The university city of Leiden is one of the oldest and prettiest in the Netherlands. With its charming canals and bustling streets filled with the laughter of students, it’s the perfect place for your next weekend destination.

Leiden is one of the largest cities in the region of South Holland and has around 120,000 inhabitants. Located on a branch of the Rhine River delta known as the “Oude Rijn” or Old Rhine, Leiden is also known as the place where the Pilgrims (as well as some of the first settlers of New Amsterdam) lived and operated a printing press in the early 17th century before their departure to Massachusetts and New Amsterdam.

Famous for its cloth and textile industry in the 16th and early 17th centuries, Leiden is also a city with a rich cultural heritage in the arts. One of the world’s most famous painters, Rembrandt, was born and educated here. Read on to find out my favourite places to visit.

Best Places to Visit in Leiden:

Start off by walking through the historic centre and take in the beautiful old buildings of the University of Leiden which are scattered throughout the town. Dating back to 1575, the university is one Europe’s oldest, as well as one its most prominent scientific centres for more than four centuries. It consistently ranks among the top 100 universities in the world.

Whilst walking around, stop over at the university’s old lecture hall known as “de Sitter Room” for a chance to wash your hands in the Einstein Sink. If the room is not in use, you might be allowed to visit the place where the genius lectured.

Fun fact: did you know that the University of Leiden has no less than 13 Nobel Prize winners?

Continue on to the historical botanical gardens, Hortus Botanicus, which are right next to the university. Not only are they the oldest botanical gardens in the Netherlands, they are amongst the oldest botanical gardens in the world, seeing as they were laid out in 1590. More than 10,000 botanical species can be found here, including from distant corners of the world. Make sure to also visit the Winter Garden with its collection of cycads and carnivorous plants, as well as the impressive Japanese Garden. English-language guided tours are also available with advance notice.

Check out the Molen de Valk Windmill Museum. Leiden’s Windmill Museum can be found in an old stone flour mill which was built in 1743. Literally translated as “the Falcon,” this magnificent example of the Dutch windmill stands on high ground that originally formed a part of the town’s fortifications. The museum was restored in 1964 and highlights include  exhibits relating to the building’s history, the story of milling, authentic living quarters from this period, along with numerous tools and artefacts.

Visit the Burcht van Leiden, the city’s old castle and one of its most visited landmarks. This 11th century fort, also known as the Fort of Leiden, was abandoned due to the city’s expansion and was instead made into a public park in the 1600’s. You can walk along the length of the battlements, from where you get magnificent panoramic views of the entire city.

Make time to just stroll through the tiny streets and winding canals, as this is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Leiden. Like many cities in the Netherlands, Leiden also boasts an impressive waterway system. Particularly pleasing parts of the canals can be found near the Van der Werfpark, the Botanical gardens, Ankerpark and the De Rijn waterway.

Best Places to Have a Drink in Leiden:

One of the best spots to have a drink in Leiden is De Bonte Koe. Originally planned as a butchery, it is now one of the trendiest places to have a drink in Leiden. This 19th century building with tiled walls is quite a rarity to come across in the Netherlands. Try one of their independently sourced beers or why not indulge in their bitterballen, the Dutch version of meatballs? Delightful!

Another amazing place to check out during the spring or summer is The Roof café and garden. This rooftop café offers one of the best views over Leiden and is an initiative of PLNT, an inner-city innovative test location and showcase for start-ups and companies. At the same time, it is also a place for urban farming with chickens and bees. Need more convincing?

Best Places to Eat in Leiden:

Wondering where to eat in Leiden? Look no further than the Vlot Grand Café. With an amazing view of the water and with a varied breakfast, lunch and “to-share” menu, this is a place to sit and watch the world (or boats!) go by. Especially delightful if the weather is good, as you can almost touch the water when you are sitting.

If you can get a table and are not vegetarian or vegan, check out Just Meet. This upscale, trendy restaurant must be booked well in advance in order to avoid disappointment, but one can understand why, as their steak and wine selection is more than impressive. Enjoy!

Best Places to Sleep in Leiden:

Looking for a good night’s sleep? Then check into the Huys van Leyden. This 4-star boutique hotel is one of the smallest hotels in the Netherlands. Centrally located in the old historic centre, prepare to be spoilt.

Another quaint boutique hotel in the heart of the old Pieters district, is the ExLibris Boutique Hotel. This luxurious hotel is located in two buildings and boasts 8 classically-decorated double rooms. With numerous sights just around the corner, you will not go wrong by staying here.