One of Amsterdam’s worst-kept secrets is that you can get high in an ex-police station. Yes, you know it, we know it, everybody knows it. The Bulldog Palace at Leidseplein isn’t just a coffee shop; it is an iconic cannabis location with a quirk and an arresting history.
Once home to the long arm of the law, Leidseplein 15’s transformation into a coffeeshop wasn’t just out of the blue; it was a game-changing moment for Amsterdam’s cannabis scene. Turning a police station into a place where you could legally blaze up? That’s peak Amsterdam vibes. And right at the centre of it all? The Bulldog, naturally.
The Bulldog Palace isn’t just any old coffeeshop. It’s got layers. A grand café, a souvenir shop, and the legendary coffeeshop itself. Each has its own entrance, buzzing with Amsterdam’s locals, tourists, and artists. There’s the occasional celeb; they all roll through to soak up a bit of history with their haze.
So how did a place once built to lock people up become the ultimate drum beater for cannabis culture in Amsterdam? Simple: Henk de Vries saw the potential, sparked the change, and made history. Let’s look back at where rebellion met bricks and mortar and cannabis culture moved in.
The Bulldog Palace at Leidseplein isn't just a coffee shop; it's a cannabis icon with an arresting history.
The Bulldog Palace: A Very Dutch Twist on Cannabis Culture
Before it was a hotspot for stoners and selfies, Leidseplein 15 was the last place you wanted to end up with a joint in your pocket; it was the cannabis Death Star: a fully operational police station. Yes, suits, cells, and all. So when it went up for auction in the mid-80s, who else but Henk de Vries was going to bag it?
In 1985, Henk did what only Henk could do. He bought the cop shop. Yes, the same one he’d been dragged into more than once, turning it into a place for good times only. And just to really twist the knife? He opened it on April 1st. That’s right, it was April Fools. A personal joke at the expense of the same authorities who used to haul him in. Classic Henk.
It wasn’t just cheeky. It was iconic. Amsterdam was already pushing boundaries, and Henk doubled down, flipping the bird to outdated laws. Henk flew a flag for cannabis culture right where the law used to live.
You couldn’t script it better.
A coffeeshop in a former police station? That's not just funny - it's stoner history.
Leidseplein: Amsterdam’s Cannabis Playground of Culture and Chaos
Before the smell of hash wafted through the square, Leidseplein was already a magnet for Amsterdam’s wild side. Think street performers, theatre-goers, night owls, and late-night snack hunters, all colliding in one of the city’s liveliest spots. It’s where cultures mix, stories start, and occasionally, someone loses their dignity at 3 a.m.
But that buzz? That energy? It’s precisely what made it the perfect place for The Bulldog Palace.
Right across from the historic Stadsschouwburg theatre, Leidseplein has always been centre stage literally. Bands, poets, punks, ravers, comedians, and film stars have all passed through. It’s been featured in music videos, travel docs, and the odd dodgy comedy special. The square has seen it all, and the Bulldog’s been front row.
As the city leaned into its identity as a global hub for cannabis culture, Leidseplein didn’t just keep up; it led the charge. The Bulldog Palace became a kind of landmark in the madness, a place where tourists could come down from the chaos and light one up in peace. And locals? They knew the vibe already. Good weed, good people, and a backdrop that’s pure Amsterdam.
So when you’re sitting outside the Palace with a joint in one hand, fresh orange juice in the other, and stroopwafel crumbs on your shirt, remember, you’re part of a long, loud, and proudly weird tradition. Leidseplein isn’t just a square. It’s the pulse of the city. And the Bulldog Palace is the beating heart.
Leidseplein isn't just a square. It's the pulse of the city. And The Bulldog Palace is the beating heart.
Famous Faces at The Bulldog Amsterdam: Celebs Who’ve Lit Up in Amsterdam
You never know who you’ll bump into at The Bulldog Palace, and we’re not just talking about wide-eyed tourists or local legends. We’re talking global icons, people with platinum records, championship belts, and Netflix specials.
Over the years, everyone from hip-hop royalty to Hollywood heavyweights has passed through those doors. Snoop Dogg? Obviously. There’s even a clip floating around YouTube of the Doggfather himself cruising out of the Palace looking exactly how you’d expect, chill as hell and grinning like a man who’d just sampled the good stuff.
And he’s not the only one. Mariah Carey swung by. So did Floyd Mayweather, Kevin Hart, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Even The Outlaws (of Tupac fame) have soaked up the vibe inside and shot a music video. You don’t need a backstage pass; it’s just good timing and a little bit of luck.
The Bulldog Palace doesn’t chase fame; it attracts it. The location, vibe, and story all add to a space that’s more than just a coffeeshop. It’s a piece of living cannabis culture. That’s why it keeps popping up in music videos, documentaries, and travel shows.
And while some famous faces are happy to pose for a photo, others slip in quietly, grab a smoke, and disappear into the crowd. We won’t name names if they don’t want to; this place has always been about freedom, not flashbulbs. But let’s just say… if the walls could talk, they’d be rolling in it.
Inside The Bulldog Palace: Coffeeshop, Café & Cannabis Culture in One
Step into The Bulldog Palace, and you’re not just walking into a coffeeshop. You’re entering a full-blown Amsterdam experience. This isn’t some hole-in-the-wall with a dusty menu and a flickering neon sign. This is The Bulldog Palace, a multi-level, multi-vibe institution serving good times since 1985.
The Coffeeshop
On the right, you’ve got the legendary coffeeshop complete with the old police cells, you can light up in any one of them. Whether you’re a seasoned local or a first-timer from halfway across the world, The Bulldog Palace Amsterdam has something for you. The vibe? That depends on what time you visit. From chill to buzzing and all feels in between. The food and drink menu? The stuff of munchie legends. Sit back, spark up, and soak in one of the best spots in Amsterdam.
The Grand Café
Next door, the Grand Café takes things up a notch. Maybe you’re not looking to smoke but still want a taste of the Bulldog energy. This is your spot. Grab a coffee, a cold beer, or something with more kick to it. All served with a side of Amsterdam charm, big windows for people-watching and enough space to stretch out and reset before round two.
The Brand Store
And then there’s the souvenir shop because, let’s face it, you’ll want to remember this. Branded gear, grinders, lighters, hoodies, keyrings, magnets… if you can slap a Bulldog on it, we will probably stock it. It’s not just merch; it’s memorabilia from one of the most iconic cannabis locations in the world.
Three entrances. Three vibes. One Palace.
Why The Bulldog Palace Still Matters: Cannabis, Rebellion & Amsterdam’s Soul
You don’t stay relevant for nearly 40 years by only selling good weed. You stay relevant by standing for something. The Bulldog Palace has always stood for freedom, fun, and flipping the bird (politely enough) to outdated thinking.
What started as a tongue-in-cheek April Fools’ joke, opening a coffee shop in a former police station symbolised Amsterdam’s open-mindedness. It’s proof that rebellion and tradition don’t have to clash.
Sometimes, they shake hands and get high.
The Bulldog Palace isn’t just part of cannabis culture; it helped shape it. It showed the world that you could have a coffeeshop that was welcoming, clean, and full of life. That cannabis didn’t have to hide underground. You could build something lasting on top of a movement that once lived in the shadows.
And it still matters today. In a world where cannabis laws are changing fast but not always for the better, The Bulldog Palace reminds us of what happens when you lead with vision and a sense of humour. It’s not just a coffeeshop. It’s a cultural landmark.
And the best part? It’s still open, buzzing, and doing exactly what it was built to do: bring people together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you smoke weed inside The Bulldog Palace?
Yes, you can light up right inside the coffeeshop, including in the old police cells. It’s one of the most iconic places in Amsterdam to enjoy cannabis legally.
Where is The Bulldog Palace located?
You’ll find it at Leidseplein 15, in the heart of Amsterdam’s nightlife and cultural district.
Can I buy cannabis seeds inside the coffeeshop?
No, Dutch law doesn’t allow coffeeshops to sell cannabis seeds. However, you can legally buy seeds at The Bulldog Brand Store next door, where they’re sold as souvenirs or collector’s items in line with local regulations.
What else can I do at The Bulldog Palace besides smoke?
You can relax in the Grand Café, grab merch in the souvenir shop, or people-watch with a coffee (or beer) in hand.
From Palace to Plant: The Bulldog Legacy Lives On
The Bulldog Palace is more than just a place; it’s a cultural statement. And that same energy runs through every seed in The Bulldog’s collection. What started on the streets of Amsterdam has grown into a global cannabis brand, and The Bulldog Seeds prove that rebellion can take root and flourish.
Every strain we offer carries the same DNA as the Palace: bold, iconic, and built to last. Whether growing at home or just dreaming of your next trip to Amsterdam, our seeds give you a little piece of the Palace, no matter where you are.
If you’re inspired by the story, the history, and the haze swirling through Leidseplein, take it further.
Because The Bulldog isn’t just a coffeeshop. It’s a culture. And now, it’s yours to grow. The Bulldog grew its legend; now it’s time to grow yours!
The Bulldog isn't just a coffeeshop. It's a culture
