The gables, streets, alleyways and almshouse courtyards; each tell their own story. From lakes and polders to dunes, sandy beaches and old country houses, there is so much that the Leiden region has to offer.
Follow the Science Route around the city centre and LBSP to learn more about the world-famous discoveries and ground-breaking research which have taken place in Leiden!
This walk around the outskirts of the historic city centre gives a surprising perspective of a city slowly wresting itself free of the confines of the city walls.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, more than twenty country estates were founded in Voorschoten. The walking route leads past five of the still existing country houses, which lie as green oases of peace between the residential buildings.
This route takes you through the beautiful municipality of Leiderdorp, allowing you to explore the historic town which itself is situated alongside the Old Rhine river.
Discover the world in Leiden-Learn about the city of Leiden, the languages and cultures that have been studied here for ages, and the important footprints of the past in the Leiden City World Walks
In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, Leiden saw a large influx of refugees. Among these migrants were French protestants who left their places of origin as well as inhabitants of the Southern Low Countries. This tour takes you along various places in Leiden that are related to migrants who were of importance to the city.
During this walk you will become acquainted with events, persons and buildings from Leiden’s history with Africa. From the Lakenhal, where textile that the Dutch used as a medium of exchange for slaves from West Africa was inspected, to the awarding of an honorary doctorate to Nelson Mandela.
From 1900 onwards, more and more Indonesian students came to the Netherlands to study in Leiden. Several of these students also played a role in their country’s nationalist movement and the building of an independent Indonesia. Learn all about them during this City World Walk.
The Middle East has been studied at Leiden University for over four hundred years. The connection between Leiden and the Middle East is visible throughout city, but of course you have to know where to look in order to recognize it…
When you walk, cycle or drive through the streets of Leiden, it´s hard to overlook them: over a hundred wall poems that adorn the Leiden walls. We take you through the city along these poems and tell the stories of the people around them.