Leiden: City of Discoveries
Visiting Leiden offers a charming experience in the heart of the Western Netherlands, known for its picturesque canals, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. The city’s compact centre is ideal for leisurely walks along waterways lined with quaint houses and bustling cafés. Leiden’s lively streets are filled with shops, markets, and restaurants, providing plenty of opportunities to soak up local life.
Leiden is a city rich in education and science, home to one of the oldest universities in the country. This academic influence contributes to its youthful and dynamic atmosphere, with numerous museums, galleries, and theatres to explore. The Museum De Lakenhal is a highlight, showcasing fine art and local history. Throughout the year, Leiden hosts festivals and events that celebrate everything from music and art to flowers and history.
Beyond the city itself, Leiden’s location in the Rijnland region offers easy access to scenic nature reserves and cycling routes. The nearby Hortus Botanicus, one of the oldest botanical gardens in Europe, provides a peaceful retreat with its diverse plant collections. Whether you’re interested in culture, history, or outdoor activities, Leiden presents a well-rounded destination in a picturesque Dutch setting.
Table of Contents
- History of Leiden
- History of Leiden: Early Origins and Medieval Growth
- History of Leiden: The Dutch Golden Age
- History of Leiden: Modern Developments
- Best things to do and See in Leiden
- Leiden – Hortus Botanicus Leiden
- Leiden – Museum De Lakenhal
- Leiden – Rijksmuseum van Oudheden
- Leiden – De Burcht
- Leiden – Naturalis Biodiversity Center
- Leiden – Molen de Valk
- Leiden – Rijksmuseum Boerhaave
- Leiden – Valkenburg Castle Ruins
- Leiden – Kaag Lake
- Leiden – Corpus Museum
- 11 Best Day Trips from Leiden
- Where to Stay in Leiden
- Best Time to Visit Leiden
- Visiting Leiden in Spring
- Visiting Leiden in Summer
- Visiting Leiden in Autumn
- Visiting Leiden in Winter
- How to get to Leiden
History of Leiden
History of Leiden: Early Origins and Medieval Growth
Leiden began as a small settlement during the Roman period, strategically located near waterways that facilitated trade and transport. By the Middle Ages, it had grown into a fortified town with a thriving textile industry, which became the foundation of its economy. The city’s walls and canals from this period still shape its historic centre today.
History of Leiden: The Dutch Golden Age
Leiden played a crucial role during the Dutch Golden Age in the 16th and 17th centuries. The city became a refuge for Protestant intellectuals and artists fleeing persecution, boosting its cultural and academic life. Leiden University, founded in 1575, became one of Europe’s leading centres of learning. The textile industry also flourished, making Leiden a wealthy and influential city.
History of Leiden: Modern Developments
In the 19th and 20th centuries, Leiden experienced industrialization and urban expansion, while maintaining its historic character. The city modernized its infrastructure and became known for education and scientific research. Today, Leiden balances its rich heritage with a vibrant cultural scene and innovation, remaining an important academic and cultural hub.
Visiting Leiden for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Leiden on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!
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Best things to do and See in Leiden
1. Leiden – Hortus Botanicus Leiden
The Hortus Botanicus Leiden is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, offering a peaceful retreat with an impressive variety of plants from around the globe. Visitors can explore historic greenhouses, tropical collections, and beautifully landscaped gardens. The garden also hosts educational exhibits and seasonal events, making it a fascinating spot for nature lovers and families alike.
Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, entry costs around €10 for adults, with discounts for children and seniors. Guided tours are available on request, providing deeper insight into the plant collections.
2. Leiden – Museum De Lakenhal
Museum De Lakenhal is a premier art and history museum located in a former cloth hall. It showcases Dutch Golden Age paintings, modern art, and artifacts related to Leiden’s rich textile history. The museum’s collection includes works by Rembrandt and other notable artists, offering a comprehensive cultural experience.
Open Tuesday through Sunday, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, admission is approximately €15 for adults. The museum often hosts temporary exhibitions and workshops.
3. Leiden – Rijksmuseum van Oudheden
This national museum of antiquities features extensive archaeological collections from Egypt, the Near East, Greece, and Rome. Visitors can admire ancient artifacts, mummies, and sculptures that tell the story of early civilizations. The museum’s engaging displays make it accessible to all ages.
Open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, entry costs around €12 for adults. Family tickets and guided tours are available.
4. Leiden – De Burcht
De Burcht is a historic fortress mound in Leiden’s city centre, offering panoramic views over the city’s rooftops and canals. It’s a popular spot for both tourists and locals to relax and enjoy the scenery. The site features medieval walls and a small park area, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Access to De Burcht is free and it is open year-round. The site is accessible during daylight hours, making it ideal for daytime visits.
5. Leiden – Naturalis Biodiversity Center
Naturalis is a modern natural history museum and research centre featuring extensive collections of fossils, minerals, and specimens from around the world. Its dinosaur exhibits and interactive displays are especially popular with families and science enthusiasts.
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, tickets cost approximately €20 for adults and are discounted for children and seniors. The museum café and gift shop enhance the visitor experience.
6. Leiden – Molen de Valk
Molen de Valk is a traditional Dutch windmill turned museum, located near the city centre. Visitors can climb the mill’s interior to see how it operated and learn about the history of milling in the region. The mill also offers excellent views over Leiden and its surroundings.
The windmill museum is open Wednesday to Sunday, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission is about €6 for adults, with free entry for children under 12.
7. Leiden – Rijksmuseum Boerhaave
Dedicated to the history of science and medicine, Rijksmuseum Boerhaave houses fascinating exhibits on scientific instruments, medical tools, and discoveries. The museum highlights Leiden’s significant contributions to these fields and offers interactive displays that engage visitors of all ages.
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, admission costs around €15 for adults. Guided tours and workshops are often available.
8. Leiden – Valkenburg Castle Ruins
Located just outside Leiden, Valkenburg Castle ruins are a peaceful historic site where visitors can explore medieval remains and enjoy scenic walking paths. The ruins are a reminder of the area’s medieval past and provide a quiet escape into nature and history.
The site is open year-round with free access, making it an easy and flexible visit for history enthusiasts and hikers.
9. Leiden – Kaag Lake
Kaag Lake (Kagerplassen) is a scenic area just a few kilometres from Leiden, popular for boating, sailing, and watersports. Visitors can rent boats or take guided tours to explore the interconnected lakes and charming villages nearby. The natural beauty and recreational options make it a favourite outdoor destination.
There are various boat rental companies open from spring to early autumn, with prices typically starting around €20 per hour. Facilities and opening times vary by provider.
10. Leiden – Corpus Museum
Corpus Museum offers a unique experience as a “human body museum,” where visitors can take a journey through the human body in an interactive way. It combines education and entertainment, suitable for families and anyone curious about anatomy and health.
Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, adult tickets cost about €18, with discounts available for children and seniors. Advance booking is recommended during peak seasons.
