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.

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Most popular activities in Leiden

Tours & day trips

See all 153 activities
The Hague: Mauritshuis Entrance Ticket

The Hague: Mauritshuis Entrance Ticket

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
8.8 out of 10 with 11 reviews
Price is $23 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 102 activities
Amsterdam & Zaans Schans: Solo, Couple, or Group Photoshoot

Amsterdam & Zaans Schans: Solo, Couple, or Group Photoshoot

Activity duration is 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is $126 per traveler*
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Adventure & outdoor

See all 14 activities
The Hague: Guided Bike Tour with Storyteller Guide

The Hague: Guided Bike Tour with Storyteller Guide

Activity duration is 3 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is $34 per adult
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Classes & workshops

See all 9 activities
Leiden: Cruise through the Historic City Center with Guide

Leiden: Cruise through the Historic City Center with Guide

Activity duration is 50 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is $14 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 7 activities
Delft: City Tour with Dutch Food and Drink

Delft: City Tour with Dutch Food and Drink

Activity duration is 4 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $90 per adult
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Recommended things to do in Leiden

Number of things to do
172
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Self Guided Walking Tour at Leiden: $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 beautiful beaches or experience its fascinating museums.

Scheveningen Pier
Beautiful beach, especially these water features which appear just next to the entrance to the harbor.

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
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
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
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
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
Plein featuring street scenes and outdoor eating

Plein

Around The Hague’s central square you will discover fine dining, paintings by Dutch masters and the 13th-century castle that is the heart of Dutch political life.

Plein

Duinrell

Bring the kids to Duinrell and enjoy the excitement of this amusement park in Wassenaar. Take in the fascinating museums while you're in the area.

Duinrell

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Leiden

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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 Leiden Bio Science Park or National Museum of Ethnology.

Merenwijk
See our Where To Stay guide

 

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.