Leiden Delights: A Budget-Friendly 2 Day Guide

Experience Dutch charm without breaking the bank in Leiden.

21 June 2023

One of the best things to do on a limited budget in Leiden, Netherlands is to explore the historic city center and its canals. Art lovers can enjoy free entry to the Museum De Lakenhal, which houses a large collection of works by Dutch Masters. For a cheap but tasty meal, head to one of the city's outdoor markets, such as the weekly Wednesday and Saturday market in the Nieuwe Rijn district.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring the City of Leiden

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at De La Soul, a cozy café with mouth-watering pancakes and freshly brewed coffee.
  • Visit the National Museum of Antiquities, housing artefacts from ancient Egypt, the Roman Empire, and other civilizations.
  • Wander around the picturesque streets of Leiden and admire the colorful houses and vibrant markets.
  • Take a stroll in Hortus Botanicus, one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, and marvel at rare plant species and peaceful landscapes.
  • Stop by Stadhuis Leiden, the city hall building, and be mesmerized by its impressive architecture and history.
  • End your day with a satisfying meal at Oudt Leyden, a charming restaurant serving traditional Dutch cuisine.
  • Hotel Recommendation: Tulip Inn Leiden Centre a modern and cozy hotel located in the heart of Leiden, with affordable rates.
Day 2

Cultural and Historical Gems

  • Enjoy breakfast at Koffie Leute, a trendy café serving delicious pastries, sandwiches and coffee.
  • Discover the rich history of Leiden by visiting the Leiden American Pilgrim Museum, the oldest house in the city and former dwelling place of the pilgrims who sailed to America.
  • Admire the art exhibitions at Stedelijk Museum De Lakenhal, a stunning museum centered on Leiden's artistic culture.
  • Take a boat tour of the city, and discover its secrets hidden away from the streets.
  • Visit Pieterskerk, a beautiful gothic church, and see the impressive stained glass windows, antique organs, and ancient monuments.
  • End your stay with a scenic view of the city from the observation deck of Molen De Valk, a unique windmill turned into a museum.
  • Hotel Recommendation: Ibis Leiden Centre a comfortable and budget-friendly hotel located near Leiden's major attractions, with warm interiors and a friendly staff.

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

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