A little out of the centre but near the Vondelpark makes deals her a little cheaper. It's a great place to smoke away a rainy afternoon and chill out on cushions but in the evening it can get quite packed, with DJs spinning upbeat lounge over the weekends (sometimes a bit too loudly and noone wants to yell over the music when they're chilling out...)
PARADOX | Eerste Bloemdwarsstraat 2 | (020) 623 5639 | www.paradoxcoffeeshop.com
When compared to the proliferation of dingy coffeeshops that dominates much of Amsterdam, Paradox certainly lives up to its name. A bright, characterful contradiction, it serves healthy food, fruit shakes and fresh fruit/vegetable juices on top of all the usual dope (though if you're feeling peckish, it's worth remembering that the kitchen shuts at 3pm). Comfortable and cosy, it's ideal for a deep-and-meaningful and you could probably bring your mum here, too.
ROKERIJ | Lange Leidsedwarsstraat 41 | (020) 626 3060 | www.rokerij.net
Chill out in Aladdin's cave (but only in the afternoons - it does get pretty packed at nights/weekends). A beautiful haven and find off the otherwise tacky Leidseplein. Also other as equally aesthetic - though smaller - Rokerijs at Amstel 8, Singel 8 and Elandsgracht 53.
THE ROOKIES | Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 145-147 | (020) 639 0978 | www.rookies.nl
Just off the Leidseplein and a bit further down than the Rokerij (above), The Rookies hasn't succumbed to the designer-lounge style – it's just a down-to-earth, relaxed and friendly place with a multicultural crowd. It also has one of the largest 'smoking rooms' in Amsterdam (so yes, you can smoke a tobacco-filled joint indoors here!). Its best-kept secret, however, is its hotel upstairs... with its beautiful secluded terrace. If you're a smoker and want to be in the buzzing heart of downtown Amsterdam and a two-minute walk from famous music venues, the Melkweg and Paradiso, look no further.
RUSLAND | St Antoniesbreestraat 142 | (020) 622 0472 | www.tisfris.nl
'Russia' claims to be the first (legal) coffeeshop in Amsterdam and has been welcoming comrades for over 30 years on the street of the same name. Unsurprisingly perhaps, they have a Russian theme throughout, a variety of levels, plus cosy nooks and crannies – and they sell around 40 different types of tea. When they're not playing hard trance or house it can be particularly pleasant. It's beautifully off the beaten track too (near Nieuwmarkt).