Leiden Walking Tour
Leiden, Netherlands
Why Walk Leiden
Leiden is the birthplace of Rembrandt and home to the Netherlands' oldest university, founded in 1575 by William of Orange as a reward for the city's resistance to Spanish siege. The Pilgrims lived here for over a decade before departing for the New World in 1620. Canals wind through a historic center filled with hofjes (hidden almshouse courtyards), museums, and a botanical garden established in 1590.
Free Leiden Walking Tour with Roamee Pro
Roamee Pro offers a free Leiden walking tour with audio narration. Explore Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, Pieterskerk, Hortus Botanicus, plus hidden gems like Hofjes and Museum De Lakenhal, without booking a group tour.
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Must-See Stops in Leiden
- •Rijksmuseum van Oudheden — the national museum of antiquities with an Egyptian Temple of Taffeh
- •Pieterskerk — a 14th-century Gothic church connected to both the Pilgrims and Rembrandt's family
- •Hortus Botanicus — one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, founded in 1590
- •De Burcht — an 11th-century shell keep on a mound in the city center, offering rooftop views
Hidden Gems in Leiden
- •Hofjes — hidden almshouse courtyards scattered throughout the old town, tranquil spaces behind unassuming doors
- •Museum De Lakenhal — the city museum in a 17th-century cloth hall with works by Rembrandt and Lucas van Leyden
Walking Tip
Follow the canals — Leiden's waterways connect all the major sights. The walk from the station to the Pieterskerk takes about 15 minutes along picturesque canals.
Best Time to Visit
April through September. King's Day (April 27) is especially festive in this university city.
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