Leiden is a beautiful city in the province of South Holland, located in the western part of the Netherlands. It is a historic city with a rich history and many attractions. There are plenty of great places to have a drink or dinner. In this blog, we will give you all the tips on the hotspots in Leiden.

Going out for a drink in Leiden?
Stadscafé van der Werff
Stadscafé van der Werff is a historic café-restaurant in the center of Leiden, located on Steenstraat. For over 200 years, the café-restaurant has been an important meeting place for the residents of Leiden and is named after its founder, Jan van der Werff.
The café-restaurant has a large terrace at the front, where visitors can enjoy their drinks or meals while overlooking the busy streets of the city. The menu of Stadscafé van der Werff offers a variety of dishes, from lunch options such as sandwiches and salads to hot meals such as burgers, pastas, and meat dishes. The café-restaurant also has an extensive beer menu with different local and international beers, as well as a selection of wines and cocktails.
Stadscafé van der Werff also regularly organizes events such as live music and special themed nights. The café-restaurant is also a popular venue for weddings, parties, and corporate events.
Café De Twee Spieghels
Café De Twee Spieghels is a famous café located in the center of Leiden, the Netherlands. The café is situated on the Nieuwe Rijn, one of the main canals of the city, and is housed in a historic building dating back to the 17th century. Café De Twee Spieghels also has a rich history. The café was once a popular meeting place for artists, writers, and poets, such as Jan Wolkers and J.B. Charles. In the 1960s, the café became a center of student protests and political discussions.
Today, Café De Twee Spieghels is a beloved spot for a beer or a bite to eat, and it is an important part of Leiden's vibrant nightlife scene. The café is popular among students, locals, and tourists, and is known for its cozy atmosphere and friendly service.
Roebels
Café Roebels is a well-known café in Leiden, located on the Lange Mare. The café is known for its cozy atmosphere and welcoming staff. Roebels is a popular meeting place for both students and locals. It has a wide selection of drinks and also offers some delicious snacks and meals. The café also has a large outdoor terrace where guests can enjoy the sun in the summer.
In addition to serving drinks and food, Café Roebels regularly organizes events, such as live music and pub quizzes. The café is also popular among sports fans, as it has large screens showing live sports events.
Beercafé Olivier
Beercafé Olivier is a well-known beer bar in Leiden, located on Hooigracht. The café is housed in a former church building and has an impressive decor with high vaults, stained-glass windows, and chandeliers.
The café is known for its extensive selection of Belgian beers on tap and in bottles. There are more than 20 beers on tap available, as well as over 150 bottled beers. In addition to beer, Beercafé Olivier also serves delicious snacks and meals such as Flemish fries, stew, and mussels.
Beercafé Olivier also has a large outdoor terrace where guests can enjoy the sunny weather and a refreshing beer. The café regularly organizes events such as tastings and live music.
De Vergulde Kruik
De Vergulde Kruik is a historic café in the center of Leiden, located on the Oude Rijn. The café dates back to the 17th century and is known for its authentic and traditional atmosphere.
The interior of De Vergulde Kruik has been well-preserved and still has many of its original elements, such as the old wooden paneling and the original tiles on the floor. The café also has a large terrace by the water where guests can enjoy the view of Leiden's picturesque canals.
De Vergulde Kruik has an extensive selection of beers on tap and in bottles, as well as a selection of wines and spirits. The café also offers a number of snacks and meals such as bitterballen, cheese platters, and sandwiches. The café is popular with both locals and tourists and is a great place to relax and enjoy a drink in a historic and cozy environment.
Anne & Max
Anne & Max is a cozy and trendy café in the center of Leiden, located on Nieuwe Rijn. The café specializes in breakfast, lunch, and coffee and offers an extensive menu with delicious and healthy options.
Anne & Max is a popular meeting place for both locals and tourists. The café has a modern and light interior with a relaxed atmosphere and offers free wifi for customers. Guests can enjoy a delicious breakfast, such as yogurt with muesli and fresh fruit, or a hearty lunch, such as a sandwich with smoked salmon and cream cheese.The café also has an extensive selection of coffee, tea, and other beverages, including smoothies and fresh juices. There are also several sweet treats available, such as cakes, muffins, and scones.
Anne & Max regularly organizes events and workshops such as coffee tastings and baking workshops, which have made the café even more popular among the local community.
Going out for diner in Leiden?
De Waag
Restaurant De Waag is a historic restaurant located in the center of Leiden, Netherlands. The restaurant is situated in a 15th-century monumental building that originally served as a weighing house and later as the city hall. It is one of the oldest buildings in Leiden and is a popular destination for both tourists and locals.
In addition to the restaurant, De Waag also offers the possibility to host meetings, weddings, or other events in one of the rooms in the building. The restaurant also has a terrace overlooking the historic City Hall square, making it a great place to enjoy a drink or a meal during the warmer months.
Bistro Bree56
Bistro Bree56 is a cozy French bistro located at Breestraat 56 in Leiden. The restaurant was founded in 2016 and offers an informal and relaxed atmosphere for both lunch and dinner. Bistro Bree56's menu is inspired by French cuisine and offers a mix of classic and contemporary dishes.
The restaurant uses local and seasonal ingredients, providing a fresh and tasty dining experience. It is a perfect place for a romantic dinner or a cozy meal with friends or family. Bistro Bree56 also has an extensive wine list with French wines and offers a great selection of cocktails and mocktails.
Lot & de Walvis
Lot & de Walvis is a popular hospitality establishment in the historic city of Leiden, located at Haven 1. The restaurant is named after the famous story of the biblical figure Jonah, who according to the story was swallowed by a whale and spit out on the beach three days later. The interior of Lot & de Walvis is decorated with a maritime theme, with a mix of vintage and contemporary elements that create a unique atmosphere. The restaurant also has a spacious terrace on the canal, where guests can enjoy the view of the water and passing boats.
In addition to the restaurant, Lot & de Walvis also offers space for events and parties. The location is popular for weddings, corporate events, and other gatherings due to the unique atmosphere and beautiful surroundings.
City Hall
City Hall restaurant is a restaurant in Leiden located in the former city hall of the city. It is located on Breestraat, in the heart of Leiden's historic center. The restaurant is located on the ground floor of the building, where the archive and offices of the municipality were previously located. The interior of the restaurant is modern and stylish, with a mix of contemporary elements and historical details that reflect the original architecture of the building. The restaurant has an open kitchen, where guests can see how the dishes are prepared.
In addition to lunch and dinner, City Hall restaurant also offers the possibility of high tea, a drink, or a festive occasion. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list with carefully selected wines from different countries.
Pavarotti
The Pavarotti restaurant in Leiden is located on Turfmarkt, near the central station. The restaurant offers Italian cuisine with an extensive menu of pizzas, pastas, antipasti, and other dishes. The interior of the restaurant is warm and cozy, with a large open kitchen and a stylish bar. There is also a large terrace overlooking the water of the Old Rhine, where guests can enjoy their meal in good weather.
The restaurant is popular with both locals and tourists and is known for the high quality of its food and friendly service. The restaurant also regularly organizes events such as wine tastings and live music evenings.
Einstein
Einstein is a restaurant in Leiden located in a historic building on the Nieuwe Rijn, one of the most beautiful canals in the city. The restaurant is named after the famous scientist Albert Einstein and has a quirky and contemporary atmosphere with a mix of vintage and modern elements.
In addition to lunch and dinner, Einstein also offers the opportunity to enjoy a delicious breakfast with fresh bread and juices. The restaurant also has a bar with an extensive selection of wines, beers, and cocktails. The restaurant has a beautiful terrace overlooking the canal, where guests can enjoy the view of the water and passing boats.
Het Pakhuis
Het Pakhuis is a restaurant in Leiden located in a former warehouse on the Doelensteeg, in the historic center of the city. The restaurant has a cozy and informal atmosphere with an industrial look, with brick walls, steel beams, and high ceilings.
In addition to lunch and dinner, Het Pakhuis also offers the opportunity to enjoy a drink with various snacks and drinks. The restaurant also has an extensive selection of beers and wines. The interior of Het Pakhuis is cozy and informal, with an open kitchen where guests can see how the dishes are prepared. The restaurant also has an atmospheric terrace where guests can enjoy their meal or drink during the warmer months.
Freddy's
Freddy's is a cozy and atmospheric eatery in the center of Leiden, located on Nieuwe Beestenmarkt. The café has a laid-back atmosphere and attracts a mixed audience of locals and tourists. Freddy's specializes in burgers and steaks and offers an extensive menu with various meat dishes and side dishes. The café uses only fresh high-quality ingredients and prepares everything to order, making the dishes fresh and tasty. The café also has a large terrace at the front where guests can enjoy the sunny weather and the lively street life of Nieuwe Beestenmarkt.
In addition to food, Freddy's also offers an extensive drinks menu, including a number of special beers on tap and from bottles. There is also a selection of cocktails and other spirits available. Freddy's is a popular place for a cozy night out or an informal meal with friends and family. The relaxed atmosphere and delicious food make it a must-visit place for anyone looking for good food and a fun time in Leiden.
Annie's
Annie's is a cozy café and restaurant in the center of Leiden, located on Breestraat. The café is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and has a varied menu with many different dishes. The café also has a large terrace at the front where guests can enjoy the beautiful weather and the lively street life of Breestraat.
The menu at Annie's offers a range of dishes, from traditional Dutch dishes to international dishes, including salads, sandwiches, pastas, and meat dishes. There are also a number of vegetarian options available.
The café also has an extensive selection of drinks, including specialty beers, wines, and cocktails. There is also a selection of sweet treats available, such as cakes, muffins, and scones. Annie's also regularly organizes events and themed evenings, including live music, quiz nights, and wine tastings, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
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You can browse through our event list to find relevant information about parties, restaurants, and bars. You can also browse through the social media feed to view real-time photos and videos taken from locations by other users. Post your own photos or videos and earn a digital token that can be spent at Nocto partners. Nocto can not only guide you through the night, but you can also have experiences such as free drinks, entry, skip the queue, and more.
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