Find out what makes the Leiden region so special
City of Science
When you stroll through Leiden's historic streets, you can imagine yourself being taken back to the 17th century. Home to the famous artist Rembrandt van Rijn, the American Pilgrims, Dutch royalty, and many renowned scientists, Leiden is also known as the "City of Science". For a taste of life outside the city, the nearby beach town of Katwijk, the flower fields, and the classic Dutch polder landscape are all within biking distance. Leiden is fantastic when experienced from the water, so hire a boat or book a canal tour.
Leiden Tourist Office
Local Municipalities
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Leiden
Discover LeidenLeiden is a vibrant city with plenty to explore, including hidden courtyards, boutiques and award-winning national museums. The 28km of canals can be enjoyed by boat, or from one of the many water-side restaurants. With Leiden University, the Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden Bio Science Park and many international businesses based here, it's no surprise that the Leiden region is popular with internationals, who make up 12% of the city's population!
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Leiderdorp
Discover LeiderdorpLeiderdorp is located in the middle of the Randstad, between town and countryside, and provides a pleasant living environment to its 27,000 inhabitants. The village offers a broad range of services, opportunities for recreation and relaxation, an extensive selection of shops and a thriving business life, making Leiderdorp both a wonderful destination for a visit and a great place to live.
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Voorschoten
Discover VoorschotenVoorschoten has a rich history, which becomes evident when you are in the town. Strolling around the city you can find historic buildings, centuries-old linden trees, and an adjacent shopping street. Do not foget to visit one of the many cosy cafés and restaurants to better experience the atmosphere of the picturesque Voorstraat.
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Zoeterwoude
Discover ZoeterwoudeZoeterwoude is a municipality which offers a unique view of the typical Dutch 'polder', with the flat, lush pastures and their extensive waterworks. Scout around the area on bike, on foot, or in a canoe to experience the Dutch nature. Visit a farm where the age-old craft of cheese-making is still carried out, or enjoy the rural landscape with its monumental farms, its mills, and the characteristic silhouette of distant church steeples.
Region of Surprises
From beaches, sea and dunes to colourful flower fields, a historic city and picturesque villages. Zuid-Holland is home to the Region of Surprises, which covers the municipalities of Leiden, Voorschoten, Oestgeest, Katwijk, Wassenaar and Warmond.
Discover the Region of Surprises
International and Connected
While many internationals choose to live in Leiden, the surrounding municipalities of Leiderdorp, Voorschoten and Zoeterwoude are also very popular with expats. There are several international schools and social groups nearby that cater to both families and individuals. Leiden International Centre offers free information and support to all internationals living in the area.
In the city itself, biking is an easy and safe way to travel. Whether for day trips or a regular commute, travelling to and from Leiden is simple. Leiden Centraal station has frequent connections to Amsterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, Rotterdam, and Schiphol Airport.
Explore living in Leiden
Interested in Leiden? - Find out more about the business climate in the region
The Leiden Bio Science Park is one of the largest and most successful in Europe – and it's still growing.
Invest & innovate in greater South Holland.
Key Region Leiden brings together municipalities, educational institutes and the innovative ecosystems in the Leiden region: Leiden Bio Science Park, Unmanned Valley and NL Space Campus.
