Leiden market days: Wednesday, Saturday and Schaapsvishandel

The main city-centre market normally takes place on Wednesday and Saturday along Nieuwe Rijn, Botermarkt and the surrounding quays. Saturday is generally the larger market day. Hours and layouts can change around public holidays or events, so check current municipal information before travelling.

Schaapsvishandel is a Leiden family business that has worked with fish since 1938. Its fish stall is at the market on Wednesday and Saturday. If you visit on another day, the route points to the permanent shop at Herenstraat 48, so your visit does not depend entirely on market hours.

On Wednesday, the Schaap family's fish cart is on Nieuwe Rijn. On Saturday, you will find the family on the Vismarkt, opposite De Waag. Several fishmongers trade at the market, so use the exact map link and reference photo on the Schaapsvishandel page to find the correct cart. Outside these market days, visit the permanent shop at Herenstraat 48.

This is the stop for kibbeling, herring and fish sandwiches to eat straight away. Other fish stalls mainly focus on fresh fish to take home. A visit fits naturally into a walk through Leiden's trading history and shows how a family business active since 1938 belongs to the city and its market.

Start at De Burcht for a view over the centre, then descend towards Nieuwe Rijn. Walk past Koornbrug and the historic fish market and, on market days, follow the stalls along the water. Add the Blue Stone and Pieterskerk for a compact walk through trade and city history.