A chilled respite from the shopping bedlam on the Kalverstraat behind, this coffeeshop puts the pot into Harry Potter (or something like that: it's pretty trippy inside). It's best known for a scene from Ocean's Twelve which was filmed here with George Clooney and Brad Pitt. (In fact, Pitt is reputedly rather fond of this place when he's in town – he owns a house in the city.) Unashamedly cashing in, De Dampkring have Ocean's Twelve Haze on the menu.
GREENHOUSE | Oudezijds Voorburgwal 191 | (020) 627 1739 | www.greenhouse.org
A beautiful, multi-coloured interior, like the other two Greenhouses at Waterlooplein 345 and Tolstraat 91 (the latter is a members-only club). Its world renowned menu is a real delight for the connoisseur (can be quite expensive but they will happily do small deals). Additionally, its location next door to the prestigious Grand Hotel, means it wouldn't be unlikely if you spotted a well-known film star or musician spliffing up here (just check out their photo collection on the wall at the back).
THE GRASSHOPPER | Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 59 | (020) 627 9819 | www.grasshopper.nl
This famous coffeeshop lights up like a green beacon in the evening to all the cannabis pilgrims who arrive at Centraal Station longing for their first toke. The building is vast: the coffeeshop is in the basement, there's a bar with DJs (including the fabulous Bo), a sports bar, a steakhouse restaurant at the top and a waterside terrace.
GREY AREA | Oude Leliestraat 2 | (020) 420 4201 | www.greyarea.nl
The joint venture of two wacky Americans, Grey Area is small but has a big reputation. They sell top-quality weed (their AK-47 hits the bullseye and they're also particularly proud of their Bubblegum and Grey strains). They're also the only place in town to offer free refills of organic coffee (not a common thing in this town).
HILL STREET BLUES | Nieuwmarkt 14 and Warmoesstraat 52 | www.hill-street-blues.nl
The Nieuwmarkt 14 establishment is long, loungey and chilled, has an international vibe, friendly staff, a more-hash-for-your-cash menu and a small terrace overlooking the bustling Nieuwmarkt square. Their other, more established, branch at Warmoesstraat 52, additionally serves alcohol, has a pool table and table football – but is invariably more hectic. It does ooze street cred, however: it's a favourite of Irvine Welsh, bestselling author of Trainspotting (he even mentioned it in the sequel, Porno). And Eminem had his picture taken on the Hill Street sofa for the cover of his first album.