Leiden travel guide

Leiden, The Netherlands

By the Travel Wiki editorial team

Leiden

Introduction

You will find yourself in a city situated along the Oude Rijn in the province of South Holland. Located between The Hague and Amsterdam, your surroundings include the recreational waters of the Kaag Lakes just to the northeast.

Before you go

Prepare for a vibrant atmosphere in one of the Netherlands' few true student towns. You will encounter an internationally diverse population and a lively social scene fueled by a large student community. While you can find many places to enjoy a drink, be aware that local fraternities dominate much of the student scene; if you are looking for late-night partying, you might choose to venture toward nearby Amsterdam or The Hague.

Getting there

You can reach the city easily by train from nearby hubs like The Hague, Schiphol Airport, and Amsterdam. Most trains arrive at Leiden Centraal, located just a short walk from the City Center and the City Hall, where you can find luggage storage lockers. If you prefer to use the local bus network, a central hub is located in a square just outside the railway station where you can find your way to various destinations.

If you choose to travel by car, navigating the city center is difficult due to ongoing road construction and frequent traffic jams during rush hours. You may opt to park at the transferium and continue your journey by bus, or utilize parking lots at Groenoordhallen and Haagweg where shuttle buses run to the heart of the city. Other options include parking on the Morsweg or Langegracht, though these areas are often crowded.

Getting around

Most sights are located within the old city fortifications, creating a compact area that is easy for you to navigate on foot. You can pick up maps featuring walking routes and main sights at the tourist information office near the main train station, or simply wander through the streets to discover historic buildings and museums.

For faster exploration or to reach locations further out, you can rent a bicycle in this bike-friendly city. Options include traditional bicycles and electric bikes from various rental agencies. You may choose to find your own way on a rented bike or select one of the provided routes.

Where to stay

You can choose from various mid-range hotels and B&Bs throughout the city to suit your preferences. For a stay that emphasizes history, you might choose a room in an ancient mansion or one of the prestigious 16th-century canal houses located near the museums and university faculties. Alternatively, if you prefer modern amenities, you can find accommodations in contemporary buildings situated near the railway station, where some rooms offer views over the old city.

If your budget is tight, consider visiting Leiden as a day trip while staying at hostels in nearby areas or by using camping gear. Options include a family-managed site located near a park and recreational area just outside of town, or staying in neighboring locations with easy access via bicycle or train.

Food & drink

You can find a variety of dining options throughout the city, with many cozy restaurants nestled in the Pieterswijk area on the east side of the Breestraat. For those seeking specific cuisines, you can enjoy Greek food at Delphi, authentic Italian dishes at Olive Garden or Porto Pino, and Thai cuisine at Sabai Sabai. If you prefer a quicker bite, options range from oriental-style wok dishes to Turkish pizza and the filling Kapsalon at AK-AL, which also serves various breads and croissants.

The city features a vibrant cafe and nightlife scene fueled by a large student population. You can choose from diverse venues such as the grand atmosphere of De Burcht, the cozy setting of Haar gangetje, or the terrace at Praethuis near the remains of the 'onze lieve vrouwenkerk'. For those seeking specific beverages, Stadsbrouwhuis offers specialty beers on draft, while Proeflokaal 1574 provides a wine bar with a nice terrace. If you are looking for live music or dancing, Het Muziekhuis hosts various performances, and Club Next features multiple floors including a dedicated dancing area.

What to see and do

Explore the historic heart of the city by visiting the 11th-century Burcht van Leiden, a shell keep where you can climb the stairways to enjoy views from above. You can also visit the Pieterskerk, a 16th-century late-Gothic church that features an exhibition on the Pilgrim Fathers and houses the graves of figures such as painter Jan Steen and physician Boerhaave. Nearby, the Hooglandse Kerk contains a tombstone for Justinus van Nassau, while the unique, round-shaped Marekerk offers another distinct architectural experience. For those interested in history and science, you can explore the Museum Boerhaave to see early scientific equipment or visit Naturalis, a museum of natural history housed in modern architecture.

Stroll through the city's waterways, particularly the Oude Rijn, where the area between it and the Nieuwe Rijn remains one of the most undisturbed sections for walking along canals. You can also find scenic spots where canals recombine near a windmill and an old city gate. If you prefer nature, visit the Hortus Botanicus, the oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands, or walk through Van der Werffpark, which sits on land once cleared by a historical gunpowder explosion. For a more rural experience, head to Cronesteyn to see cows and wildlife in a polder park.

Three days in Leiden

Day one, you can begin your journey in the City Center to experience the historic atmosphere of the area. You can explore the streets near the City Hall and wander through the Pieterswijk or along the Breestraat.

Day two, you can head toward the water to see the Oude Rijn. While exploring the local surroundings, you can find your way through the nearby neighborhoods of Groenoordhallen, Haagweg, or Morsweg.

Day three, you can enjoy a variety of flavors in the city. You can choose from Greek, Italian, Thai, or Turkish options to complete your stay in Leiden.

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