Leiden coffeeshops actually better than Amsterdam?

Lorenzohá 229 dias

Totally agree. Amsterdam is great for variety but Leiden has that local charm. Less tourists, more regulars and the staff remembers you.

BernardoG2há 228 dias

> @MaartenI2: "smaller, friendlier staff"

Yep — that. Also prices in small towns can be a bit friendlier (not always), and you avoid the crowds by the canals. Depends what you want: variety vs chill.

Svenhá 226 dias

Same experience here lol

Wernerhá 225 dias

Ich muss kurz ausholen: grew up near Leiden, go back every now and then. Amsterdam is unbeatable for sheer selection — new strains, imports, speciality shops — but the trade-off is the atmosphere. In Amsterdam you can feel rushed, queues, and explanations are often short because they're serving a constant flow. In Leiden staff will spend time explaining the batch, sometimes show how they stored it, recommend pairings. For a weekend where you actually want to try a few things and chat, Leiden wins. But for a one-off big variety day, Amsterdam still has the edge.

AurelioL3há 223 dias

I’d add: some smaller towns have coffeeshops run by people who actually care about flower, not just tourists. If you can get a local rec, you might find a hidden gem. Went to Leiden on a weekday and it felt like a proper neighbourhood spot.