Crystals, plants, and a canal: the greenest coffee shop in the Jordaan
La Tertulia is a coffeeshop you’ll recognize from the outside. On the corner of Prinsengracht and Oude Looiersgracht, the colorful mural of Vincent van Gogh immediately catches the eye. A fitting calling card for a business that has been charting its own course since 1983.
This is one of Amsterdam’s oldest coffeeshops, run by a mother and daughter, and stepping inside feels like entering an entirely different world. The name 'tertulia' refers to a Spanish tradition of informal gatherings centred around art, literature and conversation. That spirit can still be felt throughout the shop today.
An interior unlike any other
While most coffeeshops are dark and compact, La Tertulia is the complete opposite. Large windows allow daylight to flood two floors filled with lush greenery, with plants everywhere from the counter to the balcony on the first floor. Among the greenery, you will find a striking collection of amethyst cathedrals, quartz crystals, fossils and even meteorites. The overall atmosphere feels like a cross between a greenhouse and a living room, complete with the aroma of freshly ground Bocca coffee. When the weather is nice, you can sit on the canal-side terrace with the Van Gogh mural as a backdrop.
Organic and conscious
La Tertulia stands out with a selection that is rarely found in Amsterdam: organic cannabis, a range of CBD products and edibles that are both vegan and gluten-free. The space cakes come in flavours such as banana-walnut, chocolate and peanut butter, with clear strength indications ranging from beginner to highly experienced. The shop also serves toasted sandwiches, freshly squeezed orange juice, mint tea and good coffee, giving you plenty of reasons to stay even without cannabis.
Why La Tertulia is worth a visit
La Tertulia is the kind of coffeeshop people recommend to those who would not normally visit one. The bright, friendly atmosphere, the absence of security at the door and the personal approach of the owners make it a place where everyone feels welcome. It is no coincidence that the shop has been recommended for years by publications and travel guides including Lonely Planet and Rick Steves. Keep in mind the more limited opening hours: Tuesday through Saturday, from 11:00 to 19:00.
Coffeeshops in Amsterdam
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