What do Albert Einstein, Rembrandt and the Pilgrim Fathers have in common? They all have a deep connection to the remarkable Dutch city of Leiden — a city of science, art, windmills, canals and a fascinating ‘explosive’ history. Find out about the city’s fascinating history and why Leiden is a must-see in this post: Leiden an Ultimate Travel Guide.
The quaint city of Leiden, in South Holland, the Netherlands is not as well known as its larger Dutch neighbours but is a must-see European travel destination. Leiden is a city full of historic charm and can be a great off-the-beaten-path reprieve from the more hectic summer travel hotspots like Amsterdam and Utrecht.
Come for the canal-side bistros, cobblestone sidestreet cafes and laid-back ambiance of this wonderful and vibrant university city. There are far too many things to see and do during a day trip, so plan to spend a couple of days to cover it all!
Walking and Bike Touring Leiden
If you’re looking for a more energetic travel and touring experience, Leiden is a wonderful place to plan a bicycling vacation and is also perfect for walking tours. Rent a quality Dutch bike and bicycle amongst windmills, tulips and the beautiful Dutch landscape.
Tour the huge network of canals and venture off into the countryside near the town of Lisse where you’ll be close to the flower fields of the amazing Keukenhof flower gardens and their stunning springtime tulip gardens.
Bike touring here is quite easy as the Netherlands is very flat and Leiden is only roughly 18 km from the magnificent park.
Leiden’s Strange and Fascinating History
A dark but infamous time in the city’s history occurred when the Dutch fought for independence from the Spanish in 1574 during the heinous Eighty Years War. For several months the entire city of Leiden was blockaded by the Spanish. During this siege of Leiden, its people were on the brink of starvation. The situation was so dire that legend has it, Pieter van der Werff, the city’s mayor offered the residents the ultimate self-sacrifice of his own body for food if the residents so needed it.
The city was ultimately saved by Dutch resistance, led by William of Orange, who broke the levies in the countryside near Rotterdam flooding the area where their fleet of Dutch sailing ships sailed to their rescue with Food and supplies. This is now referred to as the Siege and Relief of Leiden.
Leiden’s Annual October 3rd Party and Festival – Relief of Leiden
During the days around the 3rd of October each year, the city of Leiden erupts into a massive city-wide two-day long party celebrating the Relief of Leiden (or Leidens Onzet) with live outdoor music and dancing, fireworks, a carnival, and of course plenty of eating and drinking!
The traditional food that fuels the celebration is the Dutch dish Hutspot, which is a tasty dish made of potatoes, carrots and meat, which I think closely resembles Shephard’s pie, and incidentally is always my favourite meal on KLM flights to Amsterdam in the Fall months.
The other traditional feast is white bread and herring, which is handed out for free on October 3rd. This essential feast symbolizes the food that the resistance brought on their ships to relieve the famished city. I’ll let you make up your own mind on how tasty that dish is.
Interesting Fact: Leiden’s first University was founded in 1575 by William of Orange as a reward for its endurance and strength in its efforts in the fight for independence from Spain in 1574.
Leiden A City Brimming with Science, Knowledge, Culture, and Art
Leiden has a huge student population of over 32,000, having reinvented itself in the 20th century as a city of science, knowledge and culture. Home to the first University in the Netherlands Leiden University, it remains one of Europe’s most prominent scientific research centres. Albert Einstein was fond of Leiden, visiting the school often as a lecturer. The University has in recent years rediscovered several important papers by Einstein in its archives.
The city also has the oldest observatory in the world – Old Leiden Observatory – still in operation, dating back to 1633.
Home to 17th Century Dutch Masters
Leiden is well known as the birthplace of some of the most extraordinary Dutch Master painters, Rembrandt Van Rijn, Jan Steen and Jan van Goyen to name but a few.
Things You Must See and Do in Leiden
Leiden is famous for its beautiful picturesque canals which were built in 1681 as fortification and defensive measures. The canals frame the ancient city’s core and make a great walking tour. The city has one of the most well-preserved medieval city centres in the Netherlands, site seers won’t be disappointed with the historical charm the city exudes.
Naturalis – Natural History Museum of the Netherlands
A research institute and the Netherlands’ National Natural History Museum, Naturalis is a stunning must-see attraction on your trip to Leiden. Featuring 42 million specimens, there are plenty of interactive activities for the whole family, including full-size dinosaurs with a real T-Rex fossil.
The recently expanded and updated building itself is an architectural masterpiece, with the central atrium designed by Dutch fashion designer Iris van Herpen resembling geological strata.
Before you go, check out the amazing online museum of the Natrualis, and get a glimpse of the amazing collection.
Entry: € 17.00 / Free with Museum card | Time needed: half-day+ | Where: Darwinweg 2, Leiden, Netherlands | Website
Visit Young Rembrandt’s Studio
The Young Rembrandt Studio is an early 17th-century house on Leiden’s Langebrug Street where Rembrandt originally learned to paint, etch and draw during his early life.
French Sculptor, Auguste Rodin described Rembrandt as ‘The Colossus of Art’ and he was deeply inspirational to Van Gogh. The Night Watch, housed in Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum is one of Rembrandt’s best-known works. Just as Delft is the home of Vermeer, Leiden is the home of Rembrandt Van Rijn.
In this historic studio of the young Dutch Master, Holland’s virtuoso painter had already started to develop his masterful technique of painting and etching. Watch a short video on the master, come explore a lovely part of the city and find more inspiration for other great places to visit in Rembrandt’s native city.
Entry: Free of Charge! | Time needed: Can be completed in under an hour | Where: Langebrug 89, Leiden, Netherlands
Walking Tour of Leiden on the Famous Leiden Loop
One of the more popular things to do in the city is bike touring or taking a walking tour of the historical sights on the Leiden Loop. The loop takes you around the very uniquely crown shaped canal system on a historic journey around the city’s centre through some of the best historical buildings and monuments in the city.
The walking tour showcases the best views of the city and its main attractions. The Leiden loop is sold through the Leiden tourist office ‘VVV’ opposite Leiden Central station, but you can also find it on google maps.
Walk past Leiden’s fabulous city gates: Zijlpoortnd and The Morspoort, dating from 1669, two original remaining city gates of the original 10.
Rijksmuseum Van Oudhede (Dutch National Museum of Antiquities)
Not to be confused with the famous Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, the Rijksmuseum Van Oudhede houses a stunning collection of Greek. Roman and Egyptian antiquities. The museum is highly rated and makes a great addition on your tour of Leiden
Also check out Museum de Lakenhal – A museum in Leiden with art, textiles and history in a stunning palace-like setting. Reminiscent of the Royal palace in The Hague.
Pieterskerk – Church of the Pilgrim Fathers
Pieterskerk, a former Catholic church turned reformed Dutch protestant church dating back 900 years. The church was central to the Pilgrims in Leiden and Pilgrim Father John Robertson was buried in the church in 1625.
Ties to the Pilgrims and the Mayflower: A group of the original Pilgrims escaped religious persecution in England settling in Leiden in 1609. In 1620 the Pilgrims departed Leiden and 35 of the congregation travelled to North America on the Mayflower via Plymouth, England. One of the reasons for leaving Holland was they felt Dutch morality was simply not strict enough. One of the Pilgrim Fathers, pastor John Robinson was buried in the Pieterskerk in 1625.
Interesting Facts: According to the Mayflower400 Society, it is said that American Thanksgiving may be based on the Leiden 3rd of October celebrations. More than 30 million people can trace their ancestry to the 102 passengers and approximately 30 crew aboard the Mayflower
Leiden’s Favourite Historical Landmark ‘The Burcht’
Atop a man-made hill from the 9th century sits The Burcht, an ancient fort with 6-metre-high walls. The fort was used to keep watch for and signal the town of impending attacks again the city. Today, the Burcht offers some of the most amazing views of the city and is a very popular tourist spot in Leiden.
Historic Courtyards (Hofjes)
The Netherlands is a country of courtyards and Leiden is certainly no exception. There are at least 35 courtyards with lovely gardens where you can see the lovely historic architecture of these gardens from another angle.
Find the Charming Painted Wall Poems and Street Formulas of Leiden
Walking around Leiden you will frequently see ‘Wall Poems’ skillfully painted on the side of over 120 buildings lending a unique beauty and character to the city. The visual art poems and hand-painted scientific formulas are painted in multiple languages and are typically accompanied by English translation plaques.
Exploring Leiden to find these poems is a great way to get out and see the city, where you will find charming little back streets featuring these delightful paintings throughout the city.
Where to Eat and Drink in Leiden
A few of the most highly recommended restaurants and cafes by my recommendation as well as by Leiden Locals. There are a lot of great places to eat and drink in Leiden, we hope this gives you some culinary inspiration!
Anne & max – for a quick cup of coffee or tea and light lunch. Gluten free options. great place for people watching. $ | Gangetje 2, Leiden, Netherlands | Website
Bar Lokaal – a local favourite with a super relaxed informal atmosphere. Easy food, breakfast served late, sharing plates, great food. $ | Hartesteeg 13, Leiden, Netherlands | Website
The Bishop – One of the most highly recommended restaurants in Leiden for dinner. Fantastic atmosphere in a gorgeous historical building with cozy, modern decor. Food is Michelin quality, selection of wines is excellent and the food is amazing. A local favourite, make sure to make reservations. $$-$$$ | Middelweg 7-9, Leiden, Netherlands | Website
Bocconi – Another local favourite, and rather affordable. A great Italian restaurant located in the heart of Leiden. $$ | Burgsteeg 6, Leiden, Netherlands
FAQ for Leiden an Ultimate Travel Guide
Why is Leiden a great place to visit while in the Netherlands? There are 14 museums, a vast amount of historical monuments, wall poems painted throughout the city and cozy canals. Great food, with an abundance of cafes, restaurants, pubs, and jenever houses.
Can you get to the Keukenhof from Leiden by bicycle? yes, Lisse the town where the Keukenhof is located is less than 18 km away. It is a fairly doable trip to see the flowers of Keukenhof and the flower fields if you are a relatively experienced cyclist.
What are the Leiden Keys all about, and why are there keys on many buildings? Leiden is called the Key City (Sleutelstad), Leiden’s coat of arms contains two crossed red keys symbolising the keys to heaven held by St. Peter, for which the historical Pieterskerk is named.
What was the great explosion of Leiden? Rapenburg, a beautiful canal and area of Leiden today was once a port. In 1807 a ship loaded with gunpowder exploded and razed a large area of the Rapenburg.
Where are all of the good shopping streets in Leiden? Head to Haarlemerstaars located near the Rapenburg area. It is the major shopping street in Leiden. Also, look around the area of Pieterskerk where you will find more unique shopping experiences featuring small boutiques, antiques, and niche shopping.
What are the Market Days in Leiden? The open air market days in Leiden are on Wednesday and Saturday, 08:00-17:00. Find the Market (Markt) near the old Leiden City Hall.
How many Windmills are in Leiden? There are nine historic, picturesque windmills (windmolen) referred to as The Nine Leiden Windmills, located around the city of Leiden. The most famous are ‘Molen de Valk’, built in 1743 which you will see when you enter the old city centre, and the ‘Molen de Put’.
Conclusion
You won’t regret travelling to Leiden as a stop on your European itinerary in the Netherlands, and I am sure it will be memorable. It always is for me when I visit.
In conclusion, here are some of the things that will be a highlight of your trip if you choose Leiden as your travel destination:
- Leiden’s beautiful historic canals and gates
- It has the oldest intact city centre in the Netherlands
- An abundance of museums and attractions
- Great beer culture and local breweries to tour
- An amazing location to take Bike Tours from
- No language barrier for English speakers
Let me know in the comments below if Leiden sounds like a great place to visit for you. If you’ve travelled to Leiden and have more great places to share, I’d love to hear from you below!