Description
You’re strolling along the picturesque Prinsengracht canal in Amsterdam’s Jordaan neighborhood when you spot a cozy little coffeeshop with a striking Vincent van Gogh mural on the outside. That’s La Tertulia, one of Amsterdam’s oldest and best-loved coffeeshops.
It’s a special place. Established in 1983, La Tertulia has been family-run from the start, and you can feel that as soon as you walk in. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, the kind that makes you want to settle in for a while.
I’ve visited my share of Amsterdam coffeeshops, but La Tertulia keeps drawing me back. Maybe it’s the crystal garden, which gives the place an almost otherworldly feel. Or the amethyst cathedrals, quartz clusters and, yes, actual meteorites scattered around the shop. How often do you see that?
Of course, the cannabis is a big part of the appeal. La Tertulia has a fine selection, and if you get the munchies, there’s a menu of sandwiches, including the famous “Toastie,” along with freshly squeezed orange juice.
Whether you’re a seasoned cannabis enthusiast or simply curious about Amsterdam’s coffeeshop culture, La Tertulia is well worth a visit. You might find yourself staying longer than you planned.
Key Features
Here are some of the things that make La Tertulia stand out:
1. Location, location, location: At 312 Prinsengracht, in the Jordaan, La Tertulia is easy to reach while you’re exploring the neighborhood. The Van Gogh mural outside makes it hard to miss.
2. History and authenticity: La Tertulia has been around since 1983, making it one of Amsterdam’s longtime coffeeshops. It’s been part of the city’s coffeeshop culture for decades.
3. Crystal wonderland: Step inside and you’ll find a crystal garden, amethyst cathedrals and plenty of other stones. It has a distinctive New Age feel, quite unlike the usual coffeeshop interior.
4. Canalside terrace: When the weather cooperates, grab a latte and settle on the outdoor terrace. It’s a lovely spot for people-watching along the canal.
5. Diverse menu: Alongside cannabis products, La Tertulia serves sandwiches and fresh juices. The milkshakes are a particular favorite, too.
6. Unique souvenirs: You can browse LED bud scopes and crystal pipes alongside the usual coffeeshop fare. It’s a curious mix of head shop and crystal shop, and somehow it works.
7. Relaxed vibes: The music, decor and staff all help make La Tertulia a comfortable place to unwind. It offers a welcome pause from the busy streets outside.
8. Family-run business: La Tertulia has stayed in the family for generations. That personal touch comes through in the care they put into the place.
9. Upstairs seating: If you find a seat upstairs, you’ll get lovely views over the Prinsengracht canal. It’s an especially nice place to while away an afternoon.
10. Coffeeshop education: The staff are happy to answer questions about cannabis, crystals or anything else that catches your interest. There’s plenty to look at, too.
Best Time to Visit
When’s the best time to visit La Tertulia? It depends on the kind of experience you’re after.
For a quieter, laid-back visit, try a weekday morning. The shop opens at 10 AM, and the early hours tend to be calm. Grab a coffee, perhaps a pastry, and watch the day unfold along the Prinsengracht.
If evenings are more your style, La Tertulia stays open until midnight most days. The atmosphere picks up as the sun goes down, and sitting by the canal as the city lights come on has its own charm.
My favorite time to go is during the shoulder season, usually late spring or early fall. The weather can be decent by Dutch standards, and you’ve got a better chance of finding a spot on the canalside terrace without jostling through crowds.
Summer can be lovely, but expect crowds, particularly in July and August. During a major event like King’s Day or Amsterdam Pride, La Tertulia can get packed.
Winter has its appeal, too. Ducking inside from the cold to the warm, cozy interior feels pretty good, and the crystals catch the light on those short, dark days.
One tip: during peak tourist season or major holidays, try to skip the after-dinner rush. Coffeeshops tend to fill up around 8 or 9 PM, so aim for the quieter stretch between lunch and dinner instead.
Keep an eye out for special events and promotions, as well. La Tertulia occasionally hosts crystal workshops or tasting sessions that are worth checking out.
How to Get There
La Tertulia is at 312 Prinsengracht, in the Jordaan. If you’re not familiar with the neighborhood, it’s easy enough to reach, even if Amsterdam’s winding streets have a way of leading you off course.
If you’re coming from Amsterdam Centraal Station, you’ve got a few options:
1. Take a leisurely stroll: It’s about a 20-minute walk from the station. Head south along the canals and you’ll reach Prinsengracht, with plenty of classic Amsterdam scenery along the way.
2. Hop on a tram: Tram 13 or 17 will take you close by. Get off at Westermarkt, then walk the short distance to the coffeeshop.
3. Rent a bike: Cycling is a very Amsterdam way to get around. Just don’t bike under the influence; it’s dangerous and best avoided.
4. Take an Uber or taxi: If you’d rather skip the walk, ask for 312 Prinsengracht.
Once you’re on Prinsengracht, look for the Van Gogh mural. La Tertulia is near the corner of Prinsengracht and Oude Looiersstraat, one street away from Elandsgracht.
If you have trouble spotting it, look for the mural of Vincent van Gogh facing the canal. It’s a pretty useful landmark.
If you’re staying at a hotel, ask the concierge for directions. They can usually point you towards La Tertulia and other local spots.
And if you do get turned around in the Jordaan, ask a local. Amsterdammers are generally friendly, and many speak English. A quick “dank je wel” (that’s “thank you” in Dutch) is always appreciated.
The walk there is part of the fun, so don’t worry if you take a wrong turn. You might come across a hidden gem along the way. And when you reach La Tertulia, you’ll have earned a moment to sit back and relax.
Tips for Visiting
A few tips to help you make the most of your visit to La Tertulia. I’ve spent plenty of time exploring Amsterdam, and these are handy things to keep in mind.
1. Bring cash: Many places in Amsterdam accept cards, and La Tertulia does too, but it’s still useful to have some cash on hand when visiting coffeeshops.
2. Don’t be shy: New to coffeeshops? The staff at La Tertulia are friendly and know their stuff. Ask about the menu or get a recommendation if you’re unsure what to choose.
3. Pace yourself: Look, I get it. You’re in Amsterdam, you’re excited, and everything looks tempting. But trust me on this one: start slow,
especially if you’re not a regular consumer. You can always have more, but you can’t un-have what you’ve already had, if you catch my drift.
4. Try the food: La Tertulia isn’t just about the green stuff. Their sandwiches are seriously good, and don’t even get me started on those milkshakes. Plus, it’s never a bad idea to have some food in your stomach.
5. Check out the crystals: Even if that’s not usually your thing, take a moment to appreciate the impressive crystal collection. Who knows, you might discover your inner crystal enthusiast!
6. Bring your own tunes: La Tertulia usually has a pretty chill playlist, but they’re fine with you using headphones if you’d rather zone out to your own music.
7. Be respectful: This is a family-run business that’s been around for decades, so treat the place and the people in it with respect. No rowdy behavior, okay?
8. Don’t take photos inside: It’s a big no-no in most Amsterdam coffeeshops, and La Tertulia is no exception. Save your Instagram posts for the canal views outside.
9. Try something new: Feeling adventurous? Ask the staff about any unique or special strains they might have. La Tertulia often has interesting options you won’t find in every coffeeshop.
10. Take advantage of the terrace: When the weather’s nice, grab a spot on the canalside terrace. It’s prime real estate for people-watching!
11. Don’t rush: La Tertulia has a super relaxed vibe, so take your time and soak it all in. This isn’t really the place for a quick in-and-out visit.
12. Bring a buddy: Everything’s better with friends, right? And in a new environment, it’s always nice to have someone watching your back.
