The 27 most beautiful sights and museums to visit in Leiden
Courtsies, the university, glorious history and numerous museums. Leiden is known for everything! And that's not crazy. In the beautiful city there is plenty to see and experience during a day of city. The 28 kilometres of canals, hundreds of monuments and historical sights give the city a unique and atmospheric character. In museums you can also see masterpieces by Rembrandt, treasures from Japan and special objects from science. Discover your favourite places and experience them during a day at Leiden.
Beestenmarkt
From 1616 to 1969 this square was the stage of the livestock market. The ringing of the 'Sheep Bell 'between number 9 and 10 gave the go-ahead for the trade.
Pieterskerk
For almost 900 years this church has been an important meeting place in Leiden, nowadays used for concerts and events.
Hartebrugkerk
An imposing neoclassical monument in the Haarlemmerstraat. A place of rest amidst all the hustle and bustle.
Visfontein
The fountain was built in 1693 and was placed by the city council to provide sellers on the fish market with clean water for hygiene purposes.
Best hotels in the center of Leiden
Japanmuseum SieboldHuis
Hidden behind a historic Dutch façade you will find the most beautiful of old and new Japan. Collected by the doctor Philipp Franz von Siebold.
Het plantsoen
This landscaped city park is located on the former strongholds of the city. Its location on the water makes it a wonderful place.
Leidse Schouwburg - Stadsgehoorzaal
Both locations offer a fantastic backdrop for theatre, dance, music, lectures and cabaret. Experience the classic rooms and the acclaimed acoustics.
Recommended for an overnight stay in Leiden
Naturalis Biodiversity Center
With 42 million objects, Naturalis manages one of the largest natural history collections in the world. Until September 2 in the sign of poison!
Museum Volkenkunde
A museum about people. Marvel at objects that tell a human story and learn about the world's enormous cultural diversity.
Samuel de Zee's hof
Founded by Samuel the Sea who had left no offspring out of four marginals. He put his capital on this in the design of this court.
15 beautiful places and museums in historic Leiden
Museum Het Leids Wevershuis
The Wevershuis shows 'the other side of Leiden'. Not the Leading of the wealthy elite with their imposing properties, but the Leading of the workers
Gravensteen
Once a refuge for the counts of Holland, then a prison and execution place, book warehouse and now a university building.
Molenmuseum de Valk
Curious what a mill looks like inside and how it works? Then discover seven floors full of stories and history at the Molenmuseum de Valk.
Sint Annahofje
Find peace and quiet in one of the most beautiful and oldest courtyards in Leiden. This is also the only Leiden court that still has its own chapel.
De Leidse Sterrewacht
Visitors like to convey the beauty of our universe here. You will also learn more about the rich history of Leiden Astronomy.
Hortus Botanicus Leiden
The oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands. Landscaped in 1590 and expanded over the centuries. Admire the special diversity of plants.
Rijksmuseum van Oudheden
This museum brings antiquity and archaeology to life. Enjoy ancient civilizations from Egypt, Roman times, Middle Ages and much more.
Pieterskerk
Leiden's benchmark for almost 900 years. From Catholic Church to meeting place. You will also find the Pieterskerkcafé, a hidden gem.
Hooglandse kerk
An imposing, late Gothic cross basilica that has been decorating the heart of Leiden for centuries. A monument with a turbulent history.
Nieuwe Rijn
A cosy district with numerous restaurants and eateries. Many have a terrace on or along the water in summer on which it is wonderful to stay.
Rijksmuseum Boerhaave
Let yourself be intrigued by five centuries of science. Discover microscopes, the oldest heliocentric planetarium and visit the anatomical theatre.
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