Shops in the heart of Voorschoten
The town of Voorschoten stretches along an old sandbank, where a road used to run, connecting Leiden to Leidschendam.
The centre now revolves mainly around the Voorstraat and the Schoolstraat, more or less following the lines of the original village dating back to 1850.
The Voorstraat used to be known as the Heerenstraat and is the oldest part of the village. For centuries, the market was held here. Today, market takes place on Friday. In July, the Voorstraat is the scene of the horse market. Most of the town monuments are on or around the Voorstraat. You will also find the History Museum of Voorschoten here. The Voorstraat is the most popular place to go out for drinks and dinner, with many restaurants and a café.
The Schoolstraat on the other hand, used to be a backstreet and is much narrower. The Blue Tram used to run here, connecting The Hague to Leiden. The pavement and the espalier trees still point to where the tram used to run. Nowadays, shops are concentrated on the Schoolstraat. The Schoolstraat is a pedestrian-only zone.
Set between the Voorstraat and the Schoolstraat is the old village church. Its tower dates back to 1539 and its neo-Gothic aisle is from 1868.
There is a nice week market every Friday.
