Leiden coffeeshops actually better than Amsterdam?

Lorenzo299天前

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

BernardoG2298天前

> @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.

Sven296天前

Same experience here lol

Werner294天前

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.

AurelioL3293天前

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.