Leiden: University city with rich history

Visitor Fee

• Entry to Leiden – Free (Public spaces, canals, and streets)
• Museums & Attractions – Prices vary by location
• Rijksmuseum van Oudheden (National Museum of Antiquities) – €14 (Adults), Free (Children under 18)
• Naturalis Biodiversity Center – €16 (Adults), €13 (Children 3-17)
• Molen de Valk (The Falcon Windmill Museum) – €5 (Adults), €3 (Children 6-15), Free (Children under 6)
• Hortus Botanicus Leiden – €8 (Adults), €3 (Children 4-12), Free (Children under 4)

Transportation

Leiden is well-connected and easy to reach:

• By Train – Leiden Centraal Station has frequent trains from Amsterdam, The Hague, and Rotterdam.
• By Bus – Local and regional buses connect Leiden to surrounding towns.
• By Bicycle – Leiden is a bike-friendly city with dedicated cycling paths.
• By Car – Parking is available, but the city center is best explored on foot or by bike.

Things to Do in Leiden

1. Explore the Canals & Historic Center – Walk along Leiden’s scenic canals lined with 17th-century buildings.
2. Visit Rijksmuseum van Oudheden – A fascinating museum showcasing Dutch, Roman, and Egyptian antiquities.
3. Discover the Naturalis Biodiversity Center – One of Europe’s leading natural history museums, featuring dinosaur skeletons and wildlife exhibits.
4. Stroll Through Hortus Botanicus – The oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands, founded in 1590.
5. Climb Molen de Valk – A historic windmill-turned-museum offering panoramic city views.
6. Visit the Pieterskerk – A historic church where the Pilgrims worshipped before sailing to America.
7. Explore the Burcht van Leiden – A medieval fortress offering stunning views over the city.
8. Tour Museum De Lakenhal – Leiden’s main art museum, featuring works by Rembrandt and other Dutch Masters.
9. Take a Canal Boat Tour – Cruise through Leiden’s canals while learning about the city's history.
10. Visit the Leiden University Library – One of the oldest libraries in Europe, with rare manuscripts and historic books.

Why People Enjoy Visiting Leiden

• Rich History & Culture – Home to Leiden University (founded in 1575) and key historical sites.
• Birthplace of Rembrandt – The famous Dutch painter was born here in 1606.
• Beautiful Canals & Architecture – A charming city with historic streets and picturesque waterways.
• Less Crowded than Amsterdam – Offers a peaceful and authentic Dutch experience.
• Vibrant Student Life – The university adds energy to the city with festivals, events, and nightlife.

How Old is This Place?

Leiden’s history dates back to at least the 9th century, but it became an important city in the 12th century. The city is over 900 years old and played a major role in Dutch history, science, and art.

List of Activities

• Exploring the Historic City Center & Canals
• Visiting the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden
• Discovering Naturalis Biodiversity Center
• Walking Through Hortus Botanicus
• Climbing Molen de Valk Windmill
• Touring the Burcht van Leiden Fortress
• Exploring Museum De Lakenhal
• Taking a Canal Boat Tour
• Visiting the Pieterskerk & Pilgrim History Museum
• Enjoying Local Restaurants & Cafés

Additional Nearby Attractions

1. The Hague – Just 15 minutes by train, offering museums, the Dutch Parliament, and Scheveningen Beach.
2. Keukenhof Gardens – The world-famous tulip gardens, open in spring, just 30 minutes away.
3. Katwijk & Noordwijk Beaches – Beautiful North Sea beaches near Leiden.
4. Delft – A charming city known for Delft Blue pottery and Vermeer, just 30 minutes away.
5. Amsterdam – Only 35 minutes by train, with world-famous museums and canals.

Leiden is a hidden gem in the Netherlands, perfect for those who love history, canals, museums, and a relaxed atmosphere!