Bars in Leiden

One of the most beloved bars in Leiden and a genuine national institution: Nr. 2 in the Netherlands Café Top 100. The interior was originally fitted out by a butcher who is said to have gone bankrupt before opening, leaving behind a magnificent set of tile panels depicting rural scenes manufactured by tile maker Holland of Utrecht (1893-1918) and unchanged for over a century. Sourcing entirely independently without contracts with major breweries, the bar offers top-quality products from smaller producers: nine tap beers, specialty bottled beers, and open house wines. The Bonte Koe house beer is a consistent favourite. Described as one of the finest pubs in the Netherlands by locals who do not mean this lightly. Best burgers in Leiden according to regulars.

A cosy and historic brown pub on the Vrouwenkerkplein near the Haarlemmerstraat, with a lovely terrace on the square of the former Vrouwenkerk and live music several evenings a week. Sunday live jazz and blues performances have built a devoted following among Leiden regulars. The extensive Belgian beer selection from tap is a core part of the identity. A Trappist room on the first floor is available for private bookings. Frequented by locals rather than tourists, with a welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy to spend several hours. The live music on Sundays is consistently praised as one of the best regular free entertainment offerings in Leiden.

A Belgian beer café housed in the former Hooigracht hospital building, with a well-curated selection of Belgian beers and a cosy, quirky interior that rewards a long evening. In addition to excellent Belgian draught and bottled beers, the café regularly organises pub quizzes, dance nights, and live performances. Worth visiting for the building and interior decorations alone alongside the beer quality. Part of the established Belgian Café Olivier group with locations across the Netherlands. Walk-ins always welcome as they keep a large room available.

Set on the top floor of an old church building near the Pieterskerk with four pool tables, a bar, and darts. A good selection of Dutch and Belgian beers alongside small snacks from the fryer. The unusual upstairs church setting gives it a completely distinctive atmosphere that surprises almost everyone on a first visit. Staff are helpful and friendly. A Leiden bar that rewards the discovery and stays in the memory long after leaving.

Named after Albert Einstein who lived in Leiden for several years as a professor at Leiden University. A centrally located canal-side bar and restaurant on the Nieuwe Rijn with a prime terrace where you can watch boats pass on a sunny afternoon. Good cocktails, a curated wine selection, and a relaxed atmosphere. The house brew Rebel, a tasty and notably strong Dutch craft beer, is recommended by regulars with the white version also available. One of the best canal-side drinking spots in Leiden. Also featured in the cafes guide as an excellent daytime coffee stop.

Consistently rated one of the best bars in Leiden for the quality of its atmosphere at any time of day. An excellent all-day destination for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks that makes it one of the most versatile spots in the city. Local flavours with a bistro approach and a cosy atmosphere that works equally well for a quick coffee, a long lunch, or an evening of drinks. Consistently recommended by locals who know Leiden well as a reliable choice whatever the hour.

Leiden’s finest destination for craft beer and whisky enthusiasts, named after owner Lamber “Lemmy” Vos who opened the bar in 1996. With 15 exchange taps, over 100 specialty beers in the bottle collection, and around 50 single malt whiskies, the selection is genuinely impressive and consistently rewarding. Adorned with posters and records from 1970s and 1980s rock bands, the bar exudes a laid-back rock and roll atmosphere with music from that era. The Untappd-driven display beside the bar helps navigate the tap selection. Good terrace seating around the corner when the weather allows. Also co-owns Het Stadsbrouwhuis, a local Leiden brewery with a taproom. A pilgrimage destination for beer lovers visiting Leiden.

One of the finest jazz and wine bars in Leiden, located next to the Hooglandse Kerk. Free live jazz music every Monday and regular shows by local and visiting musicians make it a genuine cultural destination rather than just a bar. The wine selection is carefully curated and the atmosphere on live music evenings is genuinely special. A hidden gem that rewards those who explore beyond the main bar streets. Also featured in the cafes guide as a pleasant daytime coffee spot.

The best cocktail bar in Leiden for those who prefer expertly crafted drinks over beer. A stylish bar with a sophisticated atmosphere and an impressive menu where the bartenders create both classic and innovative cocktails with skill and care. The intimate setting and attention to detail make it the top choice for date nights and special occasions in the city. Unique ingredient combinations and an elevated drinking experience make this the first recommendation for cocktail lovers arriving in Leiden.

A wine tasting bar named after the year of the Leiden siege, located in a monumental canal-side building in the historic centre. Known as “de wijnhuiskamer van Leyden” (the wine living room of Leiden), it offers over 90 wines by the glass from a list of 150 to 200 labels. The staff knowledge about the wine selection is genuinely impressive and recommendations are thoughtfully personal. A canal terrace in summer adds to the appeal. Excellent food pairings including tapas and sharing boards make it a good option for a full evening. Reservation recommended as the intimate space fills quickly. Closed Mondays.

A cocktail bar and restaurant in Leiden with a vibrant atmosphere and a menu of crafted drinks alongside local flavours. Consistently recommended for a good evening combining cocktails with dinner. The cocktail selection is creative and the food menu complements the drinks well. A reliable choice for a full evening out in central Leiden when you want energy, good cocktails, and a meal alongside.

Leiden’s premier live music bar with unforgettable performances and a vibrant atmosphere that draws a loyal crowd of music lovers, students, and expats. Regular shows spanning blues, jazz, rock, and more make it the most consistent live music venue in the city. Essential for expats who want to experience Leiden’s live music scene beyond the jazz focus of De Twee Spiegels. A good option when you want energy and a full live music evening rather than a quieter jazz bar experience.

A lively bar in central Leiden with eclectic decor, a fantastic drinks menu, and a vibrant atmosphere that makes it one of the most energetic bars in the city. Popular with the student and young professional community for its central location and consistently good energy. A good choice for a spontaneous evening out when you want variety and a lively crowd.

Leiden’s top sports bar with live games on multiple screens, a wide drink selection, and a lively crowd. Popular with the international community for English Premier League, Champions League, and other major sports events. A welcoming and straightforwardly enjoyable environment for newly arrived expats who want to watch sport in a social setting and find English spoken comfortably throughout.

A Dutch pub in the heart of Leiden with a vibrant atmosphere, a wide selection of drinks including a dozen beers on tap and over 200 whiskies, and friendly staff. Reliable for sports viewing and casual evenings out. A welcoming pub that works for both locals and expats looking for a comfortable, no-frills evening.

A cosy neighbourhood bar in the heart of Leiden with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The kind of bar that makes Leiden feel like a place where people genuinely live: popular with locals of all ages who value a reliable, unpretentious neighbourhood spot. A good first introduction to Leiden’s local drinking culture for newly arrived expats who want to get beyond the more tourist-facing options near the Pieterskerk.

Leiden’s canal-side terraces fill with residents in summer months to create one of the most enjoyable outdoor drinking environments in South Holland. The best terraces are along the Nieuwe Rijn and Rapenburg canals where the combination of historic gabled canal houses and waterside seating is genuinely beautiful. Many bars extend onto the canal-side in summer, creating a connected outdoor drinking environment that makes warm evenings in Leiden exceptional. The Einstein bar at Nieuwe Rijn 19 and the various establishments along the Nieuwe Rijn are the best starting points for a summer evening canal terrace crawl.