Leiden in 2: The Ultimate Weekend Getaway

Discover the beauty and charm of Leiden, Netherlands.

22 April 2023

Leiden is a charming city that offers visitors an authentic Dutch experience. It is known for its beautiful canals, historical buildings, museums, and vibrant cultural scene. Some of the must-visit attractions in Leiden include the Museum De Lakenhal, Leiden City Hall, and the Hortus Botanicus Leiden.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Discovering the Charm of Leiden

  • Check in at Boutique Hotel Rembrandt for a cozy and stylish stay.
  • Visit the Museum De Lakenhal to learn about the history of Leiden.
  • Take a stroll along the picturesque canals and admire the Dutch architecture.
  • Explore the Hortus Botanicus, one of the oldest botanical gardens in Europe.
  • Enjoy a local craft beer at Biercafe Olivier, housed in a former church.
Day 2

The Cultural Gems of Leiden

  • Start the day off with a hearty brunch at Ontbijtbar.
  • Visit the Pieterskerk, a stunning Gothic church that dates back to the 14th century.
  • Marvel at the extensive collection of natural history specimens and exhibits at Naturalis Biodiversity Center.
  • Take a bike ride to Leiden Beach for a peaceful retreat.
  • End the day with a fine dining experience at De Vriend Sociëteit, known for its creative and exquisite dishes.
  • Leiden promises a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty – all in one. Its vibrant streets are begging to be explored and the many attractions, cafes, and restaurants are calling. Come for a weekend and let the city captivate you.

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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