Why Leiden
Located in south Holland, Only 40 mins train ride from Amsterdam central station, and 20 mins train ride from The Hague, Leiden is a nice location to stay if you want to explore multiple cities in the Netherlands or a perfect destination for a day trip from those 2 big cities.
Having one of the best preserved historical city centers and known for having the oldest university in the Netherlands, called Leiden University, Leiden is a charming and quaint city that can offer everything Amsterdam offers but with less crowds, less cars, and more flowers.
What to do in Leiden
Leiden is a compact town where you can easily reach everything on foot.
A highlight of Leiden is simply strolling along its endless waterways, meandering on cobblestone roads, and immersing yourself in Dutch architecture that dates back centuries.
De Valk Windmill
Just a block south from Leiden Central Station, you’ll spot the De Valk Windmill, which spans the river. If you’re interested, consider visiting the windmill museum to delve into the history and life of an 18th-century Dutch miller.
Wander around the city center or rent a boat
Leiden’s historical city center is enveloped by water, with 28 kilometers of canals and 88 bridges crossing them. There’s nothing better than a sunny day spent walking along the canals, exploring historic buildings, and reveling in colorful blooms. With a camera in one hand and no agenda in mind, you’re guaranteed to capture the picturesque essence of this town. Alternatively, you can opt for a cruise tour or rent a boat to explore the area from a different perspective.
Having a lunch/snack/drink by canal
Leiden boasts numerous restaurants in the city center with water views or rooftop boat terraces. Unlike Amsterdam, these restaurants aren’t overcrowded, even on sunny Sundays during lunchtime. They strike the right balance between liveliness and serenity. A recommended spot is Waag, offering a delightful outdoor seating area with views of two tributaries of the Rhine. Their trout salad is a standout, but watch out for seagulls trying to snatch your food. For beer enthusiasts, Stadsbrouwhuis is a must-visit, with an extensive selection of beers from all over Europe and even America, including gems like Great Notion from Seattle.
If you are a beer enthusiasts, make sure to check out stadsbrouwhuis. It has an extensive selection of beers from all over Europe and even America. I even found the Great Notion beer, which is one of my favorite breweries in Seattle. According to my husband Brandon, who is a beer fan and has more than 5139 unique beer check in on Untappd, their beer is good.
Hortus botanicus
Established shortly after Leiden University, Hortus Botanicus is the oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands. Entrance is free with a Museum card, or a small fee applies. You can explore extensive gardens, from Chinese gardens to tropical forests and vibrant flowers. Don’t miss the heated water lily pond, where enormous leaves can grow up to 9 feet in diameter.
De Burcht van Leiden
Dating back to the 11th century, De Burcht van Leiden is an ancient shell located in Leiden, now transformed into a public park. Situated at the confluence of two tributaries of the Rhine, the Oude Rijn and the Nieuwe Rijn, you can visit the castle and enjoy panoramic views from the top.
Leiden countyards
We didn’t know about Leiden courtyards during our visit, but found this information on visitLeiden website. According to the website, there are no fewer than 35 almshouses in Leiden and they all have their own stories. I think it would be interesting to check them out to learn the story behind it. Check out this walking tour.
