Amsterdam is one of the few places in the world that people visit solely for the purpose of smoking cannabis. The locals favor the coffee shops outside of the red light area, as the ones within tend to be tacky dives where you are liable to be ripped off. Once inside a coffee shop ask to see a menu that will state the different varieties, weights and prices of Marijuana for sale. After you make your decision, be sure to have a seat and smoke a little while still on the premises. Be aware that the drugs on sale here are usually stronger than you will find elsewhere. In Amsterdam drugs such as marijuana are tolerated but if you are searched by the police, they do have the right to confiscate any amount they find. NOTE: Kayak does not support the use of recreational drugs or any other illegal substances  « hide

Although it is generally quite safe to travel through the city there are one or two areas of Amsterdam in which you should be cautious. Avoid the rough area known as De Pijp, located south of Sarphatipark and also be on your guard in certain parts of the red light district, especially the streets between Oude Kerk and Zeedijk. Police officers do patrol the city and will be of assistance if needed and most officers speak English to some degree.  « hide

Although it is quite legal to purchase cannabis in Amsterdam there are a set of rules and regulations in place that should be adhered to. Over the counter sales of cannabis is limited to 5g per purchase and possession of anything over 30g is illegal. The famous space cakes are widely availably in Amsterdam but they are classed as hard drugs and are illegal. Do not buy drugs on the street, if you do then you are basically asking for trouble and never try to take drugs out of the country. Possession of cocaine or heroin is illegal and if caught, you could face a spell in jail.  « hide