Leiden: A Vibrant 2-Day Journey Through Time and Delight

Uncover Dutch charm and family fun in Leiden, Netherlands.

19 July 2023

Leiden, Netherlands offers a charming and family-friendly atmosphere for an enjoyable trip. Explore the famous Museum of Natural History, where kids can marvel at the immense collection of fossils and artifacts. Take a leisurely boat ride along the canals, or visit the lush botanical gardens for a relaxing and educational day out.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring Leiden's Mesmerizing History

  • Start your day with a hearty Dutch breakfast at the quirky Pancake House, savoring delicious concoctions like bacon-infused pancakes or Nutella-banana wonders.
  • Embrace your inner scholar at the esteemed Leiden University, one of the oldest in the world, meandering through its magnificent library and admiring the chiseled faces of prodigious minds.
  • Embark on a whimsical journey at the Molen de Valk, a towering windmill where grain grinding prowess meets architectural prowess.
  • Peek into Leiden's enchanting past at the Museum De Lakenhal, showcasing stunning artworks from famous Dutch painters like Rembrandt and Jan Steen.
  • Time for a historical pit stop at the 17th-century Pieterskerk, an awe-inspiring church that whispers tales of Leiden's resilience and celebrates its rich heritage.
  • End your day with a leisurely canal boat tour, navigating the charming waterways of Leiden, where picturesque bridges and picturesque homes dance in harmony.
Day 2

Indulging in Leiden's Charming Delights

  • Savor a delightful brunch at the cozy Bagels & Beans, treating your taste buds to mouthwatering bagel creations and aromatic coffee blends.
  • Unleash your inner explorer at Hortus Botanicus, reveling in its wondrous botanical gardens and discovering exotic plants from all corners of the Earth.
  • Make a beeline for Museum Volkenkunde, a treasure trove of cultural artifacts, from glimmering jewelry to ancient artifacts, bringing the world's diversity to life.
  • Immerse yourself in the poetic beauty of the Hortus Botanicus Leiden, strolling through serene gardens that house a treasure trove of fragrant flowers, towering trees, and hidden ferns.
  • End this enchanting journey by indulging your taste buds with a culinary adventure at the cozy and colorful De Markt Van Leiden, sampling mouthwatering local bites like Dutch bitterballen and stroopwafels.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The easiest and quickest way to get to Leiden is by flying into Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and then taking a train directly to Leiden Central Station. The journey takes around 20-30 minutes and trains generally run every 15 minutes.

Car

Driving to Leiden is fairly straightforward, however parking in the city can be difficult and expensive. There are various parking garages dotted around the city, as well as some on-street parking areas. A popular option for those driving into Leiden is to park at the P+R Lammenschans car park and take public transport into the city center.

Train

Leiden is easily accessible by train from various cities in the Netherlands. The closest train station to Leiden is Leiden Central Station, which is serviced by trains from Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and other major cities.

Boat

Although Leiden is a fairly small city, it is possible to get there by boat via the Old Rhine river. There are various boat hire options available from nearby towns such as Leiderdorp and Oegstgeest, allowing visitors to take a relaxing journey down the river and moor up in Leiden's picturesque city center.

Bus

There are various buses that run to Leiden from nearby towns and cities. These include Arriva and Connexxion, and tickets can be purchased either online in advance or at the bus station. The main bus station in Leiden is Leiden Centraal Busstation.

Destination

Leiden

Welcome to the city of Leiden, a place where windmills and bicycles outnumber the residents and where it's impossible to go hungry thanks to the abundance of cheese and stroopwafels. Just make sure to watch out for the fearless Dutch drivers on their speedy bicycles!

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Leiden, Netherlands: Family Fun, Canals, and Pancakes

Leiden, Netherlands, offers a perfect destination for a family-friendly trip with its charming canals, picturesque windmills, and rich history. Take a leisurely boat tour along the canals to soak in the city's beauty, explore the National Museum of Antiquities to discover ancient artifacts, or visit the Hortus Botanicus, one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, where kids can marvel at a wide variety of plants and enjoy the tropical greenhouses. With its relaxed atmosphere, Leiden provides a delightful setting for a memorable family vacation.

Romantic Adventure: A Day in Leiden!

Leiden, a charming city in the Netherlands, is perfect for a romantic getaway. With its idyllic canals and picturesque streets lined with cafes and restaurants, Leiden exudes an intimate and cozy atmosphere. Visitors can explore the city's cultural attractions, such as museums and historic sites, or simply stroll hand-in-hand through its delightful neighborhoods.

Leiden, Netherlands: 5-Day Fun and Culture Trip.

Leiden, Netherlands is a picturesque city steeped in rich history and culture. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the charming canals or visit the world-renowned Leiden University, which boasts unique museums and an impressive botanical garden. Additionally, Leiden offers a variety of dining options with local and international cuisine, making it an ideal destination for a relaxing and culturally immersive vacation.

Canals, Art, and Nature: Leiden on a Budget

Leiden, Netherlands is a charming and historic city that can be visited on a limited budget. Visitors can explore museums, historic sites, and parks that offer free admission. Cheap accommodation options and affordable dining make it a great destination for budget-conscious travelers.