5 Days of Charm: Budget-Friendly Leiden Adventure!

Discover the charm of Leiden without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Leiden, Netherlands is a charming city that can be explored on a limited budget. There are plenty of free and inexpensive activities to enjoy, such as strolling along the canals, visiting the historic city center, and admiring the architecture. Budget-friendly accommodations and affordable dining options make Leiden a great destination for travelers looking for a cost-effective trip.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Welcome to Leiden!

Check into your budget-friendly stay at the City Hotel
Explore the charming streets of Leiden, filled with shops, cafes, and museums
Visit the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden to learn about Dutch history
Take a walk through Hortus Botanicus, one of the oldest botanical gardens in Europe
Savor a traditional Dutch dinner at Het Prentenkabinet

Day 2

A day of art and culture

Wake up early for a bicycle tour of Leiden, starting at Brouwerij Pronck, a local brewery
Visit the Museum De Lakenhal to witness art from the Dutch Golden Age
Stroll through Pieterskwartier, a historic neighborhood with beautiful architecture
Visit Leiden University and marvel at the stunning Leiden Observatory
End the day with a beer at Jantje Van Leiden, a cozy pub with a friendly atmosphere

Day 3

A day trip to the Hague

Take a 20-minute train ride to the Hague
Admire the architecture of the Peace Palace and snap photos
Visit the famous Mauritshuis museum to view the works of Vermeer and Rembrandt
Enjoy a traditional Indonesian lunch at Sama Sebo
Walk off your lunch with a stroll through Scheveningen Beach
Catch a show at the Royal Theater

Day 4

Discover Leiden's hidden gems

Take a canal tour to see the city from a different perspective
Visit the Museum Boerhaave to learn about science and medicine
Check out the funky street art in the area behind the Pieterskerk
Take a selfie at the iconic windmill, Molen de Valk
End the day with a beer and live music at Vrijplaats

Day 5

A final taste of Leiden

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Catootje aan de Markt
Take a bike ride to the charming village of Warmond
Visit the Kagerplassen and rent a boat to enjoy the scenic views
Have a picnic lunch on the waterfront
End the day with one last traditional Dutch meal at In den Doofpot before heading back to your hotel.

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