Leiden, Netherlands: Family Fun, Canals, and Pancakes

Discover the enchantment of Leiden, where family fun takes center stage!

19 July 2023

Leiden, Netherlands, offers a perfect destination for a family-friendly trip with its charming canals, picturesque windmills, and rich history. Take a leisurely boat tour along the canals to soak in the city's beauty, explore the National Museum of Antiquities to discover ancient artifacts, or visit the Hortus Botanicus, one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, where kids can marvel at a wide variety of plants and enjoy the tropical greenhouses. With its relaxed atmosphere, Leiden provides a delightful setting for a memorable family vacation.

Day trip plan

Getting latest place information
Day

Exploring the Charm of Leiden:

  • Rise and shine with a visit to the Leiden Market, where locals sell everything from fresh produce to vintage trinkets. Get your bargaining game on!
  • Take a leisurely stroll along Leiden's beautifully quaint canals, spotting "boterhuisjes" (small butter houses) and charming houseboats along the way.
  • Culture vultures, rejoice! Visit the incomparable Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, and let your imagination run wild with tales of ancient civilizations.
  • Time to refuel! Head to "De Waag" a former weigh house turned restaurant for a scrumptious Dutch pancake feast that will leave you in a delightful food coma.
  • Channel your inner scientist at the Museum Boerhaave, where dazzling exhibitions take you on a journey of discovery through the world of science and medicine.
  • Wrap up the day with a leisurely bike ride through Leiden's picturesque parks, soaking in the city's green oasis and working off those pancake calories. Pedal power, here we go!

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

5 Days of Charm: Budget-Friendly Leiden Adventure!

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.

Leiden's Quirky Adventure: 5 Days of Fun and Exploration

Leiden, Netherlands offers a perfect family-friendly trip with its charming canals, picturesque windmills, and an array of child-friendly attractions. Take your little ones to the interactive Naturalis Biodiversity Center to learn about nature and the animal kingdom, or explore the kid-friendly SieboldHuis Museum to discover Japanese art and culture. End your day by strolling along the beautiful Leiden canals, enjoying delicious Dutch treats like stroopwafels, and creating lifelong memories with your family.

Romantic Adventure: A Day in Leiden!

Leiden, a charming city in the Netherlands, is perfect for a romantic getaway. With its idyllic canals and picturesque streets lined with cafes and restaurants, Leiden exudes an intimate and cozy atmosphere. Visitors can explore the city's cultural attractions, such as museums and historic sites, or simply stroll hand-in-hand through its delightful neighborhoods.

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.