Have you ever heard of the Dutch city Leiden? I sure hadn't before I met my Dutch partner. I suppose internationally the city is not so well known...A bit like the Dutch beaches...which is a real shame.
But, one of the big things I've learnt about the The Netherlands, is that there's so much more to the country than just Amsterdam. Especially real Dutch spots like Leiden.
If I had to describe Leiden is 5 words I would say: charming, fun, lively, canals, atmospheric and historic.
Yep, it's a bubbly university city with countless canals, bars, restaurants and coffee shops (of both kinds). It has a more laid back and authentic feel than Amsterdam.
A little disclaimer... I might be a little biased about Leiden as I now live in a small town just outside of Leiden... but since my first visit to Leiden a few years ago, I found it so charming and fun and I'm sure you will too!
And, after countless visits to the city, I have truly loved exploring it be it Winter, Spring, Summer or Autumn. It's a versatile city with more than enough to keep you busy and always finding a new secret square, canal-side bar or restaurant to enjoy.
Leiden can also great for a day out shopping day or a cultural day visiting one of it many museums or its fabulous botanical garden - which I've already visited 3 times already!
Keep reading to check out more why I think Leiden is one of the coolest cities in The Netherlands and you should add it as a must-visit to your Dutch exploring list.
A bit about Leiden
Leiden is a relatively small city (with a population of around 130,00) found a 30-minute train ride from Amsterdam. It's a historic university city filled with canals and charm.
Leiden University dates back to 1575, making it one the oldest universities of the Netherlands. Since then has been one of Europe's most prominent scientific centres, and where many important scientific discoveries have been made here, giving rise to Leiden's motto: 'City of Discoveries'.
Nowadays, it’s still one of Europe's top universities and hosts students from all over the world who give the city a bustling, vivid and international atmosphere.
Indeed, Leiden is a city with a rich cultural heritage, not only in science, but also in the arts. One of the world's most famous painters, Rembrandt, was born and educated in Leiden.
5 reasons why Leiden is a must-visit
1. Lively restaurants, bars & shops
Leiden is indeed gezellig - that's Dutch for cosy - see I'm a local now! (kind of). It's filled with cute little spots, cafes and independent shops which can serve as retreats from the relentless rain and wind during the colder months.
Food and drink
Apparently there are 84 restaurants, 53 café-restaurants and 47 cafes in the city center of Leiden. That's quite a lot!
With so many options for eating out, I've just spotted Dutchreview has compiled the top hotspots to check out in 2024 which might help to narrow down some of the must-visits. You can see their list here.
Pancake House
I would like to give my own recommendation and honorable mention to the Pancake House: Pannenkoekenhuysje De Schaapsbel.
It might sound a little tourist but I promise when I visited it was surprisingly filled with only Dutchies! It's been around since 1986 and has become one of the most popular pancake houses in the area, and I could see why.
They have over 50 pancake options to choose from including the traditional poffertjes (small, fluffy pancakes served with powdered sugar and butter, and sometimes syrup) which I had to get, as well as more unusual options like bacon and ginger.
We also ordered a "big pancake" filled with the most delicious warm cherries (sweet and jammy) - I didn’t know they were a thing and omg so good!
And, if you also want a good night out, Leiden has plenty of fun bars, events and even clubs going on year-round which aren't just for students - they attract all ages.
Shopping
If you want to get your shop on, most of the big brands are easily walkable from the Central Station (about 10 minutes). They have an excellent selection including many fashion and department stores, and even interesting shops that sell cheese!
2. The Hortus Botanicus - It's “indoor jungle” is a must!
If you do decide to go check out Leiden, I really kindly but aggressively encourage you to visit the green heart of Leiden, the Hortus Botanicus (botanical gardens) - and their super cute café!
The Hortus Botanicus is the oldest botanical garden of the Netherlands and one of the oldest gardens in the world. Founded in 1590 and expanded in the following centuries.
It hosts a diverse mix of green houses, with hundreds of interesting plants, flowers, cacti, ferns and more to take in. There's also different garden sections outside, and a nice new trail along the river to wonder down.
My favorite area is the impressive tropical glasshouse - which even has banana fruit hanging from the trees! It feels like you are walking through a real jungle, with it's misty humidity and a world away from Leiden,
It's good to note tickets cost 8.50 euros per person, but if you have a Museumkart entrance is free. There are also discounted prices for students and children. Check out their website for more info here.
3. Canals & charming streets
One thing that surprised me about Leiden was how many canals it has - just the historic city center is home to no fewer than 28 kilometers' of canals!
Interestingly, Leiden’s canals date back to the 17th century. Second only to Amsterdam, Leiden is the Dutch city with the most waterways. So indeed, Leiden is a water-lovers dream!.
I have been wanting to do a canal tour, especially after seeing everyone have so much during King's Day and Pride, with the party happening in the streams of boats as they sail down the canal.
I feel like a boat tour would be a fantastic way to get to know the city, especially in Spring or Summer. I've noticed there are plenty of tour options around the area so please, if you do go let me know how it is!
On land, one of my favorite areas in Leiden is around the Pieterskerk, which is a gorgeous church in the city center. It has a big square around it with beautiful little cobbled streets with cafes, restaurants, quirky shops and bars
4. Historical sites
Because Leiden is such a historic city there are plenty of cool pieces oh history all over. Listen to this, apparently the city has more than 2,800 monuments! From hidden courtyard gardens to historical mills, churches and city gates.
For example, one of the well-known and most-visited spots is right in the middle of Leiden, where you will find the unmissable ruins of the Burcht van Leiden - it's literally on top a hill so very hard to miss! You can walk up to the ancient fortress of Leiden and it's walls, which has some great views of the city.
I did a walking tour of the city through Meet Up and it was super insightful to learn more about all the interesting spots. I very much recommend doing somehting similiar!
Tripadvisor has a good list of the top 10 landmarks you can check out here.
4. The Museums
Another surprising part of Leiden is it's generous range museums. It has 12 brilliant museums in walking distance of one another, which gives plenty to do on a cold, blustery or rainy day in Leiden.
Below I listed two of my favorite of my faves which are definitely worth a visit - and again, free with the Museumkaart! :)
As you work your way up through the floors you are taken through a walk of all facets from life, including sexual reproduction (with a hilarious sperm bouncy ball game) and death (but in a child-friendly manner).
We also did the ‘Rexperience’ (which was an extra 4 euros if I remember correctly), which is an exciting 4D tour back in time to visit Trix the T-Rex dinosaur.
Leiden: Museum of World Cultures
After visiting the Wereldmuseum, I thought it was a very special museum, with super interesting art and content.
We leant more about how people live around the world and how people are shaped by the world. Past and present.
Their philosophy is based on the idea that with more knowledge of the relationship between past and present, we can better understand the world of today. The Wereldmuseum encourages thinking about what it means to be human, what is our connection with the world around us and how we relate to each other - isn't that nice and so fascinating! :)
As you walk through the museum you navigate the different rooms, exploring the history and culture of ancient and modern day societies, for example, you can ravel to Africa, America, Asia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, the polar regions and Oceania.
There's so many interesting objects, jewelry and artwork. We admired the multi-colored feather headdresses of the Amazon Indians and were amazed by the ingenious clothing of the polar inhabitants. Ever seen a salmon skin coat? Here you see it!
You can find more information about the different rooms at their website here.
Now it's your turn
I hope you found this blog insightful and perhaps even useful!
If you're also a Leiden lover, comment below any more suggestions and I'll make sure to check them out! And please do let me know more cool Dutch cities I should visit next.
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