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Leiden Travel
Sunny Leiden quay with walkers and cyclists

Free things to do in Leiden — twelve tips without a ticket

Leiden is a cheap city to visit: the best of it — the canals, the gables, the hofjes and the poems — is simply outside. Twelve things that cost nothing.

Twelve times free Leiden

  • Follow the wall poems route: 110+ poems on facades across the centre.
  • View Leiden City Hall's historic facade from Breestraat.
  • Walk the hofjes route past hidden courtyard gardens.
  • Visit the market on Wednesday and Saturday along the Nieuwe Rijn.
  • Walk the seven-kilometre canal ring loop around the old town.
  • View the Hooglandse Kerk and Marekerk from outside; check the official calendar for any visitor access.
  • Browse the university library and its rotating exhibitions.
  • Picnic in the Leidse Hout or Van der Werfpark.
  • Watch the bridge keepers and boats from the Koornbrug.
  • Cycle twenty minutes to the beach at Katwijk.
  • Admire the Morspoort and Zijlpoort, the last two city gates.
  • Visit the free-to-attend Lakenfeesten once the next edition is officially announced.

Saving money when you do go inside

A Museumkaart covers virtually every Leiden museum and pays off from three visits. Many museums also have a free hall, garden or café, such as the De Lakenhal garden and the Naturalis entrance hall.

Frequently asked questions

Is Leiden expensive for a day out?
No. Canals, historic facades, wall poems and public parks can be viewed without admission; buildings, museums and cruises have their own prices and access arrangements.

Continue exploring Leiden