21 Hotspots in Leiden You Probably Don't Know Yet

Read here why you really want to spend a weekend in Leiden!

If you meet Leiden When you think of it, you might primarily think of Leiden as a student city. That it is also an incredibly fun city for a weekend getaway in your own country wasn't immediately on my radar. But my-oh-my, what a charming city Leiden is! It has various nice coffee shops, cafes, and good restaurants, and you can also do some great shopping at small boutiques and unique concept stores.

What makes Leiden extra fun in the summer is that you can enjoy a lovely boat ride along the canals. And all year round, there are changing exhibitions to see in the no fewer than thirteen museums, ensuring there is always something new to discover. You can enjoy strolling through the narrow streets around the Pieterskerk and the Burcht van Leiden, and on Saturdays, there is still a charmingly old-fashioned market along the Nieuwe Rijn and the Vismarkt. It is therefore not without reason that Leiden bears the nickname “The City of Discoveries”!

21 X hotspots in Leiden for the perfect city trip

Where do you definitely want to go during a weekend or overnight stay in Leiden? I'll tell you all about it in this Leiden City Guide!

2 Unique Hotels to Stay in Leiden

Boutique Hotel D'Oude Morsch

The hip Hotel D'Oude MorschThis hotel has a cool, industrial design and only 18 rooms. Tip: this hotel also offers bike rental, so reserve bikes right when booking your room to explore Leiden by bike, just like we did!
Park de Put 1, Leiden

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ExLibris Boutique Hotel

You will find the cozy hotel in the middle of the old center of Leiden. ExLibris Boutique HotelThe rooms are fully equipped with all modern conveniences and offer views of the garden or the city. Because the hotel is very centrally located, you will find various hotspots just a stone's throw away. How nice is that? This hotel is definitely highly recommended if you want to get away for a weekend.
Kloksteeg 4, Leiden 

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© ExLibris Boutique Hotel, Leiden 

6 Fun Things to Do in Leiden

World Museum Leiden

If you walk from the station towards the city center, you almost automatically pass the World Museum LeidenA place you don't want to miss if you love traveling, because here it feels like you are on the other side of the world for a moment. The permanent collection is impressive, but it is precisely the changing exhibitions that make me want to come back here. Always inspiring, surprising, and perfect for completely immersing yourself in another culture.
Steenstraat 1, Leiden

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Rent a bicycle

You might best discover Leiden by bike. Check with your hotel if you can rent one, but if not: at Baja Bikes You're in the right place either way. You can rent a bike here yourself and explore the city at your own pace, or opt for a bike tour past Leiden's highlights. The latter is especially fun if you want to be surprised and see places (and hear stories) that you might not have discovered on your own otherwise. 

Book your bike tour through Leiden here

| TIP: Other fun things to do in Leiden? You can read it here >>

Leiden Castle © Your Little Black Book

More fun things to do in Leiden

Streets and neighborhoods not to be missed

When I go to a new city, I always like to have some pointers for the nice neighborhoods and streets not to be missed. If you visit the shopping and restaurant hotspots in this guide, you will definitely end up at all the nice places in the city, but be sure not to skip these streets: the Pieterskwartier, and especially the street Pieterskerk-Choorsteeg, the Burgsteeg, Nieuwstraat, Nieuwe Rijn, Botermarkt, and the Doezastraat.

Hortus Botanicus

When I am in a city, I always love seeking out greenery. You can do that well in Leiden in the Van der Werfpark, but for truly special greenery, you have to go to the Hortus Botanicus be. A green oasis in the middle of the city along the canals. It remains truly special! Here you can wander through the gardens for hours and enjoy the sun or the peace on one of the benches.
Rapenburg 73, Leiden – hortusleiden.nl

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 Hortus Botanicus © Your Little Black Book

Rent a boat

Anyone who thinks that you can only enjoy a nice boat trip on the canals in Amsterdam is mistaken. In Leiden, you can rent a boat from various companies to spend a day on the water. At Bootjes & Broodjes, you can take a sightseeing tour on one of their boats, but it is even more fun to go boating with friends on your own. It is incredibly fun to do when the weather is nice!
Blauwpoortsbrug 1, Leiden – bootjesenbroodjes.nl

 | TIP: Prefer not to sail yourself? Click here for more info about a boat tour >>

Museum De Lakenhal

Museum De Lakenhal is now fully back and an absolute must-visit if you are in Leiden. In the beautifully renovated museum, you immerse yourself in art, history, and design, with changing exhibitions that make it interesting to return every time.
Oude Singel 32, Leiden – lakenhal.nl

6 Unique Shops Not to Miss in Leiden 

Golden Bean

Sneakerheads, take note! At Golden Bean, you'll find classics and unique pieces alike. Sneaker enthusiasts from the Leiden area regularly visit this store when they're in the area, or even plan their trips around it. You'll also want to stop by for the coffee.
Haarlemmerstraat 15, Leiden – thegoldenbeanleiden.com 

The Cause

In Leiden, Delft, and Alphen aan den Rijn, you'll find 't Oorzaakje, a great spot for high-quality jewelry. They sell brands like Swarovski (if you're a fan of a bit of bling), as well as accessories like leather bags and brightly colored beaded bracelets.
Haarlemmerstraat 73A, Leiden – causeyou.com 

Boutique van Gendt – Studio Joan

This small boutique in the Burgsteeg is full of vintage finds combined with new items. Think clothing from ByDanie, but also vintage Ray-Ban sunglasses and unique jewelry from the 70s and 80s. I scored a really beautiful necklace with a snake head there that you won't find anywhere else!
Burgsteeg 8, Leiden – studio-joan.com

| TIP: View Your Little Black Books shortlist here with 10 Fun Shops in Leiden Not to Miss During Your Shopping Spree >>

© Tafelwerk

More unique shops in Leiden

VNTG

What started as an online shop as a side job during their student days has now grown into a warehouse full of vintage clothing and the boutique VNTG, which sits right next to the lovely breakfast and lunch café Roos. It is a nice place to browse around for vintage finds from the 60s, 70s, 80s, and early nineties, as well as vintage jewelry and bags in all colors and sizes.
Breestraat 142, Leiden – Instagram

Tablework Leiden

For anyone who likes to go all out during a dinner party, Tafelwerk Leiden is a shop where you won't leave empty-handed. From beautiful tableware to fun table accessories, here you can find everything to give your dinner party that little extra something. Think of unique plates, glasses, and items that instantly upgrade your table. It's also a great place if you're looking for a gift for someone who loves cooking and dining.
Hogewoerd 6, Leiden – tafel-werk.nl 

Exclusivity 

How lovely is this shop, a tearoom and shop under one roof. The concept is great: you buy a pot of tea and you can drink the first cup from your pot right in the shop. Furthermore, you've come to the right place for colorful home accessories that give your house that bohemian Ibiza feel.
Botermarkt 11, Leiden – clusievithee.nl

© Exclusivitee

7 X The Nicest Restaurants & Cafes in Leiden 

Gallery Café Leidse Lente

Just outside the city center with its old canals sits the hotspot De Leidse Lente. Here, you have a wonderful inner courtyard where you can grab a drink when the weather is nice, but inside the vintage-furnished café-restaurant, you can also comfortably lounge in a grandmother's armchair. It's a cool spot for drinks (they have a huge selection of craft beers) or to attend one of the cultural evenings with a changing program.
Haagweg 4, Leiden – Galeriecafeleidselente.nl 

TheBishop

Without a doubt, The Bishop is the hippest gastrobar in Leiden. Reserve a table here on the first floor with a view of the kitchen! You can enjoy delicious Burgundian à la carte dishes or opt for a 3-, 4-, or 5-course menu and let the chef surprise you. That is exactly what we did, and it is highly recommended, especially in combination with the matching wines that the host selects for you with great enthusiasm. The restaurant is located in a beautiful old building in the city center of Leiden and is a foodie-friendly spot not to be missed.
Middleweg 7, Leiden – thebishop.nl

Eatery Dolly

Located by the water, this is the perfect spot for a long day on the terrace that easily turns into an evening lasting just a little longer than planned. During the day, you can pull up a chair at Eetcafé Dolly for coffee or lunch; in the evening, it feels more like your regular pub where you just want to hang out. Nice detail: almost all main courses are under €20, and with the daily special for €17,50, you always have a good excuse to come back. Be sure to order the soft serve for dessert.
Stille Rijn 11, Leiden – eetcafedolly.nl 

| TIP: More nice restaurants in Leiden to keep on your radar? View Your Little Black Books shortlist of the 23 best restaurants in Leiden here >>

© Eetcafé Dolly

| TIP: Sit down on a terrace in Leiden here: check out the Your Little Black Book shortlist of the best terraces in Leiden >>

More restaurants and cafes in Leiden

Bar Local

According to the ladies behind Kleedvermaak, hotspot Bar Lokaal, a few doors down, has only just opened when we're in Leiden. It's a cozy café with vintage furniture, open from breakfast until late in the evening. For lunch, they serve a variety of delicious dishes, available as sandwiches or salads. They also have a lovely terrace perfect for drinks!
Hartesteeg 13, Leiden – barlokaal.nl

Bistro Bord'o

If you are in the mood for an elaborate dinner, Bistro Bord'o is highly recommended. On our last evening in Leiden, we had a delicious meal here with a view of the kitchen where the chefs were cooking. They serve various à la carte dishes, but if you like surprises, opt for the Bord'o menu. The evening starts with various amuse-bouches and finishes with a selection of cheeses that you choose yourself from the cheese trolley!
Apothekersdijk 2, Leiden – bistrobordo.nl

Rose

One of the nicest coffee, cake, breakfast, and lunch spots in Leiden is undoubtedly Roos. After a visit to the market found on Saturdays along the Nieuwe Rijn and the Botermarkt, we went here for a delicious slice of carrot cake and iced lattes. It is a small and cozy place located right next to the VNTG shop, which is definitely worth popping into! Curious about other nice coffee shops in Leiden? Check them out here >>
Botermarkt 12, Leiden – roosleiden.nl

Bikini Bikini

By the harbor, it quickly feels like you've escaped the city for a moment. Ideal for a coffee in the sun that slowly transitions into a drink. Be sure to check the calendar, as events are regularly organized that make it just that little bit more fun to come back here. 
Haven 1, Leiden – bikinibikini.nl

© Bikini Bikini