
Amsterdam Brown Cafes
A uniquely decorated brown cafe, covered floor-to-ceiling in stickers and graffiti, offering a vibrant and cozy atmosphere.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more chill vibes

Amsterdam Brown Cafes
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more chill vibes

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A uniquely decorated brown cafe, covered floor-to-ceiling in stickers and graffiti, offering a vibrant and cozy atmosphere.
"Awesome bar covered in stickers. Very chill the day I went and unfortunately no live music, but nice getaway."

Bring Your Own Gear
They don't sell smoking materials, so pack your own to enjoy the smoke-friendly vibe. :herb:
Check Smoking Rules
Recent regulations mean cannabis smoking might be restricted. Confirm current policies before visiting. :warning:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Graffiti-Covered Walls
Interior
Every inch of this cafe is covered in vibrant stickers and graffiti, creating a unique, energetic atmosphere.

Cozy Lounge Areas
Downstairs
Discover intimate, comfortable seating areas perfect for chilling out and enjoying the unique ambiance.

Vibrant Canal Views
Exterior
Enjoy the lively canal-side setting, offering a picturesque backdrop to your cafe experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Smoking Rules Update
Bring Your Own
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Your Own Gear
They don't sell smoking materials, so pack your own to enjoy the smoke-friendly vibe. :herb:
Check Smoking Rules
Recent regulations mean cannabis smoking might be restricted. Confirm current policies before visiting. :warning:
Embrace the Decor
The walls are covered in stickers! Feel free to add your own mark if you like. :spray_can:
Cozy Downstairs
The downstairs area offers a more intimate and cozy experience. :couch:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Your Own Gear
They don't sell smoking materials, so pack your own to enjoy the smoke-friendly vibe. :herb:
Check Smoking Rules
Recent regulations mean cannabis smoking might be restricted. Confirm current policies before visiting. :warning:
Embrace the Decor
The walls are covered in stickers! Feel free to add your own mark if you like. :spray_can:
Cozy Downstairs
The downstairs area offers a more intimate and cozy experience. :couch:
Non-Smoking Section
A dedicated non-smoking area is available for those who prefer to avoid the smell. :airflow:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the unique, sticker-covered decor and cozy atmosphere of Hill Street Blues, often describing it as a 'ruin bar on steroids' with a great vibe. While some find the staff less than welcoming, many appreciate the relaxed environment and the novelty of the graffiti-adorned interior. The recent smoking restrictions have been a point of contention for some long-time patrons.
"Great atmosphere, just chilled out people getting on with it. Has the same vibe as many clubs I went to in the eighties and nineties. Take your own gear as they don’t sell any. The price of entry - buy a drink."
Bethany Louise
"Favourite place to smoke and chill. Good vibes inside and cosy down stairs. Staff are friendly and always walking around checking if you want any drinks etc. Also have a non smoking section for those who want to chill out without the smell on cannabis in the air. 100% recommend"
james d
"Disappointment. The lady in the bar is the most unhappy and grumpy person in the world.
It says smoke friendly outside, also inside it says smoke and drink, ashtrays on tables but Smoke free only for cannabis :) not regular or vape.
Also, hence the name, music is nothing to do with the blues.
Better bars around."
Onur Sengul
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Many brown cafes, like Hill Street Blues, are located in the city center and are easily accessible by tram or foot. From Centraal Station, you can take trams towards the city center and walk. Exploring on foot is often the best way to discover hidden gems. :tram: :walking:
Yes, several popular brown cafes, including Hill Street Blues, are situated near or within the Red Light District, offering a unique contrast to the area's main attractions. :redlightdistrict:
Parking in central Amsterdam is notoriously difficult and expensive. It's highly recommended to use public transport or walk/cycle to reach brown cafes. :bicycle:
While you can't drive a car on the canals, walking along them or taking a canal cruise offers a beautiful perspective. Many cafes are nestled along these waterways. :canal:
Trams are your best bet. Routes like 2, 12, or 4 often pass through areas with many brown cafes. Check Google Maps or a local transit app for real-time information. :bus:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, no tickets are required for entry into most brown cafes. The 'price of entry' is usually just purchasing a drink. :beer:
Opening hours can vary, but many brown cafes are open from late morning or early afternoon until late at night, often around 1 AM or later on weekends. :clock:
Yes, you typically need to be 18 years or older to enter and purchase alcohol in bars and cafes in Amsterdam. :adult:
Reservations are rarely taken at traditional brown cafes, as they often have a walk-in, casual atmosphere. It's best to arrive and find a spot. :chair:
Most brown cafes do not have cover charges. Your primary expense will be your drinks and any food you order. :euro:
🎫 ☕ Onsite Experience
Brown cafes are known for their cozy, intimate, and often dimly lit interiors, with dark wood paneling and a relaxed, local vibe. They are the perfect place to unwind. :fireplace:
This has recently changed. While historically smoke-friendly, many cafes, including Hill Street Blues, now prohibit cannabis smoking due to new regulations. Always check signage or ask staff. :no_smoking:
The music varies, but it's typically low-key and ambient, ranging from jazz and blues to indie or classic rock, designed not to overpower conversation. :musical_note:
Some brown cafes offer simple snacks like bitterballen or sandwiches, but they are primarily drinking establishments. Don't expect full restaurant menus. :pretzel:
Yes, some cafes, like Hill Street Blues, offer designated non-smoking areas for patrons who prefer to avoid the smell of cannabis. :leafy_green:
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, yes, but be respectful of other patrons' privacy. Avoid intrusive flash photography, especially in dimly lit interiors. :camerawithflash:
The entire interior of Hill Street Blues is a photo op! Focus on the colorful stickers, graffiti art, and unique decor. The exterior canal views are also great. :art:
For personal use, photography is usually fine. If you plan to use photos commercially, it's always best to ask for permission from the cafe management. :briefcase:
Late afternoons or early evenings can offer a good balance of ambient light and a lively atmosphere without being too crowded. :sunwithface:
Always ask for permission before taking photos of staff members. They are usually happy to oblige for a quick snap. :mantippinghand:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during quieter daytime hours when the vibe is more relaxed. While some cafes might offer simple snacks, they aren't typically equipped with extensive kid-friendly menus. The main draw is the unique ambiance and the experience of a traditional Dutch pub. Always be mindful of the general clientele and ensure the environment is comfortable for your children.
💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize your budget, focus on enjoying the ambiance and perhaps a single drink or a shared snack like bitterballen. Avoid ordering multiple rounds of expensive cocktails. Many brown cafes also offer a more authentic and less tourist-inflated price point for their beverages.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Vibe of Amsterdam Brown Cafes
Hill Street Blues exemplifies this unique vibe, taking it a step further with its floor-to-ceiling graffiti and sticker art. This adds a layer of vibrant, urban energy to the traditional brown cafe setting. While some patrons might find the decor overwhelming, many appreciate it as a distinctive feature that sets it apart. The cafe's description as a 'ruin bar on steroids' captures this eclectic blend of old-school pub charm and modern artistic expression.
Historically, brown cafes were also known for being smoke-friendly. However, recent Dutch legislation has significantly impacted this aspect. Many popular spots, including Hill Street Blues, are no longer permitted to allow cannabis smoking indoors. This is a crucial point for visitors to be aware of, as it changes the traditional experience for some. Always check current regulations or signage upon arrival.
Navigating Smoking Regulations
This new regulation means that while the 'smoke friendly' signage might still be present, it often applies only to tobacco or is no longer accurate for cannabis. Visitors planning to smoke cannabis should be aware that they may need to find designated outdoor smoking areas or other specific venues that still permit it. It's advisable to confirm the current policy directly with the cafe or look for updated information.
For those who prefer to avoid the smell of cannabis, many brown cafes, including Hill Street Blues, now offer non-smoking sections. This ensures that everyone can enjoy the cafe's atmosphere comfortably. The key is to be informed about the evolving regulations and to communicate with staff if you have any questions.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit