City Breaks in Leiden
From Canals to Coffeeshops in the Scenic Dutch City
Like the better known capital city of Amsterdam, Leiden is also built on a system of canals and has the same unusual architecture and interesting narrow streets.
The city is also home to some lively bars and coffeeshops which again reflect the popular culture of the capital. Although it has the same laws regarding cannabis and prostitution as Amsterdam, it has yet to attract the same cult following on the stag holiday and backpacking circuits.
Laid-Back City
However, that’s where the similarities between Amsterdam and Leiden end. The smaller city has a much more laid-back and tranquil atmosphere away from the crowds, high prices and neon lights which have characterized Amsterdam in recent years.
In addition, Leiden is packed with even more great scenery, including several traditional windmills (one of which is now a museum) and attractive Botanical Gardens.
Just €5 admission (less for students), the Botanical Gardens are well worth a visit for both their pleasant atmosphere which reflects the relaxed vibe of the rest of the city and for the range of plants, which even includes a gallery of carnivorous species.
Restaurants
There are a variety of eateries around the city, from McDonald’s and FEBO chains (the Dutch equivalent of the burger giant) to some quality and classy restaurants.
In the streets around Caecillastraat, there are a number of international places serving everything from Dim Sum to tapas. However, perhaps the best value for money is to be found in the quaint cobbled streets around Pieterskirkhof.
One of the most attractive parts of the city, this area near the Botanical Gardens has a handful of busy cafes, studenty bars and family-run restaurants.
Nightlife
Just like its restaurant scene, Leiden has a varied nightlife, with venues ranging from British-style pubs and trendy cocktail bars to typically laid-back cafés which stretch along the edge of the canals.
Stadhuisplein, whilst more commercialized than nearby Pieterskirkhof, has a huge number of bars packed shoulder-to-shoulder around the square. Staying open until late, they transform this part of Leiden into a vibrant city with plenty of entertainment to cater to every taste and budget.
The club at City Hall is one of the most popular in Leiden, especially on the weekend where long queues often form of the city’s young, fashionable residents hoping to crowd in and dance to the house and electro music.
Leiden makes a great destination for a city break, offering a great blend of entertainment and scenery, with a unique laid-back vibe. And, what’s more, it’s a very affordable city!
Windmills in Leiden
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The Botanical Gardens
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Picturesque Cafes
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