Abraxas

Abraxas is hidden down a narrow alley off the Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal, a couple of minutes from Dam Square — you follow the neon sign in off the main street rather than spotting the shop itself. Central as it gets, and yet consistently described as a find.

The interior is the reason people remember it: three floors connected by tight spiral staircases, painted in mosaic tiling and psychedelic colour, with low ceilings and the feel of a treehouse. Plenty of seating across the levels, mosaic tables, chess sets, and — unusually for Amsterdam — staff come to your table to take drink orders rather than making you queue. The coffee, chai lattes and milkshakes are taken seriously.

The menu runs from Amsterdam classics through to Cali strains, with hash, pre-rolls and edibles. Budtenders have a strong reputation for walking beginners through the options and giving harm-reduction advice rather than upselling.

Two things to know: you must buy a drink to smoke on site, and the space brownies are strong — reviewers are consistent that they hit hard.