Leiden, Netherlands: 5-Day Fun and Culture Trip.

Discover the charms of the dynamic city of Leiden, Netherlands.

22 April 2023

Leiden, Netherlands is a picturesque city steeped in rich history and culture. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the charming canals or visit the world-renowned Leiden University, which boasts unique museums and an impressive botanical garden. Additionally, Leiden offers a variety of dining options with local and international cuisine, making it an ideal destination for a relaxing and culturally immersive vacation.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Getting Acquainted

  • Check into the funky and trendy boutique Hotel de Doelen on the banks of the canal
  • Walk to nearby Botanical Gardens and marvel at rare and exotic plant species
  • Have lunch at De La Soul with their famous vegan burgers and refreshing cocktails
  • Visit Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, an ancient artefact museum with mummies, Egyptian artefacts and more
  • End the day with a drink at the quirky and whimsical Duke of Oz, with pop-art decor and live music
Day 2

A Bike-Lover's Paradise

  • Rent a bike from Rent-a-Bike and cycle down the picturesque countryside to Kagerplassen for an afternoon swim
  • Stop by the stunning Windmill De Valk and learn about the history of milling in Leiden
  • Visit the museum of Naturalis, with life-sized dinosaur skeletons and interactive exhibits
  • Dine at the family-owned bistro de Borrel to taste some of the best local Gouda cheese and wine
  • Finish up the day by having drinks at Walters, a cozy bar with a great selection of local beer and live music
Day 3

Artistic Leiden

  • Head to Museum De Lakenhal, featuring beautiful paintings and local artworks from the 16th century till today
  • Stop in at the beautiful Pieterskerk, a stunning gothic cathedral and a cultural landmark
  • Take in lunch at the beautiful riverside setting of Annie's, featuring delicious Dutch pancakes
  • Visit the relaxed living room-like atmosphere of Nineteen, enjoy live music and drinks
  • Walk along the beautiful canals in the moonlight before resting for the night
Day 4

Shopping and Sweets

  • Visit the outdoor street market at Breestraat, sampling local fresh produce and snacks
  • Explore The Museum of Ethnology with its collections of diverse cultures from around the world
  • Have lunch at Café de Keyser, famous for their authentic Dutch Apple Pie
  • Spend the afternoon shopping in the city centre, with lots of unique boutiques, indie shops and famous brands
  • Have dinner at the Michelin-starred located Restaurant ML, serving a fusion of Dutch and French cuisine
Day 5

The Cozy Side of Leiden

  • Begin the morning with brunch at City Hall Gallery, a quirky gastro-pub with a unique atmosphere
  • Explore the gardens of Hortus Botanicus, one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world
  • Take in some art at the museums and galleries of the Lakenhal district
  • Visit the cozy and warm atmosphere of Grand Café Van Buuren, with delicious tapas plates and cocktails
  • Finally, end the trip with a refreshing Dutch beer at cult beerhouse De Vergulde Kruik, with great decor and local ambiance.

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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