3 Days of Fun: Discovering Leiden, Netherlands

Discover the charming canals and rich cultural history of Leiden, Netherlands.

22 April 2023

Leiden, Netherlands is a beautiful city with a rich history and plenty to see and do for tourists. With its picturesque canals, stunning architecture, and world-class museums, visitors can expect to be awe-struck from start to finish. Whether strolling through the charming streets, exploring the famous botanical gardens, or enjoying a classic Dutch meal, Leiden is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the Netherlands.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring Leiden on Foot

  • Check-in at Boutique Hotel Steenhof Suites, a charming 4-star hotel with a central location.
  • Start the day with a visit to the stunning Pieterskerk, a gargantuan 14th-century Gothic church.
  • Stroll along the picturesque Rapenburg canal, admiring its historic buildings and houseboats.
  • Get lost in the winding streets of the charming old town, stopping for a coffee and a stroopwafel at one of the cozy cafes.
  • Visit the Museum De Lakenhal to learn about the city's textile history and marvel at its collection of Dutch art.
  • Round off the day with dinner at the trendy De Waag Brasserie, housed in a 15th-century former weigh house.
Day 2

Day Tripping from Leiden

  • Catch a short train ride to the seaside town of Katwijk aan Zee, known for its gorgeous sandy beaches.
  • Take a leisurely stroll along the scenic coastal trails, dunes, and the charming old fishing village.
  • Visit the Katwijks Museum to learn about the town's fishing heritage and enjoy an interactive exhibition on traditional Dutch costumes.
  • Stop by Restaurant De Zwaan for lunch, and try their delicious seafood specialties, complete with stunning sea views.
  • Head back to Leiden for a scenic evening cruise along the canals, taking in the city's illuminated landmarks.
  • End the day with drinks at 't Praethuys Pub, a cozy and quirky watering hole with rustic decor.
Day 3

Art and Gardens of Leiden

  • Start the morning with a visit to Hortus Botanicus, where you can explore the lush botanical gardens and greenhouses, dating back to 1590.
  • Take in the breathtaking beauty of the Molen De Valk, a historic windmill-turned-museum where you can learn about the city's milling traditions.
  • Visit Museum Volkenkunde, a fascinating ethnographic museum showcasing diverse cultures from around the world.
  • Take a lunch break at Van Der Werff, a cozy and classic Dutch cafe that's been serving up tasty grub for over 200 years.
  • Spend the evening immersed in Dutch art at the Museum of Fine Arts, featuring works by masters such as Rembrandt and Van Gogh.
  • End the day with a delicious Dutch pancake dinner at De Oude Molen, a quaint and charming restaurant in the heart of Leiden.

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.

More travel plans