In honor of the recent high holiday, I thought it was about time I posted this city guide. Going to Amsterdam felt so familiar for me that I imagine it's how my Jewish friends feel about going on birthright to Israel. It's a city known for a variety of attractions, like the Van Gogh Museum and the Anne Frank House, and although the aesthetic beauty of Vondelpark and the Royal Palace have helped out with the city's spike in tourism, the city's reputation for its tolerance for marijuana usage in public is undoubtedly a major draw for fans of the substance since its decriminalization in 1976. Making the pilgrimage, I was pretty overwhelmed by the sheer number of different neighborhood spots the city had for me to explore. With over 200 to choose from, I've narrowed the list to bring you my favorite spots around the city and make your journey a little easier and more relaxing. 

Bulldog Coffeeshop nr. 90

This place located in the Canal Belt Area was the first one I stepped into during my first trip to Amsterdam so it has a special place in my heart. It's a great beginners spot if you're a little nervous about this whole scene and want some guidance. The people working there know what they're doing, and they've got a variety of great prerolled options to choose from if rolling your own sounds a bit daunting.

Prix d'Ami

Prix d'Ami is the largest coffee shop in Amsterdam. It's one of my favorite shops, if not my absolute favorite because of its comfy couches that you can sink into during your mission to become a baked potato. The best part about this place is that they have giant screens all over the movie room playing 3-D movies. 

Dampkring

Dampkring located in the Canal Belt Area is another one of my favorites. It boasts ownership of one of the chillest cats I've ever met in my life. He literally walks around all awesome and high AF all day, and a plus, he's super friendly! The decor of this place is outstandingly trippy, everything looks like the inside of a mushroom inhabited by a hobbit. 

Green House Lounge

This coffee shop in Hemmerstraat is where you would go as an off-duty writer for Hypebeast. It's a pretty trendy coffee shop, complete with live Koi swimming in the floor. They're pretty mesmerizing to watch and I would definitely recommend stopping by if you're in the area.

The Dolphins

This place I purposely went to because of its proximity to the Magnum ice cream bar. I highly recommend you visit that place after coming here. It's painted like the shop is located under the sea and a really cool place to walk around in after you've finished your tea/coffee. 

The Green Place

This is the only place you can find that Rollex OG Kush, winner of the Cannabis Cup. I suggest you visit and share your thoughts wth me about the Rolls-Royce of cannabis afterwards. 

Bluebird

Bluebird is great because the whole place looks like you're sitting in a bird cage, which is very trippy and kind of ironic if you think about it. The most important part about this place is that they sell bags at fixed price points that are stuffed way fuller than most shops would. They also have volcanos for rent, which is pretty awesome.

Amnesia

The motto for this store should be, "don't panic, it's organic." Located in the canal belt area, Amnesia gives off a really chill vibe when you walk in. It's one of the only shops in Amsterdam that carries my favorite strain, LSD. Make sure you bring a passport when you walk in as they do not take state drivers licenses as an acceptable form of identification. 

No matter what coffee shop you choose, enjoy the experience and take it all in. Whether you're looking for the most potent strain or just somewhere to unwind, you can't go wrong with any of these places on my list. Let me know about your own experience in the comments section below!