What's the difference between a coffee shop and a café in Amsterdam?

In the Netherlands, a café is the equivalent of a full bar, and sells liquor, cocktails, wine, and beer. A 'koffiehuis' serves coffee, while a 'coffee shop' (using the English term) sells soft drugs (cannabis and hashish) and is not allowed to sell alcoholic beverages or other drugs.

What is the difference between a cafe and a coffee shop in Amsterdam?

In most cities, cafés and coffee shops mean the same thing, but not in Amsterdam! A café is your go-to spot for coffee and snacks, while a coffee shop is where you can legally buy and enjoy cannabis. Here's another surprising mistake: Smoking and drinking on the street is strictly forbidden. Smoking is only allowed in.

Are coffee shop and cafe the same?

Cafes are intentionally designed to have plenty of seating areas, catering to customers who want to enjoy their meals or work on their laptops for long periods. On the other hand, coffee shops usually have a more cozy and private feel, perfect for individuals or small gatherings.

What are actual coffee shops called in Amsterdam?

A place selling coffee is called a 'Koffie Huis' (coffee house) or café. You won't have any trouble finding one – just have a sniff outside if you're not sure which type it is – you'll be able to tell, trust us!

Can tourists use coffeeshops in Amsterdam?

As such, tourists are still welcome to buy weed in Amsterdam's coffeeshops, but you'll need to be over 18, in possession of a valid ID (passport or driving licence), and be prepared to follow the rules.

Local tip: What is the difference between a coffee shop and a coffee place in Amsterdam? ☕🌿

Can you sit in a coffee shop without buying anything in Amsterdam?

Purchasing Is Required

Like any business, coffeeshops in Amsterdam operate by selling products. To enjoy the space, you are expected to buy something, whether it's cannabis or a non-infused snack or drink.

What are the rules for coffeeshops in Amsterdam?

Do you tip in Amsterdam?

In most restaurants and cafes in Amsterdam, service charges are already included in the bill. This means that tipping is not obligatory in Amsterdam. However, if you receive exceptional service or want to show your appreciation, leaving a small tip is a nice gesture.

What is a latte called in Amsterdam?

The ingredient that predominates in this coffee and is therefore also called a latte. In Dutch, you will know it as a 'koffie verkeerd' – where the ratio of coffee and milk would be 'verkeerd' (wrong) or out of balance. A latte is somewhat similar to the cappuccino, but contains more milk and less foam.

What to ask for in Amsterdam coffee shops?

Especially if you consume your weed or hash on the spot, it's polite to buy a drink. In addition to cannabis, you can actually get coffee at a coffeeshop, as well as juices and soft drinks. Some coffee shops also sell food, such as sandwiches and sweets. Alcohol isn't sold in coffeeshops.

Is Starbucks a café or a coffee shop?

Starbucks is an American company that operates the largest coffeehouse chain and one of the most recognizable brands in the world. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, the company operates more than 35,000 stores across 80 countries (as of 2022).

Do you say coffee shop or café?

The terms are used interchangeably, but if one had to distinguish between the two, a cafe is likely to serve food, while a coffee shop may specialize in (and exclusively serve) coffee, espresso and tea drinks.

Is Costa a café or a coffee shop?

Costa Coffee is. with you.

As the Nation's Favourite Coffee Shop, we are committed to supporting our customers, communities and people.

Do you just sit down at a cafe in Amsterdam?

At cafés in Amsterdam, it is customary to take a seat and wait for service. 'Wait' is the operative term here — as the service in these types of establishments tends is slow. Mind you, your initial order may be taken and delivered soon enough, but after that you're pretty much left alone.

Are Amsterdam coffee shops strict?

Amsterdam Coffeeshop Rules and Etiquette

To enter a cannabis coffee shop, visitors must be 18+ and show a valid ID, with some locations requiring proof of residency. Under Dutch law, personal cannabis use is tolerated but not fully legal, and selling alcohol in coffee shops is prohibited.

Can you drink alcohol in Amsterdam coffee shops?

Amsterdam's coffeeshops are a popular tourist attraction.

Many people visit the city to smoke marijuana. This is illegal but tolerated by the Dutch authorities. The anti-smoke law for public spaces does not apply here. Coffeeshops in Amsterdam are not allowed to sell alcoholic beverages or other drugs.

Do Dutch people say "please" instead of "thank you"?

To say "please," visitors should say alstublieft (AHL-stu-BLEEFT), and to say "thank you," in Dutch visitors should say dank je (DANK ya). But besides the basics, there are some variant forms and important rules to use these Dutch expressions correctly in context.

Do the Dutch drink a lot of coffee?

The Dutch drink a lot of tea and coffee, which is served at more or less fixed times (eleven o'clock in the morning and three o'clock in the afternoon).

How to order politely in Dutch?

What is the etiquette in Amsterdam?

Arrive at appointments on time and let people know if you're running a few minutes late. Avoid dropping by someone's house unannounced. Don't make boastful comments that display a sense of superiority. Keep small talk to a minimum at formal and business meetings.

Is it disrespectful to not tip?

To be clear, the etiquette experts aren't saying to avoid tipping at the counter — merely that it's at your discretion. A gratuity can reasonably be reserved for workers who provide a great experience. "It's a nice gesture to offer a tip to a worker who goes above and beyond the service," Swann says.

What is the new law for tourists in Amsterdam?

In response to a public initiative titled 'Amsterdam has a choice', in June 2021 the City Council approved a new policy on tourism, 'Tourism in balance in Amsterdam'. The plan sets a maximum number of overnight stays and day visits by tourist, with a maximum of 20 million visitors per year.

How much is a joint in a cafe in Amsterdam?

How much does a joint cost in the Amsterdam coffee shops? You pay between 7 and 15 euros per gram of cannabis in a coffee shop. How much the joint costs depends entirely on how much cannabis is rolled up and whether tobacco is also included.

What language is spoken in Amsterdam?

The many dialects and languages of the Netherlands… The official language of the Netherlands is Dutch (not to be mistaken with Deutsch – which is the German language).

Do you have to have a toilet in a coffee shop?

Some larger or chain coffee shops tend to provide toilet facilities, but smaller or independent ones might not have them due to space limitations or other reasons. Overall, in most cases, it is more of a courtesy and convenience rather than a legal obligation.