Leiden Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
city and municipality in South Holland, the Netherlands
About Leiden
With a population of nearly 125,000 (2019), and nearly 30,000 of them students, Leiden is one of the Netherlands' few true student towns (along withGroningen,UtrechtandDelft). Leiden University is the Netherlands' oldest university, founded in the 16th century to commemorate the resistance of its townsfolk to the Spanish siege. Its buildings are dotted around town, in and out of the city centre. This gives Leiden a relatively young and internationally diverse population, especially with the university having a particularly strong law and medical faculty. The Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) is right behind central station. Its vibrant student population means Leiden is never short of a great place for a drink. However Leiden's Dutch students are notorious for being dominated by its
Top Attractions in Leiden
Explore the best things to see and do in Leiden:
- ★3 October celebrations
- ★Academiegebouw
- ★Bibliotheca Thysiana
- ★Burcht van Leiden
- ★De Snookerij
- ★De Waag
- ★De X
- ★Gemeenlandshuis van Rijnland
Where to Eat in Leiden
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴De Branderij
- 🍴Het prentenkabinet
- 🍴Olive Garden
- 🍴Verboden Toegang
Where to Stay in Leiden
- 🏨De Doelen
- 🏨Fletcher Wellness-Hotel
- 🏨Huys van Leyden
- 🏨Nieuw Minerva
- 🏨Stochemhoeve Camping
Leiden Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 12 sections including: