Are you looking for a nice city to stroll around the canals, sit down for a coffee on one of the many terraces or want to go shopping at vintage stores and unique boutiques? Leiden, also known as the City of Discoveries is a perfect choice. It is close to the beach, has plenty to offer for sightseeing and activities and it’s not crowded with tourists.
5 hotspots for shopping in Leiden
Skip the standard fashion chains. Leiden has so many concept stores, boutiques and vintage stores to find unique and handmade items.
Hartendief
Hartendief sells vintage, new and second-hand clothing from brands like Burberry, Levi’s and Lois Jeans. You can also find home accessories which are regularly hand made. Hartendief was the first vintage store in Leiden.
Breestraat 171
Modejacht
This store stole my heart. Modejacht offers the perfect combination of vintage items and plants. The owner buys vintage clothing, shoes and bags from different countries and most of the items are from the 1970s. She makes sure that all the clothing has beautiful details, finishes and fabrics. And to immediately give your house a makeover, take a plant with you. These too have been carefully selected and these types of plants are not easily found anywhere else.
Haarlemmerstraat 223-225
Own & Club
Own & Club is a fashion store where you can only find good quality clothing. Own & Club has a store and webshop where you will find brands such as Samsoe, Samsoe, American Vintage, Moscow and Love Stories.
Gangetje 5
VNTG
VNTG offers vintage clothing to support a sustainable online clothing business that is up-cycles, reuses and donates where-ever possible. At this store, you’ll find affordable and unique vintage clothing and accessories. Here you will find beautiful gems with a conscious and underlying idea. Certainly worth a visit!
Botermarkt 11
MEI
A concept store full of vintage and fair trade home accessories, jewelry and gifts. The owner travels around the world and looks for craftsmen and women who make products themselves with love and pleasure. She takes these products to her store to sell. In this way, she gives something back to the local population and makes her customers happy with unique and special items. Read the full story here. If you’re looking for a unique and special gift, you should take a look here.
Pieterskerk-Choorsteeg 18
4 hotspots for food and wine in Leiden
Whether you are looking for a place to start your day with a cup of coffee and a hearty breakfast, want to have a nice dinner with friends or have a drink on a terrace, Leiden has it all. The city is full of terraces on the water and hidden gems in the narrow alleys.
Lot en de Walvis
My favorite spot in Leiden. All experiences, ideas and souvenirs of owner’s Lot and her travels in the camper called Whale (walvis) come together in this restaurant Lot en de Walvis. A nice place on the harbor, a sunny terrace and just good food. The interior is cozy and is a mix of vintage and design. Start your day here with a nice cup of coffee, lunch with a view of the harbor or drink one of the tasty cocktails.
Haven 1
Jeanpagne
Settle down for a good glass of wine or champagne on the cozy terrace of wine bar Jeanpagne. You can find this spot in the pleasant center of Leiden.
Nieuwe Rijn 27
Midi Marche
Fragrant coffees, freshly blended shakes, home-made soups, fresh Mediterranean sandwiches, salads and fresh meals. Be inspired by the flavors of Midi’s food and drinks. You can enjoy your lunch over there or take the food with you and enjoy it in the park.
Gangetje 10
City Hall
In the middle of the historic center of Leiden, you will find Italian bar-bistro City Hall, located in a part of the centuries-old monumental City Hall. Every day of the week you can enjoy Italian dishes, a good glass of wine or a cup of coffee. In the winter you can enjoy the cozy ambiance inside and during summer you can sit on a sunny terrace overlooking the canals.
Stadshuisplein 3
Leiden has narrow streets, canals and historic buildings. You can enjoy yourself for hours by walking in the city. Rapenburg, Lage Mors, De Waard and de Oude Vest are pretty areas to stroll around, especially by night. Enjoy!
Hi! My name is Manon, an Amsterdam based travel junkie who wants to explore at least three new destinations each year. Follow my personal Instagram: @manonheitkamp
