Experience a Romantic Weekend in Historic Leiden

Discover passion in the charming canals of Leiden.

22 April 2023

A romantic trip to Leiden, Netherlands promises to be a beautiful experience filled with stunning architecture, picturesque canals, and charming streets lined with cozy cafes and boutique shops. Couples can take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque Botanical Garden or enjoy a boat ride on the idyllic canals. Additionally, a visit to the beautiful Leiden Castle is a must-do for anyone wishing to delve into the rich history of the region.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Discovering Leiden's History

  • Check-in at the charming Boutique hotel Steenhof Suites
  • Visit the Museum De Lakenhal to learn about Leiden's textile industry
  • Wander around the picturesque Hortus Botanicus, one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world
  • Climb up the 233 steps to the top of the Molen de Valk windmill for panoramic views of the city
  • Have dinner at De Waag, a medieval weigh house turned restaurant, offering classic Dutch dishes with a modern twist
Day 2

Exploring Leiden's Culture and Charm

  • Start the day with coffee and stroopwafels at Het Stadscafe van der Werff, a cozy cafe with a historic vibe
  • Take a boat tour through Leiden's canals, passing by quaint houses and charming drawbridges
  • Visit the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, a national museum of antiquities, featuring Egyptian and Roman artifacts
  • Stroll around the picturesque Pieterswijk area, admiring the charming houses and boutiques
  • End the trip with dinner at De Vriend, a cozy restaurant with a Mediterranean-inspired menu and a relaxed atmosphere.

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.

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