Location: Leiden
Top Things to do in Leiden
6 Hidden Gems Things to do in Leiden That You Shouldn't Miss
Home to the Netherlands’ oldest university and the birthplace of Rembrandt, Leiden also served as a several-year stop-off between England and the New World for America’s Pilgrim fathers in the early 17th century. Today, lovely Leiden boasts the second-largest Dutch city center after Amsterdam. The National Museum of Antiquities has an impressive collection of Egyptian artifacts. The Hortus Botanicus, established in 1590, was the site of the planting of Holland’s first tulip bulbs in 1593.
Restaurants in Leiden
1. Escaperoom Leiden
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 200 reviews
Reviewed By Karenabroad - Rijnsburg, The Netherlands
This is one of our favourite escape rooms to date. Wonderful variety of challenging puzzles, great decor and charming host who propels you into the experience as he welcomes you.
2. Stichting De Leidse Rederij
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 40 reviews
Leiden is a city rich of water and while boating you can enjoy the many beautiful and historical sights of the old and modern parts of the city. We take pleasure in organising an entertaining and relaxing boat trip through the old canals and green fringed moats of Leiden. Once out of Leiden, we sail into the green heart of Holland with its characteristic wind, water and green grassland. Nothing is too crazy for us! Let us know your wishes and we will take it from there. With our large fleet, we can organise a customised arrangement for anything from 2 up to 300 persons. Ranging from a relaxed boat trip through the 'green heart' of Holland to an exuberant and active trip through the ‘Key City’ (nickname for Leiden). Please check out our boat trip arrangements.
3. National Museum of Antiquities (Rijksmuseum van Oudheden)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 546 reviews
The National Museum of Antiquities is housed in an old monumental building and ‘Begijnhof’. It is the Dutch centre for archaeology. A large part of the collection consists of objects related to ancient Egypt. Unique is the two thousand year old Egyptian temple in the central hall of the museum. Besides ancient Egypt, the museum covers the Middle East, the Classical world and the early history of the Netherlands. The entire collection consists of more than 80,000 objects, including statues of Roman emperors, Etruscan tomb finds and mummies.
Reviewed By 500dank - The Hague, The Netherlands
Had a wonderful visit with my family. Loved the collection which is marvellous! Especially the artefacts covering ancient Egyptian time. To my personal opinion, only the British Museum in London can match this. The temporary exhibit (untill 15 march 2020) was on Cyprus. The museum consists of three floorws and is housed in a fantastic, historical building, in the middle of the historical town centre of Leiden (Rapenburg). It's completely accessible: we brought our 8 month old son in his buggy and had no problems in navigating the museum. Baby changing facilities are located in the disabled toilet on the ground floor. In the entrance hall of the museum you can find and visit the Temple of Taffeh (free of charge, as it is before the ticket barriers), which was gifted to the Netherlands. The audio tour is free of charge too (but behind the ticket barriers). Museum staff was very friendly and helpful. One note in regard to parking: some reviews here complain about parking, but this has absolutely nothing to do with the museum itself. People who complain about parking, have themselves to blame for not planning their journey properly: The museum is located in the middle of the historical city centre of Leiden. so it's completely logical that there isn't a large parking garage to accommodate visitors. My advice is to plan your journey ahead, be sure you know where to park in Leiden or check the museum website if you don't and/or are not familiar with the historical centre of Leiden. If you come by public transport: the museum is about a ten minute walk away from the Leiden Central station. Concluding this review: this is a must visit if you like museums with ancient artefacts!
4. Wall Poems of Leiden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 227 reviews
Reviewed By taimym2018 - London, United Kingdom
The University of Leiden is the heart of the town, and the wall poems and formulae make an interesting tour to get to know the place a bit better
5. Botanical Gardens (Hortus Botanicus)
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 744 reviews
Reviewed By 390davidw390 - Neath, United Kingdom
The Botanical Gardens are a real joy with a history dating back centuries, It is the birthplace of the university history of Leiden. It's a must to any visit to Leiden
6. De Burcht
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 635 reviews
Reviewed By dominiquej556 - Bangkok, Thailand
Absolutely gorgeous to pass by if you’re doing a walk through the city centre. Definitely go up the stairs to see the most beautiful view of Leiden!
