City walk in Leiden

Discover Leiden: A journey through History and Culture

Leiden, a city steeped in history, culture and charm. What could be better than discovering this beautiful place through the eyes of an enthusiastic city guide? A city tour of Leiden brings its rich history to life.

Leiden possesses the second largest historic city centre in the Netherlands, containing around 2,500 registered monuments. The entire inner city within the 1659 canal was designated a state-protected cityscape ‘Leiden within the Singels’ in 1981. Leiden is one of the most imposing cities in the Netherlands. Despite and thanks to its turbulent history, Leiden’s inner city has largely preserved relatively intact the successive historical structures such as the city bulwarks, city gates and, of course, the canals. It is true that the water structure in particular has suffered from various interventions, but the main structure is still completely intact, apart from the filling in of the Mare. Nowhere else in the Netherlands does this happen.

City walk in Leiden along the canals and historic buildings

Typically, Leiden has no squares, but is built along the water, including the canals. Traditionally, activity is directed towards this water. Trade on and near the water is a characteristic feature of Leiden. The old Rijndijken are traditionally important trade routes. The Waag in Leiden is an example of where centrally goods came ashore for weighing and inspection. With a city walk through Leiden like the Singelpark walk, you can walk a lap along all 7 canals in Leiden in their entirety.

The buildings in Leiden’s city centre vary widely and are relatively well preserved. Because of the size of the city centre, the number of historic buildings is very large, especially by Dutch standards. However, as in many old cities, appearances can be deceptive. Many buildings look radically rebuilt and without historical value from the street, but a surprising amount has often been preserved in the interiors, roofs, construction or in the backyard. This set of historical buildings forms an important and extensive archive recording the city’s genesis.

The façade of the Leiden city hall is known for having the largest Renaissance façade in Europe and the strikingly wide Breestraat the historical centre of the city. The historic city centre is also relatively compact. So you walk in a nice lap past narrow alleys and historic canals to imposing monuments and hidden courtyards.

Many stories to tell during a city walk through Leiden

There are many stories to tell including those of the Leiden Relief in 1574 or about the Golden Age with famous inhabitants such as painter Rembrandt van Rijn but also stories hidden behind a balcony or facade. Whether you are interested in Leiden University, the old city walls or the unique museums, a city walk through Leiden offers you more than just facts. It is a personal journey, full of anecdotes and unexpected discoveries.

Get carried away by the history, feel the atmosphere of this lively city, and experience Leiden in a way you will remember for a long time.

Is a Leiden city walk something for you? Then contact us via info@exploreleiden.nl

This post is also available in: Dutch