Things to do in Leiden

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Waag featuring street scenes, a square or plaza and heritage architecture
Beestenmarkt showing a river or creek, a coastal town and boating
Stadhuis which includes an administrative buidling, a sunset and heritage architecture
Rijksmuseum van Oudheden which includes art and interior views
Stadhuis showing street scenes and heritage architecture

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 {172 fun activities in Leiden fun activities in Leiden} are also worth looking into.

  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    One Key members save % or more on select activities, hotels, cars and vacation rentals.
    Learn about One Key

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.
Learn more
Hortus Botanicus showing heritage architecture, flowers and a garden

2. 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.
Learn more
National Museum of Ethnology which includes interior views

3. 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.
Learn more
Rijksmuseum van Oudheden featuring interior views and modern architecture

4. 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.
Learn more
Waag featuring street scenes, a square or plaza and heritage architecture

5. 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.
Learn more
Burcht showing a castle and outdoor art

6. Pieterskerk

Take in the beautiful architecture and pilgrim history of the gothic Pieterskerk. There has been a church on this site since the 12th century; however, each time its community outgrew it and the church was replaced with a larger structure. The building you see today was constructed between the 14th and 16th centuries.
Learn more
Pieterskerk showing religious elements and a church or cathedral

Recommended things to do in Leiden

Number of things to do
172
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Pilgrims and Painters of Leiden A Self Guided Walking Tour: $7
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!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Leiden

Scheveningen which includes heritage architecture

Scheveningen Beach

Walk along the esplanade, cool off in the North Sea, go surfing or enjoy a host of other activities at one of the country’s most popular beaches.

Scheveningen Beach
Scheveningen Pier which includes outdoor art and a statue or sculpture

Scheveningen Pier

You can find out about the history of The Hague when you stop by Scheveningen Pier. Stroll along the area's seaside or experience its fascinating museums.

Scheveningen Pier
Kijkduin Beach

Kijkduin Beach

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Kijkduin Beach during your travels in The Hague? Amble around this family-friendly area's seaside and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Kijkduin Beach
Madurodam which includes rides

Madurodam

At this park with scale models you can see all the important places in the Netherlands, and admire the country’s groundbreaking designs, in just hours.

Madurodam
The rough North Sea, water is cold but clear and nice. Waves are not too big. Good for beginners 😉. But nevertheless, it's a nice beach for just walking through the fine sand!

Katwijk Aan Zee Beach

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Katwijk Aan Zee Beach during your travels in Katwijk Aan Zee? Amble around the area's seaside or visit its shops.

Katwijk Aan Zee Beach
Peace Palace featuring a castle, flowers and heritage architecture

Peace Palace

Explore the grand rooms and chambers of this early 20th-century palace, where countries meet to try and resolve their differences.

Peace Palace
Biggest car museum in the world is located in Den Haag, Holland. #cars #kidsfun #travel Absolutely amazing collection of cars. Travel through history of vehicles from 18th to 21st century. And finish your travel in a stylish museum cafe.

Louwman Museum

You can browse the exhibits at Louwman Museum, a museum with a storied past, during your trip to The Hague. Stroll along the area's beautiful beaches or experience its fascinating museums.

Louwman Museum
Hortus Botanicus showing heritage architecture, flowers and a garden

Hortus Botanicus

Giant water lilies, carnivorous pitcher plants, rare and endangered plants and a host of colorful flowers await at Leiden’s botanical garden.

Hortus Botanicus
Binnenhof

Binnenhof

Walk in the footsteps of Dutch kings and prime ministers who have used this complex as a governmental center since the 15th century. The complex still houses the Dutch parliament.

Binnenhof

 

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

Wassenaar

Wassenaar

Beestenmarkt which includes a river or creek and a small town or village as well as a large group of people

The Hague

Photo by Kerwin Chang

Warmond

Photo by Erik van Veen

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.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia