Leiden in a Day: Canals, Museums & More!

Discover the charming beauty of Leiden, Netherlands - where history meets modernity.

22 April 2023

Leiden, Netherlands is a charming and historic city with canals, museums and beautiful architecture, making it a must-see destination for tourists. Visitors can take a relaxing canal boat tour, wander through the picturesque streets and enjoy the many museums, such as the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden and the Naturalis Biodiversity Center. Additionally, Leiden offers plenty of cozy cafes, shops and restaurants for travelers to enjoy.

Day trip plan

Getting latest place information
Day

Exploring Leiden's History and Culture

  • Start your day with a coffee at Lola Bikes & Coffee, a trendy café that doubles as a bike shop.
  • Visit the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, a museum with an impressive collection of ancient Egyptian and Roman artifacts.
  • Walk along the picturesque canals and admire the stunning 17th-century architecture.
  • Enjoy a traditional Dutch lunch at Hofje van Wijs, a cozy café in a hidden courtyard.
  • Stop by the Stadhuis (City Hall) to see the beautiful Renaissance-style building and climb the bell tower for a stunning view of the city.
  • End your day with a beer and some bitterballen (deep-fried Dutch snacks) at Café De Vergulde Kruik, a lively pub with a charming old-world 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.

More travel plans

Leiden: The Ultimate Budget-Friendly Day Trip!

Leiden is a charming city in the Netherlands that can be visited on a budget. With budget-friendly accommodations and delicious local street food, travelers can experience the city's rich history by taking advantage of free walking tours and visiting museums with free admission. Visitors can also stroll through Leiden’s picturesque parks and canals to experience the city's natural beauty without spending a dime.

Leiden, Netherlands: A 3-Day Family Adventure!

Leiden, Netherlands offers a delightful family-friendly trip with its charming canals, historic windmills, and captivating museums. Parents and children can explore the vibrant city by cycling along the canals, take a boat tour, or visit the beautiful Hortus Botanicus. With its quaint atmosphere and numerous recreational activities, a family trip to Leiden promises to be a memorable and enriching experience.

Leiden in a Day: Canals, Museums & More!

Leiden, Netherlands is a charming and historic city with canals, museums and beautiful architecture, making it a must-see destination for tourists. Visitors can take a relaxing canal boat tour, wander through the picturesque streets and enjoy the many museums, such as the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden and the Naturalis Biodiversity Center. Additionally, Leiden offers plenty of cozy cafes, shops and restaurants for travelers to enjoy.

Leiden Delights: A Budget-Friendly 2 Day Guide

One of the best things to do on a limited budget in Leiden, Netherlands is to explore the historic city center and its canals. Art lovers can enjoy free entry to the Museum De Lakenhal, which houses a large collection of works by Dutch Masters. For a cheap but tasty meal, head to one of the city's outdoor markets, such as the weekly Wednesday and Saturday market in the Nieuwe Rijn district.