Hidden Treasures Bring Connections
Welcome to Ruth's Corner, a monthly column curated by our helpdesk professional Ruth to share with you her experience and expertise! This month it's all about connecting to your new city.
After to moving to Leiden, one of the things I missed most was a feeling of connection to the city around me. Like many internationals, my first weeks were focused on the practicalities such as registration, housing and learning how everyday life worked. Once those essentials were sorted, I began exploring. What I uncovered was that Leiden is a city full of history, stories and unexpected surprises. More importantly, those discoveries helped me build a connection with my new home.
During my wanderings, I came across a few hidden treasures that made Leiden feel a little more familiar, and I'd love to share them with you in the hope that they will inspire you to venture out and create some memorable experiences of your own.
Hidden Courtyards (Hofjes)
If you haven't stumbled across Leiden's hidden courtyards yet, I highly recommend them. One of the things I love is how you can be standing on a busy street, surrounded by noise and activity, and then step through an unassuming doorway into complete peace and quiet. For me, it felt like I found a secret side to the city.
Every hofje has its own character. They all feature charming houses and beautifully maintained communal gardens, but each has something unique to offer. Many Dutch cities have hofjes, but I love that Leiden has so many of them. In total, there are 35 waiting to be located.
One that particularly stands out is St Anna's Aalmoeshuisje on Middelstegracht. It is one of the oldest hofjes in Leiden and the only one with its own chapel. I visited with my Dutch language group and was fortunate enough to take a tour of the chapel. Although small, it was full of history and left a lasting impression on me.
Tip: Why not see if you can find some of Leiden's hidden doorways and explore what lies behind them? A guidebook to Leiden's hofjes is available from the Tourist Information Centre for €3.50.
The six stone suitcases
Another of my many memorable sights were Leiden's six stone suitcases, scattered throughout the city. I first learned about these stone suitcases during a boat tour of Leiden, and it inspired me to explore the story behind each one. These sculptures commemorate Leiden's Jewish residents who were murdered during the Second World War.
These memorials and the stories behind them reminded me that getting to know a city isn't only about finding beautiful places. It's also about understanding the people and events that have shaped it. In doing so, I felt a deeper connection to Leiden and its history.
The Singel Park walk
About three years ago, I stumbled upon the Singelpark walk, and it has remained one of my favourite ways to explore Leiden ever since.
The route takes you through the city's beautiful historic centre, passing monuments, parks, museums and waterways. What I enjoy most is that you can walk it at your own pace, stopping whenever something catches your interest or you need a rest.
A highlight of the route for me is the section that passes through the Plantsoen Park. It's a lovely spot, with a bird aviary, beautiful scenery, and some impressive old trees. On a sunny day, it's also the perfect place to stop for a picnic.
Make Your Own Discoveries
Why am I encouraging you to find your own special places in the city?
Because exploring your surroundings can help transform an unfamiliar city into somewhere that feels a little more like home. When you first arrive, it's easy to focus on paperwork, practicalities, and adjusting to everyday life. Those things are important, but so is building a connection with the place where you live.
For me, that connection came through wandering Leiden's streets, stumbling across hidden courtyards, learning about the stories behind its monuments, and spending time in its parks and green spaces.
Leiden has so much to offer beyond the places you'll find in a guidebook. Whether it's a hidden doorway, a piece of local history, a welcoming café, or a quiet spot beside the canal, having places that feel meaningful to you can help turn a new city into your city.
I hope you'll be pleasantly surprised by what you uncover and that, before long, Leiden becomes part of your own story too.