Leiden
Leiden
Leiden is a vibrant university town in the western Netherlands with a rich history dating back to Roman times. Often described as a mini-Amsterdam, it offers beautiful canals, historic buildings, and none of the tourist overcrowding that plagues its more famous neighbor.
The city's academic heritage is everywhere - Leiden University, founded in 1575, is the oldest in the Netherlands. Albert Einstein even taught here! The city is packed with museums for every interest, from the impressive Naturalis Biodiversity Center to the National Museum of Antiquities and the quirky Museum of Ethnology.
Leiden's connection to art is significant too. It was the birthplace of Rembrandt, and you can still feel the artistic energy in its streets and cafes. The city's botanical garden, Hortus Botanicus, is one of the oldest in the world, first planted in 1590.
What makes Leiden special is its laid-back atmosphere. Locals cycle along canal paths, students debate in cozy brown cafés, and everyone comes together for the annual celebration of 'Leidens Ontzet' on October 3rd - a massive festival commemorating the end of the Spanish siege in 1574. During this celebration, they serve the traditional breakfast of herring and white bread, a nod to the food that saved the starving population centuries ago.
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Things to do in Leiden
Top things to do in Leiden by www.planetware.com
Where to stay in Leiden
Best hotels in Leiden:
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City Hotel Rembrandt (budget hotel)
City Hotel Rembrandt is super close to the train station and all the main sights, so you can easily explore the city on foot. The rooms were recently renovated in 2018 and have a modern, comfortable vibe. Some even come with a little seating area if you want to relax.
In the mornings, they put out a nice breakfast buffet to fuel up for the day. The staff are friendly and helpful if you need any tips about what to see and do in Leiden. It's just a quick walk to museums, shops, and the famous canals. Overall, it's a convenient home base for checking out this charming university town. The central location can't be beat if you want to be in the middle of the action.
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Boutique Hotel Huys van Leyden (luxury hotel)
Boutique Hotel Huys van Leyden, this place has some serious history - it's in a building from 1611 that's been lovingly restored. The rooms are all unique, with wood floors and bright colors that give them lots of personality. And the location can't be beat - it's right next to one of Leiden's pretty canals.
What really makes this hotel stand out is the little extras. You can have afternoon tea, book a private boat trip on the canals, or enjoy dinner at the hotel. The staff goes above and beyond to make sure guests have a great stay. Just keep in mind there's no elevator, so you'll get your steps in going up and down the stairs.
If you want to be right in the middle of things in Leiden, this is the place to be. It's an easy walk to all the main sights like the Pieterskerk and the old town area with its museums. The train station is close by too if you want to take day trips. Overall, it's a cozy home base for exploring this picturesque Dutch city.
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Boutique Hotel d'Oude Morsch (medium range hotel)
Boutique Hotel d'Oude Morsch, the hotel occupies a historic 200-year-old building, giving it tons of character. Its location is really tough to beat - it's just a few minutes' walk from the train station and all the main sights in town.
The rooms have a cozy, stylish vibe with nice touches like coffee machines and comfy beds. While some guests mentioned the rooms being on the smaller side, most raved about how clean and well-appointed they were. The friendly staff and delicious breakfast also got lots of praise from visitors.
One of the best things about staying here is being able to easily explore Leiden on foot. You're super close to museums, the botanical gardens, and all the quaint canals and architecture that make this Dutch city so appealing. All in all, it's a great home base for discovering everything Leiden has to offer.
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