Canals, Art, and Nature: Leiden on a Budget

Experience Dutch charm without breaking the bank in Leiden.

22 June 2023

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.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring the Canals

  • Check-in at Hotel Mayflower, a cozy and affordable option in the city center.
  • Take a morning stroll along the picturesque canals and admire the historic buildings.
  • Visit the Museum de Lakenhal, showcasing the city's rich textile history.
  • Take a break at Anne & Max café for some delicious coffee and pastries.
  • Discover the botanical wonders at the Hortus Botanicus, featuring a gorgeous Japanese garden.
  • Stop by Café de Vergulde Kruik for some authentic Dutch cuisine, like Stamppot and Bitterballen.
Day 2

Art and History

  • Start the day at the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, a sprawling museum dedicated to ancient cultures.
  • Take a walk to the Pieterskerk, a beautiful Gothic church with a rich history.
  • Explore the quirky and colorful street art in the city's graffiti alley.
  • Visit the Museum Volkenkunde, highlighting the diversity of world cultures.
  • Stop by the Stadspodium Leiden for some live music or theater performances.
  • End the day on a cozy note with a warm meal at the Brasserie Park.
Day 3

Nature and Relaxation

  • Head to the nearby dunes for a refreshing hike and enjoy the stunning views of the North Sea.
  • Visit the Naturalis Biodiversity Center, filled with fascinating exhibits on wildlife and ecology.
  • Take a stroll through the Molen de Valk, a historic windmill dating back to the 18th century.
  • Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the Spa Woolness, complete with massages and hot tubs.
  • Grab a cup of tea and some homemade scones at the cute little Koffie en Zo café before heading back home.

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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