Leidseplein area shops

[greenrookie]

So I've been researching these Leidseplein area shops (since I am not the most familiar Amsterdam traveler with my last trip being in 1996), and some of the reviews in the "directory" looked okay; but as I am reading up to date reviews in the forum, I just seem to be crossing shops off the list, and I am left moving to different areas, . Can someone please tell me I am wrong and why? I'd love to have a shop near where we are staying to make a home base.

Honestly, I am looking for a chill place, where an unfamiliar traveler with a low thc tolerance can feel comfortable buying and smoking a little, and not be worried about social issues, so I can just try to enjoy the bud. Is that too much to ask (haha!)? I will be traveling with my wife who is interested in the same thing. Unfortunately Tertulia sounds like it would be our best bet, except that it is closed for 2 of the 3 days we are there (or so I read) and has limited hours. As of now, we are moving farther away (in varying directions) towards Paradox, Dampkring, and De Graal. I'm hoping I am wrong, and that the recent reviews of these Leidseplein shops are not very accurate, and that a friendly shop with good bud exists close by. If I were going solo, I probably wouldn't give a rats ass about service, but when traveling with the wife, I think it would behoove us to have a friendly environment with friendly staff (because the moment she's uncomfortable, and she has her vibe radar on all the time, I rapidly become uncomfortable - hehe).

So if anyone wants to soundboard off of my assumptions above with some recent 2013 updated info to the contrary, I would love to hear it! Thanks in advance.

[Smith2]

Personally, I'd move towards de Graal. Not only is the service and product second to none, but if for whatever reason you don't like it or feel like moving on after a bit, you're not more than a few minutes away from half a dozen other coffeeshops, all of which have their own fanbase. Also, the area abounds in very good, cheap restaurants and what look like acceptable bars, though I can't personally vouch for the latter. Easily walkable from Leidseplein, or tram for a couple of stops.

[Balou]

Most shops around the area are overrun with tourists. I would suggest Rookies or Crush if you want to stay in the area. And 1e Hulp is not all that far away. I would avoid the Dampkring it is usually full of loud students.

[Colino]

The Noon can be the place for you. Weed Quality really got worse in the last few years so be careful with what you purchase but it is mostly a local shop with a chilled out atmosphere and cheap drinks. Their blueberry is cheap and really really mild. Hope you find the right place for you and your wife. Good luck!

[greenrookie]

Okay, thanks for the good advice.
1e Hulp is a nice call, the main map on this site had just cut them off so I didn't notice their location. Thanks Balou, we will check them out. As for getting really daring with stronger strains, it may be nice to have the proximity of our place to retreat to if necessary. Crush, Rookies, and Noon are all pretty close for those purposes. I am sure we can see which seems appealing and check it out.

We are definitely hitting up De Graal on our first night, as a pre concertgebouwe stop. Almost everything I read about them seems positive. And I imagine once we master the transport thing, that won't be a barrier.

Which brings me to one last question: 3 days in Amsterdam, is there a specific tram pass that will be good for us if we plan to use them frequently?

[Nimrod]

Eerste Hulp, only a few minutes walk from Leideseplein. Good gear, and just far enough out of most tourist's way. I like to stay around Leidseplein, and it's MY choice, for whatever that's worth.

I also love de Graal, my not-so-unknown-anymore (former) hideaway.
Gonna have to find another shop to disappear in.

[greenrookie]

Ok Nimrod, thanks. Sounds like we have a pretty solid idea of what to expect. This site has been very informative. On one hand it is too bad when a nice gem becomes popular, but maybe these other shops would see the value in a solid and friendly staff, atmosphere, and of course good gear. After reading some of the recent reviews, I think there could be more profit opportunity for some of these Leidseplein shops by creating a good atmosphere verses a "policing" a shop for people to buy drinks etc. Please note, I fully expect to follow basic courtesy and culture. But still, hearing some of the "policing" vibe in some of these reviews is a real turn off. A nice internet buzz on these boards could create a lot of business for some of these shops. If I were an owner, I would be pretty sensitive to repeat bad reviews. But what do I know

[Nimrod]

Btw, CS Funky Munkey is just across the busy intersection from Eerste Hulp. Might be worth a look.

[greenrookie]

Ok, will take a look. Thanks for the input, just noticed you are from the Buckeye state too. Centrum here. Cheers.

[Spaldwickapeface]

Which brings me to one last question: 3 days in Amsterdam, is there a specific tram pass that will be good for us if we plan to use them frequently?

You can pick up a 72 hour tram pass from the tourist information office outside central station

[Balou]

Which brings me to one last question: 3 days in Amsterdam, is there a specific tram pass that will be good for us if we plan to use them frequently?

You can pick up a 72 hour tram pass from the tourist information office outside central station

Or from the silver GVB machines in front Starbucks in CS or at the entrance to the metro. Its usually quicker to grab one there than in the always busy tourist office. And FYI the machines take notes as well.
More info here: http://en.gvb.nl/ovinmamsterdam/Pages/bestdeal.aspx

[greenrookie]

Thanks for the link and the heads up on where to buy it. We are most likely going to do it, so we can cover more ground than I can on my bad foot. I appreciate all the help, this is a really strong forum, great community here. cheers,
Peter

[woodz60]

We are definitely hitting up De Graal on our first night, as a pre concertgebouwe stop.

Concertgebouw? Good call. Being a fan of classical music, I really love that place. They had free lunchtime concerts on Wednesdays. Being stoned whilst listening in one of the world's great concert halls is absolutely amazing. It didn't hurt that my host in A'dam lived (literally) at the back door of het Concertgebouw.