Leiden: Lost in Canals, Windmills, and Dutch Delights!

Discover Leiden: A vibrant Dutch city brimming with culture and family fun!

19 July 2023

Leiden, Netherlands offers a perfect family-friendly getaway with its charming canals, cobbled streets, and beautiful old architecture. Explore the fascinating history and culture at the interactive Museums including the Naturalis Biodiversity Center, where unique dinosaur skeletons and interactive displays await. Take a leisurely boat tour along the canals and visit the picturesque Leiden Central Park for some outdoor fun and relaxation.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Lost in Leiden:

  • Check-in at the quirky Tulip Inn Leiden Centre, with colorful rooms and cozy vibes.
  • Wander along the canals, getting lost in charming streets adorned with bicycles and picturesque Dutch houses.
  • Discover the quirky Museum De Lakenhal, displaying Leiden's rich history and art.
  • Fuel up with a delicious pancake lunch at De Vrolijke Noot, a whimsical spot with nutty creations.
  • Get a dose of greenery at Hortus Botanicus, a captivating garden housing exotic plants and hidden gems.
  • Satisfy your sweet tooth with mouthwatering stroopwafels from one of Leiden's many local bakeries.
Day 2

History Unleashed:

  • Visit the awe-inspiring Pieterskerk, a Gothic church with stunning architecture and a fascinating crypt.
  • Dive into history at the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, where mummies, ancient artifacts, and Egyptian wonders await.
  • Lunch at Annie's, a charming Dutch café offering hearty sandwiches and delectable homemade pies.
  • Explore Leiden's fascinating museums, from the mind-boggling Museum Volkenkunde to the whimsical Museum Boerhaave.
  • Unwind in peaceful Leiden City Park, renting a paddleboat to leisurely explore the canal while enjoying the scenic surroundings.
Day 3

Cultural Delights:

  • Enjoy a delightful breakfast at CoffeeCompany Leiden, known for its rich brews and scrumptious pastries.
  • Stroll along the historic streets of the Burcht van Leiden, a medieval fortress offering panoramic views of the city.
  • Dive into Dutch traditions at the Leiden American Pilgrim Museum, uncovering the Mayflower's roots.
  • Savor an authentic Dutch dinner at Restaurant In Den Bierbengel, renowned for its mouthwatering herring and satisfying stamppot.
  • Catch a performance at the Stadsgehoorzaal, a stunning concert hall offering a variety of cultural events.
Day 4

Canals, Windmills, and Classics:

  • Embark on a classic Dutch adventure with a windmill tour, discovering iconic structures that have stood the test of time.
  • Have lunch at 't Ganzenest, a waterfront café serving traditional Dutch snacks, surrounded by charming canals.
  • Take a boat tour through the canals, discovering Leiden's hidden treasures and enjoying the peaceful ambiance.
  • Don't miss the Museum Volkenkunde's incredible collection of cultural artifacts, including mesmerizing masks and historic treasures.
  • End the trip with a farewell dinner at De Grote Beer, a cozy restaurant with a warm atmosphere and mouthwatering Dutch delights.

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

More travel plans

Leiden, Netherlands: Family Fun, Canals, and Pancakes

Leiden, Netherlands, offers a perfect destination for a family-friendly trip with its charming canals, picturesque windmills, and rich history. Take a leisurely boat tour along the canals to soak in the city's beauty, explore the National Museum of Antiquities to discover ancient artifacts, or visit the Hortus Botanicus, one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, where kids can marvel at a wide variety of plants and enjoy the tropical greenhouses. With its relaxed atmosphere, Leiden provides a delightful setting for a memorable family vacation.

Leiden: A Vibrant 2-Day Journey Through Time and Delight

Leiden, Netherlands offers a charming and family-friendly atmosphere for an enjoyable trip. Explore the famous Museum of Natural History, where kids can marvel at the immense collection of fossils and artifacts. Take a leisurely boat ride along the canals, or visit the lush botanical gardens for a relaxing and educational day out.

Leiden's Quirky Adventure: 5 Days of Fun and Exploration

Leiden, Netherlands offers a perfect family-friendly trip with its charming canals, picturesque windmills, and an array of child-friendly attractions. Take your little ones to the interactive Naturalis Biodiversity Center to learn about nature and the animal kingdom, or explore the kid-friendly SieboldHuis Museum to discover Japanese art and culture. End your day by strolling along the beautiful Leiden canals, enjoying delicious Dutch treats like stroopwafels, and creating lifelong memories with your family.

4 Days of Budget Fun in Leiden, Netherlands

A trip to Leiden, Netherlands on a limited budget can be an exciting and enriching experience. With numerous options for budget accommodation and transportation, it's possible to explore the city's canals, museums, and historic landmarks without breaking the bank. From strolling through the picturesque streets to indulging in Dutch cuisine, a budget trip to Leiden can be a memorable and affordable adventure.