Leiden Shopping

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Although I think that maybe on another day of the week (Weds) the market stalls are out, Saturday the big day. The day when the streets get so crowded with shoppers that you can almost feel overwhelmed - especially if you've just gotten off a train from Germany!

This was the introduction to Leiden that my friend, Bryan, got. After getting settled in to our freinds' place we hit the streets and the market area. Between being back in Leiden and being in the midst of all that, I know I was feeling a little bit of sensory overload!

What to buy: Stroopwaffles, clogs and cheese.....what else?

Seriously, you can buy a little of everything at the market. Aside from what's mentioned above, you can also buy fish, meat, nuts, olive, jewelry, clothing..............all sorts of things!

The best part of this store chain is it's initials. They stand for Vroom & Dreesmann, but I prefer to call it "that VD store". Not that the store is bad...I bought a fun tank top and pair of beaded slippers that caused me to wipe out on those infamously scary Dutch steps!

You can get all sorts of good things there aside from clothes, like candy, baked goods, cheese and CD's among other things. Everything is reasonably priced. The one in Leiden also has an cafe with outdoor seating.

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I guess the Dutch just love Mexican Oil cloth and fun, kitschy and colorful items. This store is like a mini Kitsch Kitchen and when I was in Leiden the last time, I walked by it when it was already closed and I remember really wanting to go in! Well, I wasted no time this time around and hit it on my first day and got a fun pink oilcloth bag. Also picked up some fun ornaments.

I walked by it several times this time around but couldn't figure out what the name is as it has no large obvious sign. I did see some signage on the door, in Dutch, but I have no idea what they meant!

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I love going food shopping while overseas. I think it's a good and unique way to get to know how natives of a country live. Sligro is a bulk shopping chain that requires membership and you can buy giant portions of food, cases of alcohol and household supplies, etc.

As you can see, we found lots of goodies there!

Tjis shop is nice and gives you inspiration on how to decorate your home.In the back they have discount items and during sale you can get a decent deal on different assecories.

What to buy: Home stuff, furnuture,candles,vases,pillowsetc

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My friends in Leiden live just one block from this fun and busy shopping street which has just anything you'd need and somethings you might not! Haarlemerstraat has department stores like H&M, Bakeries, Drug Stores, Cafes, Music stores, Candy Store and the ever popular Pattaken Frittes joints!

What to buy: I regret not having bought the fuzzy house slippers that were shaped like clogs. I could be tripping (literally) all over my apartment in them right now!

This is an old-fashioned shop where you can buy coffie and tea. You select the kind you want and buy the quantity you need. There are many different varieties, including at least 3 kinds of "smoked tea" that is quite unusual (The Twinings variety is called "Lapsang Souchong").
The store is run by two very friendly and enthusiastic ladies and it is always a pleasure to go there.
On top of this, it is also one of the few places that I know of that sells "Dolfin" chocolates, which is a kind of (mainly) dark chocolate in a little bag (rolled tobacco-style) with some unusual flavours like red pepper, ginger or tea leaves. Chocolate cannot get much better than this.

I think it is not open on koopavond (shopping evening on Thursdays until 21.00), so I guess it is open from 10.00 to 17.00 like most other shops.

What to buy: Several kinds of Coffie, tea and chocolate.

for all you needs on holiday the super de boer supermarket has all the stuff you will need for everyday life

What to buy: for me i always buy the tea the single flavour fruit teas vanilla, raspberry,cherry plus loads more,you just can't find them at home there always mixed fruit which isn't the same.

the main two brands are Pickwick and Super Select BV Amersfoort,they are widely available in hotels cafes etc and shops.