Frequently asked questions
- What should you see in Leiden?
- De Burcht, the canals, De Valk windmill, the Hortus botanicus, the wall poems and at least one of the thirteen museums.
- What can you do in Leiden when it rains?
- Museums such as Naturalis, the National Museum of Antiquities and Rijksmuseum Boerhaave, plus a covered canal cruise.
- Is Leiden good for children?
- Definitely. Naturalis, the city farm, a canal cruise and De Burcht are family favourites.
Continue exploring Leiden
- Leiden monumentsExplore Leiden monuments: almost 2,800 across the municipality, from Pieterskerk and De Burcht to city gates, churches, hofjes and an old-centre walk.
- Canals & waterwaysExplore Leiden's 28 km of canals and 88 bridges, including Rapenburg and Nieuwe Rijn, plus canal cruises, boat rental and waterside routes.
- Canal tours & boat rentalCompare a Leiden canal cruise, guided boat tours and self-drive rental, with route ideas through Rapenburg, Nieuwe Rijn and the historic centre.
- Walking routesExplore the best walking routes in Leiden through canals, courtyards, monuments and the historic centre, with self-guided city walks and route ideas.
- De Valk windmillVisit Molen De Valk, Leiden's historic windmill museum at 2e Binnenvestgracht 1, close to Leiden Centraal, with city views and visitor tips.
- De BurchtDiscover De Burcht in Leiden: a stone ring wall from the second half of the 12th century on a mound created in the 9th and 10th centuries.
- Hortus botanicusFounded in 1590, the Hortus botanicus Leiden holds Clusius' tulip garden, tropical glasshouses, a Japanese garden and 300-year-old trees. Visitor guide.
- Wall poemsLeiden's muurgedichten project painted more than a hundred poems on city walls in dozens of languages. A self-guided route through the best of them.
- Historic LeidenExplore historic Leiden through Rembrandt's early years, the Pilgrim Fathers, Pieterskerk, university sites and the city's 1574 story.
- One day in LeidenA tested one-day itinerary for Leiden: morning museum, castle viewpoint, canal cruise, windmill and dinner by the Pieterskerk. Walking times included.
- Leiden with childrenLeiden for families: Trix the T. rex at Naturalis, the CORPUS body journey, self-drive electric boats, playgrounds and stroller-friendly routes.
- EventsLeiden events: Night of Discoveries, 3 October, LIFF, Lakenfeesten, Werfpop, Museum Night and more. Only officially confirmed dates are listed.
- Food & drinkThe best restaurants, terraces, lunch spots, breakfast places, bars and coffee bars in Leiden — with address, map and opening hours.
- Shopping in LeidenShopping in Leiden: compare Haarlemmerstraat, Breestraat, Doezastraat and the Pieterskwartier and plan a route past shops and boutiques.
- Parks in LeidenExplore five parks in Leiden: Singelpark, Van der Werfpark, Plantsoen, Leidse Hout and Polderpark Cronesteyn, with practical tips.
- Cinemas in LeidenCompare Leiden's cinemas: Trianon, Lido and Kijkhuis. Find atmosphere, locations, access, LIFF and the current film programme.
- Famous places in LeidenExplore famous places in Leiden: Rapenburg, historic gates, hofjes and photo stops. Find nearby sights and choose a walking route through the old centre.
- KeukenhofPlan Keukenhof 2027 from Leiden with the official season dates, 18 March–9 May, plus the current ticket-sales and transport status.