Top 5 terraces
Sunny Leiden is best experienced from a terrace. These five terraces combine great atmosphere, a central location and a tasty menu.
Top 5 terracesTop 5 restaurants
You do not have to look far for a night out in Leiden. These restaurants serve refined dishes in atmospheric, often monumental buildings.
Top 5 restaurantsTop 5 breakfast spots
Start your day right with fresh coffee, pancakes or a hearty breakfast. These places open early and are usually right in the city centre.
Top 5 breakfast spotsTop 5 dinner spots
Whether you are tempted by French classics or Dutch seasonal dishes, these five addresses are perfect for an evening meal.
Top 5 dinner spotsTop 5 lunch spots
Need a break between museum visits and a canal cruise? These lunch spots are within walking distance of the canals and museums.
Top 5 lunch spotsTop 5 bars
Leiden has a lively pub culture. From brown cafés along the canal to cosy neighbourhood pubs: these are our favourite places for a drink.
Top 5 barsTop 5 coffee spots
For a good espresso, latte art or a relaxed breakfast. These coffee bars know what they are serving.
Top 5 coffee spotsFrequently asked questions
- Where is the best food in Leiden?
- Around Nieuwe Rijn, Botermarkt and Pieterskerk you will find most restaurants; our top 5 lists collect local favourites.
- Do I need to book a table?
- At weekends and on waterside terraces it is wise to reserve, especially after 6pm.
- Where are the nicest terraces?
- Along Nieuwe Rijn, at Beestenmarkt and beside the Hooglandse Kerk you sit in the sun with a view over the city.
Continue exploring Leiden
- Top 5 terracesThe 5 best terraces in Leiden: Bar Lokaal, Bikini Bikini, Hortus Grand Café, Stadscafé Van der Werff and Annies — address, map and tips.
- Top 5 restaurantsWhere to eat in Leiden: our five favourite restaurants, from café classics to fine dining — with address, map and booking tips.
- Top 5 breakfast spotsThe best breakfast and brunch in Leiden: five spots in the historic centre, with opening hours, address and map.
- Top 5 dinner spotsDinner in Leiden: five atmospheric places for an evening out, from canal-side terraces to surprise menus — with address and map.
- Top 5 lunch spotsLunch in Leiden: Roos, Brasserie Rumour, Einstein, Annies and Stadscafé Van der Werff — with address, map and opening hours.
- Top 5 barsDrinks in Leiden: De Bonte Koe, De Vergulde Kruik, De Marepoort, De Uyl van Hoogland and L'Espérance — with address and map.
- Top 5 coffee spotsSpecialty coffee in Leiden: Borgman & Borgman, 30ml, iScream Coffee, Het Koffiehuisje and Tuincafé Zondag — with address and map.







