Amsterdam Coffeeshop Directory Forums

Posted: **Wed 4th Aug 2010 04:15 am**

Title says it all, a dam virgin going on a solo trip in sept (15th-21st). Ok so I've been reading this site and preparing for about 5 months, I'm bringing about 300 Euros per day and I am staying in the city central. I have almost everything figured out but there are a couple of things I still have questions on. Any answers will be greatly appriecated

1. What resturants do you enjoy and why? (please both expensive, cheap and in between. I don't need a list, one of your personal favorites would be great. And I'm not a vegetarian

2. What bars/clubs do enjoy and why? (I'm 29, planing on partying at both types of establishment)

3. What's your favorite coffeshop and your favorite strain there. (hash or weed...and I understand that my nose and eyes will make final decision, but this would be a great guide for me)

4. And the most important tip you can give to a first timer is....(and I already read and reread how not to get hit by a bike)

And that's it for right now...I'm sure I'm gonna have more questions later and ill ask

By the way, the people on this site are awesome...I get on a bunch of blogs and u guys and girls are by far the nicest, thank you.

And I promise one kick ass trip report, thanks again to everyone who helps me out!

Posted: **Wed 4th Aug 2010 05:25 am**

[quote="jason007"][/quote]

1. What resturants do you enjoy and why? (please both expensive, cheap and in between. I don't need a list, one of your personal favorites would be great. And I'm not a vegetarian

- There are literally hundreds of restaurants in Amsterdam, variety won't be a problem. You will probably receive responses from McD's to a 4 Star, so be prepared. One stop that seems a must is the Burger Bar, two locations in the Centrum. http://www.burger-bar.nl/our-menu/
May I also suggest reading the Food section of this forum.

2. What bars/clubs do enjoy and why? (I'm 29, planing on partying at both types of establishment)
- N/A

3. What's your favorite coffeshop and your favorite strain there. (hash or weed...and I understand that my nose and eyes will make final decision, but this would be a great guide for me)

- With over 250 shops in the greater Amsterdam area, can be tough to pick just one. Mine would have to be Basjoes (Bas Special; Amnesia); The Original Dampkring - Water Works Hash; Amnesia - Amnesia Haze; Dolphins - White Dolphin; HGF - Cheese; and the list goes on...

4. And the most important tip you can give to a first timer is....(and I already read and reread how not to get hit by a bike)

- Have a good time.
- Be aware of your surroundings and your possessions especially in the RLD, Damrak, and The Dam. Pickpockets are out in full force.
- Use common sense when deciding where to light up. There is a recent thread that discusses this topic. In short, pot may be tolerated but it's still illegal. Look at it like an Open Container Law, which The Netherlands has, just be discrete. Kind of difficult given that burning pot gives off a unique smell.

Posted: **Wed 4th Aug 2010 05:42 am**

jason007 wrote:going on a solo trip in sept (15th-21st).

Welcome to the forum.

As soon as I upload the update page you will posted on the September Whos In Town page.

You can see who else may be in town during your stay.
Watch for Toke & Talks, I post them up to the last minute.
Or post one of your own. All I need is a date, time, and coffeeshop to post it.

By default I link your posting to your profile page here on ACD.

https://www.coffeeshopdirect.com/forum/profi ... le&u=46479

I can change it to a web link ( myspace, facebook, personal page )
or an email address if you want.

Enjoy
FlyByNite - Travel preference, not business practice

<---Clicky
.

Posted: **Wed 4th Aug 2010 01:44 pm**

Welcome on board jason007!

DUR has already given out some great advice there, so I'll see if I can add anything else...

Restaurants - well, I'm a self-confessed BurgerBar addict now, but there are so many different choices available, depending on your mood and budget!

For steaks and suchlike, you have some fine establishments such as Cafe Loetje, Cafe De Klos, La Brasa and Cocos Outback (ribs -mmm!), or take a quick trip out to the beautiful town of Haarlem and enjoy one of the best steaks I've ever had at Wilma & Alberts!

Wok to Walk provides a modestly healthy and tasty option if you want something quick and easy, and for Chinese food, take a stroll down Zeedijk.

The Balraj serves up a tasty range of curries according to Boner, (and he knows his food!) although I haven't had chance to try them yet - maybe next month!

I don't really do bars and clubs as such, as I spend most of my time in the coffeeshops, but the vibe in the Nes Cafe is always cool - mainly due to the hospitality of one of our forum members here, DC... It used to be a coffeeshop and bar, but now serves only alcohol, though it remains "smoker-friendly"...

Coffeeshops - well - this is always down to personal taste. I love the atmosphere in Basjoes, as well as the weed - and Amnesia, De Kuil, and Hunters are always on my list of favourite haunts as well. Katsu was a great new find for me on my trip over 420 - Black Widow accompanied by fresh strawberries and grapes from the nearby market, along with some great company made for a fantastic afternoon...

Most important tip - roll with the flow. All the greatest plans made in preparation tend to float away after a couple of hours! Don't worry. Just enjoy yourself. Don't take pictures in the RLD unless you enjoy swimming after your camera, say no to anyone who comes up to you thinking your name is "charlie", and if you hear that frantic "ding-ding" immediately behind you, it's too late! Just hope it was a bike that's just run you down and not a tram!!!

Oh, and did I say "enjoy yourself"?

I'm over there myself with a good mate of mine from the 15th September to the 18th, third trip this year, so if you see a big stoned guy with a burger in one hand, wearing a t-shirt with my avatar on it about to get wiped out by a tram, please stop and say "look out!!!"

Posted: **Wed 4th Aug 2010 03:56 pm**

jason007 wrote: 1. What resturants do you enjoy and why? (please both expensive, cheap and in between. I don't need a list, one of your personal favorites would be great. And I'm not a vegetarian

not resturants, but take away: 'manekin pis' does my favourite chips in the world, its right on dam rak, a couple of euros for loads of fresh salty dutch fries mmmm. another favourite is Maoz, which is a falafel take away shop chain, awesome falafes, one is near Rembrandtsplein.

2. What bars/clubs do enjoy and why? (I'm 29, planing on partying at both types of establishment)

my favouirte bar is cafe gollem, down near albert cujp market/de pijp. its a quiet, brown bar, which has hundreds of belgian beers to try, plus about 15 on tap. the servie is amazing, with free samples if you wanna make your mind up. also, they do a dutch cheese plate, with olives and bread, to keep you going as you work through the beers. there is another gollem bar close to dam square, which is also amazing, but the service i got in the southern bar was brilliant.... clubs, i never manage to stay awake long enough! ha ha

3. What's your favorite coffeshop and your favorite strain there. (hash or weed...and I understand that my nose and eyes will make final decision, but this would be a great guide for me)

favourite coffeeshop changes regularly, but for consistent goodness, homegrown fantasy i think. excellent service, excelent weed, excellent atmosphere (bright and cafe like). couldntsay one favouirte weed.... red diesel, silver haze etc.
4. And the most important tip you can give to a first timer is....(and I already read and reread how not to get hit by a bike)

most important first timer tip..... plan plan plan again, then prepare for all your plans to go out the window! ha ha. the streets look all thesame, and add weed to the mix, your gonna get very lost, and very off your intended trail.... but ts all part of the amazing experience.

And that's it for right now...I'm sure I'm gonna have more questions later and ill ask

By the way, the people on this site are awesome...I get on a bunch of blogs and u guys and girls are by far the nicest, thank you.

And I promise one kick ass trip report, thanks again to everyone who helps me out!

Posted: **Wed 4th Aug 2010 04:27 pm**

ACD Map, Trance's map, money, passport..... Once you hit that first smoke them well laid plans will be straight outta the window...

Its been said already but just to reiterate... Have fun getting lost it really is a part of an amazing experience...

Enjoy the city, get out and about and don't forget..... if paranoia creeps in ITS JUST THE WEED MAN

..... take a deep breath, smile and take another big hit

Posted: **Wed 4th Aug 2010 05:43 pm**

hulldj wrote:Once you hit that first smoke them well laid plans will be straight outta the window...

Haha......so true. I find it best to plan a very simple framework rather than detailed plans, but maybe thats just me?

Posted: **Wed 4th Aug 2010 05:55 pm**

The whole getting lost thing, is the cell phone coverage any good over there? I was planning on either getting a sim card when I got there or just using my american cell phone plan and getting global coverage from them. (I work in the cell phone field, so it is cheaper for me then most) So, I guess my question is, am I a fool for thinking that using my smartphones GPS/Google maps/Internet bookmarks to navigate around town is gonna work. Or, should i be printing more maps then just a few backups that I have planned?

Posted: **Wed 4th Aug 2010 06:09 pm**

jason007 wrote:The whole getting lost thing, is the cell phone coverage any good over there? I was planning on either getting a sim card when I got there or just using my american cell phone plan and getting global coverage from them. (I work in the cell phone field, so it is cheaper for me then most) So, I guess my question is, am I a fool for thinking that using my smartphones GPS/Google maps/Internet bookmarks to navigate around town is gonna work. Or, should i be printing more maps then just a few backups that I have planned?

If you know the costs and are good with it, bring your own phone/card. Buying a sim card here is not the thing you want to worry about as you get off the plane.

Google maps will help but you will still get lost, I do all the time. No problem to organize a little toke and talk when you get here. have fun

Posted: **Wed 4th Aug 2010 07:05 pm**

Thanks for all the information!! I'm definitely going to check out Cafe Gollem, Cafe Nes (Thanks for the ideas, my coffeeshop list/ strand list is at about 16 while the bars is at 2; smoker first, drinker distant second:) and the burger bar and Cafe De Klos is on on the list of restaurants so far.

And I'm not gonna make a bunch of plans of what i wanna do (based on what you've told me), just lists of things i would like to accomplish.

And a toke and talk is on the list, that will just be put together a little closer to leaving time.

Again, can't thank everyone enough. You have no idea how much this helps so far.

Posted: **Wed 4th Aug 2010 09:39 pm**

jason007 wrote:1. What resturants do you enjoy and why? (please both expensive, cheap and in between. I don't need a list, one of your personal favorites would be great. And I'm not a vegetarian

Just one, huh? How about Broodjeszaak 't Kuyltje on Gasthuismolensteeg, 2 blocks south of Grey Area. It's a well known local sandwich shop that makes it's own roast beef, pastrami, and salads/sandwich fillings from scratch. Try the bacon with brie, or even better, the bacon with gorgonzola. Mmmmm... Beware, like other lunch counters, they close at 16:00.

Broodjeszaak 't Kuyltje website

jason007 wrote:2. What bars/clubs do enjoy and why? (I'm 29, planing on partying at both types of establishment)

I'm like you, I like a bit of variety so I'm equally happy slumming in a dive bar, sipping cocktails at a fancy dance club, or ordering Belgian tripels at a gastropub. However, part of Amsterdam's charm for me, lies in exploring all of the brown bars, some of which are over 300 years old. If yer looking for brown bar that exemplifies the best qualities of its type and is extremely popular, I think it's hard to beat de Wildeman. It's centrally located (in de Kolk) and usually packed.

One more suggestion -- if I'm feeling particularly lazy (and perhaps a bit sleazy), I usually make my way to the Wonder Bar on Nieuwendijk. Usually, its the disco ball that lures me in like a moth to a flame, but they also have a great window seat strewn with comfy cushions and a spectacular view of the street traffic. They're smoker-friendly as well, and have narjillahs for use, though I've never availed myself of them. I usually find myself there late at night, mesmerized by the spinning lights, and toking on a hash pipe. Very dreamy venue.

In de Wildeman website

Wonder Bar website

jason007 wrote:3. What's your favorite coffeshop and your favorite strain there. (hash or weed...and I understand that my nose and eyes will make final decision, but this would be a great guide for me)

Katsu in de Pijp. It's a ramshackle little joint that looks like someone's 70s livingroom remade into a coffeeshop. Solid weed choices in the past have included the SoGouda, OG#18, Black Widow and S.A.G.E. Their ice-o-lator hash, Crystal Clear, won a Cannabis Cup, which is a remarkable achievement given the death grip that Arjan, Paul Wilhelm, and Derry have on that event.

Coffeeshop Katsu website

jason007 wrote:4. And the most important tip you can give to a first timer is....(and I already read and reread how not to get hit by a bike)

Take especial care to remember the route from the first coffeeshop you visit back to your hotel/apartment. Try to pick a shop nearby. My first visit to the Green House left me a quivering pile of protoplasm. I was desperate for a liedown and trying to navigate back to the hotel in an unfamiliar city was nothing short of nightmarish. Hope this helps.

Have a great time!

Posted: **Thu 5th Aug 2010 12:05 am**

jason007 wrote:The whole getting lost thing, is the cell phone coverage any good over there? I was planning on either getting a sim card when I got there or just using my american cell phone plan and getting global coverage from them. (I work in the cell phone field, so it is cheaper for me then most) So, I guess my question is, am I a fool for thinking that using my smartphones GPS/Google maps/Internet bookmarks to navigate around town is gonna work. Or, should i be printing more maps then just a few backups that I have planned?

Just bear in mind your roaming data charges.. T mobile do a £10 bolt on for 50meg, I read on another post you can get a prepaid Voda Sim in Amsterdam and the top up gives you free internet for a set period... I will have to check this now... lah...

Posted: **Thu 5th Aug 2010 08:59 am**

https://www.coffeeshopdirect.com/forum/viewt ... t=vodafone

Posted: **Thu 5th Aug 2010 07:30 pm**

jason007,

As for restaurants, I rarely take the time for a real meal. So my tips would also be Burger Bar and for something different that's really only available in the Netherlands: Indonesian "Rijstafel" at Sama Sebo, PC Hoofstraat 27. It's fun to watch as the pile over 20 little bowls of food on your table. About €30 p.p. and you'll probably need to make a reservation.

Bars/Clubs: Don't really do clubs anymore, but I like the bars at Leidseplein. Start in the Irish pubs and work your way around. I always find one that way

Maps/Navigation: Yep, definitely either a good paper map or Google Maps. hulldj already referred you to my post about the Vodafone SIM card. For the 9,50€, I got 500MB. Good deal for someone with no special deals in the industry.

Most important tip: Enjoy yourself. Don't spend all your time in the coffeeshops. Rent a bike for at least one day. Yes, plans do tend to go out the window, the city is so magical that I love to just walk and look and enjoy and let me surprise myself with where I end up. Without much of a plan. But then I live 200 miles from Amsterdam and can go pretty much whenever I want.

Oh, DaveS said it, but it might not have come across loud and clear: Do NOT let yourself get caught taking pictures in the Red Light District. You WILL find yourself in a lot of trouble. And not with the authorities. That would be harmless.

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