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4 Days of Budget Fun in Leiden, Netherlands

Explore Leiden's beauty without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

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.

Travel plan

• Check-in at the inexpensive yet chic Hotel Mayflower with cozy rooms, a continental breakfast buffet, and free Wi-Fi.
• Visit the picturesque Old Rhine River, which winds through the heart of Leiden, and admire the stunning bridges and boats.
• Wander through the charming cobblestone streets lined with historic Dutch architecture, colorful flowers, and cozy cafés.
• Explore the Museum Volkenkunde that exhibits an extensive collection of artifacts from cultures all around the world, including a section on Dutch colonialism.
• Grab dinner at De Waag, a hundred-year-old building that now houses a modern restaurant serving high-quality local and seasonal cuisine.

• Discover the Leiden University's Hortus Botanicus, the oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands, with exotic plants, lily ponds, and a historic orangery.
• Visit the Museum Boerhaave, where science comes alive with interactive exhibits and artifacts from the world's most famous scientists, including Einstein and Galileo.
• Stroll along the vibrant street art and galleries in the Pieterskwartier neighborhood, and admire the colorful murals and sculptures.
• Check out the stunning paintings by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and other Dutch masters at the Museum De Lakenhal.
• End the day with a cold pint of craft beer from the local brewery Pronck, and enjoy the relaxed vibe of their taproom.

• Take a short train or bike ride to the charming seaside town of Katwijk, with its sandy beaches, quaint architecture, and cozy seafood restaurants.
• Rent a bike or hike through the nearby dunes, a vast natural reserve with abundant flora and fauna, including Scottish Highland cows and wild horses.
• Try the salty Dutch herring, a traditional delicacy, at one of the local fish stands along the beach.
• Ride the historic trams through the flower fields of the Bollenstreek, a colorful spectacle of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths.
• Get a taste of Dutch cheese-making at the Katwijkse Kaasboer, a local cheese farm that welcomes visitors and offers cheese tasting and sales.

• Take a leisurely boat tour along the canals of Leiden, and see the city from a different perspective.
• Visit the Windmill De Valk, a historic tower mill that now serves as a museum showcasing the traditional Dutch craft of milling.
• Walk through the bustling Saturday market in the Botermarkt, with its fresh produce, flowers, and artisanal goods.
• Check out the innovative street art installations at the Stationsplein Art Wall, a showcase of urban art curated by local artists.
• Enjoy a late lunch or early dinner at De La Soul, a lively and cozy restaurant that serves classic Dutch dishes with a modern twist.