Amsterdam’s “High”-Class Bar Crawl

Start the night at the bottom of the Haarlemmerstraat strip at Rokerji II, one of the four Rokerij coffeeshops in the city (we imagine the others are named I, III, and IV). Take a seat on one of the comfy floor cushions inside, or if the night is warm, sit out on the terrace and enjoy the views of the canal as you decide on your product. This particular Rokerij shop has an African theme of tribal art and earthy tones, and a knowledgeable staff eager to help inform visitors of their particular menu options. If you’re trying to keep the lungs healthy, there’s always the option of the “space cake”.

After you’ve “cashed” out at Rokerij, float your way up to STOUT!, a stylish bar with killer cocktails. The name makes us feel like we should be shouting it every time we see it, but the atmosphere here is far from extreme, with a sleek décor and friendly clientele that creates a relaxed ambiance perfect for chilling out. Stout is a Dutch term for naughty and immodest, so don’t be afraid to live up to the name and make some friends ­– just remember not to shout. 

You can feel your mind and body coming back down to normal, and the booze hasn’t quite hit, which means it’s time for a little pick-me-up at the world-famous Barney’s Coffeeshop, a classic establishment of Amsterdam culture. Take a seat on one of the wooden benches amongst the exotic décor, and see for yourself why Barney’s is said to have some of the best – and rarest – products in the entire world. We have no idea what names like Royal Jelly, Dr. Grinspoon, and Blue Cheese actually mean, but the numerous Cannabis Cup awards, and the constant crowds that populate Barney’s, probably means they’re good.

Now that you’re back on Cloud Nine, cruise next door to Dulac, a popular student bar with drink prices low enough to get you cross-faded without breaking a sweat. The dreamscape décor of the spacious haunt is reason enough alone to come here after Barney’s potent products, with mesmerizing paintings, colored walls, eclectic lights of all sorts, scattered antiques, and a maze-like layout. A pool table offers patrons some late night gamesmanship, while others cozy up along the bar and mingle over cocktails. But in a place like Dulac, you may find yourself simply staring in wonder at this one-of-a-kind joint.