Leiden is a beautiful city with a lot of history but there are also many hip and modern hotspots. As someone born and raised in Leiden, I would like to share with you 8 tips on what to see or do when visiting Leiden.

Tip #1: Naturalis. Recently renovated. One of the most beautiful museums in the Netherlands. Stand eye to eye with a T-rex. A museum for young and old where you immerse yourself in the world called nature. Fun with the whole family or a group. Discover the best of Mother Nature in the many exhibition rooms. In LiveScience, meet researchers while they are at work. Ask them everything you want to know. Truly educational and fun to do.

Tip #2: The Plantation. The most beautiful city park in the city. Unique are the many beautiful old trees including a Plantane of almost 200 years old. Beautifully situated on the Zoeterwoude canal you walk through a unique piece of city park of Leiden. In summer you can lie in the grass on the canal and watch the boats. The park is part of the Leiden Singelpark so if you walk this route you will pass it automatically.

Tip #3: The Hortus Botanicus and the Observatory. Behind the iconic academy building on Rapenburg is Leiden’s Hortus Botanicus. The Leiden Hortus is super nicely located in the historic old city center and on the canals. Many crown jewels here. Real splendor. Also the Hortus cafe at the entrance is beautifully situated and very cozy and good value for money. Highly recommended!

Tip #4: The Leiden Saturday market. On the Nieuwe Rijn in the middle of the heart of Leiden! On the same spot where hundreds of years ago the Leiden market was recognized by the street names: Vismarkt, Botermarkt and Aalmarkt. Always busy, and cozy. A versatile market with terraces in between. Every Wednesday and Saturday between 0800 and 17h00. Definitely worth a visit. The choice is huge!

Tip 5: The Burcht of Leiden. Where Leiden once began! In the heart of the city on a hill still lies the iconic city castle. One of the oldest in the Netherlands. Walk up and enjoy the view. All around you can walk on the castle wall and have 360 degree views of the city and where the 2 arms of the Rhine meet. At the bottom of the stairs a cozy terrace and restaurant; Hotel Rumour. Fun to do!

Tip #6: The Rapenburg. Walking along Leiden’s most famous canal and perhaps the most beautiful canal in the Netherlands. The epitome of the golden age in Leiden. Stately canal houses, the academy building of Leiden University and especially many student houses. The Rapenburg is always busy and lively. Also enjoy the iconic terraces of Café Barrera and L’Esperance.

Tip 7: The Pieterskwartier. I sometimes say the 9 streets of Leiden. Between the Rapenburg – the most beautiful canal in Leiden – and the Breestraat lies the Pieterskwartier.
It is a beautiful old neighborhood with many alleyways, the Pieterskerk and numerous monuments. Museums, studios and courtyards? You’ll find them in the Pieterskwartier. But also for the best coffee, a bite to eat or great shopping you are at the right place in the Pieterskwartier. Discover it for yourself!

Tip 8: Young Rembrandt Studio. In the Young Rembrandt Studio, a 17th – century house in Leiden, Rembrandt lived and worked with his teacher, Jacob van Swanenburgh. In Rembrandt’s early years, Rembrandt learned to paint, draw and etch from him. The studio is a unique stop on the Leiden Rembrandt route that provides a glimpse into the life of the young Rembrandt. In a beautiful 7-minute 3D video experience, you will be introduced to the young master and the most important key figures in his life.

Enjoy your visit to Leiden. Have Fun!