Best Things to do in Leiden | Must-see attractions 2025

Museum De Valk

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

2e Binnenvestgracht 1

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Museum De Valk, an 18th-century windmill in Leiden, features a working waterwheel, historical living spaces, and engaging exhibits on windmill culture.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Museum De Lakenhal

Tu-Su 10:00-17:00

Museum

Oude Singel 32

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Museum De Lakenhal in Leiden showcases fine arts and historical crafts, featuring masterpieces from Rembrandt and Lucas van Leyden in a 17th-century hall.

Duration: About 2 hours.

Free. Special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Gedenksteen Pilgrim Fathers

Th-Sa 13:00-17:00; Jan 1,Oct 3,Dec 24,Dec 25,Dec 31,Dec 26 off

Museum

Beschuitsteeg 9

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The Gedenksteen Pilgrim Fathers in Leiden showcases 16th/17th-century artifacts in a historic 14th-century house, celebrating the Pilgrim Fathers' journey to New England.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Corpus

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

Willem Einthovenstraat 1 (Verlengde Wassenaarseweg)

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Corpus in Oegstgeest, Netherlands, features a giant, walk-through model of the human body with an audio tour covering the entire anatomy from knee to brain.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

€15 for adults, €10 for children aged 4-12. Family tickets available at a discount.

Pieterskerk

Mo-Su 11:00-18:00

Church

Kloksteeg 16 (Pieterskerkhof)

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Pieterskerk in Leiden, Netherlands is a landmark 12th-century former church, now used as an events center for dinners, conferences, and trade shows.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Special events may require a paid ticket.

SieboldHuis

Tu-Su 10:00-17:00; Oct 3,Jan 1,Dec 25,Apr 27 off

Museum

Rapenburg 19

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SieboldHuis in Leiden is a Japanese cultural center offering exhibitions, workshops, and lectures focused on Japanese art and heritage.

Duration: About 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may have a ticket fee.

Koornbrug Leiden

Open

Bridge

Koornbrug

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Koornbrug Leiden is a historical bridge located in Leiden, Netherlands, notable for its architecture and cultural significance in the city.

Duration: 30 minutes.

Free.

St. Louis Church

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

Steenschuur 19

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St. Louis Church, built in 1477, is a Roman Catholic church in Leiden, Netherlands, known for its beautiful liturgy and local gatherings.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free entry. Donations are welcomed.

Gallery Zone

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Museum

Nieuwstraat 17b

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Gallery Zone in Leiden features contemporary art exhibitions, showcasing local and international artists. The gallery promotes cultural engagement and creativity.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special events may require a paid ticket.

Hartebrugkerk

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

Haarlemmerstraat 110

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Hartebrugkerk, a Catholic church in Leiden, Netherlands, offers historical architecture and cultural significance. It serves the local community with regular services and events.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special events may require a paid ticket.

Saint Joseph church

9:00 AM–3:00 PM

Church

Herensingel 3

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Saint Joseph Church in Leiden, Netherlands, serves a diverse parish, offering services in multiple languages, including English, Italian, and French.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Donations are appreciated but not mandatory.

Marekerk

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Church

Lange Mare 48

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Marekerk, a 17th-century church in Leiden, Netherlands, features a stunning octagonal wooden interior and hosts regular organ concerts and theatrical performances.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special concerts may require a paid ticket.

Hooglandse Kerk

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

Middelweg 2 (Nieuwstraat)

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Hooglandse Kerk is a Gothic church located in Leiden, Netherlands, dating from the 15th century and dedicated to St. Pancras, serving the Protestant Church.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Donations may be accepted for special events.

Hendrik Kraemerpark

All day access

Park

Leidsestraatweg

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Hendrik Kraemerpark is a quiet street located in Oegstgeest, Netherlands, known for its residential charm and proximity to local amenities.

Duration: 1–2 hours.

Free. No tickets required for access.

Kunsthuis Leiden

11:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

Hartesteeg 2B

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Kunsthuis Leiden is a contemporary art platform in Leiden, Netherlands, featuring exhibitions by emerging artists and cultural events.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and workshops may require a paid ticket.

Steam Train Katwijk Leiden

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

J. Pellenbargweg 1

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Steam Train Katwijk Leiden is a rail museum located in Valkenburg, South Holland, showcasing historical steam locomotives and rail memorabilia.

Duration: 2 hours.

Free. Special events may require a paid ticket.

Leidse Schouwburg

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Theater

Oude Vest 43

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Leidse Schouwburg is a historic theater in Leiden, Netherlands, known for its rich cultural heritage and unique architectural design.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Varies. Discounts available for students and seniors.

Boerhaave Museum

Mo-Su 10:00-17:00; Jan 1,Apr 27,Jul 4,Oct 3,Dec 25 off

Museum

Lange Sint Agnietenstraat 10

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Boerhaave Museum in Leiden, Netherlands showcases centuries of scientific and medical history, featuring major Dutch discoveries and innovative exhibits.

Duration: More than 2 hours.

Adults: €12, Children (4-17): €6, Family Ticket: €30.

Corpus Experience

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

Verlengde Wassenaarseweg

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Corpus Experience in Oegstgeest, Netherlands offers an immersive journey through the human body, educating visitors through interactive exhibits and engaging displays.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Adult: €18, Child (4-12 years): €14, Discounts available for groups.

the Houtkamp

7:00 AM–7:00 PM

Park

Leiderdorp

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Houtkamp in Leiderdorp, Netherlands, features expansive green spaces, winding paths, and tranquil waters. It's a perfect escape for nature lovers and families.

Duration: About 2 hours.

Free. Special events may have associated costs.

National Museum of Antiquities

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

Rapenburg 28

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Located in Leiden, the National Museum of Antiquities is the Dutch center for archaeology, featuring extensive collections of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artifacts.

Duration: Approximately 2-3 hours.

€17 for adults, €8.50 for children (6-17 years). Free entry for children under 6.

Van der Werf Park

Open 24 hours

Park

Kruitschip Van der Werfpark uit 1886 aan Kruitschip tussen Steenschuur en Garenmarkt

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Van der Werf Park in Leiden, Netherlands, offers a charming green space for walking and picnicking, with historical significance from an 1807 gunpowder explosion.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. No entry fee is required.

Wevershuis Museum

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

Middelstegracht 143

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Wevershuis Museum in Leiden showcases the art of cloth-making with exhibits by international artists, including an antique loom.

Duration: 1–2 hours.

Free. Some workshops may require advance registration and a fee.

Textile Research Centre

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

Hogewoerd 164

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Textile Research Centre in Leiden focuses on textiles and dress. It serves as a key independent research institute in the field, attracting scholars and textile enthusiasts.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Special events may require a ticket.

Bosman forest

Open 24 hours

Park

2333 AG Leiden

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Bosman Forest is a scenic park in Leiden, Netherlands, offering lush greenery, walking trails, and a tranquil atmosphere for relaxation and exploration.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. No entry fee required to enjoy the park.

Anatomisch Museum Leiden

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

Hippocratespad 21

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Anatomisch Museum Leiden, located in Leiden, Netherlands, features over 900 anatomical preparations and models, showcasing human anatomy for educational purposes.

Duration: More than 1 hour.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

University of Applied Sciences Leiden

8:30 AM–5:00 PM

College

Zernikedreef 11

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University of Applied Sciences Leiden offers vocational education with around 12,000 students pursuing associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in various fields.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free access to campus for visitors. Admission to specific events may vary.

Oud Poelgeest

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Event hall

Poelgeesterweg 1

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Oud Poelgeest in Oegstgeest, near Leiden, is a historic castle with serene gardens and rich history, originally built in the 17th century.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Access to gardens is complimentary; some events may require a ticket.

Opstandingskerk

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Church

Leiden

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Opstandingskerk in Leiden, Netherlands, is a distinctive 20th-century church known for its striking architecture and community significance.

Duration: About 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Some special events may require a ticket.

H. Willibrordkerk

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Church

Rhijngeesterstraatweg 35

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H. Willibrordkerk in Leiden, Netherlands, is a prominent Catholic church, constructed in 1904, known for its neo-Gothic architecture and rich community heritage.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Donations for maintenance are appreciated.

Vredeskerk

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Church

Van Vollenhovenkade 24

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Vredeskerk in Leiden, Netherlands, is a historical church known for its unique architecture and rich cultural significance, hosting community events and exhibitions.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Special events may require tickets.

De Regenboog

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Church

Watermolen 1

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De Regenboog in Leiden is a vibrant, community-driven arts center founded in 1973 that supports local artists and hosts a variety of cultural events and exhibitions.

Duration: 1–2 hours.

Free. Some events or workshops may require a small fee.

De Levensstroom

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Church

Elisabethhof 5

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De Levensstroom in Leiden, Netherlands serves as a vibrant community church, notable for its spiritually engaging activities and accessible amenities.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Donations are welcomed for special events and programs.

De Menswording

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Church

Netherlands

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De Menswording in Leiden showcases the complexities of human development through various interactive exhibits. Engage with the themes of personal and societal growth.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. Some workshops may require a fee.

Scheppingskerk

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Church

Leiderdorp

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Scheppingskerk, located in Leiden, Netherlands, is a historic church known for its unique architecture and cultural significance. It offers a glimpse into the region's rich religious heritage.

Duration: 1 hour.

Free. Donations are welcomed for maintenance and events.

het Stadhuis van Leiden uit 1596

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Architectural Building

Stadhuisplein 1

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Het Stadhuis van Leiden uit 1596 features Renaissance architecture and historical significance as the city's administrative center since its foundation.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free.

National Museum of Ethnology

Tu-Su 10:00-17:00; Jan 01,Apr 27,Dec 25 off

Museum

Steenstraat 1

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The National Museum of Ethnology in Leiden showcases over 300,000 artifacts from eight cultural regions, with a focus on world cultures and Japanese artifacts.

Duration: 2–3 hours.

Free. Special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Naturalis Biodiversity Center

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

Darwinweg 2

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Naturalis Biodiversity Center in Leiden focuses on biodiversity research, housing the only T-Rex skeleton in Europe among its extensive collections.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free. Some exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Leiden University

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

University

Rapenburg

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Leiden University, founded in 1575, is the Netherlands' oldest university, featuring a blend of historic and modern architecture in Leiden, Netherlands.

Duration: 2 to 3 hours.

Free for many areas; some special exhibitions may require a ticket.

Kagerzoom Hole 6

8:00 AM–7:00 PM

Golf Course

Netherlands

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Kagerzoom Hole 6 in Leiden is a challenging golf course hole known for its scenic views and strategic layout, attracting golf enthusiasts year-round.

Duration: Approximately 4 hours for a full round of golf.

Access to the course typically requires a green fee for golfers; pricing varies.

Trekvlietbrug

Open 24 hours

Bridge

Leiden

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Trekvlietbrug is a historic bridge in Leiden, Netherlands, known for its unique design and scenic views along the Trekvliet canal.

Duration: Approximately 30 minutes.

Free. No fees for visiting the bridge.

Dorpskerk Leiderdorp

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

Hoofdstraat (Eikenlaan)

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Dorpskerk Leiderdorp, located in Leiden, Netherlands, is a historic church known for its remarkable architecture and rich community significance.

Duration: About 1-2 hours.

Free. Special events may require a paid ticket.

De Kopermolen

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Mall

Kopermolen

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De Kopermolen in Leiden offers insights into 18th-century Dutch windmill culture, showcasing the traditional craft of copper engraving.

Duration: 1.5–2 hours.

Free. Some events may require a paid ticket.

Winkelhof Leiderdorp

10:00 AM–8:00 PM

Mall

Winkelhof 55

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Winkelhof Leiderdorp is a modern shopping center in Leiderdorp, Netherlands, near Leiden, offering diverse retail options, dining, and community events.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free access to the shopping center. Individual store pricing varies.

Onze Lieve Vrouwe Kerk Rijpwetering

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Church

Past. Vd Plaatstraat

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Onze Lieve Vrouwe Kerk Rijpwetering in Leiden is a historical church known for its distinctive Gothic architecture and rich cultural significance in the region.

Duration: 1 hour.

Free. Special events may incur a fee.

Maria Middelares

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

Rijndijk

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Maria Middelares is a Catholic church in Leiden, Netherlands, known for its architectural beauty and rich history, attracting visitors and worshippers alike.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are appreciated.

Gemeentehuis Leiderdorp

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Public Building

Willem-Alexanderlaan 1

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Gemeentehuis Leiderdorp, the municipal building of Leiderdorp, features modern architecture and serves as a centre for local governance and community services.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some events may require admission fees.

Gemeente Oegstgeest p.a. Servicepunt 71 Financiele admnistratie

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Public Building

Rhijngeesterstraatweg 13

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Gemeente Oegstgeest p.a. Servicepunt 71 Financiele administratie provides essential financial services and municipal information in Leiden, Netherlands.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free for consultations and services.

Molenmuseum de Valk

11:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

2e Binnenvestgracht 1

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Molenmuseum de Valk in Leiden, Netherlands, educates visitors on the life and skills of 18th-century Dutch millers through an authentic windmill experience.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

€5 for adults, €2.50 for children under 12. Discounts for groups and seniors available.

Naturalis

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

Darwinweg 2

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Naturalis in Leiden houses over 37 million specimens, exploring biodiversity through exhibits on biology, paleontology, and archaeology. Free entry for all visitors.

Duration: About 2-3 hours.

Free. Special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.