Nestled between Amsterdam and The Hague lies Leiden, a picturesque university town often overlooked by travelers rushing through the Netherlands. With its maze of canals, historic windmills, and cobblestone streets, Leiden offers all the charm of Amsterdam without the overwhelming crowds. As the birthplace of Rembrandt and home to the country’s oldest university, this compact city packs centuries of Dutch history, culture, and beauty into every corner. Whether you’re planning a day trip from Amsterdam or a dedicated weekend getaway, this guide reveals the most rewarding things to do in Leiden Netherlands that will make you wonder why you hadn’t visited sooner.
How to Get to Leiden
Reaching Leiden is remarkably simple, making it an ideal destination for both day-trippers and those planning a longer stay. The city is well-connected to the rest of the Netherlands through an efficient public transportation network.
By Train
The most convenient way to reach Leiden is by train. Direct connections run frequently from major cities:
- Amsterdam to Leiden: 35 minutes (trains every 15-20 minutes)
- Schiphol Airport to Leiden: 15 minutes
- The Hague to Leiden: 15 minutes
- Rotterdam to Leiden: 35 minutes
- Utrecht to Leiden: 35 minutes
Tickets can be purchased at station kiosks or through the NS (Dutch Railways) app. A one-way ticket from Amsterdam Centraal to Leiden Centraal costs approximately €9.60.
By Car
If you prefer driving, Leiden is accessible via the A4 and A44 highways. However, be aware that parking in the city center is limited and expensive (€3.50-4.50 per hour). Consider using one of these options:
- Haagweg Parking: €13 for a full day with free shuttle to city center
- Morspoort Parking: Closer to center but more expensive
- Lammermarkt Parking: Underground garage near the center
Some hotels offer parking packages, so check with your accommodation before arriving.
Local Tip: The city center of Leiden is compact and best explored on foot. If you’re staying longer, consider renting a bike from the rental shops near Leiden Centraal station (approximately €10 per day).
Historical Attractions in Leiden
1. Climb De Burcht van Leiden
Standing proudly on an artificial hill in the heart of Leiden, the Burcht (fortress) dates back to the 11th century and offers panoramic views of the city. This circular shell keep was built to protect citizens during sieges and now serves as a public park and lookout point.
The climb to the top takes just a few minutes via stone steps, rewarding you with stunning views of Leiden’s church spires, canals, and red-tiled rooftops. Inside the fortress walls, you’ll find information panels detailing the history of this ancient structure.
Practical Tip: Visit during golden hour for the most spectacular photos of Leiden. The fortress is open daily from sunrise to sunset, and entrance is completely free.
Experience More of Leiden's History
Discover the fascinating stories behind Leiden’s landmarks with a guided walking tour. Local experts bring the city’s rich history to life.
2. Explore Pieterskerk (St. Peter's Church)
This magnificent Gothic church stands as one of Leiden’s most impressive historical buildings. Dating back to the 14th century, Pieterskerk has witnessed centuries of Dutch history, including serving as a place of worship for the Pilgrims before they sailed to America.
Today, the church functions as a cultural venue hosting concerts, exhibitions, and events. Inside, you’ll find impressive vaulted ceilings, historic tombs, and a magnificent pipe organ. Don’t miss the memorial plaque dedicated to John Robinson, the pastor who guided the Pilgrims.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Sunday, 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Entrance Fee: €6 for adults, free with Leiden City Pass
3. Visit the Leiden American Pilgrim Museum
Housed in a beautifully preserved 14th-century building, this small but fascinating museum tells the story of the Pilgrims who lived in Leiden before departing for the New World. The museum recreates the living conditions of the early 1600s with period furniture, artifacts, and historical documents.
The intimate setting provides insight into daily life during this pivotal period in American history. The knowledgeable curator offers engaging stories about the Pilgrims’ time in Leiden and their lasting influence on both Dutch and American culture.
Opening Hours: Thursday to Saturday, 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Entrance Fee: €5 for adults
Must-Visit Museums in Leiden
With thirteen museums within its compact center, Leiden boasts one of the highest museum densities in the Netherlands. Here are the standouts you shouldn’t miss:
4. Rijksmuseum Boerhaave
Named after the famous Dutch physician Herman Boerhaave, this award-winning science museum houses an impressive collection of historic scientific instruments and medical artifacts. Interactive exhibits bring the history of science to life, making complex concepts accessible to visitors of all ages.
Highlights include the anatomical theater, Einstein’s notes, and Van Leeuwenhoek’s microscopes. The museum excels at demonstrating how Dutch scientists have shaped our understanding of the world through the centuries.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entrance Fee: €13.50 for adults, free with Museumkaart
Save on Multiple Museum Visits
Planning to visit several museums? The Leiden City Pass offers free or discounted entry to most attractions plus public transport.
5. Museum De Lakenhal
Housed in a former cloth inspection hall, Museum De Lakenhal showcases Leiden’s rich artistic and cultural heritage. The museum underwent extensive renovation and reopened in 2019 with expanded galleries and modern facilities while preserving its historic character.
The collection features works by Leiden-born masters like Rembrandt and Jan Steen, alongside exhibits detailing the city’s textile industry that brought prosperity during the Dutch Golden Age. Don’t miss Lucas van Leyden’s triptych “The Last Judgment,” one of the museum’s treasures.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entrance Fee: €12.50 for adults, free with Museumkaart
6. Naturalis Biodiversity Center
One of Europe’s largest natural history museums, Naturalis impresses with its striking contemporary architecture and world-class exhibits. The museum houses over 42 million specimens, including dinosaur skeletons, preserved animals, and geological treasures.
The star attraction is Trix, one of the most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons ever found. Interactive displays and live science demonstrations make this an engaging visit for families and natural history enthusiasts alike.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entrance Fee: €16 for adults, free with Museumkaart
7. SieboldHuis
This unique museum showcases the fascinating relationship between Japan and the Netherlands during the Edo period when the Dutch were the only Westerners allowed to trade with Japan. Named after Philipp Franz von Siebold, a German physician who collected Japanese artifacts while stationed in Dejima, the museum displays these treasures in an elegant canal house.
The collection includes delicate woodblock prints, samurai armor, ceramics, and botanical specimens, offering insight into Japanese culture and the early cultural exchange between East and West.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entrance Fee: €8.50 for adults, free with Museumkaart
Outdoor Activities in Leiden
8. Take a Canal Boat Tour
Experiencing Leiden from its waterways offers a unique perspective on this historic city. The network of canals that crisscross the center dates back to the 17th century and reveals hidden gardens, ancient bridges, and architectural details not visible from the streets.
Several companies offer guided tours lasting approximately one hour. The knowledgeable skippers share stories about Leiden’s history, famous residents, and architectural highlights as you glide under centuries-old bridges and past elegant merchant houses.
Recommended Tour Companies:
- Rederij Rembrandt – Traditional covered boats with multilingual guides
- De Leidse Rederij – Open boats offering excellent photography opportunities
- Bootjes en Broodjes – Unique tours that include a picnic lunch
Cost: €10-15 per person, depending on the tour company and package
Experience Leiden by Water
Glide through centuries of history on Leiden’s picturesque canals. Book your boat tour for an unforgettable perspective of the city.
9. Explore Hortus Botanicus
Founded in 1590, the Hortus Botanicus is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world. Originally established as a medicinal herb garden for the university’s medical faculty, it now houses over 10,000 plant species from around the globe.
Highlights include the Japanese Garden, the tropical greenhouses, and the Victoria amazonica water lily pond. The garden also features Europe’s oldest living potted plant – a Cycas brought from Japan in 1829. The tranquil setting provides a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.
Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (April to October), 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (November to March)
Entrance Fee: €8 for adults, free with Museumkaart
10. Visit Windmill Museum De Valk
Standing tall near Leiden’s center, the De Valk windmill offers visitors a glimpse into traditional Dutch life. Built in 1743, this fully restored tower mill now functions as a museum showcasing the miller’s living quarters and the impressive mechanical workings of the mill.
Climb to the viewing platform for spectacular panoramic views of Leiden. The museum explains the vital role windmills played in Dutch history, from water management to grain processing. Interactive displays make this an engaging visit for all ages.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Sunday, 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Entrance Fee: €5 for adults, free with Museumkaart
Hidden Gems in Leiden
11. Discover the Hofjes (Almshouse Courtyards)
One of Leiden’s best-kept secrets is its collection of hofjes – peaceful courtyard gardens surrounded by historic almshouses. These charitable housing complexes were built from the 14th century onward to provide homes for elderly women and the less fortunate.
Leiden boasts over 35 hofjes, many of which are still inhabited today. While some remain private, about 17 are open to respectful visitors during daylight hours. Each hofje has its own character and history, with beautiful gardens, historic architecture, and tranquil atmospheres that feel worlds away from the bustling streets.
Most Beautiful Hofjes to Visit:
- Hofje Meermansburg (Oude Vest 159) – One of the largest and most impressive
- Sint Anna Aalmoeshuis (Middelweg 47) – Dating from 1492
- Hofje van Nieveen (Sionsteeg 11) – Known for its beautiful garden
- Jean Pesijnhofje (Kloksteeg 21) – Near Pieterskerk with a charming entrance
Hofjes Etiquette:
- Visit between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM
- Keep voices low out of respect for residents
- Don’t peer into windows of occupied homes
- Photography is usually permitted, but be discreet
- Close gates behind you
The Leiden tourist office sells a detailed Hofjes Route map for €3.50, which guides you to all accessible courtyards with historical information.
12. Find the Wall Poems
Wander through Leiden’s streets and you might spot poems painted on building walls – part of an artistic project started in 1992. Over 100 poems in more than 40 different languages adorn the city’s facades, turning Leiden into an open-air poetry anthology.
Each poem is painted in its original language, often with Dutch translations nearby. The project celebrates Leiden’s international character and academic tradition. Finding these literary treasures makes for a delightful scavenger hunt as you explore the city.
The tourist office sells a map of all poem locations, or you can download the “Muurgedichten” app to guide you to nearby poems with translations.
13. Visit the Leiden Observatory
The historic Leiden Observatory, founded in 1633, is the oldest university observatory still in existence. Though the original building no longer functions as an astronomical research center, it has been beautifully preserved and now houses university offices and a small museum.
Guided tours (available by appointment) take you through the historic dome rooms and showcase antique telescopes and astronomical instruments. The surrounding gardens, part of the Hortus Botanicus, provide a picturesque setting for this scientific landmark.
Tours: Available on Wednesdays at 2:00 PM and Sundays at 1:00 PM (reservation required)
Entrance Fee: €4 for adults
Where to Eat and Drink in Leiden
Leiden’s dining scene offers everything from traditional Dutch cuisine to international flavors, with many establishments housed in historic buildings along picturesque canals.
14. Cafés and Restaurants
For Traditional Dutch Food
- Café Olivier – Historic brown café serving Dutch classics and Belgian beers
- Koetshuis De Burcht – Located at the base of the fortress with traditional hutspot in winter
- Annie’s – Cozy spot for poffertjes (mini pancakes) and other Dutch treats
For International Cuisine
- Surakarta – Authentic Indonesian rijsttafel (rice table)
- Pakhuis – Contemporary dining in a converted warehouse
- Bistro Noroc – Mediterranean-inspired dishes in Pieterskwartier
For Coffee and Sweets
- Roos – Local favorite for breakfast and brunch
- Borgman & Borgman – Specialty coffee and homemade pastries
- Van Rossum – Artisanal ice cream with unique Dutch flavors
Local Tip: For an authentic Dutch experience, visit the street market on Wednesdays and Saturdays along the Nieuwe Rijn and Botermarkt. Sample fresh stroopwafels, Dutch cheeses, and herring from the market stalls.
Taste the Best of Leiden
Discover Leiden’s culinary highlights with a food tour that combines history, culture, and delicious local specialties.
Where to Stay in Leiden
Leiden offers accommodations for every budget, from luxury boutique hotels in historic buildings to comfortable mid-range options and budget-friendly hostels.
Luxury
Boutique Hotel Steenhof Suites
Set in a beautifully restored 16th-century building on the Oude Vest canal, this boutique hotel offers spacious suites with exposed beams, luxury bathrooms, and canal views. The attention to detail and central location make it worth the splurge.
Price range: €175-250 per night
Mid-Range
Hotel Mayflower
Located just a 5-minute walk from Leiden Centraal station, this comfortable hotel offers clean, modern rooms at reasonable prices. The convenient location makes it perfect for travelers planning day trips to other Dutch cities.
Price range: €90-140 per night
Budget
Hostel Leiden
This friendly hostel offers both private rooms and dormitory accommodations in the heart of Leiden. The common areas encourage socializing with fellow travelers, and the staff provides excellent local recommendations.
Price range: €30-80 per night
Booking Tip: Leiden hosts several major festivals throughout the year, including Leiden Ontzet (October 3) and the Leiden International Film Festival (October/November). Accommodation fills up quickly during these events, so book well in advance if your visit coincides with a festival.
Day Trips from Leiden
15. Nearby Attractions
Leiden’s central location makes it an excellent base for exploring other highlights of the Netherlands. Here are some popular day trips, all easily accessible by public transportation:
Keukenhof Gardens
During spring (late March to mid-May), the world’s largest flower garden showcases millions of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths in spectacular displays. Located just 15 minutes from Leiden by bus, Keukenhof makes for an unforgettable seasonal excursion.
Getting there: Take bus 854 from Leiden Centraal
Travel time: 20 minutes
Entrance fee: €19 for adults
Katwijk Beach
This charming coastal town offers a beautiful sandy beach, dunes, and a picturesque promenade lined with seafood restaurants. It’s the perfect escape on a sunny day, with opportunities for swimming, walking, and enjoying fresh fish.
Getting there: Take bus 31 from Leiden Centraal
Travel time: 30 minutes
Cost: Free public beach
Kinderdijk Windmills
This UNESCO World Heritage site features 19 historic windmills in a stunning polder landscape. Dating from the 18th century, these windmills showcase traditional Dutch water management and offer fantastic photography opportunities.
Getting there: Train to Rotterdam, then waterbus
Travel time: 1.5 hours
Entrance fee: €11.50 for adults
Explore Beyond Leiden
Make the most of your Netherlands trip with organized tours to nearby attractions. Professional guides, convenient transportation, and skip-the-line access.
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
Leiden is beautiful year-round, but each season offers different experiences:
- Spring (April-May): Ideal for combining a city visit with Keukenhof Gardens and seeing tulip fields in bloom
- Summer (June-August): Warmest weather with outdoor café terraces and boat tours in full swing
- Fall (September-October): Fewer tourists and beautiful autumn colors, plus the Leiden Ontzet festival on October 3
- Winter (November-March): Quietest season with occasional magical snowy scenes and cozy café culture
Money-Saving Tips
- Consider purchasing the Leiden City Pass if visiting multiple museums
- Many museums are free with the Museumkaart (€64.90 for a year)
- Visit on the first Sunday of the month when some museums offer free entry
- Take advantage of the free hofjes and wall poems
- Pack a picnic to enjoy in one of Leiden’s parks or along the canals
- Use public transportation or rent a bike rather than driving
Why Leiden Should Be on Your Netherlands Itinerary
Leiden offers the perfect blend of Dutch charm, rich history, and cultural experiences without the overwhelming crowds found in Amsterdam. Its compact size makes it easy to explore in a day or two, yet the depth of attractions could keep you engaged for much longer. From tracing Rembrandt’s early years to discovering hidden courtyards and cruising historic canals, Leiden rewards visitors with authentic experiences and unexpected discoveries.
Whether you’re a history buff, art lover, science enthusiast, or simply seeking the quintessential Dutch experience, Leiden delivers with its well-preserved heritage, world-class museums, and picturesque setting. Add in the friendly locals, excellent dining options, and convenient location for exploring the rest of the Netherlands, and it’s clear why this university town deserves a prominent place on your Dutch itinerary.
Ready to Experience Leiden?
Start planning your perfect Leiden getaway with comfortable accommodation in the heart of this historic Dutch city.
