Romantic Adventure: A Day in Leiden!

Fall in love with Leiden's charming canals and picturesque streets on your romantic getaway.

22 April 2023

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.

Day trip plan

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Day

A Day of Romance and Adventure in Leiden

  • Start the day with a stroll through the historic streets of Leiden, breathing in the fresh air and admiring the beautifully preserved architecture.
  • Visit the Museum De Lakenhal, an art and history museum that showcases the cultural heritage of the city. Admire the works of famous Dutch painters like Rembrandt and Jan Steen.
  • Stop by the Hortus Botanicus, a botanical garden that dates back to the 16th century. Wander through the tranquil gardens, and enjoy the beauty of the various exotic plant species.
  • Take a romantic boat ride through the picturesque canals of Leiden. Enjoy the scenic views along the water, whilst snuggling up to your loved one.
  • Treat yourself to traditional Dutch pancakes at Oudt Leyden Pancake House. Relish in the sweet and savory flavors of these fluffy delights.
  • End the day by taking a peaceful stroll along the waterfront of the Rijn River. Watch the sunset as the city lights up in a symphony of colors.
  • Leiden offers a perfect balance of romantic ambience and adventure-filled activities, making it an ideal destination for couples looking to take a break from it all. With such a rich history and captivating beauty, it's no wonder that Leiden is considered one of the most picturesque cities in the Netherlands.

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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