Leiden Shopping Tips by ATLC Top 5 Page for this destination

Warp 9: Warp 9

Near the end of Haarlemmerstraat is this shop which had the interest of my companion RubenE. Unfortunately we didn't go inside, it opened after noon. It sells all sorts of toys and games with a fantasy theme like Star Trek or Harry Potter. Typically a shop for growin up young lads.

Address: Haarlemmerstraat, Leiden

Directions: near Haven

Theme: Toys and Games

Wednesday market: Wednesday market

On Wednesday and Saturday there is a big market. On the photo you see the bridge between Burchtsteeg and Vismarkt. The pillar contruction was built in 1825 and is called Koornbrug because this is where corn was sold. Because of danger of fire by the heat of the sun, the bridge was covered with this construction.

What to buy: Food, clothes, anything you'd expect on a general wares market.
There is a special brochure about the Leiden market which has been going on for centuries. I failed to pick it up at the Tourist Office although I remember browsing through it.
On the photo is a section of the market on the bridge between Burgsteeg and Vismarkt. Cheap clothes stalls there these days but 20 years ago it had 2nd hand furniture stalls here. My daughter was to be born and I bought a chest of drawers there to change her nappies on for 10 guilders (4.5 euro these days).

Directions: Along Nieuwe Rijn, Vismarkt, Botermarkt.

Theme: Other

2nd hand bookshop: 2nd hand bookshop

This 2nd hand bookshop has been here for as long as I can remember.

What to buy: Lots of topics from sciences to literature and also plenty of books in English, French and German

Address: Corner Nieuwstraat/Hooglandse Kerkgracht

Directions: Between Hooglandse church and the municipal library.

Theme: Books

Onder de Boompjes: Auction hall

This auction hall, established in 1658 looked very interesting. Nice furnitiure on sale (1930s is what was on display at the time I looked in).

What to buy: Paintings, old toys, curiosa, Asian art and objects, jewelry, garden objects, clocks, lamps, tapestries, furniture.

What to pay: It's an auction hall, right? So prices are not fixed.

Address: Nieuwstraat 38, 2312 KC Leiden

Directions: Corner Nieuwstraat and Hooigracht.

Other Contact: boompjes@onderdeboompjes.nl

Phone: 0031 (0)71-5145832

Theme: Antiques

Website: http://www.onderdeboompjes.nl

Prentarium: Old prints and art

I just passed this interesting looking shop with old prints and etchings and modern artwork.

What to buy: I saw a largish print of a map of Leiden, framed. It probably wasn't real (see price below) but still would be nice to have.

What to pay: The print was € 60 (euro)

Address: Hooglandsekerksteeg, Leiden

Directions: Turn off the Haarlemmerstraat, direction Hooglandse Kerk (church). On the left hand corner before you cross the bridge to Hooglandsekerkgracht.

Theme: Art

Haarlemmerstraat: Haarlemmerstraat shopping street

A general shopping tip: if you're looking for a main shopping street, that would be Haarlemmerstraat. Not that it's the only shopping street but it is the longest and very busy.
As far back as 30 years, I remember a lot of the shops being there for that time. I used to go to class and in the evening I'd walk the whole length of the deserted street (I think it's about a kilometre long) to my home at the other end (Haven) and just windowshop as I literally had no money at the time.
It is a pedestrian street.

What to buy: You'll find anything from chain stores to shops where you can browse. When I was a little child, the shop windows would be decorated for Sinterklaas celebrations. Every shop window would have a St. Nicholas and 'Zwarte Piet' in it.

Address: Haarlemmerstraat, Leiden

Directions: From Central Station walk straight on, cross the bridge and you're in the Haarlemmerstraat.

Theme: Other

Het Hoedengilde (The Hat Guild): Hat shop

-
In spring 1999, I found a delightful hat shop in a little street just off Breestraat.

I fitted a lot of hats and finally found this to be the perfect one. Alas...I had to dig deeply into my purse. So my friend took me out for dinner to think it over. But when we got out of the restaurant, the shops were still open (Friday evening) and I succumbed...

I must say I have never regretted buying this beauty.
-

What to buy: Hats by Dutch designers.

What to pay: A lot!
A hat can be anyting between € 50 and €200 a piece, generally.

Address: Pietersk Choorstg 14, 2311 TR Leiden

Directions: City center

Other Contact: Fax 071 5124537

Phone: 071 5124193

Theme: Women's Clothes

Website: http://www.hoedengilde.nl/