Leiden

Travel Guide

Waag featuring street scenes, a square or plaza and heritage architecture
Beestenmarkt showing a river or creek, a coastal town and boating
Stadhuis which includes an administrative buidling, a sunset and heritage architecture
Rijksmuseum van Oudheden which includes art and interior views
Stadhuis showing street scenes and heritage architecture

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

Merenwijk is well-liked for its golf courses. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Leiden area, you might plan a trip to Leiden Bio Science Park or National Museum of Ethnology.

Merenwijk
Intercityhotel Leiden
Intercityhotel Leiden
4 out of 5
Ballonstraat 6, Leiden
The price is ₩114,923 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
₩114,923
₩136,295 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Leiden. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Duinrell and National Museum of Ethnology ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (155 reviews)
"Very Friendly staff and clean property"

Reviewed on Jun 11, 2025

Intercityhotel Leiden
citizenM Schiphol Airport
citizenM Schiphol Airport
4 out of 5
Jan Plezierweg 2, Schiphol
The price is ₩226,336 per night from Jul 10 to Jul 11
₩226,336
₩260,948 total
Jul 10 - Jul 11
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Schiphol. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,019 reviews)
"Good place to stay close to amsterdam airport.Good food and service."

Reviewed on Jun 10, 2025

citizenM Schiphol Airport
Met Hotel Amsterdam
Met Hotel Amsterdam
4.5 out of 5
Marius Bauerstraat 401, Amsterdam
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (732 reviews)
"Staff were amazing. Location within easy walking distance to the train station. Rooms were very nice."

Reviewed on Jun 9, 2025

Met Hotel 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 (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (967 reviews)
Great place to stay
"Excellent accommodation, great value for money, with easy transport links."

Reviewed on Jun 6, 2025

Cityden Zuidas
Cityden Stadshart
Cityden Stadshart
4 out of 5
Stroombaan 1, Amstelveen
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Amstelveen. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (539 reviews)
"The staff here are very welcoming and very helpful. The laundry room came in handy. I was able to get my laundry done before flying home. The breakfast at the hotel did not disappoint. It was delicious. The staff at the restaurant were helpful as well. Now, the carpet in the hallways is terrible ..."

Reviewed on Jun 8, 2025

Cityden Stadshart
Urban Residences
Urban Residences
4 out of 5
Hennekijnstraat 104, Rotterdam
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Rotterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,026 reviews)
"Amazing view, lots of space, clean and comfortable"

Reviewed on Jun 2, 2025

Urban Residences
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.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Leiden

4.9
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
26
5 - Excellent 90%
4 - Good
2
4 - Good 7%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I love this small, but big town. I come here frequently. It has everything to offer that a big city does, but very friendly and walkable.

5/5 - Excellent

June

Picturesque, relaxing, quaint, walkable, a bit expensive.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Beautiful small city without a lot of tourists. Close to Den Haag, which has an outstanding museum.

5/5 - Excellent

Yona

Nice and quiet.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Leiden is amazing! It is both historic and modern and has an immense amount of charm and character.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Wonderful city! I hope to return again. It was such a safe, fun, and entertaining environment. Never far from anything.

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