Map of Leiden, Netherlands

🎨 What to do in Leiden 🎨

Experience the vibrant culture and rich history of Leiden through a variety of engaging activities that cater to every budget. From exploring museums to enjoying outdoor adventures, there's something for everyone in this picturesque city.

• Best Budget Activity in Leiden:

  Stroll along Leiden's canals: Take a leisurely walk along the picturesque canals, soak in the charming architecture, and discover hidden gems along the way.

• Best Mid-Range Activity in Leiden:

  Visit the Hortus Botanicus Leiden: Explore the oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands, home to a diverse collection of plants from around the world and enchanting greenhouses.

• Best Luxury Activity in Leiden:

  Canal Cruise: Indulge in a luxurious canal cruise, where you can admire Leiden's beauty from a unique perspective while enjoying a glass of wine and commentary on the city's history.

🍽️ Where to eat in Leiden 🍽️

Leiden is a culinary paradise offering a delightful mix of traditional Dutch cuisine and international flavors. Don't miss out on trying the famous Leidse Hutspot or fresh herring while exploring the city's dining scene.

• Best Budget Restaurant in Leiden:

  Annie's Verjaardag•$ - $$:

• Best Mid-Range Restaurant in Leiden:

  Lot en de Walvis•$$ - $$$:

• Best Luxury Restaurant in Leiden:

  Koetshuis de Burcht•$$$$:

• Best Budget Bar in Leiden:

  Olivier•$ - $$:

  Craft beers and bitterballen

• Best Mid-Range Bar in Leiden:

  De Uyl van Hoogland•$$ - $$$:

  Specialty cocktails and bar bites

• Best Luxury Bar in Leiden:

  Duke of Oz•$$$$:

  Premium wines and artisanal cheeses

🏰 What to see in Leiden 🏰

Discover the beauty and history of Leiden by exploring its iconic landmarks that showcase the city's rich heritage and architectural marvels. From historic buildings to picturesque canals, Leiden has something to captivate every visitor.

• Pieterskerk (Pieters Churc

  This stunning church dates back to the 14th century and boasts beautiful stained glass windows and a rich history, including ties to the Pilgrims.

• De Burcht

  Climb the spiral staircase of this medieval fortress for panoramic views of Leiden and learn about its strategic importance in the city's defense.

• Hortus Botanicus Leiden

  Explore the oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands, home to a vast collection of exotic plants, charming greenhouses, and a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.

• Leiden University

  Visit the historic university buildings and the Academy Building, where famous scholars like Descartes and Rembrandt once studied and worked.

• Molen de Valk (The Falcon Windmil

  Step back in time and visit this fully operational windmill, offering insight into traditional Dutch milling techniques and panoramic views of Leiden from the top.

🛍️ Where to go shopping in Leiden 🛍️

Explore the bustling shopping scene in Leiden, offering a diverse range of shops, boutiques, and markets where you can find everything from unique souvenirs to high-end fashion pieces.

• Best Budget Shopping Place in Leiden:

  Haarlemmerstraat: This vibrant street is lined with budget-friendly shops, including popular chain stores, thrift shops, and local vendors offering quirky finds at affordable prices.

• Best Mid-Range Shopping Place in Leiden:

  Breestraat: Meander through Breestraat, a bustling shopping street featuring a mix of mid-range boutiques, specialty stores, and charming cafes where you can take a break from your shopping spree.

• Best Luxury Shopping Place in Leiden:

  Het Arsenaal: Indulge in luxury shopping at Het Arsenaal, an upscale shopping center housing designer boutiques, fine jewelry shops, and chic homeware stores for a sophisticated shopping experience.

🚌 Getting Around Leiden

• Public Transport

  In Leiden, public transportation is convenient and efficient, making it easy to explore the city and its surroundings. The primary modes of public transport include buses and trains. The local bus network operated by Arriva runs throughout the city and surrounding areas, with frequent services and easy-to-use ticketing systems. A single bus ticket typically costs around €2.50, and day passes for unlimited travel are available for approximately €7. Train services in Leiden are operated by Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS), offering connections to major cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague. The train station in Leiden is centrally located, and train tickets can be purchased at the station or online.

• Main Transportation Hubs

  Leiden Centraal Station is the main transportation hub in the city, providing easy access to both regional and intercity train services. The station is well-equipped with facilities like ticket counters, restrooms, and cafes. Additionally, the Leiden University Medical Center bus station serves as a major hub for bus services within the city. For travelers arriving by air, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is the nearest international airport, with direct train connections to Leiden.

• Rental Services

  🚗 Car Rental: Several car rental companies operate in Leiden, including Hertz, Europcar, and Avis. Prices for car rentals start from around €30 per day, depending on the vehicle type and rental duration. 🚲 Bicycle Rental: Cycling is a popular mode of transportation in Leiden, and rental services like Swapfiets and Leiden Rent a Bike offer affordable options starting from €10 per day. Renting a bicycle is a great way to explore the city at your own pace while enjoying the scenic routes and bike-friendly infrastructure.