This is a coffeeshop, so they did not serve alcohol. They did serve all kinds of snacks, energy drinks, and other cool things. They had stuff like magic milkshakes. They also have a good menu for pre-rolled joints. This place had GREAT MUSIC and is very laid-back. We went here almost every day we were in Amsterdam because it was a good meeting place between our hotel and some friends’ hotel, and every day we loved it. It's a little tight sometimes, but there are very private areas, as well as a bar.

A lively coffee shop in a great location on the bustling Leidseplein square, well worth a visit, especially when with friends. Close to many other great spots in which to have a quick drink before heading on to one of the clubs.

This may be a hostel, but I couldn't tell. It was dead, plus hard to find. The people working were decent, and some were just rude. The only fun thing about the atmosphere is when you are sitting upstairs near a window and can see the hookers. I have been to much better coffee shops, but the prices here are pretty good. I did not stay long, as I did not feel welcome here as I have in other places.

Sometimes places are deservedly popular, and sometimes they just have a big name. The Bulldog falls into the latter category. For years, a major stop on the 'smoker's tour' of Amsterdam, The Bulldog long ago ceased being a cool place to hang out and soak in the coffeeshope vibe. There are Bulldog coffeeshops (no alcohol), cafes (alcohol), sports bars, rock bars, etc. all over the city these days. This review deals with the Leidseplein 'Bulldog Palace', but is equally valid for all locations. They may vary in size and structure, but they all exist to do one thing: overcharge tourists. I've spent a considerable amount of time in Amsterdam, so I have adjusted to the pricing -- whereby anything catering to tourists is automatically inflated at least 25%. However, even I was shocked by the cost of a glass of orange juice at the Bulldog. We paid 3 euro (that'd be about $3.40) for a thimble full of OJ. No alcohol. Just orange juice. With a LOT of ice. For that price, you might think we got good service. Wrong again. We had to track down the server to get it. Needless to say, I didn't dare order a beer.

If you decide to while away some time in one of these establishments, go in with a fair amount of cash and be prepared to part with it. From our visit, I only saw that The Bulldog was popular with British soccer fans who, presumably, get a better exchange rate to the Euro. With the abundance of good coffeshops and bars in Amsterdam, there is no reason to waste time here.

'I didn’t know you liked house plants’, I said to my son. He had put three green pot plants in front of a south facing window, they were protected by aluminium foil so as to get a maximum of reflected sunlight.

‘Where did you get them?’

‘In the ‘Grow Shop.’

’Grow Shops’ are places where you can buy all you need to grow your own weed. By law you are allowed to grow 5 plants for your own consumption. My son bought three.

Many people think that cannabis and weed are legal in Holland. This is not true. Possession of small quantities is decriminalized which means it's not a criminal offence. You can buy your cannabis and weed from a menu in one of many coffeeshop. Approved coffeeshops are recognizable by the green and white stickers in their windows.

The age limit for smoking and drinking is 18, but you will never be asked to show your ID when smoking a spliff in the park or in the streets.

I was still admiring my son’s plants when he suggested we should go to a coffeeshop. This was an offer I could not refuse. 'I won’t smoke' I added hastily.

He took me to The Bulldog Coffeeshop nr. 90 Oudezijds Voorburgwal.

Apparently this was a ‘safe’ place to take me. The Bulldog is famous as it was the first coffeeshop to open in Amsterdam 25 years ago. Now it mostly visited by tourists. Inside it looks very ‘ordinary’. It is divided into three parts, a souvenir shop, a coffeebar with comfortable seating, and internet access, and downstairs the videotheek and screen. Funnily enough the Bulldog is a chain of coffeeshops. There is another one at number 132. If this one is not to your liking you can go to Leidseplein 13-17. This one, too, has the complete range of Bulldog souvenirs, it the biggest and noisiest of the chain. This building used to be a police station. Coincidence?

Dutch drugs policy differs from policy in other countries. The Dutch differentiate their approach to hard drugs and soft drugs. Possession of hard drugs is a crime and the possession of a small quantity of soft drugs is a minor offence for which no legal action is taken. A small quantity of soft drugs is a maximum of 5 grams. This means that there is a different approach to soft and hard drugs. In all larger cities in Holland you can find 'coffee shops' were you can buy soft drugs. The Bulldog is not my son’s ‘local’, but it was good enough to show his mother.

On the way home he bought me three pot plants. I don’t think I will ever harvest, though.