City Tour
Welcome in Leiden
Discover this beautiful city on foot, during a fascinating walking tour with or without a guide. Visit one of the city’s 12 museums within walking distance and discover the historical treasures housed there. Leiden and its surroundings also offer numerous opportunities for group excursions. The Leiden Tourist Information Office (VVV Leiden) will be glad to assist you in putting together your day trip!
12 museums close together
A university attracts collections and collections eventually turn into museums. That's why Leiden has many museums. The priceless and unique collections often enjoy international fame, ranging from the Egyptian, Greek and Roman collection of the Museum of Antiquities to the treasures from other cultures in the National Museum of Ethnology. An extensive museum leaflet provides all information.
Walking
The streetplan of Leiden has hardly changed since the 17th century and this makes the city unique. Get acquianted with the hidden gems of the town with the help of the itineraries which are on offer at the Tourist Information Office. Visit the peace and quit of the almshouses or tread in the footsteps of the young Rembrandt. Follow the Leiden Loop or learn of the 12 year stay in Leiden of the Pilgrims before they set sail to America.
Lively shopping and entertainment centre
The old city centre of Leiden boasts a wide variety of shops. Moreover, every Wednesday and Saturday there is a general market along the banks of the Rhine. This market has been in existence for nine centuries. Leiden's culinary aspect is reflected in the variety of restaurants and bars on offer. The Leiden Jazzweek in January, the Rembrandt Festival in July and the celebration of the Relief of the Siege on 2 and 3 October are but three of the many events that take place throughout the year.
You can also discover Leiden from the water. There are several places where you can board a tour boat for a unique cruise featuring interesting locations from Leiden’s history. Of course you can also rent a boat or pedal boat to admire the gems of the city from the water.
Discover Leiden at your own pace and in your own way by selecting among the many activities the city has to offer: