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De Waag in Leiden — listed monument: De Waag on the Aalmarkt is Leiden's classical weigh house

De Waag in Leiden

De Waag on the Aalmarkt is Leiden's classical weigh house, designed by Pieter Post, with a frieze of porters above the entrance.

What you see at De Waag

Look at the relief above the doors: men weighing and carrying bales of cloth. The building now houses a restaurant, so you can see the interior too.

The history of De Waag

From 1658 onwards, goods arriving in the city by water were weighed here — quality control for Leiden's cloth industry.

Visiting De Waag: practical tips

It stands on the Aalmarkt between the Haarlemmerstraat and the Nieuwe Rijn, nine minutes from the station, and can be admired from outside at any time.

Combine with nearby places

Things to do nearby

Location, opening hours & tickets

Address

De Waag
Aalmarkt 21
2311 EC Leiden

9-minute walk from Leiden Centraal

Opening hours

Freely accessible, day and night

Opening hours and prices are indicative — check the official website before your visit, especially around public holidays.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a ticket for De Waag?
No fixed admission price is listed for De Waag; check the official website for current rates.
Can you buy tickets for De Waag online?
Tickets for De Waag are sold at the desk or via the official website. Our tickets page does offer combination tickets for other Leiden attractions.
How do I get to De Waag?
De Waag is a 9-minute walk from Leiden Centraal. Arriving by car? Use a city-centre car park and walk the last stretch.
When is De Waag least busy?
Weekday mornings just after opening and the final hour before closing are the quietest times at De Waag. School holidays, Sundays and public holidays are busiest.