Amsterdam Coffeeshop Directory Forums

Hey all. Just joined the boards.

Anyways, I'm not exactly sure at this point (still confirming with a few friends), but I'm currently planning on visiting to Amsterdam from May 15-22. I'm actually planning on staying at the Amsterdam Marriott Hotel on Stadhouderskade and so I've already located a few CS's to check out around there.

However, I do have a few questions:

1. Does anybody have any headshops in the area which they prefer? I'm trying to score a bowl and a grinder my first day in town for my friend, and he doesn't want to end up paying some outrageous tourist price just for a simple spoon.

2. What's a few can't miss locations or really interesting or just favorite places to check out on a first visit? Just looking for a few personal faves here. I've done my research and have a few areas of interest but the more opinions I get I figure the better off I'll be.

3.Also, how's the weather in May? I've read a few reports on it but they're vague and I'd rather take the advice of those who are regularly there.

4. And finally, are American cigarettes readily and cheaply available in Amsterdam? I'm from New Jersey (yes, another American tourist) and I have a nasty little thing for Marlboros. I'm hoping to quit at some point, but I can't shake the notion that after a few beers, I'm gonna be jones'ing for a smoke.

1. Does anybody have any headshops in the area which they prefer? I'm trying to score a bowl and a grinder my first day in town, and I don't want to end up paying some outrageous tourist price just for a simple spoon.
The was a little headshop on the Haarlemerstraat (On way to Barneys, Dampkring 2, Greenhouse Lounge) with grinders etc in, they also sold cigerettes,

2. What's a few can't miss locations or really interesting or just favorite places to check out on a first visit? Just looking for a few personal faves here. I've done my research and have a few areas of interest but the more opinions I get I figure the better off I'll be.
Mellow Yellow and Grey Area are must visit shops and although its had alot of bad press here lately i would say Barneys is a good shop(if its your first stop you wont be able to compare the expensive prices from Barneys so my tip is to make it your first stop and enjoy what they have to offer and later think how much more expensive they were then the next coffeeshop)...

3.Also, how's the weather in May? I've read a few reports on it but they're vague and I'd rather take the advice of those who are regularly there.
Weather should be simular to what we have here in the UK, clear and sunny in May but that never means its not gonna rain.

4. And finally, are American cigarettes readily and cheaply available in Amsterdam? I'm from New Jersey (yes, another American tourist) and I have a nasty little thing for Marlboros. I'm hoping to quit at some point, but I can't shake the notion that after a few beers, I'm gonna be jones'ing for a smoke
They are cheaper in the Netherlands than the UK, but then again everything is at the moment, dunno how they compare to prices in the US.

And finally have fun man, watch out for the Bycycles tho, more likely to be hit by a cyclist than throw a whitey. [/i]

If you haven't already, check out C.S. Collins guide:

How Not To Get Hit By A Bike

3. Weather - Pack for March in New Jersey ...Will probably see 40s maybe 30s ...
4. Most economical smokes would be in the Duty free at departure airport
to give counterpoint to CS recomendations-
Mellow Yellow indisputably a good shop ,but location will appeal more to Civil engineers than anyone else ,has been an ongoing major construction effort there seemingly since Clinton was Prez. Grey Area too claustrophobic for me... prefer the shops in the Nieuwemarket area -Basjoe/Green Place /Hill St.
2. Albert Cuyp Market and associated CSes (Katsu,Media,de Graal).
A daytrip to Haarlem... or Alkmaar ...
anyway enjoy the planning, have a great time

Thanks for being so helpful guys. I'll post as soon as I know for sure if I'm planning to attend. Am I correct in that you guys sometimes plan to meet up and burn a few down? Or is that mostly for folks who already know one another?