Ultimate Leiden Travel guide – The Most Underrated City In Holland
Leiden is a picturesque city renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Often overshadowed by some of the more famous cities like Amsterdam and The Hague, Leiden offers a perfect and far less crowded alternative that still offers the traditional dutch charm. From its beautiful canals and historic landmarks, Leiden has something for absolutely everyone to enjoy.
A little bit about Leiden…
Leiden is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, with a history that dates all the way back to the Roman times. The city played a significant role during the Dutch Golden Age, particularly as a centre of trade, art, and science. Leiden University, founded in 1575, is the oldest university in the country and has been home to many notable scholars, including René Descartes and Albert Einstein. The city’s rich history is reflected in its well preserved architecture, picturesque canals, and numerous historical sites.
Getting to Leiden…
Leiden is located just a short train ride from major Dutch cities. It is approximately 20 minutes from The Hague and 35 minutes from Amsterdam. Leiden has 3 train stations throughout the city making it very easy to get to the city easily. The city is also easily accessible from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, making it an ideal destination for international traveler’s.
Leiden also has a range of carparks located around the city, offering both underground and overground parking. Car park rates can be as low as €25 for the whole day.
Where to stay in Leiden…
Leiden has a wide range of Hotels to choose from if you’re planning on spending longer than a day to explore everything in the city. Luckily for you Leiden is a small city and very walkable so almost all of the hotels within the city will be located in a great area and easy to access all of Leidens top attractions. Check out the map below for all of the cities best hotels.
Top Museums in Leiden…
Rijksmuseum van Oudheden
The National Museum of Antiquities is a must visit!! It houses an extensive collection of artefacts from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, as well as objects from the prehistoric and early medieval periods of the Netherlands. The Egyptian collection, in particular, is world renowned and includes mummies, statues, and beautifully decorated sarcophagi.
Hortus Botanicus Leiden
One of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, the Hortus Botanicus was founded in 1590. It has an impressive collection of plants from around the globe, including a large variety of tropical and subtropical species. The garden also has a beautiful glasshouse and an observatory.
Museum Boerhaave
Named after the famous Dutch physician Herman Boerhaave, this museum offers an incredible journey through the history of science and medicine. Its exhibits include historical scientific instruments, anatomical models, and interactive displays.
Best Activities In Leiden…
Leiden offers a variety of activities, from leisurely canal cruises to thrilling escape rooms. Here are some of the best activities to try out:
1. Canal Cruises
Leiden’s like a small Amsterdam and like Amsterdam there are so many beautiful canals. A canal cruise offers a unique perspective on the city’s historic architecture, charming bridges, and vibrant waterfront. Several companies offer guided boat tours with commentary on Leiden’s history and landmarks.
2. Bicycle Tours
Like much of the Netherlands, Leiden is a bicycle friendly city with well maintained bike paths and scenic routes. Renting a bike is a great way to explore the city and its surroundings. Join a guided bicycle tour to learn more about Leiden’s history and culture, or set out on your own adventure to discover hidden gems and picturesque landscapes. Popular routes include the path along the Old Rhine River and the trail to the nearby coastal dunes.
3. Escape Rooms
For a thrilling and immersive experience, try one of Leiden’s escape rooms. These interactive games challenge participants to solve puzzles and find clues to “escape” from a themed room within a set time limit. Leiden has several escape room venues, each offering unique scenarios and difficulty levels.
4. Walking Tours
Leiden’s compact and walkable city center is ideal for exploring on foot. Join a guided walking tour to learn about the city’s history, architecture, and famous residents, or pick up a map and embark on a self-guided tour. Highlights include the historic university buildings, charming courtyards, and the many monuments and statues scattered throughout the city.
5. Visiting the Molen de Valk Windmill
Molen de Valk is a traditional windmill that dates back to 1743. The windmill is now a museum, showcasing the history of milling and offering insight into the daily life of a miller. Visitors can explore the interior of the windmill, see the millstones in action, and enjoy panoramic views of Leiden from the top.
The Best Food Spots…
1. Paco Ciao
Paco Ciao is one of the most unique restaurants I have ever been to! You will find this beautiful restaurant behind a hidden wardrobe door which many people don’t even notice when first walking in. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes, including breakfast options, fresh salads, and creative small plates. They also have a delicious range of cakes and pastries if you’re looking to grab something smaller to eat or just a snack. This place is just beautiful from the moment you walk in and I would highly advise adding this to your Leiden bucket list.
2. Pannenkoekenhuis De Schaapsbel
For a taste of traditional Dutch cuisine, a visit to De Schaapsbel is a must. This cozy pancake house serves a wide variety of sweet and savory pancakes, known as “pannenkoeken.” Whether you prefer a classic apple and cinnamon pancake or a savoury option with cheese and bacon, there’s something to suit everyone.
3. Vlot Grand Café
Vlot Grand Café is another unique food spot in the city. Located right on the canal you will be treated to beautiful views of the city and the food served here won’t break the bank. With a range of food for both breakfast and lunch there is something for everyone here.
5. Borgman & Borgman
Coffee lovers should not miss Borgman & Borgman, a specialty coffee shop known for its expertly brewed coffee. The shop sources its beans from around the world and offers a range of brewing methods, from espresso to pour-over. It’s the perfect spot to relax with a cup of coffee and a pastry after a day of sightseeing.
Conclusion…
Leiden is by far one of my favourite cities in The Netherlands. Its picturesque canals, top museums, and unique food spots make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the Netherlands. Whether you’re exploring its historic landmarks, enjoying a meal at a local restaurant, or simply soaking in the atmosphere of this charming city, Leiden promises a memorable and exciting travel experience. So whether you’re driving or grabbing public transport Leiden is really easy to get to from Amsterdam and makes for the perfect day trip.