Leiden Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Beestenmarkt showing a river or creek, a coastal town and boating
This quaint city in the western Netherlands is ornate, with small canals, green parks, rivers and old, but intact, monuments.

The charming city of Leiden sits on the Old Rhine River in the Netherlands’ South Holland region. It is just north of the country’s political capital, the Hague. Explore the rivers, parks and canals that decorate the city. Many historical buildings have survived for centuries in the city center, including an impressive university dating back to 1575.

Visit the triangular-shaped plaza known as the Beestenmarkt (Cattle Market) in the city center. Dine at one of the many restaurants and cafés in the area.

See the Burcht, an 11th-century castle atop a grassy knoll at the point where branches of the Old Rhine River convene. The castle was once used as a refuge from floods and later turned into a water tower. Enjoy views of the picturesque city from the castle.

Make your way to the Hortus Botanicus, one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, dating back to the 16th century. See the exotic plants and flowers on the grounds. Nearby, browse the intriguing exhibits at the National Museum of Ethnology in the University of Leiden. Intriguing objects from around the world tell stories of cultures and humanity.

Marvel at the 16th-century Pieterskerk, a gothic church. Admire the 328-foot (100-meter) tower, which is known as the “King of the Sea” because it can be seen from the North Sea.

Study archeological items in the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden (Dutch National Museum of Antiquities). Find out how ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans lived. Take a trip to the Stadhuis (Town Hall). Capture photos of its majestic façade of Renaissance design. Locate the Waag (Weight House), dating back to 1657, to learn about its intriguing history.

Leiden is known for its annual 3 Oktober Festival. The area is warm in the summer and cold in winter, without much variation between the seasons. After discovering the gems Leiden has to offer, relax with a picnic by one of the charming canals.

Where to stay in Leiden

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Merenwijk
NinetyNine Hotel Amsterdam Airport
NinetyNine Hotel Amsterdam Airport
3.5 out of 5
Kruisweg 601, Hoofddorp
The price is AU$156 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
AU$156
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Hoofddorp. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (599 reviews)
"Thoroughly enjoyed my stay at this hotel! Nicely decorated room, with modern amenities, comfortable and spacious. Would highly recommend as it's very close to transport and close proximity to the airport. The staff are very friendly, welcoming and accommodating :)"

Reviewed on 24 Mar. 2024

NinetyNine Hotel Amsterdam Airport
citizenM Schiphol Airport
citizenM Schiphol Airport
4 out of 5
Jan Plezierweg 2, Schiphol
The price is AU$247 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
AU$247
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Schiphol. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,015 reviews)
"Very cool vibe and clean stylish hotel with awesome breakfast and lounge areas. Room is small but functional. We could t control the room temperature and we were feeling cold all night, that was the only downside Waking distance from the airport"

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

citizenM Schiphol Airport
Best Western Amsterdam
Best Western Amsterdam
3 out of 5
Voorburgstraat 250, Amsterdam
The price is AU$181 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
AU$181
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
7.8/10 Good! (960 reviews)
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Reviewed on 22 Mar. 2024

Best Western Amsterdam
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Cityden Zuidas
Cityden Zuidas
4 out of 5
Professor J.H. Bavincklaan 3, Amstelveen
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Amstelveen. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (845 reviews)
"Overall our stay was excellent. We enjoyed having a bar/restaurant right in the building. The room was clean and very spacious despite being a studio. The welcome package of dish tabs and other goodies was a nice touch. Staff was friendly and helpful. The beds were very comfortable . The only negative ..."

Reviewed on 15 Mar. 2024

Cityden Zuidas
PREMIER SUITES PLUS Amsterdam
PREMIER SUITES PLUS Amsterdam
3.5 out of 5
Parnassusweg 376, Amsterdam
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified aparthotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Anne Frank House ...
9/10 Wonderful! (59 reviews)
"Our family of four stayed in a spacious two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment for 3 nights. Check-in was fast and straightforward; local government tax was levied upon checkout. Great views of the business district from the apartment. Metro, tram and train just a couple of minutes’ walk from apartment ..."

Reviewed on 18 Feb. 2024

PREMIER SUITES PLUS Amsterdam
The July - Twenty Eight
The July - Twenty Eight
4 out of 5
Stadionplein 260, Amsterdam
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast. Popular attractions Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (291 reviews)
"Comfortable, nicely decorated hotel with a small gym and nice sauna area. Large and comfortable rooms with kitchen and sitting area."

Reviewed on 16 Mar. 2024

The July - Twenty Eight
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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