Leiden, the charming university town of Netherlands had been so close yet so far for the two of us all these years. Hence during our fourth visit to this beautiful country recently, we decided we wouldn’t miss the charm this time. Just half an hour train ride from Amsterdam, it’s the perfect destination to spend a few days without the crowd. Come check out how we spent our one day in Leiden. And a night as well to go along adding more fun to our trip.

The walk to our hotel

We reached Leiden Central station early from Eindhoven, where we were holidaying, to make the most of our day. And we hoped our room would be available and ready to check in. The hotel was in the heart of the city center and about a ten-minute leisurely walk from the station.

The walk was enjoyable as both of us travel light. And the best part was we did get our room early in the hotel which added to the happiness. The receptionist greeted us warmly and confirmed the early check-in. All was smooth as we looked forward to a comfortable stay after our city stroll.

A bit about Leiden

Leiden has been one of Europe’s most prominent scientific centers since 1575. Also a historic city famous as an early medieval stronghold and a center of the European textile trade. It’s also the birthplace of painter Rembrandt van Rijn, one of our favorite Dutch artists.

As we walked to our hotel by the same name, it reminded us of our visit to Rembrandt House Museum in Amsterdam a couple of years back as guests of the museum.

University buildings are scattered throughout the city and the many students from all over the world give it a bustling, vibrant and international atmosphere.

City Hotel Rembrandt

The name of this boutique hotel first and then the fabulous location had made us decide we would be staying right here in City Hotel Rembrandt. The cozy feel once we reached there including our cute room made us more than comfortable. And all landmarks, the canals, the museums and hundreds of shops and restaurants all within walking distance to explore the city at your own pace.

The Neighborhood

Things to do in One Day

1. Visit the ‘D Valk Mollen Windmill Museum during daytime

Molen De Valk is an iconic, fully operational 1743 tower mill and museum standing at 29 meters high with seven distinct levels. It is the last remaining original windmill of the nineteen that once stood along Leiden’s historic city walls. Today, it functions both as a working mill that grinds grain and as a comprehensive municipal museum offering visitors an immersive look into traditional Dutch industrial heritage. Ticket price is for Adults (Ages 16+): €6.00, Children (Ages 6–15): €3.00

2. Walk to Burcht van Leiden

The Castle of Leiden is one of the oldest surviving castle in the Netherlands. The castle stands on a motte, an artificial hill, and was part of a so-called motte castle.

The history of the Castle began in the 9th and 10th centuries, when a palisade-enclosed refuge was constructed on this site the “Leitheriburch”. Here, people and livestock could seek protection from danger. Around the year 1000, a wooden building already stood there, and in the centuries that followed, the hill was further raised to approximately 10 meters above its surroundings.

Under Count Dirk VI, the wooden fence was replaced by a ring wall of tufa stone. The location was strategically chosen: precisely where the Rhine, Mare, and Vliet meet. the large building dominating the background skyline is the Hooglandse Kerk, a 15th-century Gothic church.

3. Visit the Hoolandse Kerk

The Hooglandse Kerk is a Gothic church in Leiden. Its earliest parts date back to the last quarter of the 14th century. Most of the current structure dates from the 15th century. The brick church was dedicated to St. Pancras and today serves parishioners of the Protestant Church in the Netherlands.

4. Head to St. Peter’s Church

St. Peter’s Church is the oldest parish church of Leiden, consecrated in 1121 as a chapel of the count’s court. It was later developed to its current form between 1390 and 1565. The 70-meter-high tower collapsed in 1512. The church is maintained by a foundation. The parents of Rembrandt van Rijn, the predecessor of the Pilgrims, John Robinson, and many prominent scholars were buried here.

5. Take a Canal City Boat Tour

A canal boat city tour with Rederij Rembrandt is the perfect way to experience this university city with a heritage. The 50 mins tour is refreshing be it in the morning or afternoon. The price is €13.00 for adults, €7.50 for aged 4-12 & €3.00 for aged 0-3.

6. Walk along the canals and explore Leiden

7. Check out other landmarks, shopping & food options as you walk

Stadhuisplein, Leden City Hall

Catholic Hartebrug Church

Setting out for Dinner

Our hotel was located on 10, Nieuwe Beestenmarkt. It is just a two mins walk away from Steenstraat, the canal square from where we had taken the boat ride in the afternoon. At the square you will be spoilt for choice for sure as there are an amazing range of options to choose from and settle down for your favorite drinks & cuisine. In October and beyond during the winter months the restaurants close by 8 PM so try and be early.

We settled for Chicken Way for some fried and grilled chicken, burgers, sandwich and patat, as they call potato fries in Netherlands. And some cool drinks.

You must be wondering is that all that you can do in Leiden. No there is something left in our bucket list for our next visit, being a Rembrandt admirer.

The Rembrandt Route is a unique walking tour that joins together all the city’s historic Rembrandt locations. His birthplace, the latin school which he attended from the age of seven and the studio of his mentor Jacob van Swanenburg. You can buy online tickets from Visit Leiden for €6.95 on VVV Leiden Webshop for this tour and many other routes that may be of interest to you.

Leiden. Gabled houses, cobbled alleys, canals, flower draped boats, bicycles and centuries old streets that still buzz with student life. The charm here is different.

If you loved traveling to Leiden with us, PIN it for later and forward to friends who love to travel!