech City with Heart (11 coffeeshops)
Eindhoven is known for its tech industry and design scene, but it also has a solid coffeeshop culture with 11 shops. The city was one of the first to push for regulated cannabis supply and its coffeeshops reflect that progressive attitude.
Best for: Visitors heading to or from Eindhoven Airport (a major budget airline hub).
Top picks: The Pink, High Times, New Wave, Euro-Garden, Upstairs.
Nijmegen — The Oldest City (12 coffeeshops)
Nijmegen is recognized as one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, and its coffeeshop scene is as established as its history. With 12 shops clustered in the compact city center, you can easily walk between them. Part of the Wietexperiment, so you get regulated, tested cannabis here.
Best for: History buffs who want regulated cannabis in a beautiful old-city setting.
Top picks: Coffeeshop Kronkel, Coffeeshop Dreadlock, 't Kunsje, Dakota, Lucky Luke.
Maastricht — Beautiful but Restricted (14 coffeeshops)
Maastricht is one of the most beautiful cities in the Netherlands, with 14 coffeeshops. However, there is a catch — most Maastricht coffeeshops enforce a residence requirement. You typically need to prove you live within 150km to buy cannabis. This means tourists from outside the Benelux region may be turned away. One shop, Cool Running, is known for being more welcoming.
Best for: Belgian, German, and Dutch residents living near the border.
Warning: Tourists from further away should plan accordingly or visit nearby Kerkrade instead.
Leeuwarden — Northern Gem (12 coffeeshops)
Leeuwarden, the capital of Friesland, has a surprisingly large coffeeshop scene for a northern city — 12 shops serving a loyal local and tourist clientele. Repelsteeltje Grand Koffieshop is regularly cited as one of the best coffeeshops in the entire country.
Best for: Off-the-beaten-path visitors exploring northern Netherlands.
Top picks: Repelsteeltje Grand Koffieshop, Koffiehuis de Zone, Coffeeshop Miami, De Eenhoorn, Utoop.
Tilburg — Wietexperiment Pioneer (10 coffeeshops)
Tilburg was one of the first cities in the Wietexperiment, meaning its 10 coffeeshops now sell fully regulated, government-approved cannabis. The Grass Company (with two locations) is the standout chain here.
Best for: Visitors who want the safest, most regulated cannabis experience in the Netherlands.
Top picks: The Grass Company, Toermalijn, Coffeeshop Africa, Shiva, De Muze.
Hidden Gems: Smaller Cities Worth Visiting
Leiden (11 shops) — Beautiful university city between Amsterdam and The Hague. Coffee & Dreams is a local favorite.
Groningen (8 shops) — The student capital of the north. Laid-back, friendly shops in a walkable city center.
Arnhem (5 shops) — Part of the Wietexperiment with regulated cannabis. A quieter, greener city.
Enschede (8 shops) — Close to the German border and popular with German visitors. The Black Sea is top-rated.
Delft (4 shops) — Tiny, beautiful canal city between Rotterdam and The Hague. Perfect for a day trip.
Explore All 100 Cities
We have mapped every coffeeshop city in the Netherlands with detailed shop listings, addresses, opening hours, and reviews. Browse all 100 cities to plan your perfect coffeeshop tour.