A Day Trip to Leiden

Leiden is one of those cities that instantly makes you feel at home. Compact, charming, and brimming with history. It’s no wonder Leiden is also known as the City of Discoveries: within its ring of canals, you’ll find 28 kilometers of waterways, 35 courtyards, and some 2,800 historic landmarks. And the best part? The city is small enough to explore in a single day, yet rich enough to keep you coming back time and time again. We set out to explore Leiden ourselves, together with our children, and are happy to share our favorite spots with you!

Explore Leiden’s city center on foot

We explored the historic city center with a Walk the City tour. With the app in hand, you can stroll through the city at your own pace, and you can read the stories or have them read aloud to you. Want to stop for a photo, a drink on a terrace, or some shopping? No problem. Our walk began at the Aalmarkt, with outdoor cafes along the water and beautiful historic buildings. Read more about our experience with Walk the City here.

In the Footsteps of Rembrandt

Along the way, we passed several spots that reference Rembrandt van Rijn. The world-famous painter was born in Leiden on July 15, 1606, as the ninth child of miller Harmen Gerritsz van Rijn. His birthplace on Weddesteeg no longer exists, but a plaque embedded in the wall marks where it once stood. The Latin School on Lokhorststraat, where the young Rembrandt attended school, still stands today.

Climb the Leiden Castle

A highlight—literally and figuratively—is the Leiden Castle. This monument dates back to around 1150, making it older than the city itself. We climbed the stairs and walked along the rampart. What a view! You can look out over the rooftops of Leiden, with the Pieterskerk and the Hooglandse Kerk in the distance. Admission to the Burcht is free.

After the climb, we settled down on the terrace at the base of the Burcht for a drink. It’s the perfect spot to relax for a moment and savor the view.

Visit the Pieterskerk

The Pieterskerk has traditionally been Leiden’s main church. Famous Leiden residents are buried here, such as the painter Jan Steen and the scientist Herman Boerhaave. Good to know if you’re heading to the Rijksmuseum Boerhaave afterward!

Stroll through Leiden’s courtyards

Leiden has 35 courtyards, often hidden behind an unassuming gate. The Jean Pesijnhofje is located right near the Pieterskerk. The Sint Anna Aalmoeshuis on the Middelstegracht is one of Leiden’s oldest courtyards and the only one with its own chapel. Most courtyards are open to visitors during the day, but people still live there. So please be quiet and respect their privacy.

Browse the market

On Wednesdays and Saturdays, there’s a market from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. along the Nieuwe Rijn and the Botermarkt. It’s a great place to browse and pick up a fresh stroopwafel.

Leiden is full of museums

Take the kids to the Rijksmuseum Boerhaave

We took our children to the Rijksmuseum Boerhaave, the museum of science and medicine. It’s located in the historic Caeciliagasthuis, where Herman Boerhaave taught medical students in the 18th century, right next to the sickbed. Children can do plenty of hands-on experiments here. From April through fall, there’s also Waterland Boerhaave, a water playground in the courtyard where children ages 4 to 12 can drain a polder and unload boats. During school breaks, there are often extra workshops, so be sure to check the calendar on the website.

The National Museum of Antiquities features the Temple of Taffeh, a genuine Egyptian temple right in the middle of the museum’s main hall. You’ll also come face to face with mummies there. At Naturalis, you’ll come face to face with T. rex Trix, one of the most complete T. rex skeletons in the world. Be sure to order your tickets online in advance, as you’ll need to select a start time. The Hortus Botanicus behind the Academy Building on Rapenburg is the oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands, established in 1590. Stroll past centuries-old trees and be sure to visit the tropical greenhouses.

Discover Leiden from the water

Leiden’s city center boasts no fewer than 88 bridges and 28 kilometers of canals. This makes it the perfect place to explore by boat. At Boatnext, you can rent a rowboat that requires no boating license or experience. You’ll receive instructions before departure and then sail on your own past centuries-old facades, under low bridges, and alongside houseboats. It’s a lot of fun with friends, on a date, or with the family.

Shopping and Dining in Leiden

Haarlemmerstraat is Leiden’s bustling shopping street, featuring both large chains and smaller local shops. Be sure to explore the narrow side streets and alleys as well—many small boutiques and specialty shops are tucked away there. For a cozy dinner, you can explore the entire city center and the area along the Nieuwe Rijn. Want something truly Leiden-style? Then try hutspot. According to legend, after the relief of Leiden on October 3, 1574, the people of Leiden found a pot of hutspot that the Spaniards had left behind.

Exploring Leiden with a Group

Are you traveling with a group of friends, coworkers, or the whole family? Then a scavenger hunt is a fun way to explore the city together. With the “Stadsganzenbord Leiden” from Groepswijzer.nl, you’ll set out with an authentic 17th-century map, a die, and challenges. You’ll read the inscriptions on building facades, solve puzzles, and learn along the way about the siege and relief of Leiden, the young Rembrandt, and the Burcht. Groepswijzer.nl also offers a city game: Escape in the City Leiden.

Step back in time at Archeon

If you have some extra time, or if you want to bring history even more to life, head over to Museumpark Archeon in Alphen aan den Rijn, not far from Leiden. In this open-air museum, you’ll experience the history of the Netherlands from prehistory, through the Roman era and the Vikings, all the way to the Middle Ages. The farms, houses, and huts were all once located in the Netherlands and are inhabited by Archeon guides, who’ll tell you all about life back then.

Paddle a log canoe, learn to start a fire with a flint, drill with the Roman legionnaires, or try your hand at archery in the medieval town of Gravendam. It’s perfect for kids, and your Museum Card is valid here, too. Opening days vary by season, so check the website in advance.

Practical tips for your day trip to Leiden

• • By train: get off at Leiden Centraal. From the station, it’s about a 15-minute walk to the heart of the city.
  • By car: Park inthe Lammermarkt or Garenmarkt parking garages, both on the outskirts of the city center. You can reserve a spot in advance at a discount.
  • Museum Card: Be sure to bring it! You can use it at Naturalis, the Hortus Botanicus, and Archeon, among other places.

Photo credits: OpstapmetLisa and Archeon