Food and drinks
Evening Atmosphere Leiden City centerEvening Atmosphere Leiden City center
Koornbrug in LeidenKoornbrug in Leiden
Culinary delight on platter

A Private Culinary Tour Through Leiden

Taste your way through Leiden on a private walking tour built around food, drink and local stories — just you, your group, and a local guide who knows exactly where to eat.

Discover the Leiden You Won't Find in a Guidebook

Happy couple visiting LeidenHappy couple visiting Leiden
Leiden Coat of Arms
Boat, birds and park at Plantsoen LeidenBoat, birds and park at Plantsoen Leiden
Winter canal view in LeidenWinter canal view in Leiden

Culinary Tour at a glance...

Boat Tour Duration
Duration
4 - 5 Hours
Boat Tour Availability
Availability
All year round
Boat Tour departure location
Departure
Beestenmarkt, 5-minute walk from Leiden Central Station
Boat Tour Group size
Group size
Private, 2 to 6 people. Need more people along? Please contact us
Boat Tour Price
Price
€ 249 per person for 2; €199 per additional person
Boat Tour Comfort
Comfort
Private local guide, Gin Tasting, Dutch Cheese, Chocolate Workshop, Artisanal Apple Pie, Pub Crawl, Classic Leiden Dinner — all included
Boat Tour Perfect for
Perfect for
Couples and small groups who want to eat and drink their way through a city

A private, personal and delicious way to experience Leiden

Leiden's food scene has more going on than most visitors ever discover on their own — a gin bar tucked behind a canal house, a chocolate maker who still works by hand, a pub with a story behind every drink. The Culinary Tour is a private, 4-5 hour walk built around all of it: just you, your group and a local guide, moving at your own pace from one stop to the next.

View of churchView of church
Enjoy food and drinks during a guided tour in LeidenEnjoy food and drinks during a guided tour in Leiden

Why book a private tour?

Your own pace: No large group to keep up with or wait for, your guide moves at your speed.

A local guide: Your guide knows Leiden's streets, stories and hidden spots that don't make it into guidebooks.

Food, culture or activity, your choice: Pick the tour that matches what you're actually in the mood for.

Your group, your experience: Whether you're travelling as a couple, a family or a group of friends, the day is shaped around you.

Flexible & personal: Want to adjust the route or combine interests? Just ask.

Overview

Tour options

Culinary Tour

€249
/per person
4-5 hrs · Private ·2 people minimum

Embark on a journey through Leiden's culinary heritage with our Culinary Tour. Enjoy a Gin Tasting, sample Dutch cheeses, try artisanal chocolates with our Chocolate Workshop, and taste local apple pie.

Your guide then leads a Dutch pub crawl through the heart of Leiden, with traditional drinks and snacks along the way, and a Classic Leiden Dinner to finish. Along the way, your guide shares the stories and history behind each stop.

Culinary Tour

€249
/per person

Embark on a journey through Leiden's culinary heritage with our Culinary Tour. Enjoy a Gin Tasting, sample Dutch cheeses, try artisanal chocolates with our Chocolate Workshop, and taste local apple pie.

Your guide then leads a Dutch pub crawl through the heart of Leiden, with traditional drinks and snacks along the way, and a Classic Leiden Dinner to finish. Along the way, your guide shares the stories and history behind each stop.
Make the most of Leiden’s quieter streets with this seasonal private cruise, available October through February. Snuggle under a heated blanket with a hot chocolate or glühwein as your captain guides you past the city’s best-loved sights. Prefer quiet? Your captain is happy to stay in the background and let you enjoy the ride in peace.

Boat Tour Duration
Duration
4-5 hours
Boat Tour Availability
Availability
All year round
Boat Tour departure location
Departure
Beestenmarkt, 5-minute walk from Leiden Central Station
Boat Tour Group size
Group size
Private, 2 to 6 people. Need more people along? Please contact us
Boat Tour Price
Price
€249 per person for 2; €199 per additional person
Boat Tour Comfort
Comfort
Private local guide, Gin Tasting, Dutch Cheese, Chocolate workshop, Artisanal Apple Pie, Pub Crawl, Classic Leiden Dinner... all included
Boat Tour Perfect for
Perfect for
couples and small groups who want to eat and drink their way through a city
“...We really appreciated the personalised nature of the private tour which made the day our extra enjoyable and special."  

‍-KP, Tripadvisor review
Bridge over canal with cosy warm lights in AutumnBridge over canal with cosy warm lights in Autumn
Festive seasonal light decoration in Leiden during autumn and winterFestive seasonal light decoration in Leiden during autumn and winter

Looking for something else?

The Culinary Tour isn't the only way to experience Leiden with us. If history and art are more your thing, the Cultural Tour takes you through the city's museums, churches and hidden corners. Want something more active? The Active Leiden Experience combines cycling, paddleboarding and a bit of adventure. Prefer the water? Our sister site Discover Canal Cruises runs private boat tours through Leiden's canals.

FAQ

Answers to our most common questions

Where does the Culinary Tours start?

The Culinary Tour starts at Beestenmarkt in Leiden, about a 5-minute walk from Leiden Central Station.

What do I get to see during the Culinary Tour?

Our Culinary Tour takes you through the center of Leiden where you can enjoy major sights and get an impression of Leiden city life. We will be visiting local bars, artisan shops, a gin tasting, a chocolate workshop, a restaurant, and a lot of things in between.

How long does the Culinary Tour last?

The duration of the Culinary Tours is approximately 4 to 5 hours. If you wish to have a shorter or longer tour, send us a message and let's see how we can best accommodate your needs.

What’s included in the Culinary Tour?

A Gin Tasting, Dutch cheese, a Chocolate Workshop, artisanal apple pie, a Dutch pub crawl with drinks and snacks along the way, and a Classic Leiden Dinner to finish — all guided by your local host, all included in the Culinary tour.

In which language is the Culinary Tour given?

Our tours are available in English and Dutch. Our guides speak both, so you don't have to select a language during booking.

What should I bring/wear?

On all our tours we suggest to dress for the weather and bring comfortable shoes for walking through the city.

Can I cancel or reschedule my booking?

Plans can change and unforeseen things can happen; we understand! You can cancel or reschedule the Culinary Tour free of charge up to 48 hours before departure.

Can you accommodate dietary requirements or allergies?

Please let us know about any dietary requirements or allergies in advance so we can make sure every stop on the tour works for you.

Is the Culinary Tour available during the evening?

Yes, specifically our Culinary Tour is well-suited to start at the end of the afternoon and continue into the evening.

What is the best way to explore Leiden while visiting as a tourist?

Leiden is a great city to explore by boat as well as on foot. We focus here on tours on foot (or with a bicycle) combining city exploration with a choice of different activities to get a full Leiden experience. If you are interested in exploring the city through a relaxed canal cruise you can check out our sister website Discover Canal Cruises.

How far in advance do I have to be at the location?

We advise you to be at the departure spot 10 minutes before departure so we can maximize your time exploring the city.

How many people can join a Culinary Tour?

The Culinary Tour is private for 2 to 6 people. Have a larger group? Send us a message and we’ll see what we can arrange.

Are the tours available all year round?

Our tours are available all year round, except for the Active Tour, which is available from May to October.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The Culinary Tour goes ahead in most weather. We recommend dressing for the conditions; if the weather becomes genuinely unsafe, we’ll contact you to reschedule.

Can we request a custom route or tour?

We are happy to create a custom, personal experience together with you. Have something specific in mind?  Tell us what you'd like to do and let's see what we can create together.

What are the best activities in Leiden?

There are plenty of ways to enjoy Leiden, from visiting its museums and historic streets to exploring the city's canals. A guided tour where these things are included is a great way to experience the city.

Where can I buy tickets?

Tours can be ordered through our website by clicking on the booking button under the tours. The button will open up a calendar where you can select your preferred date and time, select how many guests will be joining the tour, and select any other tour-specific options. Have a look at our tour overview here.

Is the tour accessible for guests with limited mobility?

Unfortunately not everything in the city is easily accessible for people with limited mobility. Please Contact us to discuss specific options if you think limited mobility might be an issue.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

On most of our tours some drinks and snacks or food are included, so generally there is no need to bring your own, but you are welcome to do so if you like.
In case of special dietary requirements, please contact us.

Is the tour guided?

During our tours you will be accompanied by a local guide. They know everything about the city of Leiden and will inform you about the sights,  history and fun facts of the city. If you have any questions, feel free to ask your guide. They are at your service.

contact

Get in touch with us :)

Do you want to receive further information about the tours we provide or do you want to receive a tailor-made quote? Send us a message below and we'll get back to you!
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Lights along canal in LeidenLights along canal in Leiden