The Bulldog The First

Set on the Oudezijds Voorburgwal in the heart of De Wallen, The Bulldog The First sits amid the canals, narrow lanes and sights of Amsterdam’s famous Red Light District. It’s an easy stop while exploring the old city center, where historic churches, café terraces and bustling alleys meet the water. You can’t miss the boldly painted façade on the canal; inside, the mood is relaxed and welcoming in a lively, central neighborhood.

This is the flagship that, as the brand tells it, kicked off Amsterdam’s coffeeshop scene. In 1975, founder Henk de Vries transformed a former sex shop here into what The Bulldog calls the Living Room of Amsterdam, helping shape the modern coffeeshop concept. The opening date - December 17, 1975 - still appears on the exterior, and the place embraces its origin story without feeling like a theme park.

Step inside and you’ll find details that double as a small museum of coffeeshop history: a bar topped with the iconic bulldog head, cow‑leather seating and wooden tables, celebrity photos, banknotes scrawled with visitors’ messages, old hiding spots for cannabis and even the “orange” once dropped during a raid to warn those in the cellar. Framed fines nod to how far the scene has come. Staff are experienced and approachable, making The First comfortable for both curious first‑timers and returning regulars.

Cannabis Menu

The First offers a broad selection that typically includes cannabis flower and hash, along with pre‑rolled joints and edibles. Space cake is on the menu, and if it’s your first time with edibles, start modestly and wait for the effect before having more. Selections rotate, with familiar strains alongside premium options, so most visitors will find something that suits their preferences.

A Great Stop in De Wallen

One of The First’s strengths is its location. You’re already in one of Amsterdam’s most talked‑about districts, so it’s easy to combine a visit with a slow walk along the canals, a look around the old quarter, or a hop to nearby cafés and bars. The Bulldog’s brand store operates next door if you’re after a souvenir to take home.

Whether you drop in at the start of the day to set the tone or pause here between wandering the lanes and bridges, The First fits neatly into a central Amsterdam itinerary. If you’re new to the city’s coffeeshops, the clear setup and steady, seasoned staff make the experience straightforward.

Why Visit The Bulldog The First?

Because The First blends history and accessibility under one roof: artifacts and anecdotes on the walls on one side, and a friendly, approachable introduction to Amsterdam’s coffeeshop world on the other. It’s a classic stop in a central location without straying from the sights around you.

If you’re building an Amsterdam coffeeshop itinerary and want a spot that combines iconic status, a canal‑side setting and an open, mixed‑crowd atmosphere, The Bulldog The First is an easy choice.