Why visit Leiden?
Leiden is often called “Little Amsterdam“, just like Haarlem, because of its beautiful canals and historic city center, but without the overwhelming crowds. The city is packed with fascinating museums, cozy cafés, and hidden courtyards. Whether you’re into art, science, or just wandering through scenic streets, Leiden is an ideal destination to escape the large crowds of people in Amsterdam.
Top 10 things to do and see in Leiden
The city is a treasure trove of history and beauty. From world-class museums to ancient windmills, here are the must-visit spots in Leiden.
#1 Hortus Botanicus Leiden
Founded in 1590, this is the oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands. It was here that tulips were first cultivated in the country. The gardens are a peaceful retreat with exotic plants, greenhouses, and a Japanese garden. A must-visit for nature lovers!
#2 Rijksmuseum Boerhaave
Rijksmuseum Boerhaave is a award-winning museum that showcases the Netherlands’ contributions to science and medicine. Named after the famous physician Herman Boerhaave, it features fascinating exhibits on anatomy, astronomy, and early medical instruments. Don’t confuse this museum with the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.
#3 National Museum of Antiquities (Rijksmuseum van Oudheden)
If you love history, the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden is a must. It houses an impressive collection of Egyptian mummies, Roman statues, and artifacts from ancient Greece. The highlight? A real Egyptian temple inside the museum! It’s like the London National History Museum, just a bit smaller.
#4 De Burcht van Leiden
This ancient fortress, dating back to the 11th century, offers a stunning panoramic view of the city. Originally built as a defensive structure, it now serves as a peaceful park with historical significance. Great to spot boats cruising bye in the summer.
#5 Naturalis
Naturalis Biodiversity Center is one of the most impressive natural history museums in Europe. Located in Leiden, this award-winning museum combines research, education, and stunning exhibitions to showcase the wonders of the natural world. With a collection of over 42 million specimens, it is a paradise for nature lovers, scientists, and families alike. I’m a big fan of Naturalis because of Trix.
Top highlights at Naturalis
- T. rex Trix – One of the best-preserved Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons in the world, found in Montana, USA. She is the absolute star of the museum.
- Life Hall – A breathtaking space where visitors can marvel at a 26-meter-high wall filled with thousands of natural specimens.
- Dino Hall – Walk among fossils of Triceratops, Stegosaurus, and other prehistoric giants.
- The LiveScience Lab – See real scientists at work, studying everything from insects to ancient fossils.
- Earth: Our Planet – An interactive exhibit exploring volcanoes, earthquakes, and the forces that shape our planet.
#6 Windmill De Valk
Leiden’s iconic windmill is open to visitors and provides insight into the milling process and the city’s industrial past. Climb to the top for a breathtaking view over Leiden.
#7 Wereldmuseum Leiden
The Wereldmuseum Leiden, or National Museum of Ethnology, is a fascinating cultural museum in Leiden, showcasing the traditions, rituals, and artifacts of civilizations from across the globe. It is one of the oldest ethnographic museums in the world and houses an extraordinary collection of objects that tell the stories of human diversity.
Top highlights at Wereldmuseum Leiden
- The Japan Collection – Featuring stunning samurai armor, delicate tea sets, and traditional kimonos.
- The Americas Exhibit – Learn about the Maya, Inca, and Native American cultures through intricate textiles, masks, and ceremonial objects.
- The African Gallery – A powerful display of masks, statues, and traditional clothing from across the continent.
- Tibetan Buddhist Room – Step into a beautifully recreated Tibetan temple, complete with prayer wheels and colorful thangka paintings.
- Temporary Exhibitions – The museum regularly hosts unique exhibitions on topics such as street culture, Indigenous art, and modern global movements.
#8 Rembrandt’s birthplace
Leiden is the birthplace of the famous painter Rembrandt van Rijn. While his original home no longer exists, the city honors him with a walking tour that takes you past key locations from his early years. Really fun to do after visiting the Rijks in Amsterdam.
#9 Leiden University
Founded in 1575, Leiden University is the oldest university in the Netherlands. Einstein was a visiting professor here, rather than a graduate. Explore the historic university quarter around the Rapenburg.
#10 The Leiden canals
A boat tour through Leiden’s canals is one of the best ways to experience the city. Glide past stunning 17th-century buildings, hidden courtyards, and picturesque bridges. You can also rent boats yourself! Don’t like the water? Just sit at one of the cafes along the canals and enjoy the boats and people.
Where to sleep in Leiden
Leiden is full of boutique hotels and little B&B’s. We can recommend the following places to sleep in Leiden; Boutique Hotel Steenhof Suites (adults only), Boutique Hotel d’Oude Morsch, Boutique Hotel Huys van Leyden and the more budget CTY Books. All are located in the city center and you are able to walk to any of the top 10 sights.
Food and local specialties
Leiden offers a mix of traditional Dutch dishes and international cuisine. Don’t miss out on:
- Haring – Raw herring with onions, a classic Dutch snack.
- Leidse kaas – A local cheese with cumin seeds, giving it a unique flavor.
- Poffertjes – Small, fluffy pancakes served with powdered sugar and butter.
For a cozy meal, visit Oudt Leyden, a traditional Dutch pancake house, or try modern Dutch cuisine at Restaurant In den Doofpot. Hipsters should go to Paco Ciao, don’t get lost at the entrance! It’s hidden.
Events and festivals
- Leidens Ontzet (October 3rd) – The biggest event in the city, celebrating the liberation of Leiden in 1574 with parades, fireworks, and traditional hutspot (a Dutch stew). Amazing party! Be sure to check it out when you visit in October.
- Werfpop Festival (July) – A popular free music festival in the Leidse Hout park.
- Leiden International Film Festival (November) – A major film event showcasing international and independent movies.
Living in Leiden
Leiden is an attractive city for expats, thanks to its international community, proximity to The Hague and Amsterdam, and excellent educational institutions. The best neighborhoods for expats include:
- Pieterswijk – A charming area in the historic city center with beautiful old buildings.
- Maredijkbuurt – A quiet, family-friendly neighborhood close to the university.
- Leiden-Noord – An up-and-coming area with more affordable housing and a growing expat community.
A bit of history
Leiden has a rich past that dates back over 1,000 years. It played a key role in Dutch independence, was home to some of the world’s greatest scientists, and served as a refuge for the Pilgrims before they sailed to America. The city’s university was founded as a reward for Leiden’s bravery during the Spanish siege in the 16th century.
5x Fun facts about Leiden
- Leiden has the most canals after Amsterdam, with over 28 kilometers of waterways.
- Albert Einstein was a guest professor at Leiden University and frequently visited the city.
- The famous Leiden jar, an early electrical capacitor, was invented here.
- Leiden’s historic Old Observatory is part of the university’s long tradition of astronomy.
- The Pilgrims lived in Leiden for over a decade before sailing to America.
Things to do in the area
- The Hague (15 min by train) – Visit the Dutch government buildings, world-class museums, and Scheveningen Beach.
- Keukenhof (30 min by bus) – The world’s most famous tulip garden, open in spring.
- Katwijk aan Zee or Noordwijk (20 min by bus) – Both charming seaside towns with wide sandy beaches.