Coffeeshop Bulldog The First

Posted on: February 1, 2026

Coffeeshop Bulldog 90 – The First

The Bulldog The First is the original coffeeshop of The Bulldog brand, opened in 1975 by Henk de Vries. It is one of Amsterdam’s oldest and most famous coffeeshops, in the Red Light District.

Officially named The Bulldog The First, this Bulldog coffee shop in Amsterdam is the original branch of the chain. Most locals simply call the coffeeshop “the Bulldog at number 90”.

The Origins of The Bulldog

The name “The Bulldog” was inspired by Henk’s pet bulldog, which became the brand’s symbol. That idea grew into an international chain.

Its place in that history:

• The Bulldog set the standard for cannabis cafes around the world.

• It created a safe space for people to enjoy cannabis openly.

• Its opening was an early step in Amsterdam’s tolerance policy.

Today, visitors step inside not only for the products but also for the history of the place. It is one of the spots where Amsterdam’s coffeeshop culture took shape.

It is one of the most famous coffeeshops in Amsterdam, partly because it is one of the oldest. This was the first coffeeshop of The Bulldog chain and the third to open in Amsterdam. It is where the Bulldog story began.

Coffeeshop Bulldog The First on the Oudezijds Voorburgwal.

In 1974, this building was a sex shop that the owner, Henk de Vries, had inherited from his father. One day a man walked in and asked whether he sold pornography involving animals.

That request was the moment Henk decided he no longer wanted to run a sex shop. He removed the customer from the store and threw the porn stock into the canal.

He then told his friends he would turn the place into a living room for the neighbourhood where smoking was allowed.

Soon after, it turned into something bigger as tourists began finding the place too. In December 1975, coffeeshop Bulldog The First was founded by Henk de Vries.

Coffeeshop Bulldog The First History

In its early days, Coffeeshop Bulldog The First became a kind of training ground for the Amsterdam police. Officers often raided the new coffeeshop several times in a single day.

Inside the shop you can still learn more about that history. Today it is far more than a cellar: a full coffeeshop spread over three levels.

There is also a souvenir shop and a canal-side terrace.

Henk de Vries: Weed brings me peace in hectic moments … When I come home, I love to smoke a joint and analyse the day again in a very relaxed way. (source)

Coffeeshop Bulldog The First In Amsterdam

Despite the name, Coffeeshop Bulldog The First was not the first coffeeshop in Amsterdam, or in the Netherlands. It was the third to open in Amsterdam, after Mellow Yellow and Rusland.

If you are searching for the first coffeeshop in Amsterdam, that title is usually given to Mellow Yellow (1972); The Bulldog opened in 1975 and grew into the best known. You can see where it sits on our map of the Red Light District.

The first coffeeshop in the Netherlands was not in Amsterdam at all, but in Utrecht. It was called Sarrasani, named after a famous German circus, and sat in a wharf cellar on the Oudegracht. It opened in 1968.

The Atmosphere & Interior

The Bulldog The First has an unusual setting. The building used to be a police station, and you can still see hints of that in the design. Old cells were turned into seating areas.

Inside, you’ll notice warm lights, rustic wood, and plenty of bulldog-themed décor. The interior is small and low-lit.

Regulars tend to mention:

• Cozy corners to chat with friends.

• Art and history pieces on the walls.

• A mix of locals and tourists.

Most people come for the history and the people-watching as much as the cannabis.

Coffeeshop The Bulldog Menu & Offerings

The Bulldog’s menu is broad. While cannabis is the highlight, there is also a full range of drinks and snacks. As one of the best-known coffeeshops in Amsterdam, it keeps the menu straightforward; exact prices change often, so check them in store.

Cannabis menu often includes:

• Pre-rolled joints

• Hash varieties

• Different strains of weed

• Edibles (check availability)

If you’re not into cannabis, there’s still plenty to enjoy:

• Fresh coffee and tea

• Soft drinks and juices

• Pastries and light snacks

Staff can usually point newcomers to a starting option. Prices and products are shown on the in-store menu; check them on the day, as they change.

Tip: Always bring cash, as some coffee shops in Amsterdam may not accept cards.

Tolerated Cannabis Policy

Cannabis in the Netherlands is tolerated rather than fully legal (the “gedoogbeleid”). Buying and holding small amounts for personal use through a coffeeshop is permitted, even though it stays officially prohibited.

The policy is pragmatic: the government accepts it cannot stamp out cannabis use entirely, so it allows limited sale and consumption. The aim is to limit the wider harm to society and to users’ health.

Production and distribution, however, remain illegal and are still pursued by the police.

Cannabis Supply

Because production and distribution stay illegal, coffeeshops like The Bulldog have no legal way to buy their stock. There is no official supply market.

This is the so-called “back door” problem: the government allows the sale of small amounts out front, but does not sanction how shops get supplied.

In practice, coffeeshops restock on a “don’t ask, don’t tell” basis, with the source of the cannabis left unexamined.

Did you know? It is not legal in the Netherlands to produce cannabis for commercial purposes.

Two men smoking cannabis on the terrace of The Bulldog.

Coffeeshop Bulldog The First Is Popular

In 2016, Bulldog founder Henk de Vries appeared on the Quote 500, the Dutch ranking of the country’s wealthiest people. He entered at number 254.

His net worth was estimated at around 95 million euros. Not bad for someone who started out in the basement of a sex shop in the Red Light District. Henk de Vries is the founder and owner (eigenaar) of The Bulldog, which he opened here in 1975.

Henk de Vries: I have never met a councillor or mayor who took the time to talk to me about the issues in Amsterdam Red Light District. (source)

Future Of The Bulldog

Dutch politicians have been slow to listen to Henk de Vries, but there is interest in America, where cannabis is becoming legal in more and more places.

Henk de Vries: “My dream comes to life there. Cannabis has become a billion-dollar business. Weed earns more than cigarettes.”

That opens up opportunities for The Bulldog abroad, and the franchisees are eager.

Snoop Dogg & Mike Tyson

“I’m talking to Mike Tyson and Snoopy Dogg. They both want to open a Bulldog business. ‘You’re name is priceless’, they say. It will happen, but I prefer to open 20 businesses right away. I’ve never had business-partners, but if an investor wants to pump 200 million into The Bulldog now, we’ll have a meeting for sure. We are a healthy business, I have no debt and now is the time to move forward. The Bulldog will be much bigger than the Hard Rock cafes. Believe me!’ (source)

Where was The Bulldog 90 First in Amsterdam?

This coffeeshop is at Oudezijds Voorburgwal 90 in the Red Light District of Amsterdam, right next to The Old Church. For planning, it is about a two-minute walk from Dam Square.

Visitor Tips

Planning a visit to The Bulldog The First? A few practical tips before you go:

• Bring ID: You must be 18+ (21 in some cases).

• No hard drugs: Only cannabis is allowed.

• Respect the rules: Don’t smoke tobacco indoors unless it’s in the designated areas — see the rules for Amsterdam coffeeshops.

• Avoid peak hours: Early afternoons or mornings are less crowded.

• Stay safe: If it’s your first time, start small — our tips for first-time cannabis users help.

Nearby attractions worth checking out:

• Red Light District (just steps away)

• Dam Square – 5 min walk

• Oude Kerk (Old Church) – right around the corner

• Amsterdam nightlife – bars and venues nearby after dark

A visit to The Bulldog is as much about its history as the cannabis. It is one small part of the wider Red Light District story.

Also read:

• 10 Best Coffeeshops in Amsterdam
• 10 Tips For Using Drugs in Amsterdam
• 9 Laws For Amsterdam Coffeeshops

Frequently Asked Questions About The Bulldog The First

Is The Bulldog the first coffeeshop in Amsterdam?

Not quite, despite the name. The Bulldog The First was the first location of the Bulldog brand when Henk de Vries opened it in 1975, and it is one of the oldest and most famous coffeeshops in the city. By this site’s own history it was the third coffeeshop to open in Amsterdam, after Mellow Yellow and Rusland. The first coffeeshop in the Netherlands, Sarrasani, opened in Utrecht in 1968.

Who founded and owns The Bulldog?

Henk de Vries founded The Bulldog in 1975. He converted a sex shop he had inherited from his father at Oudezijds Voorburgwal 90 into a coffeeshop and named the brand after his pet bulldog. He remains the figure most associated with the business and has grown it into an international chain. In 2016 he appeared on the Quote 500 list of the wealthiest people in the Netherlands.

Where is The Bulldog The First located?

The Bulldog The First sits at Oudezijds Voorburgwal 90, in the Red Light District of Amsterdam. It is right beside the Oude Kerk (Old Church) and a short walk from Dam Square. The “90” in its name refers to this street number.

Can tourists buy cannabis at The Bulldog?

Yes, tourists can currently buy cannabis at Amsterdam coffeeshops such as The Bulldog, though local rules can change. You must be 18 or older and carry valid photo ID. Dutch policy tolerates the sale and personal use of small amounts, with a limit of 5 grams per person per day. Production and supply to coffeeshops remain illegal under the tolerated (gedoogbeleid) system.

What is on the menu at The Bulldog?

The menu typically covers cannabis products such as pre-rolled joints, hash, and different strains of weed, alongside coffee, tea, soft drinks, and snacks. Exact products, strains, and prices change regularly, so it is best to check the in-store menu on the day. Staff are generally happy to guide first-time visitors. Bring cash, as some Amsterdam coffeeshops do not accept cards.

Is The Bulldog worth visiting?

For many visitors the appeal is as much the history as the products. The venue occupies a former police station, spans three levels, and includes a souvenir shop and a canal-side terrace. If you want to see where the Bulldog story began in one of Amsterdam’s best-known coffeeshops, it is an easy stop in the Red Light District. Your experience will depend on what you are looking for in a visit.

Which celebrities have been linked to The Bulldog?

Henk de Vries has publicly said that both Snoop Dogg and Mike Tyson expressed interest in opening Bulldog businesses. Comments like these, and the brand’s fame over several decades, have made The Bulldog a recognisable name well beyond Amsterdam. We would treat any specific celebrity sighting with caution unless it is confirmed.

What are The Bulldog’s opening hours?

Opening hours are not listed here and can change with the season, holidays, and local rules. We would recommend checking the venue’s official channels or a current map listing before you go. As a general guide, central Amsterdam coffeeshops often open from late morning until late evening, but do not rely on that for a specific day.

Is The Bulldog a chain?

Yes. What began as a single coffeeshop in 1975 grew into The Bulldog brand, which now spans multiple venues and products. The Oudezijds Voorburgwal 90 location is the original, which is why it carries the name “The First”. It serves as the flagship of the wider Bulldog business.

Why is The Bulldog in a former police station?

The building at Oudezijds Voorburgwal 90 previously served as a police station, and the venue has kept hints of that past in its layout. Former cells were turned into seating and chill-out areas across its three levels. In the early years the shop was reportedly raided by police repeatedly, which adds a layer of irony to its current use.

What does the Netherlands’ tolerated cannabis policy mean?

The Netherlands runs a gedoogbeleid, or tolerance policy, rather than full legalisation. Buying and consuming small amounts of cannabis at a licensed coffeeshop is tolerated and not actively prosecuted, but it is not technically legal. The limit is 5 grams per purchase, and you must be 18 or older with ID. Commercial production and supply to coffeeshops remain prohibited.

What is the difference between a coffeeshop and a cafe in Amsterdam?

In Amsterdam a “coffeeshop” (one word) is a venue where the sale and use of small amounts of cannabis is tolerated. A regular cafe serves coffee, drinks, and sometimes alcohol, but does not sell cannabis. So despite the English-sounding name, The Bulldog The First is a coffeeshop, not an ordinary coffee house. If you only want a coffee, a standard cafe is the place to go.

About the author — Martijn, Amsterdam guide

Martijn has guided hundreds of tours through Amsterdam’s Red Light District and De Wallen over the past years. He writes from first-hand experience — the shows he has seen, the bars he knows and the streets he walks every week — and his tours and photos also feature on TripAdvisor. Everything here is checked against what he and our local guides see on the ground.

• Experience: years guiding Red Light District & De Wallen tours in person
• Standards: first-hand, checked on location, useful for real visitors
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