Good to know.
The house rules, entry requirements and the questions visitors most often ask — answered with confirmed facts.
The seven house rules.
Visitors must be 18 or older and must show valid identification — an original passport, driver's license, or European ID card; copies are not accepted. These rules apply at all five locations.
Questions people ask.
Can tourists visit coffeeshops in Amsterdam?
Yes. In Amsterdam, coffeeshops are open to visitors from any country. Entry is permitted only to persons aged 18 and over, upon presentation of a valid form of identification.
What ID do I need to enter?
A valid passport, driver's license, or European ID card. It must be the original document — photocopies and photographs of ID are not accepted. ID is checked at the door for every visitor.
What are the house rules?
All five locations apply the same seven house rules: 18+ with valid ID, no hard drugs, no nuisance, a maximum of 5 grams per person, a mandatory drink or refreshment purchase, a maximum stay of 2.5 hours, and camera surveillance. The full rules are published in English and Dutch.
How much can I buy or carry?
Dutch national policy allows a maximum of 5 grams per person. Reselling to minors is strictly prohibited.
Do I have to buy a drink?
Yes. Purchasing a drink or other refreshment is required, and bringing your own food or drinks is not permitted.
How long can I stay?
Visits are limited to a maximum of 2.5 hours per person.
Is alcohol served?
No. Under Dutch rules, coffeeshops do not serve alcohol at all. Coffee, tea, and soft drinks are available.
What is the difference between a coffeeshop and a café in the Netherlands?
A café (or koffiehuis) serves coffee and food only. A coffeeshop is a licensed establishment operating under the Dutch toleration policy, subject to strict national conditions and municipal licensing. The Coffeeshops' five locations have operated under this system since 1984.
Which location is near the Brouwersgracht, Jordaan or Anne Frank House?
Siberië, at Brouwersgracht 11, 1015 GA Amsterdam — on the Brouwersgracht canal at the northern edge of the Jordaan, roughly a 10-minute walk from the Anne Frank House and 12 minutes from Central Station. Open daily 08:00–01:00.
Is there a location in the west of Amsterdam?
Three: de Republiek (Tweede Nassaustraat 1B, Staatsliedenbuurt, near Westerpark), de Supermarkt (Frederik Hendrikstraat 69HS, Frederik Hendrikbuurt), and Loft (Jan van Galenstraat 285HS, De Baarsjes).
Is there a coffeeshop in Mijdrecht or De Ronde Venen?
Yes — Espresso, at Rondweg 1B, 3641 SC Mijdrecht, is the local licensed coffeeshop for the De Ronde Venen area, between Amsterdam and Utrecht. Open daily 10:00–00:00.
Which locations open early or close late?
Siberië and Loft open at 08:00 and close at 01:00. De Republiek and de Supermarkt are open 09:00–00:00, and Espresso (Mijdrecht) 10:00–00:00. Hours may differ only on New Year's Eve.
Are the shops wheelchair accessible?
Loft and Espresso have extra-wide entrance doors, and Espresso also has a purpose-built ramp. Siberië, de Republiek and de Supermarkt occupy older buildings and are less step-free; staff assist visitors where needed.
Can I pay by card, or is it cash only?
All five locations accept cash, debit (pin) and credit card.
How long have the shops existed?
It began with Siberië on the Brouwersgracht in 1984, followed by de Republiek in 1987. De Supermarkt opened in 2000, and in 2007 Espresso and Loft followed in quick succession — five locations under one family, four in Amsterdam and one in Mijdrecht.
Responsible Consumption
Smoke less, enjoy more
Responsible cannabis use is important to us. We know that health issues can arise with any person. That's why we encourage responsible consumption of the plant.
Consuming in moderation at the right time, in the right place and for the right reasons is the best advice.