Leiden is a beautiful city with a lot of history but there are also many hip and modern hotspots. As a born and bred Leiden native, I am happy to share 8 tips with you in terms of 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, you meet researchers while they are at work. Ask them anything you want to know. Really instructive and fun to do.
Tip 2: The Plantsoen. The city's most beautiful city park. Unique are the many beautiful old trees including a Plantane tree that is almost 200 years old. Beautifully situated on the Zoeterwoude canal, you walk through a unique part of Leiden's city park. 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 superbly located in the historic old town centre and on the canals. Lots of crown jewels here. Real splendour. The Hortus café at the entrance is also beautifully situated and very cosy and good value for money. Highly recommended!
Tip 4: The Leiden Saturday market. On the Nieuwe Rijn right in the heart of Leiden! On the same spot where hundreds of years ago the Leiden market was recognisable by the street names: Vismarkt, Botermarkt and Aalmarkt. Always busy, and cosy. 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: Leiden's Burcht. 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 is a cosy 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 Leiden's golden age. Stately canal houses, the academy building of Leiden University and, above all, 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 - Leiden's most beautiful canal - and the Breestraat lies the Pieterskwartier.
It is a beautiful old quarter 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, the Pieterskwartier is the place to be. 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 gives an insight 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 main key figures in his life.
Enjoy your visit to Leiden. Have Fun!
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