Atmosphere
The original Abraxas was decorated very differently to today, with graffiti-covered s and a rougher feel. Today, the hand-crafted mosaics found decorating the walls and floors combine with warm colours and a rambling layout to give a relaxed, laid back atmosphere. Large, low couches mean that even large groups can relax around one , centered on the huge ceramic ashtrays that form the centerpieces. Music is kept at a decent level and generally steers clear of chart hits or the pounding techno found in some Amsterdam coffeeshops, although there is often a more relaxed electronic beat. If you’re planning to chill out for a while Abraxas offers internet access and board games to keep you entertained, while some outside seating allows those with a penchant for tobacco to have a smoke too.

Offering
A new feature in Abraxas is its redesigned weed bar; with a backlit menu on the front there is no more need to wait for the person ahead of you to make their decision before you get a look at what’s on offer. The menu gives a handy description of each type of weed or hash and its effects, although the staff will generally be happy to elaborate further if you ask. Herbal smoking mixtures are provided free of charge to replace tobacco so that you can smoke joints inside and stay within the law. Close to the weed bar is a single, carved slab of wood that serves as a beverage bar. From here you can order coffees, hot chocolates, juice etc. as well as space cakes and other treats.

Souvenirs
For those who want to take a little bit of the Amsterdam coffeeshop scene home with them, Abraxas has its own giftshop just a few doors away from the main coffeeshop. Here you can buy hemp clothing, bags and Abraxas t-shirts as well as grinders, pipes, bongs, stash boxes, seeds and other smoking accessories.

Location
Abraxas has two locations in Amsterdam, the original shop and the newer, smaller addition, Abraxas Too. To find the original coffeeshop simply start at Dam Square and walk behind the Royal Palace, taking a left on Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal. Easily visible should be an oval neon sign proclaiming the name Abraxas at the mouth of an alley. Abraxas Too is not far away, just northwest of the Nieuwe Kerk on Spuistraat. If you are going to Italy, use car hire Florence Airport to visit some of the top tourist spot here.

Address:
Jonge Roelenstg 12 -14
1012 PL Amsterdam

Spuistraat 51
1012 PL Amsterdam

Contacts:
Tel: +31 20 6255763
Homepage: www.abraxasparadise.nl

Atmosphere
Always know for its ‘publike’ atmosphere, the ban on alcohol in coffeeshops has actually done little to diminish this. The clientele is a good mix of expats, tourists and locals, and lots of chat can usually be heard over the music, which tends to be kept at a level to allow conversation. The soundtrack to The Rookies is itself a varied mix of reggae, rock and other tunes to roll to. The interior is nicely decorated and interesting to stare at, while seating remains at the usual Amsterdam coffeeshop level of wooden chairs at long, narrow s.

Offering
Perhaps the most distinctive feature of The Rookies is its extra-large smoking lounge, somewhat of a luxury in Amsterdam coffeeshops. This sealed off area can fit up to 70 people and, thanks to the handy tray hatches that allow the staff to avoid the place, you are welcome to smoke all the tobacco you want along with your weed or hash. Of course if you prefer smoking pure then bongs and other paraphernalia are available behind the bar for a refundable deposit. The beverage bar offers the same treats as most coffeeshops, although their selection of cakes, both space and normal, deserves a special mention.

Hotel
The Rookies Hotel is located right beside the coffeeshop and has 12 rooms for those looking to stay right in the centre of things. Most rooms are doubles, but 3 single rooms are also available and breakfast is served daily. All rooms come with their own safe, telephone, TV and ensuite bathroom with shower or bath.

Location
Just a short walk from Leidseplein, The Rookies has a nice central location, although it is a bit of a trek, or a short tram ride on the 1, 2 or 5, from Centraal Station. Starting at Leidseplein, keep the Burger King on your left hand side and walk down Korte Leidsedwarsstraat. Towards the end of the street, past a horde of Italian restaurants, the distinctive clouds-and-cherub sign of the coffeeshop should be visible on the left hand side.

Address:
Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 145 – 147
1017 PZ Amsterdam

Contacts:
Tel: +31 20 6390978
Homepage: www.rookies.nl