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.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
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.

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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