Biba

Micky W from UK sent 1 Jun 2009
Had never been to Biba even though I must have walked past the shop fifty times or more over the years, it was the last morning of the trip and I had about 20euros worth of coins to get rid of, walked in and purchased a pre rolled White Widow spliff for me and a pre rolled Pollum spliff for the missus and a couple of cokes, you are no longer allowed to smoke in the main shop because of the smoking laws (you can still use the vaporiser in there) so we had to sit in a tiny little room in the shop window with room for no more than 4 people to sit and smoke, this wasn't a problem as we were the only people in there but it could get so busy that you may have to take your purchase elsewhere to smoke! The White Widow was a tad on the weak side for my liking, but the pollum was excellent and seemed fairly strong, music playing was ok but I wouldn't bother going back because of the fact the smoking area is so cramped, average rating from me then.

Smokestaxlitenin from USA visited July '08; sent 7 Jan 2009
The in-wall vapourizer is the perfect smoking apparatus. The nicest budtender led us to the lovely "Laughing Buddha" @ 10 eu/g. We went back many times over the next few days to partake in the lovely "laughter". Also tried a bag of the Black Widow @ 10 eu for 1.3g. Very nice smoke and very nice price. Had to try some "Warme Oren" hash. (aka- warm ears). I always love this variety. Makes me warm and fuzzy all over.

Melissa from USA sent 7 Dec 2007
My friends and I stayed in this tiny shop for about 3 hours one very rainy day in July 2006. The employees were so nice and helpful to us, as we had a slight problem with a pipe we bought. They spent over an hour trying to fix it, while we smoked from their awesome in-wall vaporizer, and when they couldn't repair the pipe, they gave us a new one and a refund. I am returning to Amsterdam for a full week this winter (2007) and can't wait to revisit this shop several times.

Yank from USA visited 9 July; sent 17 Jul 2005
Got the Lebenon and Great Shark bud there. Luv the hash, and the Great Shark was ok, a lot like the White Widow, a stoner's high; but the hash was most refreshing and yummy to boot. Old school music and luvly dealerette. Reminded me of 50's Americana.

Goeroeger from Netherlands sent 3 Apr 2005
I am a regular for many years. The shop has had a face lift last year. It now has a colorfull design and they made it smaller. There is a small coffee bar for maximum 8 people. There have been more changes, the smokers-menu has impressively grown and the coffee is great. I am a real coffeefreak and I like a small restretto (espresso) and her I can get the right one. This year they celebrate their 25th anniversary. So there is a party planned on September 4 in De Melkweg. Don't know what will happen there yet.

Tennessee Red from USA sent 1 Dec 2004
Long been my preference for homebase when buying & smoking in Amsterdam. Its very attraction for me is it is off the tourist radar - sitting non-descript in the center of a non-descript block. Inside there are only Dutch who have always been friendly and welcoming to any conversation I might strike up. Though it has been a year since I last visited the Biba - for the last nine years it has earned a regular visit at least once a day during every vacation to that city of canals. There is a mural that runs the perimeter of the wall all around the shop of some Dutch history in cartoon that sets the tone for understated eclectic charm. The window bench is full of magazines, there are stools and tables, the music (when its played) is soft and appropriate to conversation. Stay away if you are not sensitive to others please but if you want an oasis in the Jordaan for a cup and some fine smoke. Well by all means.