Netherlands
Leiden
Leiden stands out as one of the Netherlands’ most captivating cities, blending historic charm with a lively, modern vibe. Known as the birthplace of Rembrandt and home to the country’s oldest university, this compact fortified city pulses with a youthful energy thanks to its large student community. Wander through streets rich with centuries-old heritage while soaking in its innovative spirit—Leiden truly embodies a city of discoveries, where science, art, and culture converge in an inspiring urban setting.
Image: Wikimedia Commons
Get to know more
Things to do
## What to do in Leiden Leiden is a compact city of canals, courtyards, museums and centuries of learning, making it easy to explore on foot or from the water. In the historic **Leiden city centre**, wander along the canals and bridges, climb the medieval Burcht for a rooftop view, and look for the city gates, Pieterskerk, De Waag and the many historic almshouses. Leiden has 35 courtyards, or hofjes, tucked behind ordinary-looking façades; follow a self-guided hofjes route or join a guided walk when available. The Muurgedichten—more than 100 poems painted on walls in different languages—make another engaging walking route through less-obvious streets. A canal cruise or self-drive electric boat offers a different perspective on the old city, whose waterways extend for around 28 kilometres. For more greenery, visit Hortus botanicus Leiden, founded in 1590, with historic trees, tropical glasshouses, a Japanese garden and a reconstruction of Clusius’ early tulip garden. Molen De Valk is a working windmill with exhibitions about milling and views across the city. Leiden is famous for its university, scientific tradition and connection with major chapters of Dutch history. Spend time in its 13 museums: Naturalis for natural history, Rijksmuseum Boerhaave for science and medicine, the National Museum of Antiquities, Museum De Lakenhal for art and Leiden’s history, or the SieboldHuis for Japanese collections. The Young Rembrandt Studio, his former Latin School and the streets around Weddesteeg explore the city’s connection with Rembrandt van Rijn, who was born here. The Pieterskerk and Pilgrim Museum introduce the story of the English Separatists who lived in Leiden before sailing on the Mayflower. For a relaxed weekend, combine a museum or exhibition with a canal-side café, a courtyard walk and an evening performance. The historic Leidse Schouwburg and Stadsgehoorzaal host theatre, concerts and other shows, while cinemas such as Kijkhuis and Trianon provide arthouse, classic, independent and mainstream films. The city’s cultural calendar adds variety throughout the year, from film, music and food festivals to Museum Night and the lively 3 October celebrations, which commemorate Leiden’s relief from the Spanish siege. Check the official event calendar for current exhibitions, concerts, workshops and festivals before travelling; the best weekend activities in Leiden are often a mix of planned culture and unhurried wandering through the old centre.
Things to do
## What to do in Leiden Leiden is a compact city of canals, courtyards, museums and centuries of learning, making it easy to explore on foot or from the water. In the historic **Leiden city centre**, wander along the canals and bridges, climb the medieval Burcht for a rooftop view, and look for the city gates, Pieterskerk, De Waag and the many historic almshouses. Leiden has 35 courtyards, or hofjes, tucked behind ordinary-looking façades; follow a self-guided hofjes route or join a guided walk when available. The Muurgedichten—more than 100 poems painted on walls in different languages—make another engaging walking route through less-obvious streets. A canal cruise or self-drive electric boat offers a different perspective on the old city, whose waterways extend for around 28 kilometres. For more greenery, visit Hortus botanicus Leiden, founded in 1590, with historic trees, tropical glasshouses, a Japanese garden and a reconstruction of Clusius’ early tulip garden. Molen De Valk is a working windmill with exhibitions about milling and views across the city. Leiden is famous for its university, scientific tradition and connection with major chapters of Dutch history. Spend time in its 13 museums: Naturalis for natural history, Rijksmuseum Boerhaave for science and medicine, the National Museum of Antiquities, Museum De Lakenhal for art and Leiden’s history, or the SieboldHuis for Japanese collections. The Young Rembrandt Studio, his former Latin School and the streets around Weddesteeg explore the city’s connection with Rembrandt van Rijn, who was born here. The Pieterskerk and Pilgrim Museum introduce the story of the English Separatists who lived in Leiden before sailing on the Mayflower. For a relaxed weekend, combine a museum or exhibition with a canal-side café, a courtyard walk and an evening performance. The historic Leidse Schouwburg and Stadsgehoorzaal host theatre, concerts and other shows, while cinemas such as Kijkhuis and Trianon provide arthouse, classic, independent and mainstream films. The city’s cultural calendar adds variety throughout the year, from film, music and food festivals to Museum Night and the lively 3 October celebrations, which commemorate Leiden’s relief from the Spanish siege. Check the official event calendar for current exhibitions, concerts, workshops and festivals before travelling; the best weekend activities in Leiden are often a mix of planned culture and unhurried wandering through the old centre.
Frequently asked questions
Build a day-by-day plan in the app
Turns city guides into routed itineraries with maps and stories.
Nearby cities
Within travel distance of Leiden.
Rotterdam
Netherlands
Nestled in the southwestern corner of the Netherlands, Rotterdam emerges as a pulsating hub of innovation and maritime grandeur. This city, the second largest in the country with a vibrant population of around 650,000, extends its influence through the expansive Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region, home to over 2.2 million souls. Once a humble dam built in 1270 across the Rotte River, Rotterdam has transformed into a dynamic gateway to Europe, famed for its cutting-edge architecture, diverse cultural tapestry, and rich port heritage. Its strategic position at the confluence of the Rhine and Meuse rivers has cemented its role as Europe’s busiest port—an industrial powerhouse that once led the world until Shanghai overtook it in 2004. Today, the city’s skyline is a testament to modernity, with daring skyscrapers and innovative designs that redefine Dutch urban life. Amidst its rough-edged charm, Rotterdam whispers stories of resilience and progress, echoing the playful local phrase: “Rotterdam, de mooiste rotstad die er is”—a celebration of its rugged beauty.
Haarlem
Netherlands
Nestled along the banks of the Spaarne River, Haarlem is a charming Dutch city renowned for its rich history and vibrant cultural scene, just 20 kilometers from Amsterdam. Recently, increasing numbers of travelers have begun to uncover its many treasures, drawn by its captivating architecture and artistic legacy. The city’s historic center boasts an array of monumental buildings, reflecting centuries of architectural grandeur. As the hometown of several celebrated Dutch painters, including the illustrious Frans Hals, Haarlem offers an impressive array of art and galleries. Shop enthusiasts will find a delightful mix of large chain stores, boutique shops, and specialized galleries, making a day of shopping here both rewarding and diverse. Complemented by a lively selection of cafes, bars, and restaurants, Haarlem presents a well-rounded experience that epitomizes Dutch charm. Interestingly, the neighborhood in New York City named Harlem pays homage to this once-powerful Dutch city, underscoring Haarlem’s historical significance.
Amsterdam
Netherlands
Amsterdam, the vibrant capital of the Netherlands, unfolds like a living canvas of history and modernity. Its iconic canals, crisscrossing the city like shimmering ribbons, evoke the city’s nickname—Venice of the North—woven with over 1,500 bridges and exquisite architecture that whisper tales of a golden age. From its humble origins as a 12th-century fishing village, Amsterdam blossomed into a world-renowned port during the 17th-century Dutch Golden Age, a hub of trade, art, and innovation. Today, its lively neighborhoods, such as Jordaan and the UNESCO-listed Canal Belt, pulsate with cultural richness, while the city’s embrace of liberalism, cycling culture, and artistic legacy—home to painters like Rembrandt and Van Gogh—make it a magnet for explorers. With a population nearing 1 million in the city proper, Amsterdam’s charm lies in its harmonious blend of centuries-old traditions and contemporary vibrancy, inviting visitors to lose themselves in its enchanting streets.
Utrecht
Netherlands
Nestled along the gentle curves of the Oudegracht canal, Utrecht’s heart beats with centuries of history. Dominating the skyline is the majestic tower of the Dom Church, a testament to its medieval past. This vibrant Dutch city, with a population approaching 378,000, pulses with youthful energy, fueled by its renowned university and a lively student community. As twilight falls, the city awakens—its bustling streets transforming into a haven for nightlife, where cafes and clubs invite visitors to savor quick bites, raise a glass, or dance beneath the stars.
Arnhem
Netherlands
Nestled in eastern Netherlands near the German border, Arnhem is a lively city and the proud capital of Gelderland province. Built around the banks of the Nederrijn and Sint-Jansbeek rivers, the city’s history is woven into these waterways that fueled its growth. Covering roughly 55 square kilometers, Arnhem boasts a diverse landscape of heathlands, sand dunes, and peaceful woodlands, with the northern edge touching the Hoge Veluwe National Park. Today, over 150,000 residents call Arnhem home, and the city pulses with cultural and educational energy, from universities like Hogeschool van Arnhem en Nijmegen to art institutes, world-famous zoos, and top-tier sports facilities.
Nijmegen
Netherlands
Nijmegen proudly claims the title of the Netherlands' oldest city, a place steeped in history yet buzzing with contemporary culture. Known worldwide among hikers, it hosts the legendary International Four Days Marches Nijmegen—an epic multi-day walk drawing over 42,000 participants and a million spectators from around the globe. This event, celebrating its 100th edition in 2016, fills the city with festivities and energy. As Gelderland’s largest city, Nijmegen stands out for its progressive politics and vibrant student scene, blending historical charm with a lively, modern vibe.
Antwerpen
Belgium
Antwerp, known locally as Antwerpen in Dutch and Anvers in French, is the lively heart of Belgium’s Flanders region. With a population of just over half a million (as of 2018), it’s the country’s second-largest city after Brussels and boasts a major European port that keeps the commerce flowing. Dive into its rich history, where striking old buildings from different eras tell stories of its past, and explore numerous museums that showcase its cultural depth. The city is also renowned worldwide as the diamond capital—more than 70% of all rough and polished stones pass through Antwerp’s bustling markets. Over recent years, Antwerp has become a hub for creatives, drawing artists, writers, and thinkers from all over. Its trendy bars, chic shops, and vibrant street life reflect this modern, dynamic vibe. While it may not have the medieval charm of Bruges or Ghent, Antwerp’s lively spirit and welcoming locals make it a perfect blend of history and contemporary flair—an inviting city where good food, good company, and a relaxed pace are part of the charm.
Eindhoven
Netherlands
Eindhoven, nestled in the southern Dutch province of North Brabant, is a city that pulses with modern innovation and vibrant culture. With over 230,000 residents as of 2019, it ranks as the Netherlands' fifth-largest city, yet remains under the radar for many travelers. This city’s story is one of transformation—from its roots at the meeting point of the Dommel and Gender rivers to its rise as an industrial powerhouse driven by giants like Philips and DAF Trucks. Today, Eindhoven is a hub of cutting-edge technology and design, home to a renowned technical university and a thriving community of creatives and innovators. Beyond its industrial past, the city now champions Dutch design, blending its rich history with a forward-looking spirit.