



Sunday
10:00 - 01:00
Monday
10:00 - 01:00
Tuesday
10:00 - 01:00
Wednesday
10:00 - 01:00
Thursday
10:00 - 01:00
Friday
10:00 - 01:00
Saturday
10:00 - 01:00
local time
Tucked into Beursstraat in Amsterdam’s historic Centrum, Babylon sits on a quiet side street just behind the Beurs van Berlage and parallel to the busy Damrak. It’s a central address a few minutes’ walk from Centraal Station, yet easy to miss if you’re marching up the main drag. The immediate area mixes narrow lanes, canal corners and landmark buildings with the bustle of De Wallen nearby, but Beursstraat itself feels calmer than the streets around it.
Previously operating as Joy Stick and then Kingston, Babylon today leans into a subtle reggae theme with low‑volume music and an easygoing pace. It’s the kind of coffeeshop where nobody hurries you out, helped by air‑conditioning and a straightforward, functional setup. The atmosphere suits first‑timers who want something central without the circus, as well as regulars who prefer a practical stop over a scene.
Inside, Babylon keeps things unfussy and relaxed. Staff are generally approachable, and the mixed crowd reflects the location: travelers pausing before or after the station, and city‑center wanderers looking for a quiet corner away from Damrak’s flow.
Babylon’s menu is compact and clear, typically around a dozen flower strains plus a choice of hash, pre‑rolls and a couple of edibles. The focus here is value for a central spot rather than an encyclopedic list, with many visitors calling out the hash as a strong point alongside a solid spread of flower styles.
The space cake is also frequently praised, and the overall selection covers most tastes without overcomplicating the decision. It’s a good fit if you want reliable options and fair pricing rather than chasing limited editions.
Babylon’s location makes it a natural add‑on to a day that starts or ends at Centraal Station. You can pair a visit with a look at the Beurs van Berlage, browse the Damrak shops, or slip into the historic alleys around the Oude Kerk and De Wallen.
If your plans pull you toward Dam Square or even the Negen Straatjes, Babylon works as a quick diversion along a pleasant walk of canals and bridges. The street’s quieter feel offers a breather between the city center’s headline sights.
Babylon is for travelers who want a centrally located but low‑key coffeeshop: relaxed vibe, quiet background music and a no‑nonsense, readable menu. Its history under earlier names makes it a familiar presence in the heart of Amsterdam without the fanfare.
Add Babylon to your Centrum itinerary if you’re after good value in the middle of things, especially if hash and a well‑liked space cake sound appealing. It’s an easy, convenient stop that keeps the focus on a calm session and straightforward choices.
Beursstraat 27a, 1012 JV Amsterdam, Netherlands