Leiden hotspots city guide
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Anne

 

May 8, 2020
March 30 2026

Leiden City guide: 26 tips from hotspots to restaurants, hotels, and fun things to do

One of the cities that surprised me the most during all my STAYCATIONS in Leiden  is perhaps Leiden. A city that immediately brought to mind associations with students and student pubs, and less as a suitable destination for a weekend getaway in one's own country. But let's just say that Leiden has matured. And it's really great! With the cozy old center, the canals you can also sail on, the narrow streets around the Pieterskerk, the beautiful Hortus Botanicus and hotspots that seem to be popping up like mushrooms. We have collected all the fun things for you in this Leiden City Guide.

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Come with me to get breakfast in Taipei 🥢

Straight from the airport to this little place to taste soup dumplings and so much more! That's what I call a soft landing 😉 <3

In Taipei, you go to a Soy Milk Shop for breakfast. Warm soy milk to eat in a bowl, and steam baskets with the tastiest dumplings and baozi. You can really wake me up for this kind of breakfast. These local breakfast spots come in all shapes and sizes, from Michelin-recommended spots to hole-in-the-wall stalls.

Most soy milk shops open early (and sometimes even 24 hours a day), and these are the dishes you want to try:
🥄 Warm soy milk
🥢 Soup dumplings (you can often choose between pork and veggies)
🥢 Pork baozi
🥢 Youtiao (油條 - a kind of fried donut stick)
🥢 Youtiao (油條) w/ pork floss & rice
🥢 Turnip cake
🥢 Chives pancake
🥢 Scallion pancake

TIP: Sharing is a good idea to taste as much as possible, because the portions are (often) large.

You'll want to remember these soy milk shops for your future trip to Taipei:
📍Fuhang Soy Milk
📍Soy Milk Shop
📍Yong He Soya Milk King (Da'an)
📍Sihai Soy Milk

I am currently touring Taiwan, and you can also find all the tips in my Stories Highlight.

Have you ever been to Taiwan? I'm curious if you thought it was *that* amazing!

✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck

#taipeifood #taipeitravel #TaiwanWavesOfWonder #ExperienceTaiwan @taiwantoerisme #presstrip

{ In this Taiwan Travel Guide video, I share my favorite breakfast spots in Taipei for an authentic Taiwanese breakfast }

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Open post by yourlbb with ID 18114837760796928
Come with me to get breakfast in Taipei 🥢 Straight from the airport to this little spot to taste soup dumplings and so much more! That's what I call a soft landing 😉

Just back from Catalonia and I thought: I'll share some tips right away.

During our road trip, we stayed two nights in the Ebro Delta. An incredibly fun stop for families and foodies, where there is plenty to do.

• A boat trip to the Musclarium is a must! Here you eat oysters and mussels straight from the farm, in the middle of the sea.

· Admire the flamingos and black ibises that can be found here all year round.

· Rice is grown in the Ebro Delta all year round. For paella, but Kensho also makes sake and miso from it! You can visit them during a tasting.

Cycling along the rice fields, canoeing on the Ebro River, and visiting various beaches. It was still a bit too cold right now, but there is plenty to do.

• The towns are very low-key and not that exciting, but you can find fantastic local food there. From the Michelin-awarded Les Moles* to local eateries like Vermuteria Bonmarisc and Lo Tinglado. We ate a lot of fish, but also anemone fritters (a first!).

Now back to work, and I’m going to create an extensive travel guide of this road trip through Catalonia, but you’ll want to save these tips for a future adventure.

✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck

{ In this post, I share tips for the Ebro Delta in Spain (Delta de l'Ebre). More tips for Catalonia can be found at www.yourlittleblackbook.me }

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Open post by yourlbb with ID 18097073803922476
Just back from Catalonia and I thought: I'll share some tips right away. During our road trip, we stayed two nights in the Ebro Delta. An incredibly fun stop for families and foodies alike, where there is plenty to do. · A boat trip to the Musclarium is a must! Here you eat oysters and mussels straight from the farm, in the middle of the sea. · Admire the flamingos and black ibises that can be found here all year round. · Rice is grown in the Ebro Delta all year round. For paella, but Kensho also makes sake and miso from it! You can visit them during a tasting. · Cycling along the rice fields, canoeing on the Ebro River, and visiting various beaches. It was still a bit too cold now, but there is plenty to do. · The towns are very low-key and not that exciting, but you can find fantastic local food there. From the Michelin-awarded Les Moles* to local eateries like Vermuteria Bonmarisc and Lo Tinglado. We ate a lot of fish, but also anemone fritters (a first!). Now back to work, and I’m going to create an extensive travel guide of this road trip through Catalonia, but you’ll want to save these tips for a future adventure. ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck { In this post, I share tips for the Ebro Delta in Spain (Delta de l'Ebre). More tips for Catalonia can be found at www.yourlittleblackbook.me }

PUUR YONNIE, an ode to Jonnie Boer.

Today I had the honor of being at @delibrijezwolle for the book launch of @jonnie_en_therese.
I spent the whole evening reading and flipping through the pages.

WHAT A BOOK.
What stories.
WHAT AN ODE.

Love, Nature, Pioneer, Fatherhood, Music, Jonnie's Foundation, Friendship, Suppliers, Local products, Relaxation, Entrepreneurship, Humor & The pure human being.

Everything passes by, beautifully written by @joel.broekaert.

With contributions from, among others, @nelsontanate, @rekkebus, @ronblaauwtje, @jorisbijdendijk, @sidney_schutte & @hvw043.

Thanks for the lovely afternoon @jonnie_en_therese 💚

PURE JONNIE,
From 14 April
at your local bookstore
(and online)

🖊️ @anne_de_buck

64 3
Open post by yourlbb with ID 18015575372841444
PUUR JONNIE, an ode to Jonnie Boer. Today I had the honor of being at @delibrijezwolle for the book launch of @jonnie_en_therese. I spent the entire evening reading and browsing. WHAT A BOOK. What stories. WHAT AN ODE. Love, Nature, Pioneer, Fatherhood, Music, Jonnie's Foundation, Friendship, Suppliers, Local products, Relaxation, Entrepreneurship, Humor & The pure human being. Everything is covered, beautifully written by @joel.broekaert. With contributions from, among others, @nelsontanate, @rekkebus, @ronblaauwtje, @jorisbijdendijk, @sidney_schutte & @hvw043. Thanks for the wonderful afternoon @jonnie_en_therese 💚 PUUR JONNIE, Available from April 14 at your local bookstore (and online) 🖊️ @anne_de_buck

This is your ticket to Japan without taking a plane 🥢

@tewatashi.ams in De Pijp serves an authentic Edo-Mae Sushi Experience and is super consistent in their quality.
It's the place we keep going back to when we have something to celebrate <3.

In this video I'm sharing the 2 hour experience in 60 seconds.

Still dreaming about the buttery ika nigiri. 🤤

✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck

{ one of the best authentic Japanese restaurants in Amsterdam serving premium sushi omakase in De Pijp }

193 8
Open post by yourlbb with ID 18085552346348965
This is your ticket to Japan without taking a plane 🥢 @tewatashi.ams in De Pijp serves an authentic Edo-Mae Sushi Experience and is super consistent in their quality. It's the place we keep going back to when we have something to celebrate <3. In this video I'm sharing the 2 hour experience in 60 seconds. Still dreaming about the buttery ika nigiri. 🤤 ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck { one of the best authentic Japanese restaurants in Amsterdam serving premium sushi omakase in De Pijp }

2 Best Hotels in Leiden // Leiden City Guide

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 you have a view 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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best hotels lead

© ExLibris Boutique Hotel, Leiden

Boutique Hotel D'oude Morsch

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

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© Boutique Hotel D'oude Morsch

14 Restaurants to Have on Your Radar in Leiden // Leiden city guide

DOLLY EATING CAFE

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

CITY CAFE VAN DER WERFF

Thanks to its location on the street corner and spacious terrace, you can almost always find a spot in the sun at Stadscafé van der Werff, perfect for starting the day quietly with coffee and moving on to lunch or drinks later. Tip: on Sundays, you can get a cheeseburger with Duvel 666 for €16,66. If you stick around a bit longer, there is a good chance you will catch live music during Werff's Live.
Steenstraat 2, Leiden – stadscafevanderwerff.nl

TABÚ

If you're looking for Latin American vibes, you've come to the right place. The menu features tacos, bocadillas, and other dishes that are perfect for sharing (or just keeping for yourself). Even better: every Tuesday is Taco Tuesday with a great deal including a margarita, and on the first Sunday of the month, you'll want to pull up a chair for the bottomless brunch.
Rembrandtstraat 27, Leiden – tabu.nl

© Tabú

Restaurants to have on your radar in Leiden // Leiden city guide

BRASSERIE RUMOUR

Tucked away on a small square near the Castle, you can enjoy a surprisingly quiet atmosphere at Brasserie Rumour, right in the city center. With live jazz on Sundays and a pub quiz on Mondays, there is always something going on here. Also nice: from Sunday to Wednesday, you can enjoy a 2-course dinner for €29,50.
Burgsteeg 13, Leiden – brasserierumour.nl

CITY HALL LEIDEN

For a dose of Italy in Leiden, you've come to the right place. During the day, it's a lovely spot for a long pranzo; in the evening, it's all about pasta, pizza, and good vibes. With regular nights like pasta for €15 and pizza for €10, it's a place you can easily drop in on a weekday. In the mood for something extra? The dinner show takes you on an evening filled with Italian classics, music, and energy.
Town Hall Square 3, Leiden – restaurantcityhall.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 

Restaurants to have on your radar in Leiden // Leiden city guide

TheBishop

The Bishop is without a doubt Leiden's hippest gastrobar. Reserve a table on the first floor with a view of the kitchen! Enjoy delicious Burgundian à la carte dishes or choose a 3-, 4-, or 5-course menu and let the chef surprise you. Housed in a beautiful historic building in Leiden's city center, it's a foodie-friendly spot not to be missed.
Middleweg 7, Leiden – thebishop.nl

Waag

It's certainly not a hidden gem! It's a cozy grand café in a historic building that once served as—you guessed it—a weigh house and was the center of Leiden's trade. A consistently good spot with a beautiful interior, perfect for drinks or a bite to eat while shopping.
Aalmarkt 21, Leiden – waagleiden.nl

Bistro Bord'o

If you are in the mood for an elaborate dinner, Bistro Bord'o is highly recommended. They serve various à la carte dishes, but if you enjoy 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, which you can find on Saturdays along the Nieuwe Rijn and the Botermarkt, I went here for a delicious slice of carrot cake and an iced latte. A small and cozy place located right next to the VNTG shop, which is definitely worth popping into as well!
Botermarkt 12, Leiden – Roosleiden.nl 

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

Bar Local

Hotspot Bar Lokaal is 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!
Hartensteeg 14, Leiden – Barlokaal.nl

The Crazy Jan

This classic French bistro in the beautiful Pieterskwartier is the place for the true gourmands among us. The menu changes regularly, but it is always delicious. A wide selection of wine, seasonal products, and live jazz music. We say: Bonjour!
Nieuwsteeg 9, Leiden – Bistromallejan.nl

The Blacksmith's Garden

As soon as you arrive here, it feels like you've completely escaped the city for a moment. Surrounded by greenery, with chickens, sheep, and even donkeys roaming around, De Tuin van de Smid is a place where you automatically slow down. You sit down for coffee and cake or an organic lunch with plenty of seasonal vegetables, and before you know it, a few hours have passed. Also nice: grab an ice cream to go and then take a walk through the surroundings.
Polderpad 8, Leiden – Detuinvandesmid.nl

© De Tuin van de Smid

4 Fun Shops for Shopping in Leiden // Leiden City Guide

Bentveld Interior

No matter which city we visit, we can never get enough of a good interior design store. Bentveld Interieur is one of them. This unique boutique has been a household name in Leiden and the surrounding area for 60 years, and for good reason: you'll get lost among the incredible furniture, from classic to modern, from brands like Vitra, Thonet, Muuto, and USM. 
New Rhine 24, Leiden – bentveldinterieur.nl

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

Studio Alter

Minimalist, calm, and with an eye for detail: Studio Alter is a concept store inspired by the Scandinavian lifestyle. Here you can shop beautiful fashion and home decor basics that give your interior a clean and timeless feel. From home accessories to everyday items, everything possesses that characteristic simplicity and quality. 
New Rhine 44, Leiden – studioalter.nl

VNTG

What started as an online shop as a side hustle during their student days has now grown into a warehouse full of vintage clothing and the VNTG boutique, located right next to the charming breakfast and lunch café Roos. It's a great place to browse for vintage finds from the '60s, '70s, '80s, and early '90s, as well as vintage jewelry and bags in all shapes and sizes.
Botermarkt 11, Leiden – Instagram page 

| TIP: Curious about more great shops in Leiden that you don't want to miss? Then check out the Your Little Black Book shortlist with 10 of the best shops in Leiden to have on your radar >> 

© VNTG Leiden

6 Bucket List Tips for Leiden // Leiden City Guide

Celebrate the Relief of Leiden

October 3rd is a very common day everywhere in the Netherlands, but not for the people of Leiden. All of Leiden goes to the fair, celebrates, and eats hutspot (a Dutch hutspot). They've been doing this since the 16th century. The evening of October 2nd to 3rd is a great day to visit. The whole city is transformed into one big bar with a lively atmosphere – definitely worth experiencing!
Leidsontzet.com

Take a courtyard walk

Leiden has about 35 courtyards, tranquil spots where there is no sign of the hustle and bustle of modern life. Worth visiting are, among others, the Jean Pesijnhofje, the Loridanshofje, and the Eva van Hoogeveenhofje. Keep your (Google) map handy and take a lovely tour of these courtyards.

Visit Museum Night Leiden

During this evening, several Leiden museums will open their doors. Participating museums include the oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands, the Hortus Botanicus, the renowned Museum Volkenkunde (Museum of Ethnology), and the Old Observatory. Highly recommended!
Museumnachtleiden.nl

| TIP: Curious about more fun things to do in Leiden? Then check out the Your Little Black Book shortlist with the 11 best tips you don't want to miss >> 

Leiden city guide

Museum of Ethnology, Leiden

Visit the Leiden Cabaret Festival

The Leiden Cabaret Festival has been a leading platform for young cabaret talent since 1978. Previous editions have produced renowned comedians like Najib Amhali, Javier Guzman, and Sanne Wallis de Vries. It's going to be a laugh!
Leidscabaretfestival.nl

Leiden Botanical Garden

When I want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a moment, I like to take a walk. the Botanical GardenThis is one of those places where you naturally slow down and keep discovering something new. From tropical greenhouses to centuries-old trees and unique plants, it almost feels like you're on a journey here. Perfect for a quiet walk, alone or together, right in the heart of Leiden. 
Rapenburg 73, Leiden – hortusleiden.nl

Book tickets

Naturalis 

Looking for a museum that is anything but boring? Then you've come to the right place at Naturalis Biodiversity Center. It is certainly a hit with kids: from coming face-to-face with T. rex Trix to exploring on their own in the LiveScience Lab. With scavenger hunts, interactive exhibits, and beautiful exhibitions, you can easily spend a few hours here.
Darwinweg 2, Leiden – naturalis.nl

Leiden city guide

Naturalis © Yourlbb

Discover more tips in the
Leiden Little Black Book

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Train City Trips

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Leiden Tips

To do

Antwerp from € 21,-

Shopping in Antwerp for a day? Take the train! Check the direct connections here.

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London from €100 return

Travel from Amsterdam to London in 4 hours and 13 minutes without changing trains by Eurostar.

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Paris from €35,-

Much more relaxing than flying! Take the Eurostar to Paris and get off at Gare du Nord.

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Accommodation

Flora Batava

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Relais & Châteaux Orphanage Gouda

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The Den

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Deals

Maris Apartments

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The Wine Lodge

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Poort Beach Boutique Apartments

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Travel Essentials

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Read more?

11 X best terraces in Leiden for a full day in the sun

Day trip to Leiden? Discover the 8 best sights and activities.

10 X fun breakfast hotspots in Leiden

16 Coffee Shops in Leiden That Coffee Lovers Want to Know

Eetcafé Dolly in Leiden: your new favorite on the canal

14 x best lunch in Leiden for a nice break

 

@yourlbb

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