Coffeeshop The Otherside

Description

Tucked away in the heart of Amsterdam’s vibrant Reguliersdwarsstraat, Coffeeshop The Otherside is a hidden gem that’s been serving up good vibes and great cannabis since the wild 1980s. This place is something special. It’s got that perfect blend of cozy ambiance and colorful characters that’ll make you feel right at home, whether you’re a local or just passing through.

As soon as you step inside, you’re hit with this amazing aroma – a mix of freshly brewed coffee and top-quality weed that’ll make your nose do a little happy dance. The decor is eclectic and funky, with a touch of Amsterdam’s rich history thrown in. Think vintage posters, comfy mismatched furniture, and warm lighting that’ll make you want to sink into a chair and stay awhile.

But what really sets The Otherside apart is its people. The staff are like your cool older siblings – always ready with a friendly smile and expert advice on their products. And the crowd? It’s a melting pot of locals, tourists, and even the occasional celebrity (keep your eyes peeled, you never know who might be blazing up next to you).

Whether you’re in the mood to buy some premium bud to take away or settle in for a lengthy smoke sesh, The Otherside’s got you covered. And don’t even get me started on their famous cake – it’s the stuff of legends, my friends.

Key Features

Alright, let’s break down what makes The Otherside so dang special:

1. Prime Location: Smack dab in the middle of Amsterdam’s” Secret Village,” you couldn’t ask for a better spot to start (or end) your night out.

2. Historical Vibes: The coffeeshop is housed in a historical building, giving you a taste of old Amsterdam while you enjoy your, uh,” herbal refreshments.”

3. Top-Notch Product Selection: From classic strains to exotic new hybrids, The Otherside’s menu is like a weed lover’s dream come true.

4. Chill Atmosphere: The relaxed vibe and friendly crowd make it easy to strike up conversations and make new friends from all over the world.

5. Awesome Tunes: Their music selection is on point, setting the perfect mood for your visit.

6. Delicious Snacks: That cake I mentioned? Yeah, it’s worth the trip alone. Plus, they’ve got a variety of other munchies to satisfy your cravings.

7. Reasonable Prices: Your wallet won’t hate you after a visit to The Otherside.

8. Take-Away Option: If you’re not in the mood to hang out, you can always grab your goodies to go.

9. Non-Smoker Friendly: With a selection of coffees, teas, and soft drinks, even your non-smoking friends can enjoy the atmosphere.

10. Local Hotspot: It’s not just for tourists – plenty of Amsterdam locals frequent this joint (pun totally intended).

Best Time to Visit

Now, when it comes to the best time to hit up The Otherside, it really depends on what kind of experience you’re after. But let me break it down for you:

Mornings (10 AM – 12 PM): If you’re an early bird (or still up from the night before), this is a great time to enjoy a wake-and-bake session with a side of that famous cake. The vibe is chill, and you might even snag a cozy window seat to people-watch.

Afternoons (12 PM – 5 PM): This is when things start to pick up. It’s perfect if you want to soak in the full Otherside experience. You’ll see a mix of locals on their lunch breaks and tourists taking a midday breather.

Evenings (5 PM – 1 AM): Now we’re talking! This is when The Otherside really comes alive. The music gets a little louder, the conversations get a little deeper, and the atmosphere is electric. It’s ideal for pre-gaming before hitting the nearby clubs or winding down after a long day of sightseeing.

Weekdays vs. Weekends: Weekdays tend to be a bit more relaxed, while weekends can get pretty packed. If you’re looking for a quieter experience, aim for a weekday afternoon. But if you want to feel the full pulse of Amsterdam’s nightlife, weekend evenings are where it’s at.

Special Events: Keep an ear out for any special events The Otherside might be hosting. They occasionally have live music or themed nights that can add an extra layer of awesome to your visit.

Cannabis Cup Season: If you happen to be in Amsterdam during the Cannabis Cup (usually in November), The Otherside gets extra lively. It’s a great time to visit if you want to rub elbows with cannabis connoisseurs from around the globe.

How to Get There

Alright, my fellow adventurers, let’s get you to The Otherside! This gem is nestled right in the heart of Amsterdam, so getting there is pretty straightforward. But hey, half the fun is in the journey, right?

By Foot:
If you’re already in central Amsterdam, hoofing it to The Otherside is your best bet. It’s located on Reguliersdwarsstraat, which is a stone’s throw from some major landmarks. From Dam Square, it’s about a 10-minute stroll. Just head south down Rokin, take a right on Spui, and then your first left onto Reguliersdwarsstraat. Easy peasy!

By Bike:
Now, if you want to do as the locals do, rent yourself a bike. Amsterdam is super bike-friendly, and there’s nothing quite like zooming through the narrow streets on two wheels. Just be careful after partaking in The Otherside’s offerings, if you know what I mean.

By Public Transport:
Amsterdam’s public transport system is top-notch, and it’ll get you close to The Otherside no problem.

Tram: Take tram 2, 11, or 12 to the” Keizersgracht” stop. From there, it’s a quick 2-minute walk.
Metro: The closest metro station is” Rokin.” Once you’re above ground, it’s about a 5-minute walk.

By Taxi or Uber:
If you’re feeling fancy (or it’s late and you’ve had one too many space cakes), taxis and Ubers are readily available. Just tell them you’re heading to Reguliersdwarsstraat, and they’ll know where to go.

From Schiphol Airport:
Fresh off the plane and ready to dive into Amsterdam’s coffeeshop scene? You’ve got options:
1. Take the train to Amsterdam Centraal Station (about 20 minutes), then follow the directions above.
2. Grab an airport taxi or Uber directly to The Otherside (about 30 minutes, depending on traffic).

Pro Tip: Download the” 9292″ app before your trip. It’s a lifesaver for navigating Dutch public transport.

Tips for Visiting

Alright, my fellow cannabis connoisseurs and curious travelers, let’s make sure your visit to The Otherside is nothing short of legendary. Here are some insider tips to help you navigate this Amsterdam institution like a pro:

1. Bring Cash: While many places in Amsterdam accept cards, it’s always smart to have some cash on hand for coffeeshops. Plus, it’ll make buying rounds for your new friends easier!

2. Check the Menu: The Otherside’s got a great selection, but it can be overwhelming. Don’t be afraid to ask the staff for recommendations based on your preferences or experience level.

3. Pace Yourself: Look, we’ve all been there – eyes bigger than our tolerance. Start slow, especially if you’re new to the scene. Remember, you can always have more, but you can’t have less once it’s in your system.

4. Try the Cake: I know I’ve mentioned it before, but seriously, their cake is legendary. Even if you’re not partaking in the herbal offerings, treat yourself to a slice.

5. Bring ID: The legal age for coffeeshops in Amsterdam is 18, and they do check. Better safe than sorry!

6. Mind the Tobacco: If you’re not a tobacco smoker, make sure to specify you want a pure joint. Many pre-rolled options in Amsterdam contain tobacco.

7. Respect the Space: The Otherside has a cozy, communal vibe. Be mindful of others, keep your voice down, and don’t hog a table if it’s busy.

8. Stay Hydrated: They’ve got a great selection of drinks for a reason. Cottonmouth is real, folks!

9. Don’t Take Photos Inside: It’s generally frowned upon to take pictures inside coffeeshops. Respect everyone’s privacy and keep your camera in your pocket.

10. Explore the Neighborhood: Reguliersdwarsstraat is a gem in itself. Take some time to wander the street before or after your visit to The Otherside.

11. Don’t Rush: The Dutch have a word, “gezellig, ” which roughly translates to a cozy, friendly atmosphere. The Otherside embodies this perfectly, so take your time and soak it all in.

12. Strike Up a Conversation: Some of my best Amsterdam memories involve random chats with strangers in coffeeshops. Don’t be shy!

13. Know the Rules: Remember, it’s not legal to smoke tobacco inside. Also, don’t try to take any products out of the country – that’s a big no-no.

14. Visit During Off-Peak Hours: If crowds aren’t your thing, try visiting during weekday afternoons for a more relaxed experience.

15. Leave a Tip: While not mandatory, it’s appreciated if you’ve received good service.