Romantic Long Weekend in Leiden, Netherlands

Fall in love all over again with Leiden - the perfect romantic destination.

22 April 2023

Leiden, the quintessential Dutch city with stunning canals and quaint streets, is a perfect getaway for a romantic trip. Stroll along the picturesque canals, enjoy a boat ride, and visit charming museums and historical landmarks. Indulge in delicious Dutch cuisine, relax in a cozy B&B, and immerse yourselves in the enchanting atmosphere of this beautiful city.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Setting the Scene

  • Check into the charming Boutique Hotel Rembrandt, located in the heart of Leiden
  • Wander through the picturesque canals and visit the Molen de Valk windmill
  • Explore the stunning botanical gardens at Hortus Botanicus Leiden
  • Sample some traditional Dutch treats at Olala Chocola or Van Der Sterke bakery
  • Experience the city's vibrant nightlife at café De Twee Spieghels or the whiskey bar Bon Vivant
Day 2

Art & Culture

  • Discover the impressive collections at Rijksmuseum van Oudheden and Museum De Lakenhal
  • Meander through the historic streets and admire the beautiful Renaissance and Gothic architecture
  • Take a relaxing boat tour on the canals and soak up the city's ambience
  • Enjoy a theatrical or musical performance at the stunning Stadsgehoorzaal concert hall
  • Grab a pint and watch some live sport at Irish bar The Duke of Oz
Day 3

Coastal Getaway

  • Take a leisurely cycle through the dunes to the seaside resort of Katwijk aan Zee
  • Stroll along the sandy beach, admire the sea view, and breathe in the salty sea air
  • Visit the quaint local fish market and sample the freshest seafood
  • Take a dip in the natural seawater pool at Nieuw Zuid or sauna at Aqua Soleil
  • Watch the sunset with a glass of wine at the beachside restaurant Het Strand
Day 4

Quaint & Quirky

  • Visit the quaint street market on the Nieuwe Rijn canal and browse for souvenirs
  • Admire the charming Wall Poems, a series of poems painted on buildings around the city
  • Indulge in some delicious pancakes at Pannenkoekenboerderij Meijendel
  • Learn about the city's history and curious facts on a walking tour with Leiden Free Tours
  • Take a moment to relax and reflect in the peaceful Pieterskerk church
  • Leiden offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and nature, all in a charming setting. With this itinerary, you will be able to experience the best of the city while enjoying a romantic getaway with your loved one. Don't forget to wear comfortable shoes for all the walking and cycling!

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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