Leiden, Netherlands: A 3-Day Family Adventure!

Discover the charm of historic Leiden and create lifelong memories with your family.

19 July 2023

Leiden, Netherlands offers a delightful family-friendly trip with its charming canals, historic windmills, and captivating museums. Parents and children can explore the vibrant city by cycling along the canals, take a boat tour, or visit the beautiful Hortus Botanicus. With its quaint atmosphere and numerous recreational activities, a family trip to Leiden promises to be a memorable and enriching experience.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring Leiden's Charm

  • Begin your adventure by visiting the picturesque Leiden city center, with its winding canals and historic buildings. It's like strolling through a living postcard!
  • Marvel at the grandeur of the Leiden City Hall, a stunning Renaissance masterpiece with intricate details that will leave you awestruck.
  • Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Leiden by exploring the Museum De Lakenhal, where art and history intertwine in a fascinating collection.
  • Take a break at one of the cozy cafés along the canals, sipping on a refreshing Dutch brew while people-watching. Ah, the simple joys of Leiden life!
  • Discover the botanical wonders of the Hortus Botanicus, one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world. Prepare to be enchanted by its serene beauty.
Day 2

A Journey Through Time

  • Embark on a whimsical voyage to the past at the Leiden American Pilgrim Museum, where the story of the Mayflower Pilgrims unfolds before your eyes.
  • Get lost in the labyrinthine corridors of the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, where ancient Egyptian artifacts and Dutch archaeological treasures reside side by side.
  • Quench your thirst for knowledge at the Leiden University Library, home to a vast collection of rare books and manuscripts. Perfect for bookworms and history buffs!
  • Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the canals, admiring the colorful houseboats that dot the waterways. Don't forget to wave at the friendly ducks!
  • As the day draws to a close, indulge your taste buds in a culinary journey at one of Leiden's local restaurants, savoring traditional Dutch cuisine with a modern twist.
Day 3

Hidden Gems and Family Fun

  • Uncover hidden gems in Leiden's outskirts by renting bicycles and pedaling through the enchanting Leiden Lakes. A paradise for nature lovers!
  • Channel your inner explorer as you navigate through the fascinating Corpus Museum, a unique interactive journey inside the human body that will leave you enlightened and entertained.
  • Let your little ones unleash their creativity at the Naturalis Biodiversity Center, where they can dig for fossils and marvel at the wonders of nature.
  • Fuel up at a charming pancake house, where fluffy Dutch pancakes come in an array of sweet and savory flavors. Pancake perfection!
  • End your visit on a high note at the Molen de Valk, a towering windmill that offers panoramic views of Leiden. Gazing over the city, you'll feel like the ruler of a miniature kingdom.

How to get there

Plane

The easiest and quickest way to get to Leiden is by flying into Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and then taking a train directly to Leiden Central Station. The journey takes around 20-30 minutes and trains generally run every 15 minutes.

Car

Driving to Leiden is fairly straightforward, however parking in the city can be difficult and expensive. There are various parking garages dotted around the city, as well as some on-street parking areas. A popular option for those driving into Leiden is to park at the P+R Lammenschans car park and take public transport into the city center.

Train

Leiden is easily accessible by train from various cities in the Netherlands. The closest train station to Leiden is Leiden Central Station, which is serviced by trains from Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and other major cities.

Boat

Although Leiden is a fairly small city, it is possible to get there by boat via the Old Rhine river. There are various boat hire options available from nearby towns such as Leiderdorp and Oegstgeest, allowing visitors to take a relaxing journey down the river and moor up in Leiden's picturesque city center.

Bus

There are various buses that run to Leiden from nearby towns and cities. These include Arriva and Connexxion, and tickets can be purchased either online in advance or at the bus station. The main bus station in Leiden is Leiden Centraal Busstation.

More travel plans

Leiden Delights: A Budget-Friendly 2 Day Guide

One of the best things to do on a limited budget in Leiden, Netherlands is to explore the historic city center and its canals. Art lovers can enjoy free entry to the Museum De Lakenhal, which houses a large collection of works by Dutch Masters. For a cheap but tasty meal, head to one of the city's outdoor markets, such as the weekly Wednesday and Saturday market in the Nieuwe Rijn district.

Leiden, Netherlands: Family Fun, Canals, and Pancakes

Leiden, Netherlands, offers a perfect destination for a family-friendly trip with its charming canals, picturesque windmills, and rich history. Take a leisurely boat tour along the canals to soak in the city's beauty, explore the National Museum of Antiquities to discover ancient artifacts, or visit the Hortus Botanicus, one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, where kids can marvel at a wide variety of plants and enjoy the tropical greenhouses. With its relaxed atmosphere, Leiden provides a delightful setting for a memorable family vacation.

Leiden: A Vibrant 2-Day Journey Through Time and Delight

Leiden, Netherlands offers a charming and family-friendly atmosphere for an enjoyable trip. Explore the famous Museum of Natural History, where kids can marvel at the immense collection of fossils and artifacts. Take a leisurely boat ride along the canals, or visit the lush botanical gardens for a relaxing and educational day out.

Leiden: The Ultimate Budget-Friendly Day Trip!

Leiden is a charming city in the Netherlands that can be visited on a budget. With budget-friendly accommodations and delicious local street food, travelers can experience the city's rich history by taking advantage of free walking tours and visiting museums with free admission. Visitors can also stroll through Leiden’s picturesque parks and canals to experience the city's natural beauty without spending a dime.