Leiden’s historic city centre has a total of 28 kilometres of canals and singels. There are also almost 2,800 monuments, including hofjes, windmills, churches and city gates. Here, waterways meet many traces of the city’s history. You can rent a boat or book a canal cruise; on land, several city routes pass historic buildings and special views. Gardens, museums and a Roman archaeological site add further dimensions to Leiden.

Canals, Hofjes and Views

The Leidse Loper passes numerous historic monuments and special views. The Route van Ontdekkingen offers a different approach: this city walk has 28 stops and can be followed using a smartphone. If you’re looking for a route with a set number of stops and smartphone guidance, those features are offered by the Route van Ontdekkingen; the Leidse Loper passes monuments and viewpoints.

The hofjes are also part of the cityscape: Leiden has 35 of them. Many are still inhabited and most can be visited. Please be considerate of residents when visiting; access conditions may vary from one hofje to another, so it’s worth checking on site.

De Burcht is one of the oldest surviving examples of a castle in the Netherlands. After climbing numerous steps, you can enjoy a view over Leiden from there. The city’s oldest parish church also has a long history: it was consecrated in 1121 as a chapel for the count’s court.

Science, Roman History and Plants

Archaeological Park Matilo is located on the site of the approximately 2,000-year-old Roman frontier fort, Castellum Matilo. Rijksmuseum Boerhaave explores the history of science in the Netherlands; its collection showcases five centuries of research and innovation. In Leiden, a Roman site from the past and a museum spanning many centuries of science sit alongside historic streets and buildings.

Rijksmuseum Boerhaave also offers De Dokterstas, a free family activity for children aged 8 to 12. Check current availability before your visit. At Naturalis, visitors can meet scientists and watch real animals being prepared in the freely accessible LiveSciencezaal; here too, it’s a good idea to check current access arrangements and the programme.

Naturalis has nine exhibition halls, with themes ranging from the earliest life on Earth and the Dutch Ice Age to dinosaurs and T. rex Trix. Those interested in plants will find a different kind of diversity at Hortus botanicus Leiden: for more than four centuries, plants from around the world have been collected, cultivated, admired and studied there. The garden includes, among other things, a Japanese and a Mediterranean themed garden, centuries-old trees, and greenhouses with orchids, pitcher plants and ferns. The Grand Café at Hortus botanicus Leiden uses vegetables, fruit and tea from its own garden; if you’re planning to visit, it’s best to check the current menu.

Getting Around on Foot and by Bicycle

From Leiden Central Station, you can reach the city centre in about 15 minutes on foot. For longer bike rides, the 33-kilometre Duin-&-Zeeroute passes through Leiden, Wassenaar and Katwijk. This gives you a short walk from the station for getting around the city, as well as a cycling route through three named places.

There are free public bicycle racks and parking facilities in Leiden at the stations and in the city centre; some are monitored. Waagstalling at Aalmarkt 22 offers free monitored bicycle parking. Its entrances are on Breestraat and Aalmarkt. As municipal facilities and their rules may change, check the latest information before using them.

Discover more destinations: Leiden, Strijen, Schoonhoven, Boskoop, Teylingen, Nieuw-Lekkerland, Vlist, Hillegom.

For the regional travel overview: South Holland.