Looking for an easy day trip from Amsterdam? Or perhaps you want to explore an alternative Dutch city without the crowds? Leiden is your answer.
Located between Rotterdam and Amsterdam, this often-overlooked university city has all the canal-side beauty of Amsterdam but on a smaller, more manageable scale. I spent three nights here and fell completely in love with it.
This self-guided walking tour will take you past Leiden’s highlights in about 3-4 hours, covering 4 km at a relaxed pace. You can easily do this Leiden walking tour in one day, leaving time for museums or a leisurely lunch by the canals.
Some articles on this website contain affiliate links. This means that I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read the full disclosure here.
Leiden Self-Guided Walking Tour Route + Map
My circular walking tour starts and finishes at Leiden Central Station.
Exit the station, walk straight down Stationsweg, and you’ll reach a bridge. To the left is the canal known as Singel.
Here’s a live map with walking directions (or click on the image below). You can also send it to your phone.
Stop 1: Singel & Molen de Valk
Dating from the 16th and 17th centuries, Leiden’s moat ran alongside a fortified wall that has long since disappeared. What has survived is the windmill (Molen de Valk) that once sat atop the wall.
If you’re curious about working windmills, you can visit the Windmill Museum.
Carry on walking along the main street, and you will hit the market square (Beestenmarkt). When you reach the big canal, turn right along Galgewater.
Stop 2: Galgewater & Carpenters’ House
Galgewater translates as “Gallows Water”, named after the field where executed corpses were displayed as a public warning. Cheerful, right?
Today, this canal is lined with historic houseboats. Keep your eyes peeled for Carpenters’ House at #20, one of Leiden’s most iconic buildings.
Built in 1612 for workers constructing the city, this quintessentially Dutch house is now subsidised housing for pensioners. If you can, stick your head through the gate to peek at the lovely garden courtyard.
The windmill at the end of the street is a replica of 17th-century Molen De Put. When you reach it, turn left and cross the bridge. Just after crossing, on the right, is Rembrandtplein.
Stop 3: Rembrandtplein
Rembrandt was born in Leiden in 1606 in a house that faced this square. Though the building is long gone, a plaque marks the spot on the modern replacement.
His well-to-do family sent him to Latin School and then Leiden University at just 14 years old. But academic life wasn’t for him, and at 17, he moved to Amsterdam to pursue art. The rest, as they say, is history.
A life-size statue of young Rembrandt examining a later self-portrait takes centre stage in the square.
Take a left along Noordeinde. After two blocks, you will hit the Rapenburg canal. Turn right to walk alongside this canal until you reach Leiden University on your right.
Stop 4: Leiden University & Botanical Gardens
Through imposing wrought-iron gates stands the Main Academic Building of Leiden University. Founded by William of Orange in 1575, this was the Netherlands’ first university.
Its alumni read like a who’s who: Rembrandt, John Quincy Adams, René Descartes, Henry Fielding, Dutch monarchs and prime ministers. Even Albert Einstein taught here. Many refer to Leiden as the Oxford of the Netherlands, and walking through the university quarter, you can see why.
Leiden’s Botanical Gardens (Hortus Botanicus Leiden) are located at the end of the university’s courtyard.
Continue along the Rapenburg canal and cross the next bridge onto Kloksteeg. In one block, you’ll reach St Peter’s Church.
Stop 5: Pieterskwartier & St Peter’s Church
Dating from 1390, St Peter’s Church is Leiden’s oldest. Originally Catholic, it became Protestant in the 16th century.
The area around the church holds special significance for American visitors. In 1609, a group of Pilgrims fled religious persecution in England, eventually settling in Leiden around St Peter’s Church. They lived here for over a decade before sailing to the New World in 1620.
Take Pieterskerk-Choorsteeg and turn right onto busy Breestrat. Walk around the side of City Hall to reach Leiden’s Rhinefront Market.
Stop 6: Leiden’s Rhinefront Market
Where the New Rhine meets the Old Rhine was once where merchants unloaded their wares. Today, bars and restaurants line the waterfront, making this one of the best spots in Leiden to stop for a drink or bite to eat.
There’s also a market on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Walk across the covered bridge (Koornbrug), along Burgsteeg, and up the set of steps to the Burcht.
Stop 7: De Burcht
The Burcht is the final stop on our walking tour. Dating from the 8th or 9th century, this artificial mound was built to protect Leiden’s residents during sieges. It housed a castle from 1150 onwards.
Climb the steps and walk around the top of the wall for panoramic views over Leiden’s canals and rooftops
From the Burcht, make your way along Haarlemerstraat. At Beestenmarkt, turn right to return to the railway station.
Museums & Activities in Leiden
My walking tour hits the main sights but doesn’t include museums. Here are the best options if you have more time or if the weather isn’t playing ball.
American Pilgrim Museum (Kloksteeg 16a, next to the Pieterskerk)
Housed in Leiden’s oldest residence (c. 1365), this museum is stuffed with original features and historical items that give you a window into 17th-century Leiden life. My top pick if you have extra time or it’s raining.
Rijksmuseum Volkenkunde (Steenstraat 1)
The National Museum of Ethnology punches way above its weight. This world-class museum celebrates global cultures through impressive displays of art and artefacts.
Leiden canal boat tour
After all that walking, you might fancy seeing Leiden from the water. Two companies operate regular canal tours from Beestenmarkt.
Planning Your Visit to Leiden
Getting There
Leiden has excellent train connections, making it an easy day trip from major Dutch cities:
- From Amsterdam: 30 minutes
- From Rotterdam: 30 minutes
- From The Hague: 12 minutes
Trains run frequently throughout the day.
When to Visit
Leiden is beautiful year-round, but I’d recommend:
- Spring (April-May): Perfect weather for walking, plus you can combine your visit with the nearby Keukenhof Gardens
- Summer (June-August): Long days and lively terraces, though it can be busy
- Autumn (September-October): Fewer tourists and beautiful light for photos
- Avoid Mondays when some museums are closed
Where to stay
Leiden is significantly cheaper than Amsterdam, making it a smart base for exploring the region.
Mid-range – Ibis Central Hotel
I stayed at this 3-star chain hotel opposite the train station. The room was small but clean, and the location couldn’t be better for the walking tour
Splurge – Boutique Hotel Steenhof Suites
This centrally-located hotel in a characterful building has fantastic reviews and has a bar and fitness centre.
Is Leiden Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. Leiden proves that there is more to the Netherlands than Amsterdam.
But here’s what I’d really recommend: stay for more than one day in Leiden. As a student city, it’s affordable and has a great selection of bars and restaurants. The pace is slower, the canals are quieter, and you can enjoy wandering without battling crowds.
I used Leiden as a base to visit Keukenhof Gardens, but it became the highlight of my trip in its own right.
ENJOYED THIS ARTICLE? THEN READ THESE NEXT!
- 7 Best Things to Do on a Day Trip to Delft
- One Day in Rotterdam: The 9 Best Things to See
- What to Do in Haarlem, Netherlands
About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.
Hi i would be interested to join the walking tour.
Let me know when is it going to happen.
Regards
Pallavi
Hello! As this is a self-guided walking tour, there is no guide or schedule. It’s very easy to explore Leiden by yourself. Bridget