leiden city trip

• International
• Politics & Society
• Photo Report
• Relationships
• Learn Dutch
• Attractions
• Restaurants
• Scheveningen
• International Travel
• Bank for Internationals
• Dutch Language School
• International School
• Recruitment Agency
• Relocation Service
• Real Estate Agencies
• Tax Accountant
• Mortgage Advisor
• Psychologist
• DutchReview Team
• Privacy Policy
• Take Down and Notice
• Advertise with DutchReview
• Submit an article
• Editorial Internships

🚀 New feature alert! Find the best businesses for internationals on  DutchReview's Business Directory

17 unforgettable things to do in Leiden in 2024

Albeit small and charming, there are loads of things to do in Leiden. As one of the most beautiful cities in the Netherlands, it never fails to amaze! 😍 

From windmills to secret courtyards, you can easily fill a week with things to do in this gorgeous, old, university town. Here are my 17 top tips!

1. Delve into history at the Burcht van Leiden

2. stop to smell the flowers at hortus botanicus, 3. experience real dutchness at molen de valk windmill museum, 4. get lost at wereld museum leiden, 5. take a refreshing boat tour on leiden’s canals, 6. explore the human body at the corpus museum, 7. be inspired by leiden’s many wall poems, 8. stroll among the stalls at the saturday market in leiden, 9. admire leiden’s beautiful pieterskerk, 10. explore secret courtyards in leiden, 11. enjoy a drink on the water in leiden, 12. embark on leiden’s rembrandt-themed walking route, 13. get starstruck at the heineken star bar in leiden, 14. watch the stars at leiden’s old observatory , 15. take a green break at het plantsoen park , 16. let your history geek loose at the bibliotheca thysiana in leiden, 17. admire the beautiful leiden’s marekerk.

This post might have affiliate links that help us write the articles you love, at no extra cost to you. Read our statement .

It’s quite unique to come across a hill in the Netherlands , so enjoy the steep climb while you can. 😅

This medieval fortification gives you the best view of the stunning Hooglandse Kerk, and of Leiden in general!

The 11th-century construction was once a medieval fort and is now an adorable park open to the public. It’s also seen as a national symbol signalling the Dutch defeat of the Spanish in 1574. 💪

READ MORE | Why is the Netherlands so flat? The complete explanation

Climb the hill, but don’t stop there! You can also walk on top of the walls themselves if you take the stairs inside the Burcht .

💰 Price: Free ⏰ Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 8 AM to 8 PM 📍 Location: Van der Sterrepad 5, 2312 EK Leiden

The oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands is definitely worth a visit during your trip to Leiden.

Beautiful, romantic, and packed with interesting plants, Hortus Botanicus is a favourite for locals and tourists alike. 🌺

The garden has several greenhouses and is open for anything from casual strolls to event rentals. There’s also an adorable café for when the rain (inevitably) sets in . 

READ MORE | Penis plant comes to bloom for first time in 24 years — smells like ‘rotting flesh’

Here’s a hot tip; if you study at Leiden University, it’s totally free to enter! But watch out, you’re going to want to buy everything they have in the gift shop. 💸

💰 Price: €8.50 for adults, €3.50 for children ⏰ Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 9 AM to 6 PM (summer), 10 AM until 5 PM (winter). 📍 Location: Rapenburg 73, 2311 GJ Leiden

You simply cannot visit the Netherlands without seeing a windmill , and if you’re going to Leiden, you’re in luck — there’s one hanging out right in the centre! 

De Valk is the only windmill left of the 19 that once stood within the city walls of Leiden. Originating in the 1600s, the windmill offers great insight into 300 years of milling history. 

READ MORE | Best windmill site in the Netherlands: Kinderdijk or Zaanse Schans?

You can enjoy the windmill museum or simply admire the construction from the outside — believe us, you won’t want to miss it. 

💰 Price: €6.00 for adults, €3 for children ⏰ Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM, Sunday 1 PM to 5 PM 📍 Location: 2e Binnenvestgracht 1, 2312 BZ Leiden

The first museum of Ethnography in Europe is hard to miss if you’re visiting Leiden.

The museum is one of the oldest of its kind in the world, and it’s a crown jewel in the university city’s long and proud research tradition. 🦸‍♀️

Book a guided tour, or just admire the museum at your own pace — but be warned that you can easily lose yourself in the many exhibitions for hours and hours! 

READ MORE | Something for the whole family! Let your kids run wild at Wereld Museum Leiden’s Animal Academy

If you have some extra time on your hands, why not check out some of the fascinating exhibits on show?

You can currently wander through eye-opening installations on maps and enjoy contemporary African art .

If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, how about enrolling in traditional New Zealand Haka war dance workshops and checking out Buddhist and Islamic creative drawing workshops?

💰 Price: €16 for adults, €8 for children, €10 for students ⏰ Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10 AM until 5 PM  📍 Location: Steenstraat 1, 2312 BS Leiden

With its 28km of canals, a boat tour in Leiden should be on every visitor’s bucket list. There are tons of companies to choose from, offering a range of options.

Private or group, morning, midday, or evening, open-air or protected from the rain — there’s something for every taste! ⛵

READ MORE | Renting a boat in the Netherlands: all you need to know

Being less infested with tourists than bigger cities (*cough* Amsterdam *cough*), a boat tour in Leiden is a peaceful and tranquil experience. 

If you’re sure the weather is going to be good, it’s definitely worth it to book an open-air boat — you see way more than if you have a roof! 

💰 Price: from €12.50 for adults, from €8.50 for children (depending on the company) ⏰ Opening hours: Daily 📍 Location: All over the city centre!

The world’s first-ever museum dedicated to exploring the human body is located in Leiden!

What happens with your body when you listen to music or get a splinter? This museum is super interactive and suits all age groups (although kids find it especially fun). 

On your visit, you’ll literally be walking around ‘inside’ a massive human body, whilst being inside a 35 metres tall building that looks like — you guessed it — a human body.  🧍‍♀️

READ MORE | Living in Leiden: 5 things to do when you move to Leiden

However, reservations are almost a must because this museum fills up quickly! Also, make sure you book your tickets online , for a small discount.

Please note: children under the age of six are not permitted in the museum. 

💰 Price: €23.95 (all ages, online price) ⏰ Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday 9:30 AM to 3 PM, Saturday and Sunday 9:30 AM to 5 PM 📍 Location: Willem Einthovenstraat 1, 2342 BH Oegstgeest

Leiden is full of beautiful poetry, simply painted onto the walls of its houses. More than 100 poems written by local poets have given the city a lovely creative vibe for over 30 years! 🧾

The poems are written in several different languages, so it might be an idea to check out their translations for maximum enjoyment. 

READ MORE | 7 of the best free things to do in Leiden

If you want some deets to complement your art experience, and you’re down to test your Dutch skills, most bookstores in Leiden sell a handy book called Dicht op the Muur , containing information about the first 101 wall poems. 

Or even better, you can try out one of these pre-made routes completely for free! 

💰 Price: Free ⏰ Opening hours: All day, every day 📍 Location: Throughout the city

Every Saturday, you can enjoy lovely Dutch treats in Leiden’s weekly street market . There’s no better way to be introduced to Dutch delicacies, crafts, or just Dutchies in general! 

Prices tend to be lower than other shops in the Netherlands, so it’s really an opportunity to let loose and secure all those souvenirs and travel gifts! 🎁

READ MORE | Eating out in Leiden in 2024: the top hotspots to check out!

If you can’t find enough food and drinks to satisfy your tourist belly at the market itself — fear not! There are tons of cafés and restaurants surrounding the market too. 

💰 Price: Free entrance  ⏰ Opening hours: Saturday 8 AM to 5 PM 📍 Location: Aalmarkt, 2312 JC Leiden

With 900 years of history, there are few better ways to explore the city of Leiden than through a visit to the Pieterskerk . 

What used to be Leiden’s main Catholic church has its roots all the way back to the 1300s. Today it serves as a museum and event venue, but the impressive building is still worth a visit. ⛪

READ MORE | The pilgrims in Leiden: Where were the pilgrims before they sailed to America?

Enjoy a concert, ponder the historical exhibitions, or simply admire the building.

💰 Price: €5 for adults, free for children up to 12 years ⏰ Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 11 AM to 6 PM  📍 Location: Kloksteeg 16, 2311 SL Leiden

A poorly kept secret is that most Dutch cities are full of gorgeous hidden courtyards. These romantic gems are also all over Leiden if you know where to look. 🧐

The courtyards are enclosed by so-called hofjes — 13th- to 19th-century shelters for elderly, poor, and homeless people.

Today, the houses surrounding the inner courtyards look like real fairytale castles, and most constructions are open to the public. 

READ MORE | Hidden gems in the Netherlands: unique places you wouldn’t think to visit

Some are even open without any entrance requirements! To find the best ones yourself, all you need is on a hofjes map that’s easily purchased for €3.50 at the tourist information office. 

However, the easiest and most rewarding (albeit not too private and romantic) way to explore Leiden’s 35 hofjes is with a tour , so you get the most out of the local history knowledge.

💰 Price: from €0, depending on the tour company  ⏰ Opening hours: Daily, depending on the hofje  📍 Location: Leiden city centre  

Leiden is full of canals, and the canals are both framed and covered with cute little restaurants, bars, and cafés as far as the eye can see. 

If you’re visiting the Netherlands, you might have heard of the quintessentially Dutch concept of the borrel (if not, educate yourself here ). An afternoon on a floating terrace in Leiden is the perfect way to really blend in with the locals. 🍻

READ MORE | A local’s guide to Leiden – the best places to eat, drink, and shop

If drinking on the water makes you nauseous, don’t stress: there are tons of borrel -worthy bars on more steady ground as well. The centre is packed with places to satisfy all tastes (and budgets). 

The area with the most options is along the canal De Rijn and Nieuwe Rijn, although areas outside of the immediate city centre are less crowded.

💰 Price: a small biertje is typically €3 – €5 ⏰ Opening hours: All day, every day (depending on the specific location) 📍 Location: Leiden city centre

Famous Dutch painter Rembrandt spent several years of his life in Leiden , so you can easily learn about loads more than just his pictures by taking the Rembrandt Route.

As part of the tour, you’ll explore Rembrandt’s first years as an artist in the studio of his first teacher, Jacob van Swanenburgh (the so-called Young Rembrandt Studio). 👟

READ MORE | Rembrandt masterpiece reconstructed and expanded with AI: see it like never before

The route is accessible via a purchasable booklet, and the tour also can be downloaded via the Rembrandt Route App !

💰 Price: €6.95 for the route booklet ⏰ Opening hours: The Rembrandt route is accessible at all times, but the Young Rembrandt Studio is open Tuesday to Sunday 12 PM until 5 PM 📍 Location: Langebrug 89, 2311 TJ Leiden (Young Rembrandt Studio)

Ever wondered where the famous Dutch beer brand Heineken got its logo? I’ll tell you anyways! One of the oldest brown pubs in Leiden, De Vergulde Kruik, allegedly sold their red-star logo to Heineken for about €400 in today’s money. 😎

The pub is centrally located and really feels like a time machine when you step inside.

With its 19th-century stained glass, original silver taps, and cosy atmosphere, De Vergulde Kruik is a favourite among locals, students, and occasionally a tourist or two. 

If you’ve had enough of the endless supply of Dutch beer (like a crazy person), you might be happy to hear that the pub also serves delicious food! 

💰 Price: a small biertje is typically €3 – €5 ⏰ Opening hours: Monday to Friday 3 PM to 12 AM, Saturday and Sunday 12 PM to 10 PM 📍 Location: Haarlemmerstraat 22, 2312 GA Leiden

As the oldest of its kind, the Observatory in Hortus Botanicus is one of the things to do in Leiden that is well worth a visit. It’s frequently used as a university building, but it’s also open to visitors. 

FUN BONUS FACT BOX: Another academic hotspot that’s open for visitors is a sink once used by Albert Einstein ! 

Check out the visitors’ centre, book a private tour, or join one of the monthly open evenings of one of Leiden’s astronomy societies. ✨

Enjoy an astronomy lecture and try out a telescope at the open evenings — the perfect date idea if you ask me!

💰 Price: from €10 for entry, €95 for a private tour, €4 for an open evening ticket  ⏰ Opening hours visitors center: Tuesday to Friday 1 PM to 5 PM, Saturday and Sunday 11 AM to 5 PM  📍 Location: Sterrenwachtlaan 11, 2311 GP Leiden, Nederland

This 19th-century city park of Leiden is a popular spot for weekend strolls along the water.

In addition to fresh air, green grass, and beautiful flowers, there are also other interesting sights in Het Plantsoen, such as the old aviary, the fountain, and the 350-year anniversary monument of the relief of Leiden . 🌳

READ MORE | The Singelpark in Leiden: how citizens created one of the best parks in the Netherlands

The park was designed by architect Salomon van der Paauw in English style. In its time, the project was funded by the municipality of Leiden, which hired several unemployed people for the construction. 

Stay up to date on the activities in the park and its surroundings via the Het Plantsoen newsletter , produced by the Het Plantsoen Association. 

💰 Price: Free ⏰ Opening hours: all day, every day 📍 Location: Plantsoen, 2311 NT Leiden

Founded in 1653 in honour of the Dutch legal expert Johannes Thysius, this old library contains over 2500 books and several thousand pamphlets. 

The building is the only surviving 17th-century construction in the Netherlands that was built for the purpose of being a library — an interesting piece of history if ever there was one!

READ MORE | Photo report! An ode to the lovely city of Leiden

Not only is the library a great source of legal reading material, but you can also book meeting rooms or join a guided tour of the building (albeit for quite a fee).

💰 Price: €125 for a guided tour ⏰ Opening hours: By appointment 📍 Location: Rapenburg 25, 2311 GG Leiden

The round dome of the Marekerk is quite striking and impossible to miss if you visit Leiden.

The reformed Protestant church was the first of its kind in Leiden and keeps lots of history and beauty between its walls. 😍

There are usually lots of concerts taking place in this historical building, but if you’re just in the mood to sit and relax, you can also enjoy a coffee at the Marekerk café.

READ MORE | Organ concerts and vaulted ceilings: 15 churches to visit in the Netherlands

The church is still very much active, so make sure you check the schedule if you’re just popping by for a look. 

💰 Price: Free ⏰ Opening hours: Monday to Sunday  📍 Location: Lange Mare 48, 2312 GS Leiden

There’s no shortage of things to do in the beautiful city of Leiden, so get your walking shoes and cameras ready! It’s the perfect blend of exciting and calm and should be on any traveller’s bucket list.

Which attractions will you visit in Leiden? Do you have any suggestions to add to the list? Tell us in the comments below!

Liked it? Try these on for size:

9 tourist traps in the netherlands (and the best alternatives), 11 of the best free things to do in the hague in 2024, where are the ‘i amsterdam’ letters the complete selfie guide, what do you think, leave a reply cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Related posts

Latest posts, unfair dismissal in the netherlands: what you need to know [2024 guide], 11 gross things dutch people do, dutch quirk #26: complain about the ns, it's happening, upcoming events, ‘in brilliant light’: marvel at contemporary african art at this exciting new exhibit, cherry blossom season, how to buy a house in the netherlands: this webinar covers it all, how can i get a mortgage in the netherlands this webinar is the first step, considering a bsc in business administration check out nyenrode university’s amsterdam open day, want to elevate your career check out nyenrode university’s open day for a masters in management, king’s day (koningsdag), national remembrance day (dodenherdenking), liberation day (bevrijdigingsdag), mother’s day (moederdag-bloemendag), the latest dutch news. in your inbox., woah, you look pretty good here.

We're constantly hunting for the latest, greatest, and most Dutch spots for our readers. Want your business to reach an unrivalled expat and international audience?

We like you - a lot

© 2023 All Rights Reserved. All material on this website (DutchReview) is strictly copyright and all rights reserved. If you are dissatisfied with the website or any content or materials on it, your sole exclusive remedy is to discontinue your use of the website. The website may provide links to other websites on the Internet, the content of which is not in our control. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for omissions and errors. If you have found material on this website which is copyrighted by others, please contact the webmaster on this matter in order to have it removed.

Explore Leiden, Netherlands in 2 Days — Things to See & Do, Itinerary

Everyone’s heard of Amsterdam , but how many visitors to the Netherlands have actually heard of Leiden. Even though the quaint college town is only 30-40 minutes from Amsterdam , depending on which train you take, Leiden is one of the most underrated destinations in the Netherlands .

Fun Fact: Second only to Amsterdam, Leiden has the most bridges and canals in the Netherlands. There are 88 bridges and 28km (~17.4mi) worth of waterways in the city.  

Jimmy had a 3 week work trip there so we got to explore all it has to offer. Since we were there for awhile we opted to stay at an Airbnb so that we could get some of the comforts of home and do our own laundry. 

Fun Fact: Leiden University is the oldest university in the Netherlands. It was established in 1575 by William of Orange after the city’s resistance from the siege of Spain.

Leiden has a reputation in Dutch history for being the main battlefield for various sieges and attacks. From the siege of 1420 to the Dutch revolt against the Spanish in the 1570s, it has given the city a unique history. If you visit in October, there is even a festival celebrating the end of the siege in 1575 (this was also the same siege for which the university was created). The citizens of Leiden and their ancestors got a lot out of that revolt!

For a smaller, less-populated city, Leiden’s got its share of museums and cool things to do. Dare I say, it might even rival that of Amsterdam? The best part is that because the city is smaller than Amsterdam it’s super easy to explore on your own. But a walking tour of Leiden is also available.  It is different from Amsterdam though, it’s got a smaller town vibe and feels more chill. I’d highly recommend just strolling and moseying around the city for a bit of R&R (rest and relaxation).

These are our top picks to explore for a 2 day detailed itinerary for Leiden, including hotel recommendations, things to do, and what to eat!

Table of Contents

Where to Stay in Leiden, Netherlands

Leiden is a peaceful city located near Amsterdam so as easily as you can take a day trip to Leiden from Amsterdam, I’d highly recommend you stay a night or two to explore the city. And for this reason, it was perfect for our A Weekend Away series.

Jimmy has been to Leiden a few times for work so we’ve got a compilation of the best places to stay in Leiden with amazing amenities. Usually his work sends him to the Golden Tulip Leiden Centre , it’s one of the comfiest places to stay and it’s super close to the Leiden Centraal train station as well as the Leiden City Center . As far as amenities go, it is a 4-star hotel so they have free wifi, a gym and a pool, a business center, and restaurants on-site. You can even bring your pet, but that may be an additional charge. Book your stay at the Golden Tulip Leiden Centre now!

Golden Tulip has 2 properties that share a lobby and the same amenities . There’s also a more budget-friendly option, the 3-star Tulip Inn . So if you love hotel amenities, it’ll definitely be worth it for you to book a room at Tulip Inn!

Our other recommended hotel (courtesy of his work, lol) is the Holiday Inn Leiden . It is located a little bit further from the city center but it’s still a great spot to stay. On the weekdays they offer a free shuttle that will take you to Leiden Centraal station , otherwise it’s a 1.4mi or 2.2km walk to the station or you can take several buses to get there (30, 31, 37, 38, or 43). The rooms are simple with a double bed, desk, a water boiler for tea, and a coffee maker. They also offer free wifi, gym, and an indoor pool . Learn more about staying at the Holiday Inn Leiden.

Day 1 – Leiden City Center & Leiden Street Market

Borgman & borgman.

Start off your day with a quick coffee from Borgman & Borgman. Their located along one of the main streets so they’re convenient AND they have delicious coffee. We got a flat white and a latte. They also gave us a little biscotti which was a nice touch. Their pastries are yummy too!   

After having our morning pick-me-up, we began exploring the historic city center.

Leiden City Center

Technically, the entire area surrounding the moat (or large canal) is within the original city center, where the city walls once stood. See map at the end of the post for more detail.

For the purposes of exploring Leiden, we will be discussing the city center as the primary location for many of the sights as well as the center of the action in this guide to Leiden. See map at the end of the post for more detail.

The historic city center is one of the cutest parts of the city with gorgeous architecture. Many of the sights you’ll be wanting to visit are located within this general area.

We’ll go through all of the spots one-by-one so you don’t miss a beat!

Fun Fact: Leiden has one of the most intact moat fortifications in Europe. The outer canal was dug in the 17th century and the historic city center is protected by a 6km (~3.7mi) long moat.

First things first, while we know if you’re following this Leiden 2 day itinerary step-by-step you will have literally JUST eaten breakfast, but because you might be walking by these market stalls I wanted to make sure I discuss it so you guys know what’s going on. 🙂

Leiden Street Market (Wednesdays & Saturdays only)

On Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8am to 5pm, Leiden has an amazing street market full of stalls selling produce, groceries, and some knick knacks. But, in my opinion, the best part of the street markets is the food! I totally pigged out at the street market at least once a week when we were living in Leiden!

The Leiden Street Market is centered around Aalmarkt, Vismarkt, and Nieuwe Rijn streets. If I were you, I’d plan my trip around the street market because it’s totally worth seeing, plus it’s a cheap meal!

I usually came around here for brunch/lunch and I’d always get the poffertjes (Dutch mini pancakes), stroopwafels (sticky syrup sandwiched between 2 thin waffles), and Dutch haring (lightly pickled herring).

All the people on Tripadvisor said that Tony Vergunst’s stroopwafel was the best. But I beg to differ since they premake all of their stroopwafels and just keep them under a heated lamp. After sampling stroopwafels throughout the Netherlands, in Leiden, I prefer Fijne Stroopwafels. They would always make mine fresh for me! Sure I had to wait a little, but I don’t mind… it tasted so much better and less dry!

A post shared by Constance 🐼 & Jimmy 🐻 (@the.adventures.of.panda.bear) on Oct 21, 2017 at 10:22pm PDT

As far as poffertjes and haring goes, I don’t really have a preference. If I remember correctly, there was only one stall with poffertjes and haring is haring, if it’s fresh it’s good haring.

I found that the haring at the street market was cheaper, but they never had pickles. The fish stall by the Leiden Centraal train station would always have pickles and it would cost a little more so you can pick your poison, haha. Personally, I preferred my haring with pickles so I didn’t mind paying more for it, but I loved the haring, period, so haring is haring!

Also if you’re Jonesing for some chicken, the rotisserie chicken truck has REALLY good chicken. It’s surprisingly good even though it’s just cooked from a truck. It’s perfectly cooked and seasoned, the meat isn’t too dry. I couldn’t eat all that food on my own so one afternoon I actually grabbed some to-go for dinner later that night.

On your way to the Burcht van Leiden you’ll pass through Burg Poort. It’s the southernmost gate to the Burch van Leiden and is beautifully ornamented with a lion wielding a sword at the top. Once you pass through the gate, you enter into an older part of the city with narrow alleys.

If you head further inwards down Burgsteeg, you’ll reach the stairwell that takes you up to Burcht van Leiden.

Burcht van Leiden (Castle of Leiden)

At the base of Burcht van Leiden is an iron gate with colorfully painted coat of arms, including the Leiden coat of arms.

Parts of the castle were built in the 9th and 10th century and the city of Leiden was built around the castle and its respective hill. It is also one of the oldest surviving castles in the Netherlands. Today, it’s a public park where people can relax and take a stroll.

My favorite part of the castle is climbing up onto the ramparts for great views of Leiden, you can see the tops of most of the buildings, the churches, and windmills. Best of all, it’s FREE!!  

The courtyard at the base of Burcht van Leiden also has a cafe so if you’re feeling peckish, it’s a great spot to grab a bite or a coffee.

Leiden City Hall (Stadhuis van Leiden)

The city hall was originally built in 1600, but in 1929, a fire destroyed the majority of the building. The facade along Breestraat was the only piece that remained and the rest of the building was rebuilt in 1940.

Because it was reconstructed, the building has its own unique, mixed-up flavor. You can enter the lobby, inside there is a Dutch exhibit about the siege of Leiden in the 1570s. The exhibit is shown in a sketch style, similar to newspaper coming drawings. You’ll see a lot of exhibits in this style in Amsterdam namely at the Our Lord in the Attic and the Amsterdam Museums . There is also cool artwork showing different artists’ takes on the Leiden city keys.

Shop Along Harlemmerstraat

Next, explore the shops along Harlemmerstraat. This is a great area for souvenir shopping as well as clothing and snacks. There are lots of different types of restaurants and stores here, even a Pull & Bear.

One of my favorite shops is the Van Delft pepernoten store! These make great edible souvenirs because they’re yummy and you don’t really see them outside of the Netherlands. They have my favorite Dutch cookies! Yes, I know the plain ones look like dog food kibbles, but they are SO good. They are similar to gingerbread but less ginger spice and more nutmeg and cinnamon. You can also get covered, candied versions in various flavors. Some of my favorites were blueberry, lemon cheesecake, and yogurt. I totally wanted to buy up the entire store but I had to stop myself! Important note: Pepernoten or kruidnoten is more of a holiday/Christmas thing so you might not be able to find it outside of the months of September through December.

Explore the Canals

You can’t visit a Dutch city without seeing the canals, especially not a city that’s only second to Amsterdam in canal count!

I loved walking around the canals in Leiden. On street market days, I’ll admit it gets a bit tough since the market brings in a lot of traffic and people, it’s definitely less relaxing. It’s a trade-off though right? You get delicious foods with the market.

Some of my favorite canals were Oude Vest, Oude Rijn, and Nieuwe Rijn. They’re some of the most charming streets in the city. At night, they’re also beautiful and quiet, great for a post-dinner stroll.

You can also take a canal boat tour to get the lay of the land or to see more of the city. We stayed there for a few weeks so we opted to skip the boat tour and do one in Amsterdam instead. The tours in Leiden are cheaper, costing only €10 for adults for a 50 minute cruise.

Leiden City Gates

While I know that other Dutch cities, such as Haarlem, Delft, and Amsterdam also have gates, the city gates of Leiden are some of the coolest. There are so many in such a small, easily walkable area!

Fun Fact: Leiden is also known as “The City of Keys” because there are two keys depicted on its coat of arms.

The city of Leiden originally had 8 gates surrounding the city. Today only 2 of them remain, the Zijlpoort and Morspoort.

Zijlpoort is the largest remaining gate and is located at the eastern part of town. The Zijlpoortbrug leads travelers to the gate.

Morspoort is located in the western part of Leiden and has a more unique red and white striped pattern. It is also located next to Molen de Put, an old windmill.

Another gate located close to Morspoort is the Doelenpoort. Like the Burg Poort by Burcht van Leiden, Doelenpoort is a smaller gate. It is white and features a person riding a horse at the top.

Restaurant La Diva

Doelenpoort is also near one of our favorite restaurants in Leiden, Restaurant La Diva . This is our top dinner recommendation because they have amazing Dutch-French fusion food.

It was so highly recommended by Jimmy’s Dutch coworkers that we ended up having a large business dinner here. So yes, this spot probably isn’t the cheapest, but it’s delicious! I’m assuming it’s not budget-friendly… I actually have no clue since they booked a group menu so I didn’t even see any price tags, lol.

On the French side of things, we had a beef tartare. As a more fusiony dish, we also had a pheasant bitterbollen. A bitterbollen is a Dutch fried meatball typically using beef and veal. The pheasant different and we appreciated the chef’s creativity, plus it was delicious! And for another dish we got another interesting take on a Dutch kroket.

They pride themselves upon creating dishes with fresh ingredients so the menu may differ depending upon the time of visit.

Day 2 – Leiden’s Windmills & Museum

Lebkov & sons.

After splurging for dinner last night, grab Lebkov & Sons for a budget-friendly breakfast. Grab a coffee and a pastry to start your day! If you’re feeling hungrier they also sell salads, fruit cups, and sandwiches.

Important Note: You’ll need to walk through the train station to get from Lebkov & Sons to the Leiden city center. If you have a Netherlands transportation card (ov-chipkaart) with a balance, you can tap in and out to walk through. You will NOT get charged, if you tap back out within 60 minutes. If you’re using individual tickets in a pay as you go method. Go to the ticket machine and get a Station Passagepas. This FREE pass will permit you to get through the station with a 60-min grace period to enter and exit the station. You may repeat this “purchase” of the Station Passagepas as needed.

Molen de Valk

Spoiler alert: It was the first windmill I saw in the Netherlands from outside, but it was NOT the first one I’d been in.

I was super excited to visit this windmill because it still milled flour! The other windmills I saw were at Kinderdijk where they were responsible for removing water from the land.

Fun Fact: Built in 1743, Molen de Valk is the last windmill in the Netherlands that still grinds flour. You can even still buy their freshly ground whole wheat flour!

In my opinion, it was cool to learn about the history of the windmill and it’s importance to the city of Leiden. I also liked that I was able to explore throughout the entire windmill and even walk on the stage outside!

I also loved learning how the windmills worked to grind flour and how the millers lived inside the windmill. Plus the views of Leiden from the stage outside are also really nice! For €4 admission could you really go wrong?

Molen de Put

This was the other windmill located in Leiden. Initially I’d wanted to visit this one because it looked different from most other windmills.

But aesthetics aside, it wasn’t like Molen de Valk because Molen de Put was originally built in 1619, demolished, then rebuilt in 1985.

The windmill isn’t open daily, so we didn’t actually get to go inside and explore though it looks quite a bit smaller than Molen de Valk. It’s usually open on Saturday but since it’s operated by volunteers, hours are not guaranteed.

Even so Molen de Put is super photogenic and makes for a great photo-op if they’re not open for touring.

Rembrandtplaats

Located just south of Molen de Put is a plaza named after Rembrandt. It’s a cute spot with dedications to Rembrandt. You can even see a portrait of him on the side of a house and there’s a sculpture of him with an easel!

Fun Fact: Several famous Dutch artists were from Leiden, including Rembrandt van Rijn, Jan Steen, Gerrit Dou, and Frans van Mieris the Elder. All of them were born in Leiden, worked here, and died here, with the exception of Rembrandt who passed away in Amsterdam .  

From here you can also see great views of Molen de Put. Nearby there Rembrandtpark though it primarily consists of a large grassy area. Personally I preferred Rembrandtplaats to Rembrandtpark.

Pannenkoekenhuys Oudt Leyden (Oudt Leyden Pancake House)

These pancakes are BOMB! So you know how everyone goes to Amsterdam and puts Pancakes Amsterdam on their list of must-haves? Well I’m about to debunk that because the pancakes here are SO MUCH BETTER!

After having this a couple of times, Pancakes Amsterdam totally feels like a tourist trap to me now.

So what’s the fuss about these Dutch pancakes? Well for starters they’re different from the American ones, American ones are more fluffy and doughy. The Dutch version is more like a happy medium between the American style and French crepes. They’re nowhere near as thin and crispy as the crepes but they’re still super yummy.

We’ve gotten the smoked salmon pancake, poached pear pancake (seasonal), and bacon & cheese pancake. They are all oh-so-delicious! I wish we could’ve tried all of their menu.

Their portions are on the larger side so make sure you show up hungry! The giant pancakes are served on huge Delft blue plates. It was fun for us to see what Dutch images were depicted on our plates, it was a surprise for us when we finished our plate.

Now for what NOT to get, skip the poffertjes, you’ll find better ones at the street market.

The next stop is one of the most popular museums in Leiden.

National Museum of Antiquities (Rijksmuseum van Oudheden)

For an amazing collection of ancient art in the Netherlands, Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, is the best spot! It’s got a wide selection of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman art.

The number of Egyptian and Roman sarcophaguses is insane. They’re all super well-preserved and beautiful.

In the lobby, there is even an actual Egyptian temple. The temple was moved over from Egypt brick by brick with the request that it remain free for the public. And it still is, the admission area is to the right side of the temple.

Fun Fact: The Temple of Taffeh was given to the Netherlands in the 1960s for its help in the preservation of historical Egyptian antiquities when the Aswan High Dam was constructed.

Sometimes the museum even has special exhibits which you can see for an additional fee. When I went they were showcasing Nineveh, an ancient Assyrian city in Upper Mesopotamia, located near present-day Mosul, Iraq. They worked with other museums like the British Museum and the Louvre to bring exhibition pieces for viewing. For a smaller museum it was very well put together and I loved how they were able to get many bigger named museums to provide works for show.

If you’re a fan of ancient art I’d highly recommend visiting this museum, the Rijkmuseum doesn’t really specialize in antiquities so this one has more to offer in that respect.

Belgisch Biercafe Olivier

Unfortunately I don’t have good photos for the food at this place. It was SUPER dark and I didn’t want to be that jerk who uses flash, haha.

For a more affordable dinner, I’d recommend this Belgian bar that specializes in serving Belgian beers. Jimmy loves Belgian beers so this is one of his favorite spots in Leiden, he comes here every time he gets sent on a business trip. This place is also popular with locals. 

Their menu also has seasonal availability. And since we went in the colder months they had a lot of stews and meats with sauces. Since we weren’t going to Ghent on this European trip, I ordered a Ghent stew with Guinea fowl and Jimmy got a beef with veggies.

For dessert we got a liege waffle which I highly recommend, it was delicious!

Even though we went to a Belgian place, I’d say a lot of the food was similar to Dutch dishes. They also had kibbeling, croquettes, and fries so you could opt for more Dutch options if you wanted.

If You Have More Time…

Horticus Botanicus Leiden & the Old Observatory The botanical garden in Leiden is the largest botanical garden in the Netherlands and has over 10,000 plants and birds from all over the world including Asia, Southern Europe, and South Africa.

Though the observatory is owned by the university, you can easily combine your visit and see both at the same time. The observatory is usually open to the public on Wednesdays and weekends and they even provide free walk-in tours.

Naturalis Biodiversity Center Unfortunately this was closed when I visited, but Jimmy has been before and he said it was a great museum. It has one of the largest collections of dinosaur fossils in the country. Parts of the museum are now open to the public though the main exhibition areas still remain closed for renovations.

Leiden American Pilgrim Museum This is a mom and pop relaxed museum. I’d only recommend going if you’re REALLY interested in pilgrims and the history of the Netherlands as a whole. It’s more like a couple of rooms in an old house that you can look at rather than an official museum. You can explore the home pilgrims once lived in, though renovations have been made over the years. You can also touch and hold some of their pieces from the 16th and 17th century if you’re careful. And you can sit in a 15th century chair if you’d like!

Museum de Lakenhal Unfortunately this museum has been closed until spring 2019 for renovations. It has impressive works by famous Dutch masters including Rembrandt. It also has a rebuilt model of the Maison d’Artiste, a cubist artists’ house conceived by a well-known Dutch De Stijl artists Theo Van Doesburg and Cornelius van Eesteren.

List of the Sights

• Borgman & Borgman Nieuwe Rijn 41
• Leiden City Center Main area around which the Oude Rijn, Nieuwe Rijn, and De Rijn meet
• Leiden Street Market (Wednesdays & Saturdays only) Streets of Aalmarkt, Botermarkt, and Nieuwe Rijn
• Burg Poort Nieuwestraat & Burgsteeg
• Burcht van Leiden (Castle of Leiden) Van der Sterrepad 5
• Leiden Town Hall (Stadhuis van Leiden) Stadhuisplein 1
• Shop along Harlemmerstraat Harlemmerstraat
• Explore canals Much of the historic city center especially Oude Singel, Oude Rijn, & Nieuwe Rijn
• Zijlpoort – City Gate At Haven & Zijlpoortsbrug
• Morspoort – City Gate At Morstraat & 1e Binnenvestgracht
• Doelenepoort – Gate At Doelenpoortsbrug, Groenhazengracht, & Sebastiaansdoelen
• Restaurant La Diva Noordeinde 23
• Lebkov & Sons Bargelaan 8
• Molen de Valk 2e Binnenvestgracht 1
• Molen de Put Park de Put 11
• Rembrandtplaats Weddesteeg 29
• Rembrandtpark Located by Rembrantplaats
• Pannenkoekenhuys Oudt Leyden (Oudt Leyden Pancake House) Steenstraat 49
• National Museum of Antiquities  (Rijksmuseum van Oudheden) Rapenburg 28
• Belgisch Biercafe Olivier Hooigracht 23
• Horticus Botanicus Leiden & Old Observatory
• Naturalis Biodiversity Center – Currently partially closed for renovations
• Leiden American Pilgrim Museum
• Museum de Lakenhal – Currently closed for renovations until spring 2019

Map of the Sights

This map includes a list of all of the  Sights to See ,  Restaurants  as well as the  routes by day (i.e. Day 1, Day 2, and Day 3)  within specified layers.

By default, only the  Sights to See  and  Restaurants  are shown but you can select to view the daily routes. Use the slide out panel to select layers to toggle them on and off using the checkboxes.

Hope you enjoyed our 2 day weekend guide to Leiden. We hope that we’ve inspired you to get out of Amsterdam and check out things to do in Leiden. It’s got a lot of local flavor and is only a short train ride from Amsterdam.

Loved learning about things to do in leiden, netherlands in 48 hours pin it for later.

Related Posts

Visiting Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Near Seattle, WA: Everything You Need to Know (Updated 2023)

Tulip Fields at Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival Near Portland, Oregon (Updated 2023)

Harley Farms in Pescadero, CA: See Baby Goats & Eat Goat Cheese (Updated 2023)

24 comments.

One of my biggest regrets from my first proper ‘Eurotrip’ was missing out on seeing windmills in Netherlands! Leiden looks gorgeous—I’d love to go some day! Is 2 days enough, or would you recommend staying longer and adding on some of those extra activities? Thanks for sharing!

Ahhh yeah the windmills in the Netherlands was one of my faves. For now 2 days would be enough since some of the museums I listed were closed for renovation. I’d say maybe in a year or two when all of the museums are finished renovating then 3 days would be good if you’re a huge museum type of person. Otherwise 2 days is enough 🙂

That latte looked so delicious! I’m visiting Netherlands in Sept. So excited for the food and all the wonderful places that’s there to explore. Thanks for sharing this informative guide!

You’re gonna have so much fun! We loved the Netherlands in the fall 🙂

Hmm I’ve never heard of Leiden before. Time for another trip to the Netherlands!

Definitely worth it! It’s got quite a different vibe from Amsterdam so it’s worth a visit

One of the things I love about Holland is all the small towns packed with things to do. Also, I appreciate your diligence to finding the freshest stroopwafels! They are so delicious.

Yasssss I love me some stroopwafels haha, I practically had a fresh one everyday!

This place looks so cute! I’ve never heard about it before! Definitely adding to the list once I can make it to The Netherlands!

What a cute little place! Never heard of it but have pinned for later for the next time I visit the Netherlands 🙂

Glad you enjoyed it, it’s worthy of a visit! 🙂

You’re braver then me! I don’t think that I’d ever try harring at all. I’m a little too squeamish. I can’t believe how many bridges there are in Leiden and how many kms of waterways. I love that about Amsterdam, I feel like they make the city so much more interesting!

Haha IMO it’s just like sushi so it’s not that different. Leiden is worth a visit for sure since it’s got a different vibe from Amsterdam even though they’re both Dutch cities.

Leiden looks like such a great stop on a Netherlands itinerary, and good on you for making the most of your man’s work trip – that’s such a great strategy! Anyway, you seem to have ticked all the boxes for a successful Netherlands vacation – beer, food, windmill – and then some! I’m hoping to explore the Netherlands a bit more in the next couple of years and am adding Leiden to my visit list!

Glad you liked the post! Haha because of his work trip, I’ve probably explore more of the Netherlands than most and it was definitely worth it! Let me know if you need any more tips for planning your future Netherlands trip 🙂

Oh why have I not heard of Leiden! What a charming town and perfect to add onto when visiting Amsterdam. So many free things to do and a visit to the windmills is a must! I keep meaning to plan a trip to The Netherlands. The food looks delish, especially the Dutch pancakes. Mmmm I wouldn’t be sharing my pancake with Ian!

It’s definitely a peaceful city to visit outside of Amsterdam! You’ll definitely wanna try the pancakes, they’re so good! And much better than the place I had in Amsterdam.

Hi Constance, I am loving your blogspot. I will be visiting netherlands for a week and will be staying in Leiden for 3 days and then amsterdam for another 3 days. Was wondering if you know any train pass or card that i can purchase for all my train trips as I will be going for day trips to harleem, the hague, around amsterdam etc. Looking forward to your reply!(:

I’m so glad you’re loving our blog! To be honest, the Netherlands is not super budget-friendly in terms of longer term travel/anywhere outside of the Amsterdam area. So I, myself, ended up spending a lot on train fare since I was there for a few weeks.

With that said, since you’re only there for about a week, I’d recommend using the Iamsterdam card for travel within the Netherlands as well as museum & sightseeing passes. Many of my friends have used it and had recommended it for me, but since I was staying much longer it didn’t make sense to me to use it.

As far as train tickets goes, I used an OV-chipkaart since I was there for 3 weeks, but I wasn’t able to purchase the discounted monthly pass (you need a Dutch bank account for that unfortunately). I think the best bet for you would be to just buy the train tickets individually at the station, you’re not staying long enough for the OV-chipkaart to be too convenient for you and the tickets are easy to purchase at the kiosks at each station. Haarlem, Leiden, and The Hague will definitely have them available for you. Depending on where you are traveling to/from they have one way tickets and round trip tickets .

Hope this helps! And hope you have an amazing time in the Netherlands 🙂

Pingback: 10 Of The Most Beautiful Places In Europe To Visit In 2019

Pingback: The Amazing Europe Bucket List: 47 Places to Get off the Beaten Path - Explore Now Or Never

Pingback: 10 Of The Most Beautiful Places In Europe To Visit In 2019 | Travelweekli

This is the most beautiful places list I ever seen on the internet saving it for the future. thanks for sharing this

Leiden is super beautiful Tina, hope you get to go someday.

Write A Comment Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• United States in 2-3 Days
• Europe in 2-3 Days
• Asia in 2-3 Days
• Netherlands
• United Kingdom
• Cooking Class
• Farm to Table
• Art Nouveau
• Chicago Architecture
• Frank Lloyd Wright
• Bucket List Experiences
• How to Pack
• How to Plan a Trip
• Solo Female Travel
• UNESCO Sites
• Work With Us
• Where We’ve Been Featured

A Guide to the Best Things to do in Leiden

By: Author Sophie Nadeau

Posted on Last updated: 29th January 2024

Categories Netherlands

Last Updated on 29th January 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

Oozing with charm, visit Leiden and you’ll be guaranteed the opportunity to truly step back in time in this medieval time warp. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best things to do in Leiden , as well as travel tips to know before you head off on your trip!

A little off the beaten tourist track and somewhere between the Hague and Amsterdam, you’ll find one of the most beautifully preserved historic city centres in all of the Netherlands.

If you want to visit a city which has the feel of Amsterdam and yet wish skip the crowds of the Dutch capital city, then Leiden makes for the perfect escape from Amsterdam. Easy to see as a day trip from Amsterdam or the Hague , Leiden is home to several windmills, countless waterways, and plenty of churches.

After all, once in Leiden, you’ll have the opportunity to wander along endless waterways, soak up architecture dating back centuries, escape the crowds of Amsterdam… And that’s not all! Here are some of the top reasons to visit Leiden and why you must add the Dutch city to your bucket list ASAP!

What is Leiden known for?

A brief history of leiden, visit the miniaturist filming locations, uncover hidden gems in leiden, visit pieterskerk and learn about the pilgrims in leiden, university of leiden, water and canals, explore hortus botanicus, drink on the boat terraces, wander along cobbled lanes, visit the hofjes of leiden, follow in the footsteps of rembrandt van rijn, enjoy beer culture in leiden & visit the heineken star bar, discover poems on the streets, head to an event in leiden, enjoy a laidback sunday in leiden, take a day trip to keukenhof gardens, how to visit leiden, the netherlands, suggested one day in leiden itinerary, where to stay in leiden, what is the population of leiden, what are the best free things to do in leiden, is leiden safe to visit, enjoyed reading about why you should visit leiden (and a guide to visiting for yourself) pin it now, read it again later.

Leiden is most famous for having one of the best-preserved historic centres in the Netherlands. The Dutch city also happens to be the birthplace of iconic painter Rembrandt and is where the ‘star’ on the Heineken logo originally came from.

Home to the oldest university in the Netherlands, as well as the oldest botanical gardens in Holland, Leiden has no shortage of historical and cultural attractions. And while the best of Leiden can probably be seen in a day, you’ll likely want to spend a long weekend here in order to truly soak up the historical ambience.

If you want to make the most of your time in Leiden, then it’s well worth following the Leidse Loper (Leiden Loop). This self-guided, self-paced walking trail traces 24 historical attractions and points of interest in the city centre. The trail can be downloaded via a free app. If you’re looking for a tour with a guide, then it might be worth booking this 2-hour walking tour of the city .

Best things to do in Leiden

For those who have not seen the Miniaturist, it’s a period drama based on the book of the same name. Set in the 17th-century, it follows the story of newly married Nella Oortman and was based on a doll’s housed now located within the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.

The historic nature of the city, as well as filming incentives which were just not available in Amsterdam in previous years, have drawn numerous film crews to the small university town. In fact, little has changed in the street plan of Leiden since the 17th-century.

Today, it’s possible to wander the streets of Leiden and discover several filming locations from the movie. While some of the movie was filmed within the iconic Pieterskerk, many of the waterway scenes were shot in the Rapenburg Canal area of the city.

While the university city has plenty of well-known locations that are a must-see on any visit, there are still plenty of hidden gems to discover. From secret gardens to forgotten museums, here are some of the best-kept secrets of Leiden.

By far the most famous building which Leiden has to offer is St Peter’s Church. Dating back some nine hundred years, no one is quite sure as to the history of the church. Although no longer consecrated, and as such, no longer used for services, the former ecclesiastical building has played an incredibly important role in the history of the city.

For it was here where the symbol for the keys of the city’s crest were taken; one key signifying heaven, the other earth. For those with an interest in American history, it’s also worth noting that the church has a Mayflower connection.

After all, it was in Leiden where some of the pilgrims settled to escape religious persecution from the English before voyaging to North America on the Mayflower. However, due to several factors, such as businesses open during normal hours on Sundays in Leiden, the Pilgrim Fathers found that the Netherlands was not pious enough, thus contributing to their eventual departure.

The University of Leiden is the oldest in the Netherlands and dates all the way back to 1575. Legend has it that as a reward for defending Leiden against Spanish attacks, the residents of the city were given the choice between not paying taxes for a period and the founding of a university. The residents chose the university.

And thus, the University of Leiden was founded. The Leiden Observatory can also be found in the city, was founded in 1633, and is the second oldest university observatory in the world.

Another highlight of the university is the sweat room , so-called because, in previous years, the students would be left in the room to await their diploma results. Today, it’s a right of passage for graduating students to sign their names on the wall of the room.

So iconic is the water in Holland that the nearby city of Delft comes from the word ‘delven,’ meaning delving or digging. Canals are an essential part of nearly every Dutch city and Leiden is no exception.

On a sunny day, there’s no better activity than to wander around, camera in one hand, seeing where your feet take you… Alternatively, to get an entirely different perspective of the city, consider booking a boat tour of Leiden like this one.

Established shortly after the university, the oldest botanical gardens in the Netherlands remain free for students of the University of Leiden to visit to this day. And, for a small fee, members of the public can visit the extensive gardens and greenhouses too. Open on a daily basis, the gardens date all the way back to 1590.

While a feature of many a city in the Netherlands, one of the things that Leiden is best-known for are the boat terraces located along the city’s main canal. As such, one of the best things to do in Leiden on a warm summer’s evening is to sit out with your friends and drink some local beer… On a boat!

From the architecture of the waterfront houses to the bars spilling out onto the lanes, there’s no denying that Leiden is absolutely adorable. In fact, pretty as a postcard, Leiden is so picturesque that once you’ve taken out your camera, you’ll find that it’s hard to put it away again!

And while we’re on the subject of cobbled lanes, it’s worth noting that Leiden is home to some of the best-preserved and historic hofjes of any city in the Netherlands. For those unfamiliar with the term, it’s worth noting that this term is the Dutch word for a courtyard surrounded by almshouses.

Hofjes can be found in several Dutch cities including the settlements of Haarlem, Amsterdam, and of course, Leiden. Many have been in situ in Leiden for centuries and 36 courtyards remain to this day. Out of these 17 hofjes are open to the public and provide an oasis of calm in the heart of the city.

While one of the best small museums in Amsterdam is that of Rembrandt’s studio and house museum, what you may not know is that the iconic Dutch painter was actually born in the pretty university city of Leiden before he left for the Dutch capital of Amsterdam when he grew up.

Rembrandt was the son of a miller and today, it’s possible to visit the district where the iconic Dutch painter was born (which is around the late Gothic Pieterskerk Church) .

Highlights of this area include Rembrandt Bridge and the site where the painter was born. While the house where Rembrandt was born no longer stands, a gablestone marks his birthplace.

Belgium and The Netherlands are well-known for their beer culture. However, what you may well not know is that the red star on the Heineken logo was quite literally ‘discovered’ on a bar sign in the centre of Leiden.

Since the Middle Ages, the star has been used on many a beer logo as it represents the five elements/ ingredients of brewing; water, yeast, hops, barley, and the ‘art of brewing’.

The Café de Vergulde Kruik (the Gilded Jar Café) can be found in the very heart of Leiden and opened in the late 1800s to students, locals, and tourists alike. Home to wooden panels, stained glass windows, and a charm which can be found in few places to this day, the bar’s original logo was purchased by Heineken for the sum of 35 guldens.

Leiden is the kind of place you’ll enjoy visiting, even if you’re not necessarily a ‘museum person’ per se. While there are several interesting museums (the Rijksmuseum is home to an incredibly impressive Egyptian collection) , the real charm of Leiden comes in the form of wandering along centuries-old streets. In saying that, in more modern times, poems have been painted onto the sides of many of the buildings throughout town.

Due to its status as a student town, Leiden always has some kind of event going on. If you really want to experience a local tradition, then it’s worth visiting the city on the 3rd of October. On the day, many shops are closed and people are given the day off work.

Whether you want to enjoy brunch with friends or stroll along the city’s many canals in search of filming locations and hidden gems, then Sundays in Leiden are as laid back as you like. Though most businesses maintain the same hours as the rest of the week, the city has a cool and laid-back ambience about it.

The l argest flower gardens in the world are that of Keukenhof, which are only open for a few weeks each year. Though most tourists opt to visit the tulips and hyacinths as a day trip from Amsterdam, if you’re looking to cut costs and enjoy a lesser-known Dutch city, then you might opt to instead visit Keukenhof as a day trip from Leiden.

During Keukenhof opening hours, there’s a special bus that goes from Leiden Centraal straight to the entrance of Keukenhof. The bus takes around half an hour. Purchase your Keukenhof skip-the-line ticket here and save on precious exploration time so as to explore the gardens.

Leiden has easy to use and incredibly navigable transport links to the rest of the Netherlands and beyond. In terms of flights, there’s a direct train which goes straight from Schipol airport directly to the Leiden Central Station.

For those looking for the perfect Dutch escape without the hustle and bustle of larger Dutch cities, then it’s worth booking a longer stay in Leiden. Though less crowded than Amsterdam, or even The Hague, you’ll still want to book your stay well in advance to get the best deals. Check the best accommodation prices and availability here.

If you want to see the nearby tulip fields from March to May, then Leiden makes for the perfect base from which to explore the wider region of Holland. And for those who want to get to know Leiden on a more local level, then this  2-hour guided walking tour  will show you some of the city’s best sights during a relaxed wander around Leiden.

Though the best way to explore Leiden in full would be over the course of two or three days, the small and compact nature of Leiden means that you can easily see all of its main attractions over the course of a day. Here’s our suggested itinerary for 1 day in Leiden:

• Breakfast at a local café: Start your day in Leiden the right way by indulging in a typical Dutch breakfast at a cozy café. Enjoy a coffee or tea with a freshly baked croissant or a Dutch pancake. Some of the best cafés in the city include Chummy Coffee and Barista Cafe.
• Stroll along the canals: Leiden is world-famous thanks to its scenic canals. As such, one of the best ways to enjoy the city is to take a leisurely walk along the waterways.
• Visit the Hortus Botanicus: Next, head to the Hortus Botanicus, which is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world. Explore the lush greenery and admire the diverse plant collections.
• Lunch in a local eatery: Thanks to its status as a university city, there’s no shortage of light bites to enjoy on the go. One of the more local specialities you can sample is a herring sandwich. Head to Vishandel Atlantic to try this local dish!
• Leiden University: When you’re visiting Leiden, one of the most important things to know is that the city is home to one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the Netherlands. While you’re walking around, you’ll soon spy plenty of historic university building and students strolling around.
• Molen de Valk: Afterwards, explore an iconic windmill, Molen de Valk. This windmill is special in that it has been converted into a museum where you can even climb to the top for panoramic views of Leiden.
• Leiden’s Historic City Center: Of course, you don’t want to end your time in Leiden without spending some time wandering around the charming historic centre of Leiden. Just don’t forget to bring your camera along!
• Dinner in a local restaurant: Enjoy a dinner and maybe even sample some Dutch specialties like bitterballen or erwtensoep (pea soup). End your time in Leiden by indulging in a pint at the star bar: Café De Vergulde Kruik.

As a small and compact city that’s best explored on foot, there are a number of wonderful accommodation options that are close to the town centre and are much more affordable than nearby Amsterdam. Here are some of the top places to stay in Leiden based on web-reviews and location:

Frequently asked questions about Leiden

As of 2023, the population of Leiden was 127,046.

Those visiting Leiden on a budget will be pleased to know that there are a number of low cost activities and attractions on offer. Some of the best free things to do in Honfleur include wandering along the canals, visiting the outdoor markets (including flea markets at various times of the year), and enjoying the public park of De Burcht.

Leiden is generally as safe as most other destinations in Europe, though petty crime can still occur. Visitors should be especially wary of pickpockets (pickpockets operate all over Europe and so you should always keep your things close, particularly in crowds) . Never leave your valuables lying around or attended. I personally recommend always wearing a crossbody bag like these ones.

Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as much as she can! Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Getty Images/Dorling Kindersley

Vibrant Leiden is one of the Netherlands' great cities. Woven with canals lined by beautiful 17th-century buildings, its cache of museums, all within walking distance of each other, are a major draw, as is wandering the picturesque canals and soaking up the nightlife, fuelled by a 27,000-strong student population.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Rijksmuseum van Oudheden

Home to the Rijksmuseum's collection of Greek, Etruscan, Roman and Egyptian artefacts, this museum is best known for its Egyptian halls, which include the…

Museum De Lakenhal

Leiden's foremost museum reopened in 2019 following a three-year renovation. Its 1640-built premises (a former cloth warehouse) again displays its…

Museum Volkenkunde

Cultural achievements by civilisations worldwide are showcased at this splendid museum, which has a collection of more than 300,000 artefacts from across…

Rijksmuseum Boerhaave

Named in honour of physician, botanist, chemist and University of Leiden teacher Herman Boerhaave (1668–1738), this impressive museum of science and…

Hortus Botanicus Leiden

Founded by the University of Leiden in 1590, this is one of Europe's oldest botanical gardens (the oldest was created in Padua, Italy, in 1545). The…

Pieterskerk

Crowned by its huge steeple, this now deconsecrated church is often under restoration – a good thing, as it has been prone to collapse since it was built…

Hooglandse Kerk

Built on the Hoge Land (High Land) of Leiden, this church was consecrated in 1366 as the collegiate church of St Pancras and was extended in stages…

Leiden American Pilgrim Museum

This museum is a fascinating restoration of a one-room house occupied around 1610 by the soon-to-be Pilgrims. The house itself dates from 1365–70 (check…

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Leiden

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks.

Get to the heart of Leiden with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

World Wanderista

Magic happens when the adventure begins

Leiden , Netherlands , Travel Guide · April 7, 2022

A weekend in Leiden: best things to see & do in two days

If you have decided to spend a weekend in Leiden , you have made the right choice! There are plenty of wonderful things to see and do. You will be able to enjoy the typical Dutch architecture and canals in a more calm atmosphere than you will find in crowded Amsterdam . Culture freaks will love the wide variety of museums Leiden has to offer. There are a lot of cute boutiques for those who love to shop. If you want to indulge yourself with the most delicious food and drinks, you can choose from the many fine restaurants and bars .

When I arrived in Leiden I immediately felt overwhelmed by its beauty. Everywhere I looked and behind every corner I discovered another dreamy street or a new interesting sight . I got so excited I did not know where to start! I only just arrived and already realized, I would want to return! So I decided to write this little guide for you. So you can plan your two days in Leiden at ease and know exactly where to go!

A perfect weekend in Leiden: best things to see & do

Where is leiden, how to get to leiden, where to stay during a weekend in leiden, when is the best time to go to leiden, some fun facts about leiden, wander around town, explore the “hofjes”, visit the young rembrandt studio, get your portrait sketched by rembrandt, unlock rembrandt’s secret, explore the canals on a boat trip, admire the plants and flowers at hortus botanicus, museums, monuments & theaters, a day trip to the seaside and the tulip fields, freddy’s gastrobar, pipa streetfood bar, lot & de walvis, zand (katwijk aan zee), combine your weekend in leiden with other destinations in the netherlands, pin this weekend in leiden post for later.

Leiden is a charming small town in the province of South Holland in the Netherlands situated between famous Rotterdam and Amsterdam , less than 10 kilometers from the seaside. The historic city center is surrounded by a six kilometer long canal. Leiden’s canals form one of the biggest city defenses in Europe, of which the structure is still intact!

If you plan a weekend in Leiden, I advise to take the train . The train station is only a 5 minute walk from the city center. If you are coming by plane , the easiest is to land in Schiphol, Amsterdam and take the train from there. Should you decide to come by car ; there are hotels offering parking, so do check in advance. Find all information concerning public parking on the official tourism board website .

I stayed two nights at the Golden Tulip Leiden Center Hotel . Its location was perfect; just outside the city center near De Valk, a tower mill and museum. My room was spacious enough and I slept like a baby. But I had some hygiene issues. They did not clean my used glasses and the bath mat I received on the second day was dirty with shoeprints on it. At arrival I received a bottle of water, but on the second day I did not get a refill. Which also was a bit of a disappointment, since I think this should be a basic in a 4 star hotel. Breakfast was extensive and served between 7.30 and 11.30.

One of my fellow travelers recommended Boutique Hotel D’Oude Morsch which offers a more authentic and intimate vibe and is situated right across windmill De Put. So next time I will definitely try that hotel!

Visiting Leiden is always a good idea, but I definitely recommend spring when the tulip season is at full force! Leiden is situated in the middle of the bulb region and that way you can combine your visit to Leiden with a visit to the tulip fields and Keukenhof, which is less than 15 km from Leiden. Also summer is perfect since Leiden is located only a few kilometers from the seaside. You could go for a beach walk at Katwijk or do another activity, but more on that later!

• Leiden University is the oldest Dutch university and one of Europe’s top universities, with thirteen Nobel Prize winners. Being a university city since 1575, Leiden has been one of Europe’s most prominent scientific centers for more than four centuries.
• One of the world’s most famous painters,  Rembrandt Van Rijn , was born and educated in Leiden.
• Leiden is also known as the “ City of Keys “. This dates back from 1293, when official city documents started showing a city seal with the Apostle Peter as the patron saint of the city. Peter was always portrayed holding a key since he was “given the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven”. The famous “Pieterskerk” bears his name which is why the city’s coat of arms and flag show two crossed keys.
• There are 28 kilometers of canals and 88 bridges in Leiden. Leiden, after Amsterdam, is the city with the most bridges, canals, and moats.

What are the best things to see and do in Leiden?

One of my favorite things to do in every city is just wander around the streets and get lost. Leiden is not that big, but it sure has a lot of cute quaint streets and canals to explore. My favorite areas were the Pieterskwartier , which is the quarter situated around the Pieterskerk (Peter’s Church). This area consists of cobblestone streets decorated with picturesque houses, lanterns, trees and plants. Also the area near the Burcht , where you can find the dreamy street Hooglandse Kerkgracht is super romantic. The whole town is simply stunning with a wide variety of different facades to admire. I cannot wait to return for another weekend in Leiden and explore more streets! Even though I was here during the weekend, it was so relaxed. Definitely not like Amsterdam where you stumble upon crowds the whole time!

Leiden counts 35 “hofjes” meaning courtyards. These courtyards were little communities meant for the poor and elderly people who could not afford to pay for housing during the Middle Ages. These days they are still inhabited simply because these are little oases of peace and serenity within the city. Who would not want to live there? I was not able to visit them all, but the ones I found I thought were incredibly beautiful and cozy. If you are short in time like I was (I had different plans during this weekend in Leiden), I strongly advise to visit the Jean Pesijnhofje. During spring you will find a gorgeous Magnolia tree blooming here. You can buy a courtyard walking tour map at the VVV tourist office for only 3.5€ and make it a mission to find all 35!

When walking around Leiden, it is hard not to notice it is the hometown of the famous painter Rembrandt Van Rijn. Everywhere you look you will see references to the Golden Age painter. At the Young Rembrandt Studio , which is the place where Rembrandt learned to paint in his early years, you can watch a fantastic 7 minute long video mapping about Rembrandt’s first 25 years in Leiden (after that he moved to Amsterdam). It was a beautiful animation and well explained. I think even kids would love to watch it. Entrance fee: 2.5€ (children -6 free) – Location: Langebrug 89, 2311 TJ Leiden

Now that you know a little more about Rembrandt’s history, you can go to the “Latijnse School” (Latin School). The Latin School served as a university preparatory school. Latin was used primarily in conversations and teaching. Rembrandt learned to draw here for the first time. You cannot enter the building, but when you look through the window, you will see your portrait being sketched on canvas! You can download it the next day! Mine looks as if I turned 100 years old, but I still think it is quite impressive how fast Rembrandt’s spirit was able to sketch me! 😉 Location: Lokhorstraat 16, 2311 TA Leiden

After this magical moment you can choose for some more Rembrandt mystery and action! At the Jan Van Houtkade you will find the oldest building of Leiden ; a medieval rampart or as the locals call it; “het Kruithuisje” (the Gunpowder House). There used to be 31 of them surrounding the city, but this rampart is the only one left. Inside you will find an escape room being the secret painting studio of Rembrandt. Within the hour you need to unlock the secret or you will disappear forever. We were lucky to reveal the secret within 54 minutes or I was not able to write this blog post. I had no idea so many clues and riddles could be hidden in just one room! I absolutely loved playing this game! And luckily for those who do not speak Dutch; you can also play it in English! Price: depends on the size of the group – Location: Jan van Houtkade 50, 2311 PE Leiden

It would be a pity not to take a boat ride , when spending a weekend in Leiden, a city with so many canals, right? I did a 55 minute boat tour with Rederij Rembrandt , which has a boat with a sliding roof in case the weather turns bad. The trip starts at the Beestenmarkt. A charming triangle shaped square that used to serve as a livestock market from 1616 to 1969. Luckily this was no longer the case, so the square was calm and there were no unpleasant smells these markets often bring along. The boat will take you along the canals showing the beautiful sights from a different perspective. We passed the mill De Put, the garden of Hortus Botanicus, the impressive astronomical observatory (the oldest surviving university observatory in the world dating from 1633), the Groenesteeg cemetery, the Koornbrug and many other places. It is a nice and relaxed way to explore the town and the captain shares a lot of history and stories on the way. Price: 11.5€ – Location: Beestenmarkt

The Hortus Botanicus of Leiden is the oldest botanical garden of the Netherlands and one of the oldest in the world dating from 1590. Here were the first tulips of Holland cultivated. I was lucky when I visited the tropical glasshouse the Jadevine (Strongylodon macrobotrys) was flowering. It was the first time in three years that several clusters were flowering at once. The blue shades of this flower are breathtakingly stunning! Also the outside garden is worth your time to take a stroll. Entrance fee: 8€ – Location: Rapenburg 73, 2311 GJ Leiden

Leiden has a lot more to offer, but I could not cram it all into one weekend. Some museums that seem interesting to me are:

• the Naturalis museum : showcasing the amazing world of nature and even a T. Rex!
• the National Museum of Ethnology : learn about cultures, beliefs and traditions from all around the world
• the National Museum of Antiquities : showing treasures from ancient cultures such as mummies and sarcophagi

You will find impressive churches spread all over town and also theater lovers will surely find something to their liking! More information about all of this can be found on the website of the tourism board .

If you are in for something different and you are staying for a little longer, you might consider a day trip to the seaside or the tulip fields. The best way to combine both is to rent an e-chopper at E-wheels Katwijk . With this electric motorcycle you can drive through the dunes and the bulb region and have the best of both worlds! You can download various routes on the Dit is Katwijk website . But this is the route I did . It was a little cold on the day I did this tour, but on a warm sunny day this must be a wonderful experience! The views on the way are incredible and being on a such a bike with the wind your hair just gives a fantastic sense of freedom! Price: 59€ for a full day rental – Location: Scheepmakerstraat 1c3, 2222 AB Katwijk aan Zee

Where to eat and drink during a weekend in Leiden?

Freddy’s Gastrobar is the new hotspot in town. Making a reservation in advance is essential here! It is situated right beside the main office of the Heineken brewery and named after Freddy Heineken. It has its own microbrewery, so you can taste their own beers. The restaurant is quite big with an industrial modern look, but it still has a cozy and nice atmosphere thanks to the (fake) plants and warm colors they used in the decor and furniture. The food was good, the drinks even better (and stronger)! Location: Stationsweg 41, 2312 AT Leiden

Pipa Streetfood Bar is decorated as if you are eating on the street. It has a pedestrian crossing and mural art inside, which makes you feel as if you are somewhere eating in South America. The menu consists of various streetfood dishes from around the world. Streetfood is ready-to-eat food served in the street, but over here it is served in a little more comfortable way. I went here for lunch and tried the bao bun with the fried chicken. I swear this chicken was to die for! The crusty chicken and the sauce on it was absolutely delicious! Location: Morsstraat 60, 2312 BN Leiden

Lot & de Walvis is a cozy restaurant situated in the old head office of the steamboat company of Leiden called “De Volharding” . The interior screams bohemian vibes and the restaurant’s menu let’s you travel around the world via its wide range of international food. Location: Haven 1, 2312 MG Leiden

This beautiful restaurant with some serious Ibiza vibes is located in a beach pavilion at Katwijk aan Zee. I had lunch here after my e-chopper adventure through the dunes and the tulip fields. The views from the big windows of the beach and waves are super relaxing. One of my fellow travelers had ordered the seafood platter and I immediately regretted not ordering the same. It looked so good! But also my burger tasted good! It was the perfect ending of my weekend in Leiden! Location: Boulevard Zeezijde 35, 2225 BB Katwijk aan Zee

If you love the Netherlands just as much as I do, maybe you are also interested in visiting other places and do a little tour. Make sure to check out my other blog posts and get inspired!

• Two days in Amsterdam: the best places to see and visit
• Two days in Rotterdam: the best photo spots
• Five lesser known places in the Netherlands you should visit
• One day in Utrecht: how to experience the city at its fullest
• One day at Delft – Photo Diary (video incl.)

I hope you enjoyed this “A perfect weekend in Leiden: best things to see & do” article! Don’t hesitate to leave your comments down below!  If you want to help me a little please share this post on Facebook, Twitter or any kind of social media and book your next trip via my affiliate links. A small thing for you to do that can make a big difference for me! Massive thanks! If you like the pictures in this article, I suggest to follow  my Instagram account  where you can find a lot more.

I was invited as a guest,   however my opinion is as always my own.

Share this:

• Share on Tumblr

You’ll Also Love

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

25 female solo travel tips: how to travel safely as a woman alone

Newsletter & Free Travel Essentials

Email address:

WORLD WANDERISTA  

ABOUT PRIVACY POLICY COOKIE POLICY (EU) DISCLOSURE POLICY TERMS & CONDITIONS  

Copyright © 2024 World Wanderista · Theme by 17th Avenue

HollandDreams

A Day in Leiden: Best Things to See & Do on a Daytrip to Leiden

Leiden is a well-known university city in the province of South Holland , north of The Hague, near the North Sea. Water flows through the city just like in Amsterdam and the sight of the numerous canals alone is worth the trip! Leiden is not as well known as other large cities and seaside resorts in Holland, but this means that you can have a unique experience away from the hustle and bustle of tourist hotspots.

Sightseeing in Leiden

Probably the best thing about Leiden is the beautiful cityscape. There are countless canals, historical houses and a lively city center. Explore the city by foot, by bike or get on board of a canal cruise ( grachten vaart ).

1. Molen de Valk

Leiden is very easy to navigate, particularly by foot. From the central station in the direction of the city center, do not miss the famous Molen de Valk ! This old mill was converted into a municipal museum in 1966 and is certainly worth a visit.

2. Burcht van Leiden

One of Leiden’s landmarks is the famous castle, Burcht van Leiden . It was built in the 11th century on an artificial hill and was once used to protect the citizens. The castle is located in the middle of today’s city center. The climb is worthwhile, as you’ll have a great view over the city once you reach the top.

3. Old Town House

Heading in the direction of the city center from the castle, you will come to the old town house, which is open to visitors. Nowadays it is mainly used for weddings and guided tours for visitors are offered regularly. The lower floor houses City Hall and various restaurants. 

4. Pieterskerk and Hooglandse Kerk

About 100 meters further west you will come to the Pieterskerk , which has been the central point of Leiden since the 12th century. Formally, a huge west gate (which no longer exists) could be seen from the sea and provided orientation for ships. The construction of the church took 180 years, as it took a while to raise the funds to build it. Many famous Dutch men and women are buried in it. Today the Pieterskerk is used for concerts, events and exhibitions. 

5. Botanical Garden

Leiden University is also home to the Hortus Botanicus , a huge botanical garden with over 5,000 species of plants and flowers. It is located directly on the Witte Singel canal on the edge of the city center. The grounds are very well maintained and it is certainly worth a visit in all seasons, but especially in summer. Hortus Botanicus tickets are €8.00 and can be purchased online. Entry is free with a Museumkaart (annual subscription for Dutch museums).

6. Naturalis Biodiversity Center

If you love nature and history, take a look at the Naturalis Biodiversity Center . This national museum is home to more than 10,000 animals, plants and fossils. Time travel through history and find out how our planet has changed over the centuries.

Canal Cruise in Leiden

One of the highlights of Leiden are the canals that give the city its unique and special charme. In addition to exploring the city and its sights by foot, a canal cruise allows you to explore Leiden from a different perspective.

Events and Nightlife

A typical student city, Leiden offers a wide range of entertainment. Whether you’re looking for a cosy restaurant for dinner or a trendy bar, there are plenty of options to choose from. Relax by the water, wander the beautifully lit alleys and canals, and enjoy the city’s diverse culinary and cultural offerings.

In July the four-day Laakenfeest and the famous Ontzet , the Liberation Festival, take place. During these days there is a lot happening in Leiden. If you like it a bit quieter of a trip, you can take a leisurely stroll along the canals and take a boat trip. As in many European cities, Leiden also has a Kerstmarkt (Christmas market) in December.

In the Area

Fancy a day at the beach? Only 12 km from Leiden is the North Sea with well-known seaside resorts such as Scheveningen, Katwijk and Noordwijk. While Scheveningen is very popular for sunbathing and swimming, Katwijk and Noordwijk are popular for their extensive dunes which are ideal for long walks and cycling tours.

Famous cities are within easy reach from Leiden. The Hague is about 20 km away and Rotterdam just under 35 km. By car or train you can reach The Hague or Rotterdam quickly and easily.

Any Questions or Feedback?

Have you ever been here or are you planning to visit soon? Share your experience and questions in the comments section down the page. We’d love to hear from you!

12 Best Museums in Amsterdam (2023)

12 Best Things to Do in Maastricht for an Unforgettable Day or Weekend Trip

Den Bosch: The Best Tips for a Day Trip

7 Best Things to See in Volendam Fishing Village

• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Solo Location Guides
• Solo Travel Advice
• Solo Inspiration
• Luxury travel

DESTINATIONS , EUROPE , NETHERLANDS

One day in leiden: a self-guided walking tour.

Unsurprisingly, the majority of visitors to the Netherlands flock to Amsterdam. But perhaps you want to visit an alternative Dutch city or are looking for an easy day trip from Amsterdam?

Located between  Rotterdam  and Amsterdam, Leiden is an often-overlooked small city that oozes charm. It’s a perfect day trip from either city

Make the most of one day in Leiden by exploring its highlights on a self-guided walking tour.

Some articles on this website contain affiliate links. This means that I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases . Read the full disclosure here .

IN THIS ARTICLE

Why I Loved Visiting Leiden

Leiden has the charm of Amsterdam, but on a smaller scale and minus the crowds. However, to describe Leiden merely as a scaled-down and quieter version of Amsterdam would be doing the city a grave disservice. It has endless canals along which to meander, ivy-clad university buildings and first-rate museums. With its perfectly preserved historic centre, dating from the 17 th  Century, Rembrandt’s home town has enough to keep most architecture buffs occupied for a week. Home to one of the oldest universities in the Netherlands – some refer to Leiden as the Oxford of the Netherlands – it has a lively student vibe.

A Self-Guided Leiden Walking Tour + Map

As Leiden is small enough to be explored on foot, doing a walking tour is very easy. This is how I explored the city.

My  4 km circular walking tour of Leiden starts and finishes at Leiden train station . Exit the station and walk straight down  Stationsweg  and you will reach a bridge. To the left of this bridge is a canal known as  Singel .

Here is a live map with walking directions or click on the image below. You can also send it to your phone.

Singel & Molen de Valk

The first stop on our Leiden walking tour is its well-preserved moat or  Singel . Dating from the 16 th  and 17 th  Centuries, Leiden’s moat ran alongside a fortified wall.

Although that wall has long since gone, the windmill ( Molen de Valk ) which would have sat on top of the wall remains. If you are curious about a working windmill, you can visit the  Windmill Museum .

Carry on walking along the main street and you will hit the market square ( Beestenmarkt ). When you reach the big canal, turn right along  Galgewater.

Galgewater translates as “Gallows Water” and is named after the field where executed corpses were placed on public display. Let that be a warning to others should they fall foul of the law!

Today, this canal is lined with historic houseboats. Keep your eyes peeled for  Carpenters’ House , which is one of Leiden’s most iconic buildings, on the right at #20.

Built in 1612 for the workers who were building the city, this quintessentially Dutch house is now a subsidised housing complex for pensioners. If you can, stick your head through the gate to take a peek at its lovely garden courtyard.

The windmill you can see at the end of this street is a replica of a 17 th  Century windmill,  Molen De Put  (“Post Windmill”). When you reach this windmill, take a left and cross over the bridge. On the right, just after you reach the other side of the bridge, is  Rembrandtplein.

Rembrandtplein

One of the Netherlands’ favourite sons was born in Leiden in 1606 in a house that faced this square. Sadly, this building is long since gone but there is a plaque on the modern building that replaced it.

Rembrandt’s well-to-do family sent him first to Latin School and later to Leiden University at the precocious age of 14. However, he wasn’t interested in academic pursuits and moved to pursue an artistic career in Amsterdam at the age of 17.

A life-size statue of a young Rembrandt examining a later self-portrait takes centre stage in this square.

Take a left along Noordeinde; after two blocks , you will hit the  Rapenburg canal . Turn right to walk alongside this canal until you reach  Leiden University  on your right.

Leiden University & Botanical Gardens

Through a set of imposing wrought-iron gates stands the Main Academic Building of Leiden University.

Leiden was the Netherlands’ first university, founded by William of Orange is 1575. In addition to Rembrandt, its alumni include John Quincy Adams, René Descartes, Henry Fielding and Dutch monarchs and prime ministers. Albert Einstein taught here.

Leiden’s  Botanical Gardens  ( Hortus Botanicus Leiden )  are located at the end of the university’s courtyard.

Continue along Rapenburg canal and cross the next bridge which will bring you onto  Kloksteeg  and, in one block,  St. Peter’s Church .

Pieterskwartier & St Peters Church (Pieterskerk)

Dating back to 1390, St. Peter’s Church is the oldest in Leiden. Originally a Catholic church, it became a Protestant church in the 16 th  Century.

The area around the church is charming but also important historically, especially for American visitors. Fleeing religious persecution in England, in 1609 a group of  Pilgrims  came to the Netherlands. They first came to Amsterdam, eventually settling in Leiden in the area around  St. Peter’s Church.

Take Pieterskerk-Choorsteeg and turn right onto busy   Breestrat. Walk around the side of City Hall and you will reach Leiden’s  Rhinefront Market.

Leiden’s Rhinefront Market

Here, where the New Rhine meets the Old Rhine, was where the merchants of old used to unload their wares.

Today, bars and restaurants unload their food and drink to grateful customers (one of the best things to do in Leiden is to stop here for a drink). It is also the site of a market on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Walk across the covered bridge ( Koornbrug ), along  Burgsteeg , and up the set of steps to the Burcht.

The Burcht is the final stop on our Leiden walking tour. Dating from the 8 th  or 9 th  Century, this artificial mound was built to offer protection to Leiden’s residents in times of siege. It housed a castle from 1150 onwards.

Take the steps to walk around the top of the wall for panoramic views of Leiden.

From the Burcht, make your way along  Haarlemerstraat . At  Beestenmarkt , turn right to return to the railway station.

Other Awesome Things to Do in Leiden

My self-guided Leiden walking tour is designed to steer you towards the best bits of the city, rather than steering you to visit every attraction it has to offer. For example, I did not visit any of its museums. This was partly due to a lack of time but largely because it was a glorious day.

Here are some other great things to do in Leiden if you have more time to play with.

Visit the American Pilgrim Museum (Beschuitsteeg 9)

This would be my top choice if you have more time or if it’s a rainy day.

Housed in the oldest residence in Leiden (c. 1365), the American Pilgrim Museum is stuffed full of original features and historical items and gives you a window into the lifestyle of a 17 th  Century Leiden inhabitant.

Visit the Rijksmuseum Volkenkunde (National Museum of Ethnology) (Steenstraat 1)

A museum that punches way above the size of its city, the Rijksmuseum Volkenkunde celebrates world cultures through displays of art and artefacts.

Take a Leiden canal boat tour

See Leiden from a different perspective.

After burning all those calories walking, you might be ready for a relaxing canal boat tour. Two companies operate regular tours from Beestenmarkt.

How to get to Leiden from Amsterdam, The Hague or Rotterdam

Leiden has fast and frequent links to other major Dutch cities. This makes Leiden an  easy day trip  from Amsterdam, Rotterdam or The Hague.

It’s just 30 minutes or so from  Amsterdam  (depending on which city station you use) or  Rotterdam . From  The Hague , it’ll take you a mere 12 minutes to reach The Hague.

Where to stay in Leiden

If you want to spend more than one day in Leiden, here are a few choices of places to stay.

The good news is that, compared with Amsterdam, Leiden is cheap. However, the bad news is that if you are looking for budget accommodation, your best bet is to base yourself in The Hague.

Mid-range – Ibis Central Hotel

I stayed at this 3-star chain hotel opposite the train station. A small room but in an excellent location and is clean and basic.

>>> CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS & RATES

Splurge – Boutique Hotel Steenhof Suites

This centrally-located hotel in a characterful building has fantastic reviews and boasts a bar and fitness centre.

Budget – Pink Flamingo Hostel, The Hague

This hostel in the centre of The Hague is reportedly clean and friendly and in the centre of The Hague. The railway station is a 15-minute walk and the hostel also offers bike hire for an additional fee.

>>> None of these take your fancy? Then check out other accommodation choices in Leiden.

Why You Should Spend More Than One Day in Leiden

Leiden proves that there is more to the Netherlands than Amsterdam. And thanks to the efficient Dutch railway system, Leiden and other historic towns such as  Delft , Gouda, Haarlem and Utrecht, are all easy day trips from Amsterdam.

Better still, as Leiden is very much a student city, it is affordable and has a good selection of bars and restaurants for a city of its size.

Lastly, is visiting the  Keukenhof Gardens  and the  Dutch tulip fields  on your travel bucket list? If so, Leiden is the best place to base yourself to visit the greatest flower show on earth.

Therefore, why not stay more than one day in Leiden? You’ll be glad that you did.

ENJOYED THIS ARTICLE? THEN READ THESE NEXT!

• 7 Best Things to Do on a Day Trip to Delft
• Keukenhof Gardens, Netherlands: Blooming Wonderful!
• One Day in Rotterdam: The 9 Best Things to See

About Bridget

Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.

Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.

To get in touch, email her at [email protected] or follow her on social media.

2 thoughts on “ One Day in Leiden: A Self-Guided Walking Tour ”

Hi i would be interested to join the walking tour. Let me know when is it going to happen.

Regards Pallavi

Hello! As this is a self-guided walking tour, there is no guide or schedule. It’s very easy to explore Leiden by yourself. Bridget

Comments are closed.

Visit Leiden

Leiden tourist information, visit leiden, city of discovery.

Are you looking to escape Amsterdam and see more of what the Netherlands has to offer? Then you should definitely visit Leiden, in the province of South Holland (Zuid Holland). Just 40 minutes from Amsterdam and Haarlem , and 30 minutes from both  Rotterdam and The Hague, Leiden is a charming, historic city. Home to the leading  University of Leiden – famed for its medical and law schools –  the city has a relaxed friendly vibe. Leiden is also a great gateway to visit the famed Keukenhof gardens . Visitors to Leiden will find a myriad of places of interest and things to do, no matter which season you come to discover Leiden.

Five reasons to discover Leiden

Whether you visit the city for a romantic weekend break, to hang out with friends or relax as a family, Leiden is sure to delight both young and old.

• Historic sights and monuments Dating back to circa 860, Leiden is steeped in history. America’s pilgrims stayed in Leiden en-route to the New World, and many visitors from the USA discover that they have ancestoral  ties to Leiden. Discover more about Leiden’s historic sights .
• Leiden’s wonderful water wonderways After Amsterdam, Leiden boasts the most canals in Holland. Leiden’s canals date back to the 17th century. Come enjoy more than 28 kms of winding waterways – either in, on or next to the water.
• Vibrant nightlife and cosy cafes Leiden is a lively student city and as such has a thriving nightlife. From free outdoor jazz concerts to snug pubs!
• Charming Hotels Ranging from luxury boutique hotels to hostels, Leiden has a bed for you. Book your accommodation on Visit Leiden today.
• Relaxed shopping With loads of charming boutiques lining the atmospheric streets, Leiden is an excellent destination for a shopping trip.

Visit Leiden provides English-language tourist information for visitors to Leiden, the Netherlands. What are you waiting for? Book your  Leiden hotel here and plan your trip on Visit Leiden  today!

Privacy Overview

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

Day Trip to Leiden from Amsterdam: Everything You Need to Know

Leiden is the perfect destination for a day trip from Amsterdam. Want to know what to do in Leiden? Here is my comprehensive itinerary including the top things to do in Leiden, the best places to eat in Leiden, how to get to Leiden from Amsterdam, plus recommendations on where to stay in Leiden if you want to stay a bit longer.

Just thirty-five minutes from Amsterdam is the charming canal city of Leiden. Wander along Leiden’s picturesque canals lined with stunning 17th-century buildings, explore its museums, and walk in the footsteps of the world-famous artist Rembrandt, who was born and educated here.

Home to the oldest university in the Netherlands, Leiden is a vibrant city located in South Holland. There are a wide variety of parties and festivals and plenty of things to do and see in Leiden. This itinerary covers everything a first-timer to Leiden should see, do, taste and experience. You’ll see canals, city gates, bridges, windmills, a castle, an observatory, the botanical gardens, almshouses, stunning gothic churches, fine art, and beautiful historic buildings.

Here are the best things to do in Leiden for the perfect day trip from Amsterdam.

Looking for something in particular? Use this table of contents below to jump around using the links.

Table of Contents

• Map of Leiden Itinerary
• 1. De Burcht van Leiden (Leiden Castle)

2. Molen De Put (The Well Mill)

3. molen de valk windmill museum (the falcon mill).

• 4. Leiden Canal Tour

5. Rapenburg Canal

6. pieterskwartier, 7. morspoort (mors city gate), 8. de zijlpoort (zijl city gate), 9. hortus botanicus (leiden botanical gardens), 10. rembrandtplaats (rembrandt park), 11. old harbour and beestenmarkt, 12. sint anna hofje (sint anna alms house), 13. stadhuis van leiden (leiden city hall), 14. hooglandse kerk (high land church), 15. pieterskerk (saint peter’s church), 16. leiden market, 17. museum de lakenhal (cloth hall museum), got more time here are more things to do and see in leiden, where to eat in leiden, where to stay in leiden, how to get leiden, map of leiden, netherlands.

This map shows you all the locations mentioned in this guide. Click on the pins for more information.

Blue Pins – Best things to see and do in Leiden Orange Pins – More things to do if you have extra time Green Pins – Where to eat in Leiden Pink Pins – Where to stay in Leiden

Tip: For a larger view of the map, click on the icon in the top right corner.

17 Top Things to do in Leiden

1. de burcht van leiden (leiden castle).

Entrance to De Burcht van Leiden Castle

Path around Leiden Castle

The Burcht van Leiden, or Fort of Leiden, is a circular medieval fortification known as a Shell Keep that dates back to around 1150. The fort was built on top of an old Motte where the Rhine, Oude Rijn and Nieuwe Rijn all meet.

Located in the centre of Leiden, De Burcht is one the city’s most famous landmarks which was once used as a residence and a military keep. As the city of Leiden grew around it in the 13th and 14th centuries, the castle lost its military function. The city council bought the hill and the building in 1651 before transforming the area into the city park that you see today.

Head to the top of the hill and walk along the battlement of the ring wall for stunning views of Leiden city in every direction.

What’s a trip to the Netherlands without a bit of windmill spotting, eh? You won’t have to go far because Leiden has two right in the city centre.

Molen de Put

Three mills have stood in this very spot located on the Rhine. The original mill “The Well” dates back to 1619 but was burned down in 1640. It wasn’t until 1729 that the mill was rebuilt and used as a cornflower mill, only to be destroyed again in 1817.

In 1982, archaeologists discovered the octagonal foundation of the mill stronghold which led to the reconstruction of the windmill which stands today.

On Saturdays, visitors to the mill can buy mill byproducts such as wheat flour, rye flour, spelt flour, zeeland flour, multigrain flour and even pancakes.

Molen de Valk

Step inside Molen De Valk Windmill Museum and imagine what it would be like to live inside a windmill. Explore the living quarters complete with original period furnishings.

Molen De Valk is still operated by amateur millners but serves mainly as a museum. In this unique museum, you’ll have the chance to learn how windmills work, their important role in the economical growth of Leiden as well as have the chance to climb to the very top floor.

The mill’s name ‘De Put’ comes from the owner of the original mill that stood here in the 17th century before it was rebuilt in the 1980s.

Sitting on the north bank of the Rhine, Molen De Valk can be seen from all over the city making it a prominent landmark in Leiden. Don’t miss the wonderful panoramic views over the Leiden city center from the upper floor.

Panorama from Molen de Valk Museum

4. Canal Tour in Leiden

Boats on Stille Rijn

Did you know that over 26% of the Netherlands lies below sea level? Canals play an essential part in many Dutch cities. Originally, they were developed to help keep Dutch heads above water but today they continue to play a key role in transportation, irrigation, and water removal. The canals of Amsterdam, Delft and Leiden were all the result of excellent city planning.

After Amsterdam, Leiden has the second most number of bridges, canals and boulevards in the country with 28 kilometres of waterways and 88 bridges.

One of the top things to do in Leiden and best ways to enjoy the city is to take a canal tour to see many of Leiden’s beautiful canals including the area along Galgewater, Oude Singel, Rapenburg, Van der Werfpark, Ankerpark and De Rijn waterway.

I booked a tour with Bootjes en broodjes which translates to ‘Boats and sandwiches’. As the name suggests, you’re welcome to take food and drink on board to enjoy as you sit back and take in the gorgeous views during this educational and relaxing tour.

I also recommend taking a walking tour which will bring the city’s history to life.

Going to the Netherlands? Get my free Dutch travel phrase guide

The Rapenburg deserves its own special mention being the most beautiful canal in Leiden. According to 18th-century geographers, it was once elected as the most beautiful place in the world!

Along the Rapenburg you’ll see the best collection of herenhuizen (literally ‘gentlemen’s house’) in the Netherlands. These large and luxurious homes of rich traders and famous professors line the canal which was once part of an old defensive canal dug shortly after 1200 to properly defend the city.

Taking a stroll along the Rapenburg and visiting its museums is one the top things to do in Leiden. Don’t miss the Academiegebouw, the National Museum of Antiquities, the Hortus botanicus, the Sieboldhuis and a 16th-century former nunnery where the university has its headquarters.

Most of the members of The Dutch Royal family were educated at Leiden University and lived on the Rapenburg during their student years. King Willem-Alexander lived at Rapenburg 116 and his mother, Princess Beatrix lived at Rapenburg 45.

Located around Pieterskerk is the historic and lively district of Pieterskwartier, a charming part of Leiden with narrow streets and alleys full of boutiques providing loads of shopping potential.

The most important street in the Pieterswijk is the Breestraat, one of the two main shopping streets of Leiden (next to the Haarlemmerstraat). You’ll find specialised stores with antiques, books, jewellery and fashion, pottery, toys, tailor-made suits and Italian delicacies. There are also beauty and hair salons, cafes with homemade cakes, intimate eateries and chic restaurants.

Leiden city originally had eight city gates during the Middle Ages but only two survived, Morspoort and Zijlpoort. The Morspoort was the former Western gate and the Zijlpoort served as the former Eastern gate. Both gates were designed by architect Willem van der Helm who designed five of Leiden’s city gates during the 17th century.

Morspoort City Gate

Sitting on the western edge of Leiden city near Molen De Put is Morspoort, a gatehouse that was once where the dead bodies of criminals were hung out on display serving as a warning to all those who entered the city. Morspoort was part of the city’s defensive walls for four hundred years and its cupola served as a prison for a period of time.

Today, Morspoort is an opulent national monument with a beautiful sunny terrace where you can sit and enjoy views of the surrounding canals and Morspoort Bridge.

In 1611, this part of Leiden was marshy which inspired the gate’s name ‘Mors’ or ‘morass’ meaning muddy or boggy area.

De Zijlpoort City Gate

The most impressive of the surviving city gates, De Zijlpoort features the mythical figures of Mars and Medusa and countless other shields and objects from the city guard. During its history, De Zijlpoort was a meeting place for poets and a school for the underprivileged.

Today, Zijlpoort houses a brasserie serving lunch and dinner throughout the year. Located right on the water, this is a local favourite for enjoying a cocktail or cold beer during summer and watch dozens of boats pass by.

Parks and Gardens

Hortus Botanicus at Leiden University

Located next to Leiden University is the Hortus Botanicus, or Leiden Botanical Garden, and an absolute must-see during your time in Leiden.

Hortus Botanicus is the oldest existing botanical garden in the Netherlands and amongst the oldest in the world. This isn’t just any botanical garden, founded in 1590, this is where the tulip was first introduced to Western Europe!

Explore each of the garden’s greenhouses full of subtropical plants and don’t miss the Wintergarden, Japanese garden, and the Victoria amazonica; a huge water lily and the pride and joy of Hortus Botanicus.

One of the best ways to enjoy Leiden is by walking in the footsteps of the city’s most famous local, Rembrandt van Rijn Rembrandt was born in Leiden on 15 July, 1606 and lived here until 1631. Sadly, the house where Rembrandt was born on Weddesteeg was demolished at the beginning of the 20th century to make way for a neighbouring printing business to be extended. To commemorate this Dutch Master, a statue and gable stone marking his birthplace is set in the wall of the new building.

Also in Rembrandt’s local neighbourhood Pieterskwartier, is Rembrandt Bridge and Rembrandt Park (Rembrandtplaats). Wander around this area and stop by the old Latin School where Rembrandt took drawing lessons that laid the foundation of his career, then visit Leiden University where he attended briefly.

Beestenmarkt

Leiden’s old harbour and Beestenmarkt square is the most picturesque part of the city. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes here with outdoor dining to sit in and watch the world go by.

Step into this magical little spot tucked away off the beaten track. Sint Anna Alms House is one of the oldest courtyards in Leiden and the only one that has its own chapel.

A hofje is a Dutch word for a courtyard with almshouses around it which provided housing for elderly people, usually women. There are several almshouses in Leiden and like most in Leiden, has thirteen houses in memory of Jesus and his twelve apostles. These houses, including the Sint Anna Alms House, are still inhabited and no longer just for the elderly or the poor.

Located in the middle of the Breestraat, is the beautiful Leiden City Hall which dates back to 1547. The only original part of Stadhuis van Leiden is its façade which was designed entirely in Renaissance style by the Haarlem architect Lieven de Key.

In 1929, a huge fire broke out after the coal stoves inside the town hall were left on. Not only was the population register of Leiden lost but a large part of Leiden City Hall was destroyed, leaving only the façade still standing.

In 1932, the city council of Leiden commissioned architect Cornelis Jouke Blaauw to design a new Leiden city hall behind the façade which now incldues a large square.

Today, the Leiden city hall is a popular wedding location, as well as hosting regular lectures and council members.

View Hooglandse Kerk from Leiden Castle

Located in the historical centre of Leiden, the Hooglandse Kerk is a Gothic church that stands on the ‘High Land’, a part of the Waardeiland on the Rhine. The original church was made of wood and constructed in the 1300’s. In the 15th century, it was replaced by the stone building you see today.

Head inside the church to see its impressive white stone arched interior. The high vaulted ceilings give way to loads of natural light that illuminates the church through the tall stained glass windows. There is a wonderful view of the church from De Burcht van Leiden (Leiden Castle).

Pieterskerk, or Saint Peter’s Church, was the first church built in Leiden. In 1121, the Count of Holland commissioned and dedicated a chapel to Saint Peter and Saint Paul on this spot.

Initially, it was used solely by the counts of Holland as it was located next to the former workshop of the dig, Gravensteen. When the Counts left in the 13th century, the church became a parish church. Construction for the present church started in 1390 taking 180 years to complete.

To help fund the maintenance of the church, during the first half of the 17th century more than thirty houses were built against the church to rent out.

Inside there is a large opulent organ and stunning vaulted ceilings covering an ornately decorated interior.

Prior to 1811, many prominent people were buried inside Pieterskerk, such as John Robinson, who was one of the founders of the Congregational Church.

Cheese for days at Leiden Market

Leave Amsterdam on an empty stomach because you’ll find only the best in Dutch produce at Leiden Market. This is your chance to pack the perfect picnic or take home some quality Dutch cheese, freshly baked bread and some mouthwatering stroopwafels (caramel waffles). If you love fish, you’ll get the best herring in Holland here from fishmonger Atlantic.

Considered one of the best markets in Holland, every Saturday Vismarkt and Botermarkt come alive with dozens of food stalls. The focal point of the market is Koornbrug (Grain Bridge), which as the name suggests was where corn and grain was traded as far back as 1642. The bridge is a national monument and the oldest covered bridge.

Museum De Lakenhal is a history and fine art museum home to an excellent collection of paintings from the Dutch Golden Age. The name of the museum, Lakenhal or Cloth Hall, comes from the buildings former use during the Dutch Golden Age when it was the centre of Leiden’s booming textile trade. It was here that the famous Leiden cloth was inspected and the governors and steel masters of the cloth industry gathered.

Today, De Lakenhal is one of Leiden’s cultural treasures housing Leiden’s many masters from both past and present such as Lucas van Leyden, Rembrandt van Rijn, Jan Steen and Floris Verster.

The museum also discusses the history of Leiden in great detail.

Museum de Lakenhal is closed until Spring 2019

Plantsoen is a stunning city park built between 1835 and 1842 and designed in the English landscape style. I recommend hitting up Leiden market to buy some fresh produce and have a picnic lunch here on the lush green lawn surrounded by trees and watch the boats sail by.

Go to the beach

Leiden is less than 30 minutes away from the coast which can be easily reached by public transport or by bike. The closest and most popular beaches are Katwijk and Noordwijk. All year round, locals come here to enjoy a stroll along the coastline or go for a swim in the summer.

Do as the Dutch do and relax with beautiful vistas over the water and meadows by renting a sloop (a one-masted sailboat) and sail around Kagerplassen (“the Kaag Lakes”).

Located just 8 kilometres (5.0 miles) northeast of Leiden this area is locally known as ‘de Kaag’. It’s a huge lake surrounded by windmills, well-preserved houses and farms.

If you love being on the water you can choose to go sailing, canoeing, rowing, water skiing, fishing and during the winter month you can even go ice-skating.

Afterwards, head to one of the many terraces at the water’s edge and dine in any of the restaurants here. You can even stay the night here too with excellent accommodation available.

Temple of Taffeh at the National Museum of Antiquities (Rijksmuseum van Oudheden)

If you like your Ancient Egyptian History like I do, then you can’t miss seeing the Ancient Egyptian Temple of Taffeh between 25 BCE and 14 CE which today stands in Leiden’s National Museum of Antiquities.

This sandstone temple was gifted to the Netherlands for its help in preserving Egyptian antiquities during the 1960s when the Aswan High Dam was built. The new dam threatened many important ancient monuments and archaeological sites in Nubia.

UNESCO asked for international support to help save these sites. As a token of their appreciation, Egypt gave several monuments to the countries who offered significant support, one of those countries was the Netherlands.

This temple is made up of 657 blocks weighing approximately 250 tons. After arriving in the Netherlands in 1971, it was placed in a new wing of the National Museum of Antiquities (Rijksmuseum van Oudheden) in Leiden.

De Catwalk is a cute and quiet cafe located on the picturesque Beestenmarkt. De Catwalk offers a great selection of teas, coffee, and serve pastries, sandwiches, bagels, and toast. Cosy up inside or relax outside in their lovely spacious terrace with great views over the canal.

Address: Steenstraat 30, 2312 BW Leiden, Netherlands Opening times: Mon-Fri 10.00 to 18.30, Sat-Sun 09:00 to 18.30.

Bagels & Beans

This vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free friendly restaurant is all about serving the best bagels you’ll ever eat. Bagels & Beans is the perfect brunch hangout serving both healthy and organic food. Their smoothies are equally healthy and are like a meal on their own. Vegetarians and vegans, make sure you come here.

Address: Maarsmansteeg 8, 2311 EE Leiden, Netherlands Opening times: Mon-Sat 09.00 to 17.30, Sun 10:00 to 17:30

Restaurant Burgerzaken Leiden

Enjoy Mediterranean style lunch in this beautifully designed art-deco-esque café restaurant. They have a great selection of vegetarian dishes too.

Address: Breestraat 123, 2311 CM Leiden, Netherlands Opening times: Tues-Sat 10.00 til Late, Sun-Mon 11:00 til late

Oudt Leyden Leiden

For the best pancakes in town, you have to go to Oudt Leyden. Their delicious pancakes are big enough to be served in giant Delf plates.

Address: Steenstraat 49, 2312 BV Leiden, Netherlands Opening times: Mon-Sun 11:30 to 21:30

Belgisch Biercafé Olivier Leiden

Head to Belgisch Biercafé Olivier Leiden for an excellent selection of Belgian beers. The café itself is gorgeous and there is a huge outdoor area and garden. The food here is also very excellent.

Address: Hooigracht 23, 2312 KM Leiden, Netherlands Opening times: Mon-Wed 14.00 til Midnight, Thur 16:00 – 02:00, Fri 12:00 – 02:00, Sat 11:00 – 02:00, Sun 12:00 – Midnight

Stop by Waag for a drink by the canal

If you want a drink with a view, head to Waag, its outdoor area is located right next the canals. Inside is an excellent bar and restaurant.

Address: Aalmarkt 21, 2311 EC Leiden, Netherlands Opening times:  Sun-Tue, Thurs, & Friday from 10:00,  Wed & Sat from 09:00.

In Den Doofpot

End the day with delicious flavours, inventive and beautifully presented dishes by dining at In Den Doofpot. This restaurant serves excellent traditional Dutch ingredients and some of the finest wines all in a relaxed and cosy environment. This place does not disappoint.

Address: Turfmarkt 9, 2312 CE Leiden, Netherlands Opening times: Mon-Fri 12:30 til Late, Sat 17:00 til late, closed Sundays.

After reading this itinerary you’re probably thinking you want to extend your time here by staying a night or two in Leiden, and I don’t blame you. While Leiden is the perfect day trip from Amsterdam, there is so much you can do in and around Leiden city.

Here are some excellent accommodation options in Leiden what will suit any budget.

Boutique Hotel Rembrandt (Mid-Luxury)

Address: Nieuwe Beestenmarkt 10, 2312 CH Leiden, Netherlands

Check availability and prices for Boutique Hotel Rembrandt here

Ibis Leiden Centre Hotel (Mid-range)

Address: Stationsplein 240-242, 2312 AR Leiden, Netherlands

Check availability and prices for Leiden ibis Hotel here

De Barones Van Leyden (Luxury)

Address: Oude Herengracht 22, 2312 LN Leiden, Netherlands

Check availability and prices for De Barones Van Leyden here

Airbnb (All budgets)

For an alternative accommodation option, I also recommend renting out one of these apartments or rooms through Airbnb. Cute Airbnb options are available all over the city so you’ll find some really beautiful places at very affordable prices. Airbnb has numerous options from as low as US$56 per night. If it’s your first time get US$65 OFF here or get £50 OFF your first stay here , when you sign up using my unique reader referral link.

There is an excellent train network in the Netherlands so travelling by train is definitely the best option when it comes to getting to Leiden.

Most trains arrive at Leiden Centraal which is only 500 metres from Leiden’s historic centre. If you don’t fancy the walk, take a bus outside of the station and head to Breestraat.

Amsterdam to Leiden: How to Get Leiden from Amsterdam

The quickest and easiest way to get to Leiden from Amsterdam is by train. There are six trains that stop in Leiden city every day. The average journey time is 37 minutes and tickets cost €10.

Schiphol to Leiden: How to Get Leiden from Schiphol

If you’re coming from Schiphol Airport, taking a train is also recommended as there are eight trains that go to Leiden every hour. The journey from Schiphol last between 18-25 minutes and tickets cost €7.

I hope this guide has answered all your questions about Leiden and helped you plan your day trip from Amsterdam. If you still have any questions or concerns, please reach out and leave a comment below. I’d be happy to help where I can. If not, then I wish you a wonderful trip!

Dank je (thank you) for reading! 😉

Got more time in the Netherlands?

• Visit Rotterdam! – Get my full Rotterdam city guide here
• Visit The Hague! – Get my full The Hague city guide here
• Visit the famous tulips at Keukenhof Garden and Flowerfields 
• Duivenvoorde Castle –  Just 15 kilometres northeast of The Hague is the small town of Voorschoten with its delightful Duivenvoorde Castle (Kasteel Duivenvoorde), a medieval fortress restored in 1631. The original decoration and furnishings have been preserved, including family portraits, Delftware, a large collection of Chinese and European porcelain, and numerous items of silver.
• Old Town Gouda and the Grote Kerk of Sint Janskerk –   Visit Gouda for its cheese, stay for its gorgeous historic town, 33 kilometres east of The Hague. Visit one of the most attractive town halls in the country, build in the 15th century, it’s famous for looking more like a place of worship than of government.

Like it? Pin it for later

Sources NetherlandsTourism.com |  Visit Leiden |  Pieterskwartier.nl

Over to you!

Do you have a question about this guide to Leiden? Have you visited Leiden before? What else would you recommend doing? Tell me below! Let me know using the comments section below or join me on social media to start a conversation.

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this post.

Like what you see? Subscribe using the form below to have all of my posts delivered directly to your email.

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

Get my best language and travel tips FREE by email...

Subscribe to my newsletter to receive detailed travel guides, exclusive travel and language learning tips, priority access to giveaways and more!

I will never give away, trade or sell your email address. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Michele creates language learning guides and courses for travel. What separates her from other instructors is her ability to explain complex grammar in a no-nonsense, straightforward manner using her unique 80/20 method. Get her free guide 9 reasons you’re not fluent…YET & how to fix it! Planning a trip? Learn the local language with her 80/20 method for less than the cost of eating at a tourist trap restaurant Start learning today!

Language Learning Tips for Anyone Who’s Ever Doubted Themselves: An Interview with Nomadic Matt

70+ flemish dutch phrases for travel with pronunciation, leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

If you don't know where you are , how do you know where you're going?   Find out how well you know Italian grammar today!

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

One day in Leiden: A free self-guided walking tour of Leiden

June 4, 2018 by Karen Turner 16 Comments

A lot of you have been really curious about Leiden. Since moving to the Hague, I regularly visit Leiden and I’m actually considering moving to Leiden as I love it so much. This cozy Dutch university town is the perfect day trip from Amsterdam (or Rotterdam), so I’ll be showing off the highlights of Leiden in this little guide to one of my favorite Dutch cities with a free self-guided walking tour of Leiden to ensure that you see the best of Leiden in one day.

• Why visit Leiden
• Molen De Valk
• Moorspoort / Galgewater / Molen de Put
• Rapenburg canal

Pieterskwartier

• Hofjes in Leiden
• Leiden City Hall
• De Burcht (Leiden Castle)
• Leiden Library
• Churches in Leiden
• Oude Singel canal in Leiden
• Heineken star bar in Leiden
• Food in Leiden
• Drinks in Leiden

Where to stay in Leiden

• How to visit Leiden from Amsterdam
• 1 Why visit Leiden?
• 2.0.1 Start/end at Leiden Centraal
• 2.0.2 Molen De Valk
• 2.0.3 Moorspoort / Kort Galgewater / Molen De Put
• 2.0.4 Rapenburg
• 2.0.5 Coffee at ‘t Suppiershuysinghe
• 2.0.6.1 Jan Pesijnshof
• 2.0.7 City Hall
• 2.0.8 Lunch @ ROOS or market or Yogurt Barn
• 2.0.9 Library
• 2.0.10 Southern entrance to de Burcht
• 2.0.11 De Burcht
• 2.0.12 Hooglaandenkerk
• 2.0.13 Haarlemmerstraat
• 2.0.14 Hartebrugkerk
• 2.0.15 Marekerk
• 2.0.16 Oude Singel
• 2.0.17 Pre-dinner drink at Café De Vergulde Kruik
• 2.0.18.1 Logica (Thursday, Friday, Saturday only)
• 2.0.18.2 Pannenkoekenhuys Oudt Leyden
• 2.0.19 Drinks at Lemmy’s
• 3 Where to stay in Leiden
• 4 How to get to Leiden from Amsterdam
• 5 Map of this walking route of Leiden
• 6 Have you been to Leiden?

Why visit Leiden?

I’ll be going into this much more in detail soon, but Leiden is the perfect city for history geeks as it holds one of the oldest universities in the Netherlands. Although many of the original city fortifications are gone, it has the largest 17th century town center in the Netherlands outside of Amsterdam.  (Many of my Instagram followers swore that I was in Amsterdam when I shared a photo of Leiden!)

If you’re interested in Dutch architecture, you’ll be in heaven here as Leiden has the beauty without the crowds. Lastly, Leiden is affordable as it’s a student city, so despite its long history, you’ll find affordable dining and bars in stunning historic locations as well as reasonable hotels. (Consider staying the night!)

One day in Leiden self-guided walking tour

Don’t be intimidated by this free self-guided walking tour of Leiden! Leiden is pretty small, so it’s very easy to wander around and you really won’t be covering much distance at all.  Leiden is the perfect city to get lost in.

This guide is meant for people more interested in stadswandeling than visiting  every attraction.  I’ll include some mentions of nearby attractions in case you’re interested, but I think that it’s lovely just to walk around Leiden.  I did not include  every attraction in Leiden, but my personal favorites. The walking path through Leiden is a little more than 3 kilometers, so it should take about an hour if you don’t have the whole day.

Start/end at Leiden Centraal

The train connection between Amsterdam and Leiden is very reliable with regular trains going , so you don’t need to worry about the train connection!

Molen De Valk

While walking from Leiden Centraal, it’s almost impossible to miss Molen de Valk, one of the most iconic sights of Leiden.  The windmill is a museum if you’re curious about the interior of a working windmill.

Moorspoort / Kort Galgewater / Molen De Put

Be sure to peek down Moorstraat to see one of the remaining old city gates. The Moorspoort is a beautiful remnant of the past. The gate was completed in 1619 and it was guarded by the city police.  Today, it’s a relaxed street to sit out with a beer  (I include a stop at a cafe ( Lemmy’s ) with a view of the Moorspoort later in this itinerary.)

One of Leiden’s most iconic buildings lies on this short street named for the gallows that used to be here. The windmill Molen De Put dates back to the 1600s although it was recently restored.  (You can take a peek inside for a small fee.) Be sure to peek in through the doorway to find the  de Ark courtyard, a lovely courtyard used by shipbuilders.

Rapenburg is Leiden’s most beautiful canal.  For those sick of the crowds in Amsterdam, Rapenburg will instantly transport you to the best parts of Amsterdam with its elaborate facades, cheerful brick houses, and wide canals.  However, you won’t have the crowds in Leiden.  The houses here mostly date back to the Dutch golden age, so enjoy your walk down here…

Hortus botanicus is the oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands, dating back to 1590.  If you’re interested in plants, I recommend stopping here for a couple hours to enjoy the biodiversity and history. (I mention it here because you need to pay for entry and I tried to only include free things on this walking tour.)

Coffee at ‘t Suppiershuysinghe

This cozy cafe in Leiden is the perfect place to stop for breakfast (or a coffee) in Leiden.  After walking down Rapenburg, it’s nice to take a couple minutes to sit with some coffee and cake.  On a nice day, you won’t want to move from a seat outside!  (Be sure to bring cash as many businesses in Leiden do not accept credit cards.)

The Pieterskwartier is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Leiden.  At its center is the Pieterskerk , the oldest church in Leiden.  Originally a Catholic church, the current church dates back to 1390 although there was an earlier church there. 

It became a Protestant church in the 1500s and many notable intellectuals are buried here, including the author of Snell’s law.  The church is generally open to the public for a couple of euros.  

The area around the church is filled with beautiful streets that will transport you instantly back in time.  All around Leiden, you’ll see keys.  The reason is that the Pieterskerk is named for St. Peter, who holds the keys to heaven.  As a result, the city of Leiden is referred to as the “key city.”

While you’re here, you’ll also pass one of the first university buildings from Leiden University dating back to the 1500s where students famously wait their final exam results. The Pieterskwartier is famous for its independent shops as well as vintage stores.  (If you’re into board games, step into De Gravin Board Game Cafe. I always enjoy wandering down Diefsteeg .)

Jan Pesijnshof

Just across from the Pieterskerk, you’ll see a nondescript wooden door.  If you push it open, you’ll enter one of the 28 publicly accessible hofjes of Leiden.  Hofjes are historical courtyards and residences where a generous benefactor would allow the poor to live.

This one (Jan Pesijnshof) was intended for members of the Wallonia Reformed Church and it’s remained this way over the years.   The residents ask for silence, so please be respectful when you visit here. 

Leiden city hall is considered one of the most beautiful city halls in the Netherlands although the original was unfortunately lost to a fire in the 1920s.  The original version outlasted the Spanish sieges. Note: The  Escher paintings within its walls are unfortunately not viewable to the public except on Momenumentdag.

Lunch @ ROOS or market or Yogurt Barn

Leiden is a great city for day trippers and you’ll find numerous great options in the Leiden Market area.  For those seeking a healthy lunch option (that is vegan-friendly), Yogurt Barn and Bagels & Beans are great choices.  Alternatively, ROOS is nice for a sit-down lunch. The Leiden market is every Wednesday and Saturday if you prefer to browse the market for your lunch.

Bear with me here, but the Leiden public library (BplusC) is a cultural center as well as a public library.  The building was used as a prison at one point and there’s a beautiful hidden courtyard where you can enjoy free wifi (or a book).

To reach the courtyard, enter Coffee Star and keep walking through the doorway and turn right.  I’m a fan of the coffee at Coffee Star , so consider taking a coffee or tea break to enjoy the stunning view.

Southern entrance to de Burcht

The Southern entrance to de Burcht is not to be missed.  (You can search for Coffee star on your GPS to find it.)   This gate has a poem in Latin that was used to teach students grammar.   It’s just a stunning piece of architecture and there’s often musicians playing street music here on a nice day.

De Burcht is the historic keep of Leiden. It was raised both for practical and defensive reasons (water and invaders) and the “castle of Leiden” was built in the 11th century.  It was used as a residence by Ada van Holland as well as a military fortification later on. In the 1600s, it was used as a water tower.

Today, de Burcht is a public park with beautiful views over Leiden. It’s the perfect place for a picnic and there’s nothing like passing climbing up the hill to admire the  free 360 degree of Leiden!

Hooglaandenkerk

Hooglandsekerk   is a Protestant church still used today. This 15th century church  is one of the most famous churches in Leiden (although not the oldest).  There are services held on Sundays although you may find fairs inside the church on other days.  (I happened to visit the Hooglandsekerk on the same day as a used book fair!)  Its skyline is one of the most notable in Leiden, so try to spot this stunning church from de Burch t.

Haarlemmerstraat

Haarlemmerstraat is Leiden’s main shopping street.  If you’re in need of anything (or simply wish to browse the many cute shops!), you’re likely to find it here.

Hartebrugkerk

It’s hard to miss the giant eye on top of the Hartebrugkerk, a more recently built Catholic church in the neo-classical style.  I  heard that there’s a quirky museum of religious artifacts nearby this in the  Greccio Museum of Devotional Items .

The Marekerk is one of the first churches in the Netherlands specifically designed for Protestant worship, making it distinct from the other churches in Leiden who started off Catholic.  The church dates back to 1639 and has an octagonal shape with an iconic dome that you can see from De Burcht.

Oude Singel

Walk down Oude Singel, which was one of the boundaries of the historic city of Leiden.  I always enjoy admiring the exterior of the Lakenhal and miniature windmill over the former door, which served as the center of Leiden’s formerly famous textile industry. 

It’s just a lovely quiet place to walk although I recommend cutting towards the  Elisabethgasthuishof for more scenic city streets away from the canals.

Pre-dinner drink at Café De Vergulde Kruik

Café De Vergulde Kruik is supposedly oldest cafe in Leiden and arguably one of the most beautiful cafes in Leiden.  This cafe is famous because Heineken (yes that Heineken!) absolutely loved the star outside on the sign–and purchased it for thirty-five guilders. 

This bar dating back to the late 1800s has a great selection of beers as well as G&Ts (Gin and Tonics), so it’s the perfect place to stop off for a drink before you head out.

Dinner & Post-Dinner Drinks

As Leiden is a student city, you’ll find affordable dinner options although the cheapest option of all is a picnic along the canals catered with some food from Jumbo or Albert Heijn. 

Logica (Thursday, Friday, Saturday only)

This organic restaurant is very affordable given that it’s right along the canals.  I sometimes stop here when I’m in Leiden for a meal or a coffee. The food is always fresh and affordable given the portion sizes.  (They’re good about allergies.)

Pannenkoekenhuys Oudt Leyden

For anyone visiting the Netherlands for the first time, I recommend stopping by this affordable pancake house for Dutch-style pancakes, which are very different than other styles.  Although you can get sweet pancakes, their savory pancakes are enough for 2-3 meals although poffertjes are also a safe bet!

Drinks at Lemmy’s

If you’re into craft beer, definitely stop into Lemmy’s.  This unpretentious bruin bar with a knowledgable bartender is a great place to cozy up with a beer before you head home.  My husband and I love coming here and we haven’t ordered the same thing ever .

I’d recommend seeing if you have the opportunity to stay in Leiden.  Hotels are significantly cheaper than Amsterdam and for the same cost as a generic hotel in Amsterdam, you can stay in a historic hotel in Leiden. 

Those looking for affordable luxury will love De Barones van Leyden , a boutique hotel in a historic building with  flair . Boutique Hotel Rembrandt is a great choice for those on a tighter budget.

If you’re on a budget and want to stay at a hostel, you can stay at King Kong hostel in the Hague or Hostel Delft in Delft.  It’s only twenty minutes to Leiden from Delft and the Hague.

Check hotel prices in Leiden now!

How to get to Leiden from Amsterdam

The train from Amsterdam to Leiden takes only thirty minutes depending on your starting station in Amsterdam. From Rotterdam and the Hague , you’ll also find a direct intercity train to Leiden.  The train from the Hague Central Station takes only twelve minutes.

Map of this walking route of Leiden

Have you been to Leiden?

• One day in the Hague
• Three days in Amsterdam
• The best day trips from Amsterdam
• Insider tips for travel in the Netherlands

Share this post!

About Karen Turner

New Yorker–born and raised. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats.

Reader Interactions

June 12, 2019 at 10:36 am

I am much enjoyed your Travel blog especially on Amsterdam. See another side of the Netherland that not tourists seeing…

I only have a day to spend with my Husband after arriving Schipol Aiport on Wednesday and will catch a train to Germany at 8pm.

I prefer to go to see the Netherland scenic view, canals, architecture and not so much into museum.

I have shortlisted Delft, Leiden and Utrecht. If not Amsterdam, Which do you suggest? Or you have better suggestions?

I wanted to go Giethoorn but Long Travelling time backed me off.

Thank you very much

June 12, 2019 at 1:05 pm

Hi Hayley, If you check my day trips from Amsterdam guide, you’ll find some good options. Given the limited amount of time, I recommend Leiden given what you wrote. Enjoy! 🙂

September 18, 2019 at 6:50 pm

Hi Karen. My friends and I were in The Netherlands for in the first two weeks of September and we referred to your guide almost every day. I especially loved the one on Leiden! We followed your walking route and Leiden was beautiful. We knew it was going to be a great day when Molen de Valk came into sight and it was absolutely beautiful with the blue skies and fluffy clouds. Thank you for writing the guides! they were really really useful and easy to follow even for first timers in the Netherlands.

September 24, 2019 at 4:40 pm

Ling, this makes me so happy to read! I’m so glad that you found my guides helpful. If there’s anything you’d want me to add or something that was missing, just let me know as I try to add new guides regularly.:)

November 2, 2019 at 1:49 am

Hi Karen, I have discovered your travel blogs and they are fantastic! We are planning a trip in April 2020 from Australia so I’m loving your clear concise information. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. Cheers

July 7, 2021 at 2:27 am

Hello from New Zealand. My wife is from Leiden and having visited six times I can vouch for the commentary. You can hardly put a foot wrong – just wander aimlessly and you will be a happy camper. Wednesday is market day and a good opportunity to get herring and my favourite: Leidsekaas. That translates as Leiden Cheese and is a Gouda with cumin.

March 2, 2022 at 7:17 am

if I want to rent a bike and see the tulip fields around Leiden, where would you suggest I go? Is there a bike route you recommend for the tulips?

March 17, 2022 at 9:41 pm

I have a blog post for that!

March 29, 2022 at 5:35 pm

Thank you so much for this self guided tour. This was our last full day in The Netherlands and thanks to you, we feel we really experienced the beautiful and sweet community of Leiden. We followed your suggestions and we were not disappointed. Ended our day at Cafe De Verguilde Kruck and it was a perfect finish to a perfect day.. You have provided a wonderful service. It is clear you love Leiden and so do we. Thank you!!!

April 21, 2022 at 2:30 pm

Oh, that is so lovely to hear Kathryn!

April 13, 2022 at 6:02 am

Hi Karen, We will travel over the weekend of 22-24 April in Leiden as a 5 families group and I was wondering if you have any tips for local food restaurants. Not necessary fancy but the ones the locals enjoy to go to and have a good meal! Thank you and many thanks for your post on Leiden!

April 21, 2022 at 2:40 pm

I hope that I am not too late, but Roos is a favorite place of mine. I would recommend making a reservation!

September 12, 2022 at 2:55 pm

I am wondering how easy it is to drive in Leiden, or if it will be necessary to park somewhere and walk. I will be pushing my sister in a wheelchair and am wondering how easy the streets would be to do that. Specifically, I want to see the University, as an ancestor of mine taught English there before he left for America in 1620. Planning a trip with a handicapped person seems daunting. Any help will be appreciated. Do you post here or on my email?

December 1, 2022 at 8:47 pm

Sorry for the delay! Leiden would be a bit tougher in a wheelchair due to the cobblestones and bridges, but probably still fine. I would recommend contacting the Leiden Tourist Information and I am sure that they can help you organize the trip 🙂

November 1, 2022 at 3:17 pm

We will be visiting the Netherlands for the first time in spring 2023. We want to visit sites around Amsterdam and also Keukenhof. And maybe a day trip to Bruges. Do you recommend staying in one city the whole time (10? days) or breaking it up?

December 1, 2022 at 8:34 pm

It is easy enough staying in Amsterdam the entire time, but Bruges is best visited with staying overnight as it is a bit annoying by train from Amsterdam.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• The Netherlands
• New York State
• Other European destinations
• Work With Me
• Disclosure and Privacy Policy
• Jeju SEO Tool: Free SEO Writing Tool

You can unsubscribe anytime. For more details, review our Privacy Policy.

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

TreasureHunter USA Inc. 251 Little Falls Drive Wilmington, Delaware 19808 +1 (915) 4632387 EIN 88-2174128

www.wanderlustingk.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We also participate in other affiliate programs

www.wanderlustingk.com all rights reserved © 2023 | Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy |

Leiden city trip

Leiden Zuid-Holland Citytrips

The vibrant student city

Leiden - A historic city center with cozy streets, great museums, nice shops, plenty of restaurants and thanks to the many students a vibrant nightlife. All good reasons to visit Leiden, Rembrandt's hometown, and enjoy a day out or a nice weekend away in this lively student city.

Rapenburg Leiden

Shopping, Art and Culture

Relief of leiden, herring and white bread, leiden city trip photo gallery.

What do visitors say about Leiden city trip ?

Visitors rate Leiden city trip with 4 out of 5 stars

Average is based on 3 votes

What does Merel say?

Editor hotspotholland.nl

Leiden is a pleasant city. It is a beautiful city with museums, shops and plenty of entertainment. Fun fact: Did you know that Rembrandt was born in Leiden? He lived here until he was 20. The facade of his birth house on Weddesteeg commemorates this event on July 15, 1606.

Leiden trips in the area

In an area of approx. 2 km

Leiden castle

The Wall Poems of Leiden

National Museum of Antiquities

Museum Volkenkunde

In an area of approx. 3 km

Anatomical Museum Leiden

Naturalis Biodiversity Center

In an area of approx. 4 km

Step inside Corpus

In an area of approx. 9 km

Adress and visitor information

Where to stay leiden.

• North-Brabant
• North-Holland
• South-Holland
• Netherlands general
• Wadden Islands

Dutch Cookies

This site uses cookies for analytics, personalized content and ads. By continuing to browse this site, you agree to this use.

• Zuid-Afrika
• Dominicaanse Republiek
• Bosnië en Herzegovia
• Verenigd Koninkrijk
• Zwitserland
• Reisfotografie tips
• Unieke verblijven
• Weekendje weg
• Samenwerken

Geen producten in je winkelwagen.

Terug naar winkel

• Zoeken naar:

Europa , Nederland , Weekendje weg

Wat te doen in leiden op een 3-daagse citytrip | nederland.

Plan je een citytrip naar Leiden in Nederland? Lees dan zeker deze blog boordevol tips wat te doen in Leiden om je citytrip tot een onvergetelijke ervaring te maken.

Weekendjes weg zijn mijn lang leven. Niets leuker dan een korte trip om even aan die dagelijkse sleur te ontsnappen. Daarom was een citytrip naar Leiden een meer dan welkom intermezzo tijdens deze drukke periode.

**disclaimer: Dit is een gesponsorde post, maar dit neemt niet weg dat ik mijn eigen eerlijke ervaringen deel **

Weetjes over Leiden

Alvorens we naar Leiden trokken, wisten we bitter weinig over de stad. Vooral het gezellige en historische karakter trok ons aan. We verdiepten ons een beetje in de geschiedenis en dit kwamen we te weten.

Leiden is een historische stad die een belangrijke rol speelde ten tijde van de gouden eeuw in Nederland. Het centrum is omringd door grachten, maar liefst 28 km lang. Daarom wordt deze stad ook soms wel klein Amsterdam genoemd. Dit is niet de enige bijnaam voor Leiden. Deze wordt ook wel de sleutelstad genoemd. Deze naam verwijst naar het stadswapen en de beschermheilige van Leiden. Ook de stad van ontdekkingen is een bijnaam die veel in de mond wordt genomen als het over Leiden gaat. Dit omdat de oudste universiteit van Nederland hier gevestigd is en er dus al heel wat wetenschappelijke ontdekkingen zijn gedaan.

Wat te doen in Leiden

Niet te missen activiteiten, ga wandelen.

First things first, wanneer wij aankwamen in Leiden hadden we nog geluk met het weer. Daarom besloten we om onze eerste uurtjes in Leiden al wandelend de stad te ontdekken. Leiden is een heerlijke stad om te voet te verkennen. Het enige waar je rekening mee moet houden zijn de vele fietsers.

Los daarvan is het een heel veilige en vooral heel gezellig stad. De grachten, pittoreske bruggen, smalle straatjes en steegjes, authentiek lantaarns en gezellige terrasje dragen vooral bij aan een romantische sfeer. Als kers op de taart genoten we vanop de burcht van een prachtige zonsondergang.

De beste manier om sightseeing in Leiden te doen, is vanop de  grachten. Dit kan via georganiseerde boottrips. Ondanks het regenachtige weer gingen wij toch het water op met bootjes en broodjes . Ze konden ons overtuigen met hun uitschuifbaar dak. Dit beschermde ons tegen de regen en het koude weer. We moest ons soms wel even bukken, want het dak verschuift naar gelang de hoogte van de vele bruggen.

Het zicht was niet altijd optimaal door de regen, zeker niet om foto’s te maken. Maar ik vond het wel leuk om met een gids de grachten te verkennen. Zo kwam ik veel interessante weetjes te weten. Wist je dat tulpen oorspronkelijk uit Turkije kwamen? Een Turkse professor gaf een tulp cadeau aan de universiteit van Leiden. Leiden is dus de Nederlandse stad waar de heuse tulpenmanie begon ten tijde van de Gouden eeuw. Toen waren tulpen zelf meer waard dan grachtenpanden.

Bezoek een museum

Bij regenachtig weer is het bezoeken van een museum de activiteit bij uitstek. Leiden heeft zoveel interessante musea dat het voor ons moeilijk kiezen was. Uiteindelijk beslisten we onder lichte dwang van Jan om Naturalis, het museum van biodiversiteit, te bezoeken. En wat ben ik blij dat ik deze keer Jan zijn zin heb gegeven.

Niet alleen het design van het gebouw, maar ook de verschillende tentoonstellingen over de dieren, dino’s, leven & dood, … zijn adembenemend.  Binnen de voorstellingen worden verschillende zintuigen geprikkeld. Zo dragen niet enkel de beelden maar ook projecties, geluid en interactieve opdrachten en spelletjes bij tot de beleving. Kortom de perfecte activiteit voor een geslaagde gezinsuitstap.

Andere activiteiten

Natuurlijk zijn er nog vele andere niet te missen activiteiten die we niet tijdens deze citytrip in Leiden konden ervaren. Enkele must do’s waarvoor we zeker nog eens terug zouden komen naar Leiden zijn: Young Rembrandt Studio, Hortus Botanicus Leiden, Museum de Lakenhal, Museum Volkenkunde en het Japanmuseum Sieboldhuis. Los van deze activiteiten zou ik gewoon graag eens terugkomen om Leiden tijdens de zomer te ervaren.

De beste restaurants in Leiden

Met keuze uit 200 restaurants in Leiden kan je niet anders dan veel en lekker eten. Maar soms kan een groot aanbod aan keuzes ook overweldigend zijn. Daarom deel ik graag mijn culinaire ervaringen als extra tips bij het kiezen van een eetgelegenheid.

Dit oorspronkelijke oude weeghuis gerenoveerd met authentieke en industriële elementen is één van de hipste restaurants te Leiden. In de Waag kan je klassieke gerechten op heel verfijnde en originele wijze proeven.

Grand Café Van Buren

Voor een typische Hollandse kroket moet je absoluut bij Van Buren zijn. Gezellig genieten van de klassieke Hollandse keuken in een moderne, maar huiselijk sfeer bij het haardvuur.

Lot en de walvis

Lot en de walvis is gevestigd in het oude stoombootbedrijf de volharding. Het warme vintage interieur met een industriële toets is niet alleen uitnodigend, maar ook heel gezellig. Hier kan reizen naar verschillende continenten en proeven van wereldkeuken in een culinair jasje.

Barista café Leiden

Heerlijk en ambachtelijk lunchen in het Centrum van Leiden. Dat kan perfect bij Barista Café Leiden . Probeer eens iets nieuw en ga voor één van hun specialiteiten zoals het flatbread met een topping naar keuze.

Brasserie Buitenhuis

Brasserie Buitenhuis ligt aan het Valkenburgse Meer net buiten Leiden. Dit ongeveer een goeie 10 minuten rijden van het historisch centrum. Het kost dus wel een beetje moeite om er te raken, maar dan nog beveel ik je deze plek ten zeerste aan. De naam buitenhuis verklapt al iets meer over de setting. Je dineert er dus letterlijk in een serre in een oogverblindend botanische interieur. Hier staan heerlijke klassieke gerechten op het menu gebracht met een moderne toets.

Trendy shoppen in Leiden

In Leiden kun je geweldig goed shoppen. Zoals in de meeste steden heb je een grote winkelstraat met de meest bekende winkelketens. Ik heb het echter meer voor de kleine, hippe en originele boetiekjes. In de buurt rondom de burcht en de Nieuwe Rijn kun je in de smalle geplaveide straatjes de leukste winkeltjes vinden. Deze waren mijn favorieten:

Antraciet is zeker en vast de place to be voor minimalistische, stijlvole en duurzame kledij.

Op zoek naar een leuk cadeautje dan is Pluum de perfecte plek. Hier vind je prachtige stuk voor stuk prachtige hebbedingen.

Boutique Van Gendt

Wil je iets uniek dan moet je bij Boutique Van Gendt zijn. Deze boetiek heeft met stip de leukste vintage mode en accessoires.

Next door By Sil

In de Pieterskerk Choorsteeg kan je Next Door By Sil vinden tot wel 3 keer toe. Sil heeft 3 winkels waar je kledij, maar ook toffe interieurdecoratie kan vinden.

Het beste hotel in Leiden

Authenticiteit ten top bij boutique hotels van Leyden . Wij verbleven 2 nachten in Huys Van Leyden. Dit is met zijn 7 kamers één van de kleinste hotels in Nederland. Het hotel is een gerenoveerd authentiek grachthuis langs de Oude Singel, de oude verdedigingsgracht van de binnenstad.

Wat ik leuk vond is dat hotel volledig ingericht is volgens het karakter van het huis en dit reflecteert het historische verleden van Leiden en Nederland ten tijde van de Gouden eeuw. Het geeft ook een extra dimensie aan het verblijf en draagt bij de tot een unieke ervaring in Leiden.

Noordwijk: de beste daguitstap van Leiden.

Hoe graag ik ook ga citytrippen, ik vind het altijd heerlijk om tijdens een weekendje weg ook een stukje natuur op te snuiven. En dit is perfect mogelijk in Noordwijk, een kuststad aan de Noordzee. Hier kun je tijdens alle seizoenen heerlijke uitwaaien op het strand of genieten van een lange wandeling doorheen de uitstrekte duinen. Noordwijk ligt amper op 15 km van Leiden dus de twee bestemmingen combineren is perfect mogelijk.  Een extra dag uittrekken om je weekendje weg in alle rust en helemaal zen af te sluiten, kan ik met 100% zekerheid aanraden.

Lunchen met zicht op zee

Kies je ervoor mijn advies op te volgen en een extra dag door te brengen in Noordwijk, ga dan zeker ontbijten, lunchen of dineren bij de Winterlodge . Dit strandrestaurant ligt letterlijk op het strand een heeft een prachtig zicht over de kustlijn van de Noordzee.

De eetzaak bestaat enerzijds uit een serre, maar ook het andere deel heeft vele glaspartijen. Waar je ook plaatsneemt, je blijft een prachtig uitzicht hebben over de zee.

Dit alles samen met het botanische interieur zorgt voor een unieke vibe. Je kan er bovendien kiezen voor alledaagse, maar ook voor minder bekende sapjes en gerechtjes. De ideale moment dus om even je comfortzone te verlaten en te experimenteren. Ik kan je alvast de roze pannenkoekjes aanbevelen, maar ook de taartjes waren er heerlijk. Zie ik verliet zeker en vast mijn comfortzone en ging voor zoet, zoet en nog meer zoet.

Het beste luxe hotel in Noordwijk

De laatste nacht tijdens een weekendje weg, mag je wel eens kiezen voor dat tikkeltje extra. Dat deden we ook met een overnachting in Grand hotel Huis Ter Duin . En ik moet zeggen dat we er elke seconde van genoten.

Dit befaamde en prestigieuze hotel gelegen aan de Noordzee is oorspronkelijk gebouwd rond 1885. Het was een luxe kuuroord dat vooral erg populair was bij de beau monde. Ondertussen heeft het hotel andere eigenaars en is het helemaal gerenoveerd. Grand hotel Huis Ter Duin straalt met zijn postmodernistische, elegante stijl ook nu ook nog veel luxe uit.

Wij verbleven in een suite met zicht op zee. Ik vond dit absoluut fantastisch. Het is voor mij namelijk geen alledaags gegeven om wakker te worden met een prachtig zicht op de uitstrekte kustlijn van de Noordzee. Bovendien was het ook de perfecte remedie om op te staan zonder ochtendhumeur. Meer nog het motiveerde mij om vroeg op te staan voor een frisse ochtendwandeling langs het strand en in de duinen.  Gelukkig kregen we het gezelschap van een verlegen zonnetje waardoor onze dag niet meer stuk kon.

We besloten alvorens terug huiswaarts te keren nog even te relaxen in de wellnessruimte van Grand Hotel Huis Ter Duin. Lekker uitzweten in de sauna en de stoomcabine, vlug nog even zwemmen in het overdekt zwembad om dan helemaal zen terug naar huis te keren. Kortom de perfecte afsluiter voor ons weekendje weg.

Een citytrip naar Leiden in combinatie met een extra dag Noordwijk is de ideale bestemming voor een cultureel, gastronomisch maar ook een ontspannend weekendje weg.

Bekijk hier ook onze video met sfeerbeelden over onze citytrip naar Leiden en ons bezoek aan Noordwijk.

Nog meer Nederland? Bekijk hier ook de tweedelige reeks over niet te missen toeristische toeristische plekken in Nederland: Giethoorn en Zaanse Schans .

Heb je nog verdere vragen over deze bestemmingen of bezienswaardigheden, laat gerust hieronder een berichtje na.

Bedankt om te lezen.

Blijf op de hoogte van nieuwe blogpost en abonneer je hieronder op mijn nieuwsbrief.

Pin voor later

Reistips en -benodigdheden

Wil je graag een onvergetelijke vakantie plannen? Bekijk dan zeker dit handige websites.

Vind vliegtickets

Vind luchthaven parking

Vind vakantie accommodaties

Vind een huurauto

Boek tickets, tours en excursies

Boek een transfer met bus of trein

vind een reisgids

Vind de gepaste fotografie uitrusting

deze vind je misschien ook leuk

Gratis lightroom preset voor prachtige vakantiefoto’s

Hoe plan je een perfect weekendje Brussel?

De meest instagrammable hotspots in Gent

Sarah de gheselle, 6 thoughts on “ wat te doen in leiden op een 3-daagse citytrip | nederland ”.

Heel mooie blog, nodigt uit om ook eens te gaan, super mooie foto’s!

Dank je Liesbeth! Deze bestemming is zeker de moeite waard en volgens mij ook super tof met kindjes! boeken maar 😉

Mooi geschreven blog, prachtige foto s en video. Wij gaan alvast ook een weekendje Leiden plannen in t voorjaar. Merci voor de fantastische tips??

Dank je! De combo Leiden en Noordwijk was absoluut een toppertje. Ik kan deze bestemmingen enkel maar aanbevelen. Wij hadden er een echt leuke tijd! 🙂

Wat een onwijs mooie foto’s! Leiden is wat mij betreft een van de mooiste steden in Nederland, ik kom er graag 🙂

Ja, ik vond Leiden zo’n toffe stad. Als ik de kans krijg, ga ik er snel nog een heen! 🙂

Een reactie achterlaten Reactie annuleren

Je e-mailadres zal niet getoond worden. Vereiste velden zijn gemarkeerd met *

Bewaar mijn naam, e-mailadres en website in deze browser voor de volgende keer wanneer ik een reactie plaats.

• social media en blog promotie
• Afrekenen +

Gebruikersnaam of e-mailadres  *

Wachtwoord  *

Onthouden Inloggen

Je wachtwoord vergeten?

Pay to enter: Venice becomes the first city to implement a tourist ticket system

Venice became the first city in the world on Thursday to introduce a payment system for visitors in an experiment aimed at dissuading tourists from arriving during peak periods.

However, it isn't the only place in Italy that has recently introduced new measures aimed at slowing tourist flows.

Here are some of the initiatives currently in force.

Venice tourist tax

The lagoon city has introduced 5 euros (about $5.35) tickets for day trippers, valid from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The experiment came into force on April 25, a national holiday in Italy. Tickets will be needed for the following 10 days and thereafter for most weekends until mid-July.

Venice residents, students, workers, and homeowners are exempt from paying or booking a slot. Visitors aged under 14 and tourists with hotel reservations will need to register, but access for them will be free of charge.

Other cities, such as Como, have said they are considering introducing a similar measure but are waiting to see how the Venice initiative works before deciding.

In addition, Venice has said that from June, it will limit the size of tourist groups to 25 people and ban the use of loudspeakers by tour guides.

Florence tourist measure

Florence announced in October that it was banning new short-term residential lets on platforms such as Airbnb in its historic center. It also offered three years of tax breaks to landlords of short-term holiday lets who start offering ordinary leases for residents.

The city's famous museum, the Uffizi, offers discounts to people who arrive before 8.55 a.m. and lower prices off-season. To spread out crowds, it also closes at 10 p.m. once a week.

Cinque Terrer overtourism

The five villages that make up the Cinque Terre on the Italian Riviera regularly get swamped with visitors.

To try to reduce the overcrowding at peak periods, the authority which oversees the area said this week it would charge visitors 15 euros (about $16) to walk the most celebrated coastal path. In addition, the path can only be walked in one direction.

Capri tourism measure

The picturesque small island that lies across the bay from the southern city of Naples has doubled its entry fee, which is automatically added to ferry tickets, to 5 euros. The fee will be charged from April 1 to October 1.

Capri, Ischia, Procida, Lampedusa and Linosa changes

These islands have introduced limits, or outright bans, on cars for non-residents during the main tourist season.

Guided tours

Are you a real culture lover who wants to know all the details? Then discover the city with your personal guide. During the tour, the professional guide will tell you all about the history of Leiden, with all its fascinating ins and out. There’s no better way to really get to grips with the city!

Gilde Leiden

Groepswijzer Gidsenteam

Guided Tour Leiden

This website uses cookies

This website uses cookies ( Functional , Analytical , Marketing ) that are required for the website to perform as good as possible. By clicking on "I accept all cookies", you agree with the use of these cookies.

• FANNATION FANNATION FANNATION
• SI.COM SI.COM SI.COM
• SI Swimsuit SI Swimsuit SI Swimsuit
• SI Sportsbook SI Sportsbook SI Sportsbook
• SI Tickets SI Tickets SI Tickets
• SI Showcase SI Showcase SI Showcase
• SI Resorts SI Resorts SI Resorts

Stiles Points: Last Season's Play-In Tournament Trip Could Prove Large Saturday for OKC Thunder

The Oklahoma City Thunder's play-in tournament win last season could loom large on Saturday.

• Author: Rylan Stiles

In this story:

The Oklahoma City Thunder have heard about their inexperience all year long. It is one of two concerns any consumer can raise about a 57-win team in the toughest conference the NBA has ever seen.

On Saturday, the team will embark on another first for this young group - their first playoff round game. Though, that is a bit of a technicality.

For all the hoopla that will follow Oklahoma City this postseason as they enter their year of firsts, the only place they have experience is inside the Smoothie King Center.

The exclamation mark on the 2022-23 season for the upstart Thunder is their play-in tournament win over the New Orleans Pelicans last April. Fighting their way through a sea of red to eliminate the Pelicans from the posteason.

Despite falling the next game in Minnesota to end a game shy of their first trip to the NBA Playoffs, the Thunder earned valuable experience on the road in a high stakes game.

Despite the rocking atmosphere in the Bayou, the Thunder weathered the storm and now knows what it takes to win in NOLA.

Without getting caught off guard by the road crowd, a win on Saturday afternoon would almost assure a series victory. In what is a pseudo must-win contest for the Pelicans as no team has ever mounted a 3-0 comeback.

Stiles Points

• The OKC Thunder have envisioned their position-less model for years and are now taking advantage of the league-shifting .
• Former Thunder first-round pick Darius Bazley explained what separates Shai Gilgeous-Alexander from other players in a recent podcast. This is yet another person who praises the Thunder stars work ethic.
• Saturday's game represents another early tip time which has been a boogeyman for the Thunder this season. Mark Daigneault sounded off on how they will handle it .
• What is the rule of thumb for the aux in a road trip that features vastly different music taste? It should be a universal law - the driver gets to pick the tunes.

Song of the Day: Louisiana Saturday Night by Mel McDaniel.

Want to join the discussion?  Like Inside the Thunder on Facebook  and  follow us on Twitter  to stay up to date on all the latest Thunder news. You can also  meet the team  behind the coverage.

Latest Thunder News

Thunder Trio Leads OKC to Close Win Over Memphis Grizzlies

Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren Among League’s Most Efficient Shooters

OKC Thunder Superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Secures Super Max Contract Extension Eligibility

Injury Report, Updated Odds (3/16): Memphis Grizzlies vs OKC Thunder

Injury Report: Oklahoma City Thunder vs Memphis Grizzlies

One day later with Rabbit R1: What features impressed me (and what fell flat)

As I was packing up at the office, my mind was already set on using the Rabbit R1 to book an Uber to my downtown meeting. The R1, a groovy-looking handset roughly half the size of a traditional smartphone, was meant for moments like this. 

Forget tapping through slides and columns of filters on a phone app or browser window, a simple voice command to the R1 would direct dedicated AI agents to get the job done on your behalf. "Book me an Uber to 123 ABC Street." "Order a large vodka pizza from Via Ponte." "Play the latest Benson Boone album." Theoretically, this near-frictionless process would save you time, effort, and lots of clicking. Theoretically.

Also: Rabbit R1 unboxing: My first impressions of the $199 AI gadget

By the time I'm outside and command the R1 to book me an Uber, I notice two things: The R1 thinks I'm situated at a bakery a few blocks up (and when I change the pickup address -- only possible via voice -- it never updates to the new one), and since unplugging the device five minutes ago, it's dropped to 94%. I put the little orange square into my left pocket, pulled out my phone from my right pocket, and opened the Uber app.

To be clear, the R1 isn't meant to replace your smartphone, even though it has a SIM card slot for LTE connection. Instead, I like to think of it as an office intern who's still on their first day at the job. They might not be the best at everything, but there's so much potential with time and training. Oh, and they always wear an ultra-neon orange shirt to work, so you have to notice them.

You can access the settings by shaking the R1 twice, but it only works from the home screen.

What the R1 does well from the get-go is answering complex questions fast, noticeably faster than the $700 Humane Ai Pin . It nails the basics like "What's the weather?" so I won't go in-depth with that. Instead, I asked questions like "Who won last night between the Celtics and Heat, who scored the most points, and what was their field goal percentage?", all in succession. While the R1's first response suggested that the last time the two teams faced each other was not the night before but back in January, leaving me to believe that it had a knowledge cutoff, it answered all three questions correctly during the second attempt. Odd, but still impressive.

Also: These AI avatars now come with human-like expressions

Sometimes, the AI responses can be noticeably long, and perhaps my extensive questioning is to blame. In most cases, after the R1 has given me what I think to be a satisfactory answer, it rambles on with more details, requiring a press of the side button to silence it.

Enabling terminal mode switches to the R1's UI to landscape orientation and presents a keyboard to type questions in.

The R1 is also great at multimodal tasks, capturing your surroundings (and yourself) with the rotating 8MP camera and leveraging the visual data to answer questions. From the rooftop of an office building, I pointed the gadget at a series of skyscrapers in front of me and asked it to describe what it saw and what city I was in. It responded, "In front of me, I see a skyline of tall skyscrapers and buildings, including the iconic One World Trade Center tower. This is the skyline of New York City, with the Hudson River visible in the foreground."

Also: The most promising AI smart glasses are from a brand you've never heard of

In another example, I pointed the R1 at a bowl of ramen and asked it for the calorie count. While the AI couldn't give me an exact number due to its inability to pull all necessary context from a 2D image, like the size of the bowl and what ingredients were used, it gave me a typical range of 300 to 600 calories per serving, which was close enough.

I also tested the R1's translation feature with my colleague, Kyle Kucharski, who speaks several languages including Spanish and Russian. Asking the assistant to "translate" promptly brings up a dedicated interface on the 2.8-inch screen, but that's about as good as the feature gets. From delayed translations, where the AI would utter lines minutes later, to translating only one language in a conversation between two different ones, the experience was buggy and likely wouldn't instill any confidence in travelers.

On top of Uber, which is "under maintenance," according to R1 when I attempted to use it again this morning, DoorDash, Spotify, and Midjourney are the only third-party services that work with the device. Spotify and Midjourney worked fairly well for me, playing music tracks that matched the mood that I noted and generating images based on whatever ideas came to my mind. (I do wish I could send those generated images directly from the R1 instead of downloading them from Discord, where they're hosted.) 

For DoorDash, you'll have to settle with five to seven food options per restaurant as the R1 screen doesn't display anything more. But even when I settled for a standard cheese pizza because Rubirosa's famous Tie Dye wasn't on the menu for some reason, the checkout screen would prompt an error message -- again, and again, and again.

Also:  Apple's new AI model could understand your home screen and supercharge Siri

Lastly, there's a big battery problem with the R1. I got about three hours of use on a single charge yesterday. On standby, meaning I don't use the device at all, I've noticed the battery drop 10-15% within half an hour. Rabbit CEO, Jesse Lyu, says a fix is coming as soon as next week, so I'll keep an eye out for any improvements. For now, expect to charge the R1 three to four times a day depending on what functions you use.

Final thought

The early-year teasers and product launches of AI devices such as the Rabbit R1 and Humane Ai Pin don't surprise me. Both companies, among others, are racing against time -- before tech giants like Apple and Google unveil similar, if not more useful, AI software and services during I/O and WWDC in May and June. By then, when the voice assistants already in our pockets are more capable than ever, it'll be much harder to sell a secondary device that does much of the same while introducing its own set of problems.

Naturally, a good part of the AI hardware experience right now is unpolished, needing a group of users enthusiastic enough to pay to be beta testers. I'm always against buying a product for its promise of future updates; nothing is guaranteed. But if you're interested in what the future of AI gadgets could look like, the Rabbit R1 may be the most compelling option on the market today.

Featured reviews

Rabbit r1 unboxing: my first impressions of the $199 ai gadget, humane ai pin: what went wrong and how it can be fixed (before it's too late), i tried a window-cleaning robot and things went surprisingly well.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes

Venice’s Tourist Fee Is Now in Effect — What to Know

The fee is in place for day-visitors over 14 years old from 8.30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Stacey Wreathall/Travel + Leisure

Day visitors to Venice on Thursday had to pay to get in as the famous city started implementing the much-talked about day trip fee.

Travelers hoping to explore the Italian city had to pony up €5 ($5.36) per person at the train station. The fee, which was first floated as an idea in 2019 but postponed several times , will initially be in effect for 29 days and cover most weekends through mid-July.

“We need to find a new balance between the tourists and residents,’’ Simone Venturini, the city’s top tourism official, told The Associated Press . “We need to safeguard the spaces of the residents, of course, and we need to discourage the arrival of day-trippers on some particular days.”

The dates the fee is in effect were displayed on large signs at Venice’s main train station on Thursday, the wire service reported, with separate entrances available for tourists, and residents, students, and workers.

The fee, which is in effect for travelers over 14 years old from 8.30 a.m. to 4 p.m., can be paid online . Day visitors who pay in advance receive a QR code, which they must then show to officials at Venice's main access points.

On Thursday, the AP noted there were stewards available to help travelers unaware of the new rules to download the QR code and pay.

Tourists who are staying overnight will not have to pay the new day fee, but must apply online for an exemption . Overnight guests who book a hotel stay are already subject to a different tax.

This fee is the city’s latest effort to address overtourism. In January, Venice built on that goal by announcing plans to limit the number of travelers allowed on tour groups to no more than 25 people. That rule will apply to Venice’s historic center as well as the popular islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello.

These efforts come months after UNESCO spared Venice from its list of world heritage sites in danger once again despite recommendations to add it.

Erling Haaland out of Brighton game with injury, Phil Foden fit – Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola

Erling Haaland has been ruled out of Manchester City ’s Premier League game at Brighton & Hove Albion on Thursday.

City boss Pep Guardiola did confirm, though, that Phil Foden and John Stones are fit for the trip to the Amex Stadium.

Haaland missed City’s last match — Saturday’s 1-0 FA Cup semi-final win over Chelsea — with an injury, while John Stones was taken off at half-time. Sky Sports reported that Foden was not pictured in City’s opening training on Tuesday.

Advertisement

“Erling (Haaland) is not ready for tomorrow,” Guardiola said on Wednesday. “The other two (Phil Foden and John Stones) are ready.”

“I know it is not a big issue,” he added of Haaland. “But he is not allowed for this game.”

City head into the Brighton game four points behind league leaders Arsenal , although have played two games fewer than Mikel Arteta’s side. Liverpool are also a point ahead of City and could be four clear of them if they beat Everton on Wednesday night.

“Every player deserves to play,” Guardiola added. “Not everyone can be in the starting XI but everyone contributes.

“We have three or four days since Chelsea. It was one of the toughest games of the season. Always, I put in the calendar that Brighton away is so tough for the way they play.”

'It's an obsession': How players deal with the pressure of a title race

(Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)

Get all-access to exclusive stories.

Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. Try a week on us.

Luke Bosher is a deputy news editor for The Athletic, based in London. He joined the company in 2020. Follow Luke on Twitter @ bosherL

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

What to Know About Venice’s Fees for Day Trips

Venice is trying to mitigate overtourism with a small fee on busy days. City leaders hope it will make visitors more aware of the city’s fragility.

By Elisabetta Povoledo

Reporting from Rome

After years of debate , Venice on Thursday began charging day visitors five euros to visit its fragile historic center on peak days, making it the first city in the world to adopt such a measure to counter overtourism.

Critics question whether a nominal fee will put people off from visiting one of the world’s most desired destinations. But officials hope that it might encourage some to rethink their plans and decide to come on weekdays or in the off-season.

That might help mitigate the impact of the estimated 20 million visitors who descended last year on the city’s beleaguered residents, who number fewer than 50,000, according to municipal statistics . About half of those visitors came only for the day, city officials said. Overnight guests are exempt from the fee.

The spirit of the initiative, city officials have said, is to make people aware of the uniqueness — and fragility — of Venice. Overtourism is creating an economy solely based on tourism that risks killing the city by pushing its dwindling residents out, said Nicola Camatti, an economics professor and expert in tourism at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice.

When will Venice start charging?

The fee went into effect on Thursday, a holiday in Italy. For 2024, city officials have singled out 29 peak days when single-day travelers in Venice between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. have to pay. The days run until mid-July and are mostly on national holidays and weekends. The access-fee website provides a list of the dates.

Who must pay?

While just about everyone visiting the city has to register to obtain a QR code, not all visitors have to pay the fee. Overnight guests at registered accommodations like hotels or Airbnbs are exempt, because they already pay a daily tourist tax, as are people who study or work in Venice and those visiting relatives. There are other exemptions as well.

Residents of Venice, those born there and minors under 14 are among those who do not have to register. But they must have documents that prove their status.

It is possible that different fees will apply next year on a sliding scale that will depend on how many people city officials expect on any one day. City officials said the fees could be as high as 10 euros per day.

How will the system work?

Before coming to Venice on peak days, visitors should use the website to register and get a QR code.

The code will be scanned at points where visitors enter, like the train station, the city parking lot, the airport and the sprawling waterfront along the San Marco basin where boats dock. The access points will have one line for tourists and another for residents and what officials call city users, who are coming into Venice for reasons other than sightseeing.

At least for now, those who do not register ahead of time can do so at some access points or on their cellphones, officials said. Assistants will be available.

Initially, the controls will be “very soft,” said Michele Zuin, the municipal councilor responsible for the city’s budget.

Speaking to reporters at the foreign press association in Rome this month, Mayor Luigi Brugnaro said the fee was not about cashing in on tourists. “The costs of the operation are higher than what we’re going to make,” he said.

Why is Venice doing this?

City officials hope to relieve some of the stress that tourists put on the city by encouraging them to come on less busy days. They also say that by knowing ahead of time how many visitors to expect, the city can better deploy services.

“We want to better manage the numbers of tourists and disincentivize mass tourism” that makes it difficult for residents and visitors to “live in this city,” Mr. Zuin said this month.

To track the flow of visitors, the city already monitors them via phone location data and surveillance cameras, a system some critics have likened to Big Brother .

Venice has also fallen under the scrutiny of the United Nations’ culture agency, UNESCO, whose experts are concerned that not enough is being done to protect the city. Last year, Venice risked being added to UNESCO’s list of Endangered World Heritage Sites after experts at the agency listed mass tourism , along with climate change and development, as a major threat to its future. It urged City Hall to take steps to ameliorate the damage.

The municipal council approved the access fee just days before UNESCO was to vote on its status, and Venice stayed off the “in danger” list . But UNESCO officials said in a statement that “further progress still needs to be made” to conserve Venice.

Critics of the access fee note that officials have not capped the number of visitors, and they say that the nominal fee is hardly a deterrent. As recently as Friday, city officials said that about 80,000 visitors swelled the city’s narrow calli, as the streets are known, and the gardens of the 2024 Venice Biennale , still the world’s principal place to discover new art .

How else is Venice trying to restrict visitors?

Venice also has taken other steps it hopes will reduce what city officials call “mordi e fuggi” tourism, or “eat and flee,” referring to those who seek the city’s greatest hits — the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Square — and who bring packed lunches and dump their garbage, contributing little to the local economy.

After years of heated debate and protests by vocal Venetians, the city banned cruise ships from its inner canals in 2021 , though Mr. Camatti, the tourism expert, said the ban on the ships had not reduced the number of day visitors.

This year, the city imposed a limit of 25 people per tour group and also banned the use of megaphones.

Elisabetta Povoledo is a reporter based in Rome, covering Italy, the Vatican and the culture of the region. She has been a journalist for 35 years. More about Elisabetta Povoledo