The Bulldog (Leidseplein)

The coffeeshop The Bulldog is certainly Amsterdam's best-known coffee house. It opened in 1985 and comprises an upstairs bar and a coffeeshop in the basement. Its location on Leidseplein makes it a major tourist attraction, although this does not affect the quality of the products served inside. The bar and coffeeshop have separate entrances (coffeeshop on the right, bar on the left).

The building housing the Bulldog on Leidseplein used to be a police station. The PolitieBureau sign is still visible on the façade. The interior has been renovated to resemble a police station once again. A collection of police and criminal artifacts is on display, and you can spend some time in the cells, where tables and seats are provided. Duty officers will be on hand to keep an eye on you, and of course sell you some weed.

There's also a covered terrace where you can enjoy the view of the square, sheltered from the elements. There's nothing like starting the day with a coffee and a good sativa.

The Bulldog coffeshop menu

What's special about the Bulldog's menu is that everything comes in 12€ packages. Quantities vary from 1 gram for the most expensive weed to 3 grams for Thai or Jamaican.

Great classics on the weed menu: Skunk, Amnesia and Super Silver Haze, White Widow, Kush, etc...

When it comes to hash, the full range is on offer, from red Lebanese to Afghan Power and Moroccan polm.

The choice isn't huge, but it's more than enough for most smokers. For those looking for more exotic varieties, you'll have to look in other coffees.

The nearby bar owned by the same proprietor can satisfy your hunger or thirst, even with beers. Don't be put off by the fact that at first glance the place seems too touristy. It's actually quite popular with Amstellodammers, which is also why the menu consists «only» of classically Dutch varieties. You're sure to have a good time here.