Leiden is absolutely one of my favourite cities in the Netherlands! It’s a charming city full of history, culture and cosy hotspots. Whether you’re a museum lover, travelling with children or simply want to enjoy great food and beautiful canals: there’s plenty to experience in this compact student city. Read this article and discover the best tips for a day trip or weekend in Leiden.
Discovering Leiden by bike
What I can really recommend is exploring Leiden by bike. With the Highlights Bike Tour in Leiden, you’ll explore the city’s most beautiful spots in 2 hours together with a local guide.
During the tour, I passed by:
- The historic city centre and canals
- The oldest university in the Netherlands
- Courtyards, parks and hidden alleyways
- The Burcht of Leiden and Hortus Botanicus
Along the way, the local guide, born and raised in the Key City (a commonly used nickname because of the city’s coat of arms, which features keys), shared fun stories and interesting facts, and there’s plenty of time to take great photos. This bike tour is suitable for young and old alike, and families with children can join too. Highly recommended!
Sights in Leiden
Leiden is bursting with history, charming streets and beautiful canals. Whether you love museums, old buildings or simply a good view, you’re in the right place. Here are a few spots that I think you definitely should see:
- National Museum of Antiquities: impressive collection featuring mummies, Roman statues and archaeological finds from ancient times.
- Pieterskerk: imposing church with a tower climb for views over the city.
- The Burcht of Leiden: medieval fortress on a hill with panoramic views.
- Hortus Botanicus: the oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands, with exotic plants and greenhouses. Book your tickets online in advance.
Things to do in Leiden with children
Leiden isn’t just great for adults, but also a wonderful city to discover with children. From dinosaurs and a journey through the human body to exciting treasure hunts – there’s plenty to experience for young adventurers. Here I’ve put together a few top activities for a family day out:
- Naturalis: natural history museum with interactive exhibitions and the skeleton of T. rex Trix.
- Corpus: ‘journey through the human body’, educational and fun for children from around 8 years old.
- Leidse Sleutel: treasure hunt through the city in escape room style, suitable for families.
- Gravensteen park: lovely spot to play or have a picnic between walking and cycling.
- World Museum: this interesting museum offers an impressive collection of world cultures, from Asia to Africa. Reserve your tickets online.
You can also book a canal cruise through Leiden’s historic city centre. I did this and can definitely recommend it! I do advise you to book tickets in advance, so you’re guaranteed a spot.
Markets and shopping in Leiden
Leiden has the cosiest markets and surprising boutiques. Perfect for browsing around or picking up a nice souvenir! In the table below you’ll find my favourite markets and shops in this wonderful city.
| Category | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Markets | Botermarkt | Every Wednesday and Saturday, with fresh produce, flowers and cheese. |
| Vismarkt & Aalmarkt | Located by the water, with an authentic Leiden atmosphere. | |
| Zijlsingel | Artisanal products and unique trinkets. | |
| Special shops | VNTG | Carefully selected vintage clothing. |
| Moers Thee & Meer | More than 100 types of organic tea and accessories. | |
| PLUUM | Gift shop full of design, prints and fun surprises. |
Food and drink in Leiden
Eating in Leiden is a real treat. Whether you’re after an elaborate dinner, drinks, a cosy lunch or a quick bite, there’s always a spot that fits exactly what you’re craving. Here are my personal recommendations:
At De Bonte Koe you really taste the seasons on your plate. The kitchen works with fresh, local ingredients and you can tell from the flavour. I had a perfectly cooked venison steak here in autumn and a fresh asparagus salad in spring – always excellent and never disappoints.
For a fancy night out, Het Prentenkabinet is my absolute recommendation! This restaurant is housed in a beautiful historic building and serves refined French dishes. Think classic coq au vin or a delicious tournedos with creamy sauce. And with the atmospheric interior, it really feels like a culinary mini-holiday.
Want something more creative? Café de Leidse Lente is a lovely spot for lunch or drinks, with surprising dishes and an artistic vibe. Here I discovered, for example, a sandwich with hummus and grilled vegetables that was just a bit different from the usual.
Going out to eat with the kids in Leiden? No problem! At The Pancake House they can go wild with pancakes in all shapes and sizes, from classic with syrup to fully loaded like a work of art. At Pizzeria Il Padrino they can even make their own pizza, which is not only fun but also guarantees happy faces at the table. And for a quick snack, Friteshuis Vlaamse Friet is the place to be. Here you’ll get crispy fries with a generous dollop of homemade sauce – and trust me, you don’t want to miss that.
Events and culture
Leiden is buzzing with culture and good vibes! Whether you love live music, cabaret or art, there’s always something happening. Here are a few cultural highlights you shouldn’t miss:
- Nobel Sessions: monthly live performances by local artists.
- Comedy Night: every last Wednesday of the month, for an evening full of humour.
- Exhibitions: at places like the National Museum of Antiquities and Museum De Lakenhal.
Nature and recreation
Fancy escaping the city and getting into nature? In and around Leiden you’ll find beautiful spots for walking, cycling and relaxing. These are my favourite green oases:
- Meijendel: dune area just outside the city, ideal for walking or cycling.
- Vogelplas Starrevaart: a peaceful spot for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
- De Singels: cycle or walk along the water around the city centre.
Leiden is a city that’s perfect for a varied day out. Whether you come for the museums, the shopping, a lunch by the water or a fun activity with the kids – there’s something for everyone. My absolute tip is to kick off your city trip properly with a bike tour in Leiden with Baja Bikes. By bike you’ll explore the city in a relaxed and complete way, so you really won’t miss a thing. So what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Leiden and come cycling with Baja Bikes!
