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.
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Science Route
Science Route
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!
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Singelpark
Singelpark
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.
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Wall Poems
Wall Poems
Over 120 poems van be found on the walls of Leiden, in a wide range of langauges and scripts. Discover them here.
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Country Estates in Voorschoten
Country Estates in Voorschoten
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.
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Along the Old Rhine
Along the Old Rhine
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.
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Leiden Canal Loop
Leiden Canal Loop
This 6.6-km loop trail is generally considered an easy route and passes beside the lovely canals of Leiden which were built in 1861 as defence construction. Dogs are allowed, however they need to be kept leashed.
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Leiden Courtyards
Leiden Courtyards
The Leiden Courtyards route is a lovely urban walk that allows you to explore Leiden’s minimum amount of 35 courtyards, which are all located in Leiden’s historic city centre. The route also includes one of the main attractions which is the castle! Last but not least, this route brings you to the birthplace of Rembrandt where he started his drawing and painting.
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Cronesteyn Park
Cronesteyn Park
This 11 km walk through the countryside of Zoeterwoude is perfect for people who are looking for some peace and quiet.
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Butter, Cheese and Eggs
Butter, Cheese and Eggs
Taste and experience the farmland. Stroll through the characteristic peat meadow area, past monumental buildings and farm shops and collect regional products in the meantime. Such as delicious, fresh dairy products or farm cheese. Perfect for a farmer's picnic on the way or to enjoy at home.
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
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Traces of Migration
Traces of Migration
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.
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Traces of Africa
Traces of Africa
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.
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Traces of Italy
Traces of Italy
From Dante to Galileo, from gelato to the Giro d’Italia: how many things can a city in South-Holland and Italy have in common? Discover the Italian influences that enrich this city, with this Leiden City World Walk. Let yourself be taken along the most remarkable spots that reveal a unique connection to the Bel Paese.
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Traces of Indonesia
Traces of Indonesia
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.
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Traces of the Middle East
Traces of the Middle East
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…
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Traces of Poetry
Traces of Poetry
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.
City Walks
Discovering Leiden has been made even easier by purchasing a self-guided tour with one of the walking routes you can buy from the VVV Leiden Tourist Information Office, or with a professional city guide compiled by Visit Leiden. From the Rembrandt route to scenic views in the Courtyards of Leiden; there is something for everyone.
Detailed information on Visit Leiden's page
