hotspots leiden city guide

- Leiden -

21 hotspots in Leiden you probably don’t know yet

21 May 2018

discover why you want to go to leiden for a weekend getaway!

When you think of Leiden, you probably see Leiden as a city mostly for students. That it was also a very fun city for a weekend away in your own country wasn’t the first thing that came to my mind either. But my-oh-my, Leiden is such a nice city! You have several cute coffee places there, cafes and good restaurants and it’s great for some shopping at small boutiques and unique concept stores.

What makes Leiden extra special is that you can take a boat ride along the canals. And there are a whopping thirteen museums that have expositions the whole year through, which means you can discover something new every time. You can stroll around through the narrow alleys around the Pieters’ Church and the Castle of Leiden, and on Saturdays you can visit the old-timey market along the New Rhine and the fish market. It’s no coincidence that Leiden is nicknamed “the City of Discoveries”!

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Leiden Travel Guide

21 hotspots in Leiden for the perfecte city trip

Places you’ll definitely want to visit during your weekend or night in Leiden? I’ll tell you all about it in this new Leiden City Guide!

2 X EXTRAORDINARY HOTELS TO STAY IN 

De Barones van Leyden: Spending the nights in small boutique hotels, I love it! Especially when you feel like a princess in your hotel room because of the unique decoration. The Barones van Leyden is one of those hotels! This hotel is the little sister of the hotel “Huis van Leyden” and it has five hotel rooms, each one uniquely decorated. The establishment on the Oude Herengracht is from 1644 and when you step into your room you feel like you’re in those times. This hotel is a perfect stay for a romantisch weekend away in Leiden with your lover!
Oude Herengracht 22, Leiden – debaronesvanleyden.nl

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Barones van Leyden

Barones van Leyden

Boutique Hotel D’Oude Morsch: In the ancient Morspoort barracks near the station of Leiden is where the hip hotel D’Oude Morsch is currently situated. This hotel is cool and industrially decorated and only has 18 rooms. Tip: this hotel also affors bike rentals so make sure to reserve your bikes when you make a room reservation, to explore Leiden by bike just like we did!
Park de Put 1, Leiden – boutiquehoteldeoudemorsch.nl

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Burcht van Leiden

Burcht van Leiden

6 X NICE TO DO IN LEIDEN

Museum voor Volkenkunde: Who travels to Leiden by train will ondoubtedly walk past the Museum of Ethnology on your way to the cosy centre. A museum not to be missed by anyone who’s into travelling. You really feel like you’re on the other side of the world for a second. The Museum of Ethnology has an interesting fixed collection, but the reason to keep coming back here has to be the alternating expositions. Currently you can visit “Cool Japan”  until September 17th. An exposition on Japanese sculpturing that’ll show you in what way the hip and happening and the traditional, ancient Japan go hand in hand. Very recognizable for anyone who’s ever been in Tokyo, but also recommended when Japan is still on your bucketlist!
Steenstraat 1, Leiden – volkenkunde.nl

Museum voor Volkenkunde

Museum of Ethnology

Rent a bike: Of course you can check whether you can rent a bike at your hotel when you’re booking a room. Is this not the case? Then go to Easy Fiets, situated on the edge of the centre (near the hotspot the Leidse Lente). You can rent a bike here for a mere  € 9,- per 24 hours!
Haagweg 8, Leiden – easyfiets.nl

Streets and districts not to miss: When I’m visiting a new city I always like to have some startingpoints for the nice districts and streets that I shouldn’t miss. If you follow the shopping and restaurant hotspots from this guide, you can be sure to come across all sorts of nice places of the city, but definitely don’t skip these streets: The Pieterskwartier and especially the street Pieterskerk-Choorsteeg, the Burgsteeg, Nieuwstraat, Nieuwe Rijn, Botermarkt and the Doezastraat.

Hortus botanicus: When I’m in a city I always love to go looking for the nature. That can very well be found in Leiden at the Van der Werfpark, but if you’re looking for real extraordinary nature you’d have to go to the Hortus Botanicus. A green oasis in the middle of the city next to the canals. This will never not be special! You can stroll around for hours here, through the gardens and enjoy the sun or peace and quiet one of the benches.
Rapenburg 73, Leiden – hortusleiden.nl

Hortus Botanicus Leiden

Hortus botanicus

Rent a boat: Whoever thought that it’s only fun on the canals in Amsterdam was certainly wrong. In Leiden you can rent a boat at several companies, where you can go on the water for a day. At Bootjes & Broodjes you can make a tour on the canals with one of their boats, but it’s even more fun to do it with some friends. You can do this from € 75,-  per two hours, and for that amount you get a longboat where you can fit up to six people. So much fun to do when the weather’s nice!
Blauwpoortsbrug 1
, Leiden – bootjesenbroodjes.nl

 | TIP: if you don’t want to sail yourself you can also book a boat tour! Click here >>

See open air expositions: Museum De Lakenhal is currently renovating and will open up for the public in 2018. That’s why you can already enjoy open air expositions at two different locations in the centre. At the Pieterskerkhof you can watch “100 jaar ná De Stijl” and just around the corner from there, at Het Gerecht, you can visit “Maison d’Artiste”. Definitely worth it when you’re in the neighbourhood of the hip area Pieterskwartier!
Het Gerecht & Pieterskerkhof, Leiden – lakenhal.nl

Open air Museum De Lakenhal

9 X UNIQUE STORES NOT TO MISS

Mei: WOW, I wish every city had a store like Mei. Maybe it’s because I personally really love the influences of travelling that you can find in my house, but when I stepped into Mei I literally wanted to buy and take home everything. In this extraordinary concept store you can find a great mix of new items with a bohemian twist and the most beautiful finds of (vintage) markets from around the globe.
Pieterskerk-Choorsteeg 18, Leiden – conceptstoremei.nl

Mei Leiden

Mei

Boutique van Gendt: This small boutique in the Burgsteeg is run by mother and daughter and is full of vintage finds that are mixed with new items. Like clothes from ByDanie, but also vintage Ray-Ban sunglasses and unique jewelry from the seventies and eighties. I scored a beautiful necklace with a snakes’ head on it that you can’t find anywhere else!
Burgsteeg 8, Leiden – facebook.com/boutiquevangendt

Boutique van Gendt

Boutique van Gendt

Kleedvermaak: This pop-up store varies locations in Leiden. So make sure to check their website in order to see where this nice concept store is at the moment. You can find a nice mix of vintage items and new clothing and accessories from small independent brands. Definitely stop by and look around when you’re looking for something unique.
Nieuwstraat 13, Leiden – facebook.com/kleedvermaak

Kleedvermaak Leiden

Kleedvermaak

Modejacht: Do you love vintage items that really match the current fashion image? In that case you’ll definitely want to visit Modejacht in Leiden. Expect vintage Levi’s pants, All Stars sneakers and crop top blouses so you’re bound to steal the show at a festival!
Pieterskerk-Choorsteeg 2, Leiden 

Trasj & Tea: Situated on a corner of one of the nicest small bridges in Leiden you’ll find this relatively new concept store Trasj & Tea. A tea room and store in one. The concept is so cute: you buy a pot of tea there and you can get the first cup of it there in the store. Furthermore you came to the right place here if you’re looking for colourful living accessories that will definitely give your house that Ibiza bohemian feel.
Hooglandse Kerksteeg 12, Leiden – trasjandtea.nl

Trasj & Tea Leiden

Trasj & Tea

WOW Duurzaam Design: For the sustainable and conscious shoppers among us WOW Duurzaam Design in Leiden is unmissable. Here they only sell brands that produce their products in a sustainable and conscious way. Don’t expect old-fashioned designs though! No, at WOW everything is spot on when it comes to the latest fashion trends.
Breestraat 116, Leiden – wowduurzaamdesign.nl

Wow Leiden

WOW

VNTG: What started out as an online shop to make money on the side during college time, now grew up to be a warehouse full of vintage clothing, and the boutique VNTG that’s right next to the cute breakfast and lunch cafe called Roos. A great address to snoop around for vintage finds from the sixties, seventies, eighties and early nineties, and for vintage jewelry and bags in all sorts of colours and sizes.
Botermarkt 11, Leiden – facebook.com/VNTGlabel

vntg leiden

VNTG

Wonderful Nature: When you step into Wonderful Nature you really don’t know where to look for a second. So many special things are being presented in this store. From taxidermy insects and butterflies to other taxidermy animals, but also beautiful pottery, glass, books and other finds from nature like extraordinary feathers. The taxidermy animals that are being sold here died from a natural cause and are mostly bought from zoos. Because of that owner Esther can tell you exactly where everything came from.
Breestraat 114C, Leiden – wonderfulnature.nl

Wonderful Nature Leiden

Wonderful Nature

Pluum: If you’re looking for a special gift in Leiden you have to go to Pluum! From funny and cute post cards to accessories you can place in your home. Think of something and they’ll sell it al Pluum. Also nice to buy yourself a souvenir there!
Burgsteeg 2, Leiden – pluumwinkel.nl

Pluum Leiden

Pluum

7 X THE BEST RESTAURANTS & CAFES

Leidse Lente: Just outside the centre with the old canals you can find hotspot the Leidse Lente. Here they have an amazing coutyard where you can have a drink when the weather’s good, but inside it’s a good stay as well with its vintage furniture, and to have a seat in grandmothers’ lazy chair. A great spot to have a drink (they have lots of craft beers) or to visit one of the cultural evening with a varying evening program.
Haagweg 4, Leiden – galeriecafeleidselente.nl

Leidse Lente Leiden

Leidse Lente

The Bishop: The Bishop certainly is Leidens’ most hip gastrobar, wiithout a doubt. Make sure to reserve a table here on the first floor, with a view of the kitchen! Here they serve you delicious Burgundy dishes á la carte, or you can choose a 3, 4 or 5 course menu and let yourself be surprised by the Chef. That’s what we did and this is definitely a recommendation in combination with the fitting wines that owner and host Mello enthustiastically picks out for you. The restaurant is situated in a beautiful old establishment in the centre of Leiden and certainly a foodie-proof address you wouldn’t want to miss.
Middelweg 7, Leiden – thebishop.nl

The Bishop Leiden

The Bishop

Happy Tosti: Are you just as fond of tostis as I am? In that case you wouldn’t want to miss the best breakfast and lunch place in Leiden, Happy Tosti. Here you came to the right place when it comes to good coffee, home made ice tea and lemonade and lots of extraordinary tostis with combination you might not think of instantly yourself. I for once had a tosti raclette with raclette cheese and leek there. So tasty! I’m sure going to recreate that one at home myself.
Maarsmansteeg 10A, Leiden – happytosti.nl

Happy Tosti Leiden

Happy Tosti

Bar Lokaal: According to the ladies behind Kleedvermaak hotspot Bar Lokaal, which is a couple doors away, just opened its doors when we were in Leiden. A cosy cafe with vintage furniture that is open from breakfast till late in the evening. During lunch they also serve several tasty dishes there that you can order as a sandwich or as a salad. They also have a great terrace to have drink!
Hartesteeg 13, Leiden – barlokaal.nl

Bar Lokaal Leiden

Bar Lokaal

Lot en de Walvis: Close to the  lovely hotel De Barones van Leyden where we stayed at during our weekend getaway you can find hotspot Lot and de Walvis. If the weather’s nice it’s a great stay here out on the terrace with a view of the little harbour, but inside it’s also very nice. The cafe-restaurant is open from early till late and you can come here the whole day through for tasty food and drinks with flavours from all over the world. Lot en de Walvis has several different areas that each have their own unique vibe and therefore match with every mood of the day.
Haven 1, Leiden – lotendewalvis.nl

Lot en de Walvis Leiden

Lot en de Walvis

Bistro Bord’o: If you’re feeling like having an elaborate dinner than Bistro Bord’o is a recommendation. On our last evening in Leiden we had an amazing dinner here, with a kitchen view where the Chefs are busy cooking. They serve several dishes á la carte here, but if you’re into surprise then definitely go for the menu Bord’o. The evening will then start with several amuses and you will end it with all kinds of cheeses that you can pick out yourself from the cheese trolley!
Apothekersdijk 2, Leiden – bistrobordo.nl

Bistro Bord'o Leiden

Bistro Bord’o

Roos: One of the nicest places in Leiden for coffee, cake, breakfast and lunch is undoubtedly Roos. After a visit to the market you’ll find on Saturdays along the Nieuwe Rijn and the Botermarkt, we went here for a delicious piece of carrot cake and iced lattes. A small, cozy place situated right next to the store VNTG where you’ll definitely want to take a look inside as well!
Botermarkt 12, Leiden – roosleiden.nl

Roos Leiden

Roos

Have fun if you’re visiting Leiden anytime soon for a weekend away!

Tip: Make sure to check out Visitleiden.nl for many more tips on this lovely city.

Amsterdam Bucketlist
THINGS TO DO:
Canal Cruise by day or in the evening
A bike tour through Amsterdam OR Rent a bike by yourself
The best view over Amsterdam from the A’DAM Lookout
Visit Artis Royal Zoo
FAVOURITE MUSEUMS:
Rijksmuseum with the Dutch masters
Van Gogh Museum, a staple in Amsterdam
Stedelijk Museum for modern art lovers
MOCO Museum for street art
Photography museum FOAM
SEASONAL:
Amsterdam Light Festival (during winter months)
Cruise like a local with your own boat (great with good weather!)
ONE OF A KIND:
Discover the Instagrammable experience WONDR
Red Light District tour
Get out of town and into the Dutch country side of Giethoorn

| TIP: Buy an I amsterdam City Card. Save money on entrance fees to museums and attractions, public transport and profit from discounts on everything from restaurants to concerts. You can also skip some lines to make the most of your time in Amsterdam! You can buy a card for 24 hours up to 120 hours. Check the prices here >>

Our favourite hotels:
AFFORDABLE // €
Generator Hostel: the best poshtel of the city located in a park.
The Student Hotel: budget proof in trendy East.
Het Volkshotel: affordable and with a cool rooftop bar.
CitizenM: all you need is that XL bed (location near Amstel is great).
Motel One: budget design hotel with locations at
VERY VERY NICE // €€
Hotel V: with two locations and a great restaurant, in the city center and East.
Sir Adam: with the coolest view over Amsterdam.
Sweets: a unique stay in former bridge houses.
Park Plaza Vondelpark: located next to Vondelpark and beautifully renovated.
Hotel Dwars: small scale around the corner of the trendy Utrechtsestraat.
Pillows Anna van den Vondel: great hotel close to Vondelpark.
Hotel Mercier: new hotel in the cosy and historic Jordaan district.
INK Hotel: lifestyle hotel in the heart of the city.
The Hoxton: favourite lifestyle hotel right on the canals.
Morgan & Mees: boutique hotel in Amsterdam West.
Conscious Hotel Westerpark: in a beautiful building at the industrial Westergas area.
QO Amsterdam: eco design hotel with a great skybar.
TOP LUXURY // €€€
Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam: if you have something to celebrate this is the one.
Pulitzer Amsterdam: on the canals at the border of the Nine Streets and the Jordaan.
L’Europe: this hotel has the best spa with a view in Amsterdam.
Conservatorium Hotel: located in one of the most beautiful buildings in town.
W Amsterdam: with great restaurants and a rooftop bar with swimming pool.

More hotspots in Leiden

Let’s get social

I really hope you enjoy your time in Amsterdam! On my Instagram account @yourlbb you can find more recommendations and new hotspots in town.

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| PS: Traveling to Amsterdam with kids? My other website Travelkids.co & @travelkids.co is dedicated to family friendly travel. Check it out here >>

 

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Anne de Buck

Travel Essentials

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