Leiden - City of Discoveries

Leiden is filled with history and monumental buildings and is a great place to explore on foot. Stroll through the well-preserved historic centre and feel like you’ve stepped back in time to the 17th century. The young Rembrandt would still be able to find his way around – from the old Academy building where he studied, along the picturesque canals, and past city gates, bridges and mills, to the many small courtyard gardens. Get swept away by the beautiful tales of the city and get to know the history of Leiden.

Leiden is also considered a paradise for culture lovers. With no fewer than 13 excellent museums, all within walking distance of each other and brimming with a wide range of fascinating exhibitions, there is plenty to discover in the world of art and culture. Meet T. rex Trix at the Naturalis Biodiversity Center. The Dutch National Museum of Antiquities houses archaeological treasures and offers insight into ancient civilisations. Museum De Lakenhal is the true municipal museum of Leiden and highlights the history of this city with beautiful artworks.

Leiden is a great place to explore on foot because everything is within walking distance! Find out for yourself with one of the many enjoyable city walks. Will it be the Rembrandt Route or maybe the Courtyard Gardens Route? Here's a cool tip: take the Courtyard Gardens Route and learn about the unique stories of the 35 courtyard gardens in Leiden. Put on some comfortable walking shoes and explore Leiden at your own pace!

If you are more interested in the scientific history of Leiden, the Science Route is just the one for you. Discover 28 places where scientific and historic discoveries were made. Leiden can also be admired from the water on one of the electric canal boats. Feeling active? You can rent a bicycle and use pedal power to explore the city.

Most visitors are locals, but there are also many people who come to this area specifically for its unusual shops. In the monumental building on the corner of Herenstraat and Doezastraat you'll find Grand Café de Vriend, which is known by many people from Leiden as ‘the living room of the HerenDoeza’. If you're up for a cultural surprise, you should check out Sijthoff Cultuur – where people and ideas come together.