Win a Weekend in Amsterdam

Thursday, Nov 6th, 2008
Categories: Adventure Travel, Travel Events

On 23 to 27 November, the liberal city of Amsterdam will host this year’s Cannabis Cup. And, in honor of this extravagant celebration of Holland’s famous (and perennially popular) travel attraction, The Flying Pig - one of the most popular hostels in Amsterdam - is giving away two nights accommodation for two people, anytime in December, absolutely free!

To enter, just let us know what your ideal itinerary for a weekend in the city would be. The competition will close on the 17th of November, and itineraries are to be written in the comments box below. A small tip: They should include more than just ‘get baked’!

Here’s a quick lowdown on the Cup itself, for those interested…

Cannabis Cup Background
The festival was first started back in 1987, and today it’s just about the biggest stoner’s event going, with weed being sold, smoked and evaluated everywhere you look.

This year’s Cup will mark a point of departure from those before, however, with Amsterdam now enveloped in a tobacco ban. The law banning tobacco smoke indoors was introduced a few months back - as a result, coffeeshop smokers can either roll with a herbal substitute, or enjoy a more traditional joint outside on the cold pavement.

While many thought the ban would adversely affect Amsterdam coffeeshops’ trade, few have reported a downturn in business. It’s still uncharted territory for the Cup, however, and only the judges will be able to say whether those prized strains of marijuana entered into the competition are affected by this new substitute and law.

All in all, there’s normally around ten different categories, including Best Hash and Best Overall Strain (to which the Cannabis Cup is awarded). There’s also a prize for the Top Coffeeshop - a category that’s been through the travel blogosphere washer recently, after Matt of Matador Nights bravely nominated his favorites with, let’s say, a teeny bit of a backlash.

Well, never one to shirk a challenge (or a whack of vitriol), I thought I’d put my cards on the table. So here are my top five coffeeshops in Amsterdam:

1. Katsu, Eerste van der Helstraat. In a city packed with coffeeshops, it may be tempting to head to the nearest one to your hostel, but Katsu is definitely worth heading south (and off the beaten track) for. Winner of the Highlife Cup in 2008, they mix award-winning strains with a great buzz.

Inside Abraxas

2. Abraxas, Jonge Roelensteeg. With its mosaics, sofas and chessboard tables, Abraxas is the ultimate place to head in Amsterdam for a relaxing vibe and a friendly welcome. This doesn’t mean a compromise in quality, though - from the hash milkshakes to the classic rollies, Abraxas is top-notch all the way.

3. Resin, Hekeveld. Resin (formerly known as The Pool Dog) has a deservedly good reputation among both the local and backpacking crowds. Unlike many shops this close to the center, the weed is consistently good quality and value, plus the pumping sound system and friendly staff, all add up to a great atmosphere.

4. Grey Area, Oude Leliestraat. Down in the Jordaan, the tiny (and always packed) Grey Area may be a little more on the pricey side but it’s actually famous around the world as the original home of Double Bubble Gum, Wobbler and more. Its reputation for these specialties puts it firmly on the Cannabis Cup map - as well as making it popular with bands and celebs passing through town.

5. Barneys Coffeeshop, Haarlemmerstraat. Barneys has been recognized at the Cannabis Cup multiple times, although it’s about more than just smoking here. Get one of their awesome breakfasts from 7am and settle into the slightly surreal interior for a long day, and let the good times roll (yes, pun intended).

Amber Tew said,

November 7, 2008 @ 5:37 pm

I have never been to Amsterdam, and would love the opportunity to travel abroad! I just got my passport and am trying to pick a place for my first trip. The fashion & retail shops are a must to stop in. I’d love to bike around the city and take a water taxi or cruise. Stopping in some of the famed cafes would be an added bonus. I love the fact that tobacco has been banned from the coffeeshops, as I am not a fan of that kind of smoke! The The Hash Marihuana Hemp Museum sparks my interest, not to mention the casinos and arthouses!

Captain Butts said,

November 7, 2008 @ 6:18 pm

Get baked.

Lisa Jehle said,

November 10, 2008 @ 10:35 am

Hi. I lived in Amsterdam many years ago. I still speak Dutch if you can believe it. I would love to go back and visit old haunts, see how they have changed. The Melkweg, Paradiso, Dam, Joodebreestraat, Amstelveen, Leidseplein,Vondelpark, lekker haaring, lekker olieballen, lekker dropjes, stroopwaffles, kool met aardappelpuree en spekjes, triplejes…See old friends…

Harry Mclaughlin said,

November 10, 2008 @ 10:38 am

so all I have to do to enter to win is just submit a comment here?… Ok I would love to go to Amsterdam for the cup it would be a great reunion for me because the last time I was there was 1981 and was at the Bull Dog Cafe the original and then things were a little different nothing could be out in the open I would really like to see it now and also would like to take a sail on the canal back of the train station on a sailing canal boat and maybe check out a museum or two. I would like to indulge in exploring all the good buds that have made history while I was gone. I definitely want to get some pancakes at the panakopenhouse! I am 60 years old but feel 30 so it will be really great time i just can not afford it myself. I was at the Woodstock. god I hope you pick me for it would make a old man very happy.

The Dude said,

November 11, 2008 @ 10:42 am

After partaking in the “delights” of Amsterdam, I’d probably be hungry. So I’d want to check out some of the FEBO (http://www.febodelekkerste.nl/) places, which is basically just a huge row of vending machines with food inside. I’d also make sure I scored a huge helping of chips with mayo — they drown ‘em in that shit. Apparently pancakes are also a Dutch favourite, so as a stoner I’m pleased as hell to hear it. In between sampling former cup winners at various coffee places, I’d also go see the Van Gogh museum, the Anne Frank house, and paddle around a canal on one of those crazy waterbikes.

Nice Girl said,

November 11, 2008 @ 2:08 pm

Well I know this post has mentioned cannabis quite a lot but I thought I’d go out on a limb and apply for the competition even though I think smoking weed is wrong…
There are so many more things to do in Amsterdam than stare at a wall all day in a haze. First off, I’d start the day by hiring a bike and then I’d set out to explore without a map - just head wherever the mood (or architecture!) takes me. I’d stop for some savoury pancakes for lunch, and probably a coffee, and then I’d go to the Van Gogh Museum. Later, I’d check out the Red Light District, probably go to a show and do some shopping.
The next day, I would head to the Rijeksmusuem for more culture and then wander around the famous Leidesplein and the little shops and streets nearby…
So there you have it - probably not what you’re looking for, but I would have a great free two days!!

Dogstalker said,

November 11, 2008 @ 2:39 pm

I’d do this over and over again…

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=NRHba4IAdsI

Massive Bongload said,

November 11, 2008 @ 2:40 pm

You’ve got to be kidding me. You’d go to the red light district and see a show, but you think smoking weed is wrong? So a woman being reamed by a chap hung like an angry donkey while fellating her mother’s fist is perfectly acceptable, but grooving out on a little green somehow warps your mind. What has this world come to?

Amsterdammer said,

November 11, 2008 @ 5:21 pm

You’re all douchebags.

oiseau said,

November 11, 2008 @ 6:12 pm

Assuming I arrived in the daytime, after checking in to my hostel, I’d immediately rent a bicycle. Then I’d head to my favorite coffeeshop, Amnesia, for a smoke and a drink. That would be followed by a liesurely bike ride to Vondelpark. I wwould then park my bicycle in the Leidseplein and take in the sights and sounds. I’d head down Leidsestraat looking fo some food at an typically Dutch Eetcafe. Then I’d go to the Rijksmuseum and a ride by Museumplein. Then back to my hotel for a quick shower and out for the evening to an Indonesian restaurant, a coffeeshop and possibly a Dutch bar for some Jazz. In the morning instead of eating at the hostel I’d head out for some Dutch pancakes. Then off to a coffeeshop for a smoke and a coffee to watch the city waking up. Since it is December, I’d ride through town and either hit some art galleries or another museum. I’d get a quick broodje for lunch and possibly park my bicycle near the New Market and stroll the side streets doing some window shopping. Then of to the Waterlooplein for the outdoor market and then to a Brown Cafe. I’d grab a nice dinner, possibly in Chinatown, peruse the RLD, and walk over to Dam Square. I’d stop into a coffeshop and look for some good live music and call it a night. The next morning I’d grab a pastry at a bakery and a coffee at a coffeeshop and sit there pondering how beautiful the city is as I get ready to leave it.

John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt said,

November 11, 2008 @ 7:02 pm

I haven’t had any imported hash for a while, so my first order of business would be to pick up a chillum and get some nice import. Maybe some Rifman from Dampkring, hashes from Katsu, Basjoes’ and others to be decided upon arrival. Of course I’d have to hit Mellow Yellow to pick up some green. Maybe Club Media for some deals. Now that I’ve got a good buzz goin’ on; it’s time to take in the sites. I’ve been to the big museums, but might hit Van Gogh and the Hortus Botanicus again. I’d like to hit some of the squats for tunes and food and maybe even the photography museums. Of course getting lost is a must as that’s the way to explore new coffeeshops and sites.

KC420 said,

November 12, 2008 @ 12:44 am

My perfect A’Dam itinerary would NOT include staying at a hostel, to say the least.

Douchebag said,

November 12, 2008 @ 10:04 am

Re: Amsterdammer. A douchebag I may be (it’s up for debate…), but at least I’m not so pitifully low in the self-worth stakes that I have to trawl the net looking for people to call douchebags.

Brother Kaif said,

November 12, 2008 @ 1:58 pm

I’d probably not do any weed the first day I get there for fear of becoming a lazy stoner and not actually doing anything productive or cultural on my weekend away. Instead, I’ll attempt to get hold of some magic mushrooms.

I’ll ensure that I completely disregard the advice of the man behind the counter and get the strongest most potent kind available. Whilst hallucinating that the sky is raining paint, I’ll ride a bicycle over to Anne Frank’s house. Once there, I’ll sit in the corner of the room and laugh until I get cramp in my cheeks because I’m visualising a group of Nazi’s on a ferris wheel floating around the room, all in front of a group of horrified American tourists.

After being kicked out of the house of Anne Frank (and having hallucinated Anne wearing burlesque gear and bending over in a very provocative manner) I am left wandering the streets feeling pretty horny. Despite having just witnessed my hired bike being ridden away by a giant sunflower man, I am still composed enough to decide that going to the red light district is a bad idea. I decide a slightly more sensible option would be to visit the Sex museum instead and settle for watching vintage 1900s porn.

Around 30 minutes later I find myself at the red light district.

Whilst walking around the area and admiring the girls in the windows I debate whether or not I’ve got the bottle to actually sleep with one. I get drawn to one particular street where all of the women had something not quite right about them. My broken mind and I spend about 15 minutes trying to work out what it was that was so strange about them. The truth eventually gets revealed by a group of Americans who were in a fit of laughter and high-fiving all round after they had convinced on of their drunken peers to pay a visit to one of the brothels on this street. It turns out that all the girls on this street were actually male to female post-op transsexuals. I decide it’s probably best to go home.

By this point the magic mushrooms have worn off somewhat so I decide to go to a coffee shop and have a spliff. I then fall asleep at the table and have to be thrown out by management.

That is what I will get up to.

josh said,

December 14, 2008 @ 8:10 am

In a perfect trip to Amsterdam would be to visit one of the many fine coffee shops. Then take a canal tour around the beautiful city. I would then love to visit the Anne Frank museum because i abscessed with anything having to with WWII. Also i have herd the Van Gogh museum is very cool place to check out. And of course i would like to take stroll through the red light district at some point or another. The Heineken Experience would be so fun to go to and see how they make that awesome beer.

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