Student City Leiden

Lively markets, beautiful canals, passing cyclists, and charming brick houses - you will find all this not only in Amsterdam but also in the delightful student city of Leiden. What else awaits you there, and why a visit is definitely worthwhile, you can read here.

If you are planning a vacation in the Netherlands, you often feel drawn directly to the sea or to popular cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, or Utrecht. Not far from there lies the lovely student city and birthplace of the famous Rembrandt: Leiden. Much like Amsterdam, the cityscape is characterized by canals, small interconnected waterways, and bridges, as well as leaning brick facades and winding alleys. Around 125,000 residents live in Leiden, including over 18,000 students. This naturally affects city life: there are many young people, creative shops, and cool cafés. Are you ready for a little detour?

If you want to explore Leiden, you don't have to struggle with bus schedules. One advantage of the small city is that everything is easily reachable on foot. The winding alleys will lead you to impressive churches such as the Hooglandse Kerk, Marekerk, or Pieterskerk. But the markets are also a great way to get to know the land and its people better. For example, one of the most beautiful markets in Holland takes place directly in Leiden's city center every Saturday, along the banks of the Nieuwe Rijn. There you can sample various specialties like stroopwafels and Dutch cheese, buy fresh fish, fruits, vegetables, or flowers. If you find yourself in the city during the week, you can also visit the market on Wednesdays in a smaller form.

Very close to the market, where the Oude Rijn and Nieuwe Rijn converge, lies the Burcht van Leiden, an old castle fortress built in the 11th century. A great tip for budget-conscious travelers, as admission is free, and you also enjoy a beautiful view over the city. The view upwards at the houses is generally worth it in Leiden. You'll discover romantic wall poems, written by various poets, adorning numerous facades of the brick houses. So keep your eyes open, go on a poetry hunt, and get to know the city in the process. Leiden is also excellent for shopping, as many charming shops line the streets.

Exploration tours make you hungry - luckily, the Dutch city offers plenty of charming cafés, restaurants, and bars in the alleys and along the canals. Sit by the water and watch the boats go by and the bustling activity in the streets. Particularly lively is the Waag, a cozy bar that doubles as a monument to an old weighing house and could almost pass for a museum.

The Dutch are known for their pannekoeken (pancakes), which you shouldn't miss out on, and are available at Oudt Leyden. Fish and seafood are especially fresh in the Netherlands due to the proximity to the sea and can be found on almost every menu. I recommend the restaurant The Bishop - here, the dishes are not only beautifully presented but also taste excellent! But what would Holland be without cheese? You can sample it at the weekly markets or have it served on mixed platters in restaurants and enjoy it in a pleasant atmosphere.

If you're interested in flora and fauna, the city of Leiden has a lot to offer you. Visit the exciting Natural History Museum Naturalis and learn a lot about nature. If you want to relax in the park and prefer being outdoors, the Botanical Garden Hortus Botanicus near Leiden University is an even better place to be. And did you know that the first tulip was planted in Leiden about 400 years ago? Just like tulips, windmills also belong to the Dutch landscape. You can learn more about the history and construction of the mills at the Molenmuseum, one of the city's most popular attractions.

Another special attraction is the Escape Room in Leiden, where you can solve tricky puzzles to escape from Rembrandt's secret studio. Rembrandt is one of the most famous artists in the Netherlands and beyond. The game is conducted in English and costs €47 per person for a group of two, and just €27 for four people. It's also a great idea if the weather isn't too pleasant.

If you are not just planning a day trip to Leiden but want to stay a few nights, there are some interesting accommodations available. Have you ever wanted to stay in a modern houseboat? You can experience this right in the city center, on the water of a canal in Leiden. Right in the city, you will also find stylish apartments and traditional yet modern Dutch houses from the 17th century. If you prefer the countryside and like to camp but don't own your own camper, I recommend an overnight stay in a simple but cute gypsy wagon.

Leiden is located in the province of South Holland and is therefore not far from other larger cities in the Netherlands.

From Amsterdam, you can reach the city in just 25 minutes by public transport, and from The Hague in only 15 minutes.

If you arrive by your own car or rental car, you'll have even more flexibility to explore the surrounding area. Especially in the summer, a trip to the North Sea or a visit to the beach is recommended. Noordwijk and Katwijk offer the nearest beaches, where you can enjoy a cozy day in a beach chair and cool off in the sea on warmer days. Zandvoort and the seaside resort of Scheveningen are also quickly accessible.

These were the most important tips for your trip to Leiden. You will certainly discover for yourself what else the charming student city has to offer through extensive walks in its alleys. I was surprised by the small city and all the lovely corners that can be explored here and I'm sure you will feel the same. When planning your next vacation in the Netherlands at the North Sea, be sure to include a stop in Leiden or plan a spontaneous weekend trip!