Top 5 Coffeeshops in Amsterdam 2016

Coffeeshops are one of Amsterdam's best features. From wonderfully relaxed atmospheres to safe herb-buying and marijuana smoking, there's really nothing to dislike. When travelling to Amsterdam in 2016 and beyond, it may be confusing to know which coffeeshops are the best since many reviews on the internet are dated. This article will let you know the best 5 coffeeshops in Amsterdam from my own personal experience, having just returned from a wonderful trip.

Situated down a side street near the main tourist area in Amsterdam, and 5-10 minutes from the Red Light District, Abraxas is not what you would expect at all. A wonderful chilled-out vibe envelopes the entire establishment, and the groovy, psychedelic-esque decor inside is pleasing on the eye. With the wonderful aroma of cannabis contained within, you feel relaxed instantly - without even buying anything!

Spread across three floors, with a bar and a bud-counter on the ground floor, a toilet on the bottom, and comfortable couches and tables on the top, Abraxas offers everything a bud-lover could want. A good selection of drinks, sodas and herbal teas are available, and the staff are friendly and chilled. The music played is one of the best in Amsterdam's coffeeshops - dub reggae is played at a nice volume and is perfect for a smoke. Although they don't allow cigarettes to be smoked inside, there's a great outside area with a few benches too, which are perfect to watch people coming out of the coffeeshop and try to figure out where, why, what, how and when.

It would be a crime to miss out on Abraxas - just be careful not to fall down/up the crazy narrow stairs!

Located near Leidseplein, The Rookies is a quiet, unassuming coffeeshop, but that's what we love. Happy, relaxed vibes, decent music, good bud and a beautiful hot chocolate. Handily situated right next to virtually hundreds of restaurants, you'll be spoilt for choice when you finally pull yourself away from the cool wooden stools and tables.

The Rookies never seems to get as busy as other coffeeshops, but unlike bars, we think it's best to have a relax and not be shoved around by others. Definitely check it out and grab some drinks, even if you smoke other's weed here - a cool place.

Almost always super-busy, we've never been able to get a seat in this place. Filled with locals and tourists alike, the ultra-knowledgeable and enthusiastic bud-tenders are always happy to help, but good luck trying to get a seat to sample one of their infamous milkshakes!

This may be best to visit in the early afternoon when it opens, but unless you're willing to wait for a long time, Original Dampkring has literally not enough seating in the evenings - no matter which day you choose. A disappointing drawback, but it's an iconic place, and definitely worth a visit.

Located directly on a beautiful canal, Easy Times is the most club-like atmosphere, with a wide open space and electronic music playing. However, it has super-comfy chairs, sweet decor, and a good selection of weed. Perhaps the best thing about Easy Times is the views it offers outside - a great space for people-watching, canal viewing, and boat-looking. Definitely one to head to in the Spring or Summer.

Located literally right next to Easy Times coffeeshop is 'Superskunk'. They have a quality selection of bud, and tons of seating available, so even during the busiest times you're likely to find a seat. A real chilled-out atmosphere surrounds the place, and it seems popular with locals too, which is always a seal of approval.

So there you have it - the top 5 coffeeshops in Amsterdam. Be sure to check them all out, buy a drink and relax for a bit, before heading out and exploring the wonderfully beautiful city. Try not to spend all your time in coffeeshops though - Amsterdam has so much to see and do, that the coffeeshops are only the icing on the cake.