Things to do in Leiden

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

A canal with a boat docked on the left, surrounded by historic buildings with red and white facades.
A canal with boats, a row of historic buildings, and people sitting at outdoor tables.
A historic building with ornate architecture, a prominent clock tower, and a statue on the balcony.
A museum exhibit with stone carvings and a wooden floor.
A historic building with a large wooden door, stone columns, and a plaque with text.

Leiden Attractions

Smaller cities have an aura about them you just don't find in their larger counterparts. Take a note of all the exciting things to do in Leiden before you travel so you can squeeze the most out of your break. You'll soon learn that bigger isn't necessarily better!

If you're ready to discover the best of Leiden, join a few of the top tours & day trips on offer, and let a local expert show you the most popular sites. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our {197 fun activities in Leiden fun activities in Leiden} are also worth looking into.

Things to do

Rotterdam: Harbor Sightseeing Cruise

Rotterdam: Harbor Sightseeing Cruise

$23
per adult
Rotterdam: Harbor Sightseeing Cruise
The Hague, Delft and Rotterdam Small-Group Tour

The Hague, Delft and Rotterdam Small-Group Tour (Max. 8 People)

$150
per adult
The Hague, Delft and Rotterdam Small-Group Tour (Max. 8 People)
Rotterdam: 1-Hour Sightseeing Splash Tour

Rotterdam: 1-Hour Sightseeing Splash Tour

$34
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Rotterdam: 1-Hour Sightseeing Splash Tour
Rotterdam: Pancake Cruise

Rotterdam: Pancake Cruise

$32
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Rotterdam: Pancake Cruise
Leiden: Guided City Canal Cruise

Leiden: Guided City Canal Cruise

$15
per adult
Leiden: Guided City Canal Cruise
Delft: Vermeer Centrum Delft Museum Entry Ticket

Delft: Vermeer Centrum Delft Museum Entry Ticket

$18
per adult
Delft: Vermeer Centrum Delft Museum Entry Ticket
PEPPA PIG World of Play Leidschendam Admission Ticket

PEPPA PIG World of Play Leidschendam Admission Ticket

$8
per adult
PEPPA PIG World of Play Leidschendam Admission Ticket
Gouda: Entry Ticket to Church of St. John with Audioguide

Gouda: Entry Ticket to Church of St. John with Audioguide

$13
per adult
Gouda: Entry Ticket to Church of St. John with Audioguide
Rotterdam: Stadshaven Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings

Rotterdam: Stadshaven Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings

$16
per adult
Rotterdam: Stadshaven Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings
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Leiden must see attractions

1. Hortus Botanicus

Stop and smell the roses and other blossoms in Hortus Botanicus, the Netherland’s oldest botanical gardens. It was begun in the 1590s and includes plants brought back from around the world by the Dutch East India Company. Wander through greenhouses full of tropical plants, see the Japanese garden and learn about the properties of medicinal plants used over many centuries.
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A garden with a pathway leading to a gazebo, surrounded by lush greenery and a historic building with a clock tower.

2. Rijksmuseum van Oudheden

The Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, a museum of antiquities, is itself a piece of history. It first opened its doors to the public in 1746 with a small collection of artifacts bequeathed to the Leiden University by a collector. It has since grown and now has a comprehensive collection of ancient relics from Egypt, Rome, Greece and the Near East.
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Ancient Egyptian stone carvings and statues on display in a museum.

3. Burcht

Wander through the gateway off the bustling shopping street of Burgsteeg to discover the historic castle of Leiden, known as de Burcht. It was first constructed of stone in the 11th century, but after several attacks was rebuilt in brick in the 13th century. The castle’s 20-foot-tall (6.2-meter) walls protected 15-year-old Ada, Countess of Holland, from the forces of her uncle William, intent on removing her from power.
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A gate with heraldic shields and a staircase leading up to a building.

4. National Museum of Ethnology

The Rijksmuseum voor Volkenkunde (National Museum of Ethnology) began in 1816 as a collection of cultural artifacts brought back by collectors from their visits in China and Japan. It has since expanded to include items from Southeast Asia, Australia, North and South America and Africa. Step inside to see some of its more than 200,000 artifacts.
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A museum interior with glass display cases containing various artifacts.

5. Waag

Leiden’s Waag (weigh house) was once a bustling hub for Dutch merchants weighing their goods for sale. Many towns in the Netherlands had these weigh houses, which would guarantee buyers that they weren’t being cheated as they purchased goods. Leiden’s Waag was located right on the Nieuwe Rijn so that boats could transport their cargo directly to the weigh house and from there to market.
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A historic building with a clock tower, ornate stone carvings, and a red awning.

6. Stadhuis

Although the old city hall was ravaged by fire in 1929, its beautiful 16th-century Renaissance façade, known as Stadhuis, survived. It was designed by Lieven de Key, a Dutch architect known for his works in Haarlem. View the building’s sculptural niches and fanciful flourishes, such as the lion guarding the steps and the large arched door.
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A historic building with a red door, a balcony, and a tower.

Recommended things to do in Leiden

Number of things to do
197
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
The Hague Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $5
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Leiden

Free Things to Do in Leiden

Traveling to Leiden on a budget? The following can be seen for nothing.

Wall Poems of Leiden - If you'd like to learn more about the artistic and cultural side of the area, make sure you drop by.

Stadhuis - Come to grips with some of the historical background of the region through this site.

Marekerk - Gain an insight into the local beliefs at this holy site.

Things to Do in Leiden with Kids

There's fun for the entire family wherever you roam in Leiden. Here are some family friendly experiences to do together that are sure to make your vacation a blast:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Leiden? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Stay near popular Leiden attractions

A garden with a pathway leading to a gazebo, surrounded by lush greenery and a historic building with a clock tower.

Hortus Botanicus

8.6/10 (75 reviews)
The Netherlands' oldest botanical garden (est. 1590) showcases rare Asian plants and historic structures. Explore themed gardens and greenhouses featuring carnivorous plants and tropical orchids in this tranquil oasis.
See properties

Where to stay in Leiden

Find the best Leiden areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Leiden
Learn more about Leiden
A traditional windmill with a blue and white body, a brick house with a sloped roof, and a green field with grazing sheep.

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 Naturalis Biodiversity Center or Rijksmuseum van Oudheden.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Leiden

A calm river with a wooden dock, power lines, and distant trees.

Leiderdorp

A snowy landscape with windmills and a field.

Leidschendam

A sandy beach with a wooden picnic table and red beach toys.

Wassenaar

A row of houses by a calm river with ducks swimming.

Oegstgeest

A historic brick building with a large tree in the foreground, a bridge over a canal, and lush greenery in the background.

Voorschoten

A riverside promenade with people sitting and walking, surrounded by historic buildings and a canal.

The Hague

A river with several boats, a windmill, and a sailboat in the background.

Warmond

A calm lake at sunset with a clear sky and silhouettes of trees and a distant shoreline.

Zoeterwoude

Frequently asked questions

Is Leiden worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Leiden is visit Duinrell. Check this major sight off your list, then experience more of the area's shopping and dining.
How do I spend a day in Leiden?
Duinrell and Katwijk Aan Zee Beach are two great places to begin your adventures. Remember to check out the shopping and dining options in Leiden while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Leiden?
The top tourist attraction in Leiden is Duinrell, so don't forget to put it on your itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Leiden?
You can easily enjoy popular sights like Duinrell, Katwijk Aan Zee Beach and Naturalis Biodiversity Center with a three-day escape to Leiden. On average, many travelers book three days here. There's plenty to explore nearby too, so stay a little longer and venture to Amsterdam.
Is Leiden a walkable city?
Some major attractions in Leiden, such as Naturalis Biodiversity Center and Museum Boerhaave, are within walking distance. You can also discover several of the city's neighborhoods on foot. Only 3 miles from central Leiden is Warmond and Merenwijk is 2 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Leiden with kids?
If you are after sights and activities for all of your group, we've got some fantastic ideas for what to do in Leiden with kids.

What to do in Leiden for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or outdoor explorer, there are plenty of things to do in Leiden for adults including Corpus and Space Expo.
Are there free things to do in Leiden?
In Leiden, Hooglandsekerk is a must-see spot for anyone wanting to see the city without taking their wallet out. Also, wander around the green spaces and other neighborhoods, and ask a local tour guide for tips. It's a great way to discover the best free things to do in Leiden.

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