Visit Bulldog Coffeeshop in Amsterdamalso known as the "Bulldog Palace", is one of Amsterdam's most famous party venues.
Here you can have a beer or smoke marijuana.
In this article, I take a closer look at the city's most famous establishment.
Bulldog Coffeeshop Amsterdam: article summary
Bulldog Coffeeshop in Amsterdam: at a glance
The establishment is part of the Bulldog Amsterdam chain, which manages :
- Cafés where you can legally buy marijuana and hashish
- Bars
- A hotel
- A company of bicycle rental
A converted police station
The Bulldog Coffeeshop in Amsterdam, located on the Leidsepleinis probably the best-known of all Bulldog establishments.
It opened its doors in 1985 in a unique location: a former Amsterdam police station, on one of the city's most popular squares.
A regular at Amsterdam police stations, owner Henk de Vries bought the Amsterdam Police Headquarters building on Leidseplein on April 1, 1985.
This move is a nose-thumbing gesture. It's the owner's revenge for the years he spent in prison. Indeed, he was incarcerated many times between the 70s and 80s. It's revenge that he created the city's most popular spot.
An atypical place in every respect
Dutch law does not allow coffeeshops to serve alcohol.
The adjoining establishment is located in separate buildings with their own main entrance.
This particular provision gives owners the right to sell alcohol as well as drugs to their customers.
The adjoining gift store sells bespoke products, all bearing the Bulldog chain logo. It's a real shopping complex which you can find at Leidseplein.
Bulldog Coffeeshop in Amsterdam: long threatened with closure
The Bulldog Coffeeshop on Leidseplein made headlines in November 2008 after being named as one of 43 cafés threatened with closure under the Dutch authorities' new national soft-drug regulations.
The new rules stipulate that coffeeshops cannot exist within 250 meters of schools. Café Bulldog is very close to the Barlaeus Gymnasium, a well-known Amsterdam high school.
Locals to the rescue of their favorite spot
A storm of protest broke out, and Bulldog's management made it clear that they would not give up so easily.
The future of the coffeeshop is no longer in danger. In fact, both establishments are formally separate from the coffeeshop, even if they're side by side.
What's more, the place is a veritable historical monument in the hearts of the locals. That's why the commune has decided to make an exception for this particular establishment.
Many celebrities have already visited the Bulldog Coffeeshop in Amsterdam
One thing that the owner of Bulldog Amsterdam is proud of is the many celebrities who have come to visit him. who visit over the years.
On site, you will see many photos of the owner with celebrities such as :
- David Bowie
- Maria Carey
- Snoop Dog
- Sean Penn
- Tommy Lee from Mötley Crüe
The Bulldog Coffeeshop in Amsterdam is an establishment I recommend you visit at least once in your life. During your stay, you can discover many other equally interesting places in the heart of the city.
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