Things to do in Leiden

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Top 10 attractions in Leiden

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2026 Global 50 - Spring Outings

Keukenhof

8.1

4.7/5

629 reviews

Keukenhof is located in Lisse, the Netherlands, and is a world-renowned spring garden. The park was formerly a 15th-century nobleman's kitchen garden. In 1857, it was redesigned in English style by the landscape architects father and son Zocher, and in 1949 it was jointly founded as a flower exhibition garden by Dutch bulb growers and opened to the public the following year. It is only open for about eight weeks each spring. Inside the park, dozens of gardeners hand-plant about seven million bulbs in the fall, including tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, lilies, and more. Among them are about 800 varieties of tulips, with flower shapes including cup-shaped, bowl-shaped, lily-flowered, and double-flowered, and colors ranging from pink-purple, bright yellow, and soft red to pure white. The flower beds are carefully arranged, with different bulbs planted in layers to ensure that flowers bloom throughout the entire opening period. The park features several indoor pavilions named after the Dutch royal family, with different floral themes rotating weekly. The park also includes distinctly styled gardens such as an English landscape garden, a natural garden, and a Japanese country garden. Landmark views include an old windmill built in 1892, from which visitors can climb up and look out over the surrounding flower fields; a walk-through garden maze; and a stepping-stone path across the lake. From the park's observation deck, visitors can also gaze out at the surrounding commercial flower fields, a spectacular sight. More than a hundred sculptures and works of art are scattered throughout the park, adding a cultural touch to the flower viewing. Families with children can head to the small petting farm and children's play area, so the kids have their own fun too.

Lisse · 12.8km from Leiden

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No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Netherlands

Mauritshuis Museum

8.3

4.8/5

253 reviews

The Mauritshuis Museum is located in the center of Hague, adjacent to the parliamentary complex. The building itself is worth seeing: this 17th-century mansion was originally the private residence of Count John Maurice of Nassau-Siegen, designed by architects Jacob van Campen and Pieter Post. Its symmetrical facade is considered one of the representative works of Dutch classical architecture. The restored "Golden Room" on the ground floor is renowned for its gilded decorations and allegorical ceiling paintings—don't forget to look up during your visit. The museum saves masterpieces such as Vermeer's "View of Delft" and "Girl with a Pearl Earring," Rembrandt's breakthrough work "The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp," as well as works by Rubens. The museum's collection provides an excellent showcase of the people, landscapes, customs, and daily life during the Dutch Golden Age. The museum houses approx. 200 permanent exhibits on display. Though small in scale, it can be comfortably explored in one to two hrs. Visitors typically enter and exit through the lobby of the new building across the street, accessing the old hall via a round-trip underground passage. For a quieter viewing experience of "Girl with a Pearl Earring," it is recommended to avoid peak hours.

Hague · 15.2km from Leiden

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No. 17 of Best Things to Do in Netherlands

Peace Palace

6

4.8/5

167 reviews

The Peace Palace is an iconic building primarily dedicated to international judicial and peace affairs, and serves as an important seat for the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration. The building blends Neo-Renaissance style with Gothic architectural elements. Constructed primarily of red brick, sandstone, and granite, the exterior features a towering clock tower, decorative gables, and intricate stone carvings, giving the facade a solemn and elegant appearance. The interior decoration incorporates artworks and building materials donated by various countries, including marble staircases, stained glass windows, tapestries, ceramic decorations, and exquisite woodwork, reflecting the cultural characteristics of different nations.

Scheveningen · 15.8km from Leiden

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2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Van Gogh Museum

10

4.8/5

2.1k reviews

The Van Gogh Museum is located on Museumplein in Amsterdam and is a national art museum centered on Van Gogh's works, holding more than 200 of his oil paintings, hundreds of drawings, and a large number of letters exchanged between him and his brother Theo, a collection that ranks among the foremost of its kind worldwide. The origin of this collection is itself a story: after Van Gogh's death in 1890, the paintings were kept by his brother Theo; Theo passed away shortly afterward, and his widow, Johanna van Gogh-Bonger, devoted her life to organizing and exhibiting these works, which had received little attention during Van Gogh's lifetime, ultimately bringing them together into this museum. The permanent exhibition lays out a clear viewing route in chronological order of creation: from the dark-toned "The Potato Eaters" of the Nuenen period in the Netherlands, to the numerous self-portraits of the Paris period, then to "The Yellow House," "The Bedroom," and "Sunflowers" of the Arles period, and finally to "Almond Blossom" and "Wheatfield with Crows" created in the last stage of his life in Saint-Rémy and Auvers-sur-Oise, making Van Gogh's creative trajectory over a brief ten years clear at a glance. In addition to his own works, the museum also displays paintings and sculptures by contemporary artists such as Monet, Gauguin, and Rodin, many of which were personally collected by Van Gogh and Theo at the time; in Gauguin's "The Painter of Sunflowers," the protagonist is none other than Van Gogh, the painter of sunflowers. The building itself is also worth a closer look: the main building was designed by the Dutch De Stijl architect Rietveld and opened in 1973, with exhibition galleries unfolding layer by layer around an open atrium; the oval wing designed by the Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa was completed in 1999 and is dedicated to large-scale temporary exhibitions; and the all-glass entrance building opened in 2015 connects the old and new wings into one. The museum is consistently popular, with dense crowds during peak hours, so if you plan to take a close look at the permanent collection, it is recommended to allow ample visiting time.

Amsterdam · 34.3km from Leiden

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2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Rijksmuseum

9.7

4.8/5

1.1k reviews

• A large collection of well-known art treasures, including masterpieces by many well-known masters • Retaining the architectural style of the 19th century, the brick-red walls are all decorated with images of Dutch history and art • The vaulted roof of the renovated museum atrium hall is made of glass, and the floor is paved with Portuguese stone floor tiles. Natural light penetrates the entire hall, which is spacious and bright. △ The building where the museum is located was planned and designed by the designer of Amsterdam Railway Station. It was opened to the public in 1885 and is one of the oldest museums in Europe. △ Go up the escalator and enter the viewing corridor. The corridor is composed of arched brick walls and large floor-to-ceiling windows. You can enjoy the panoramic view of the atrium hall. The library on the same floor as the corridor is not to be missed. The history of the library can be traced back to the 19th century. The spiral staircase is very unique and is also known as one of the ten libraries with beautiful scenery in the world.

Amsterdam · 34.7km from Leiden

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No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Hague

Escher in the Palace

5.5

4.3/5

37 reviews

Escher in the Palace is located in Hague, Netherlands, offering a unique artistic space dedicated to showcasing the works of Dutch artist M.C. Escher. Renowned for its intricate geometric patterns and optical illusions, his creations challenge viewers' perceptions and imagination. Housed in a historic palace, the museum's architecture itself adds a distinctive ambiance to the exhibitions. Escher in the Palace houses an extensive collection of Escher's works, including his renowned prints and woodcuts, showcasing his profound understanding of mathematics and art. Visitors can explore how Escher expressed concepts of infinity, symmetry, and space through his art. The museum not only displays his famous masterpieces but also provides in-depth background information about his creative process, offering audiences a deeper appreciation of his artistic vision. Additionally, Escher in the Palace features interactive exhibition areas that encourage visitors to personally experience the optical illusions and geometric wonders in Escher's works. Through these interactive installations, guests can more intuitively appreciate the fusion of art and mathematics. Escher in the Palace is not just a place to admire art, but also a space that sparks thinking and imagination, attracting art enthusiasts and curious visitors of all ages.

Hague · 15km from Leiden

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No. 15 of Family-friendly Attractions in Netherlands

Duinrell

4.2

5.0/5

1 reviews

Duinrell is a comprehensive family resort that combines a theme park, water park, and campsite. It is located between The Hague and Leiden, nestled in a beautiful natural setting of dunes and forests. The park's attractions cater to all age groups. It features thrilling rides for teenagers, such as roller coasters, pirate ships, and high-altitude swings, designed with both fun and safety in mind. There are also gentle play areas for children, equipped with carousels, mini trains, and fairy-tale castles, catering to family-friendly interaction needs. A core highlight is the large water park area, which features various water attractions such as wave pools, water slides, and a lazy river. It is a popular choice for cooling off and relaxing when open in the summer, and some slides are designed to integrate with the dune terrain, adding to the fun of the experience.

Wassenaar · 7.7km from Leiden

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2026 Europe 50 - Family-friendly Attractions

Madurodam

5

4.3/5

80 reviews

Madurodam condenses the Netherlands into a tiny city. It has a real lighthouse, two huge dikes, and the Madurodam Lilliput of wavy buildings beckons and welcomes you. Famous Dutch landscapes such as the Cheese Market in Akma, the Peace Palace, the Royal Palace at Dam Square, and the houses along Amsterdam and the Delft Canal can all be seen in Lilliput. On the 4.5-kilometer-long railway, trains travel in all directions, windmills spin vigorously, and flat-bottomed boats shuttle back and forth on the canal. All replicas are built on a 25:1 scale to mimic the real thing and displayed in beautiful gardens. Indoor activities include the sand sculpture performance of "Sand World", which shows the history of the Netherlands and the sea. In winter, when the sunshine weakens, more than 50,000 street lamps will light up on the streets of Lilliput, turning it into a dreamy fairy tale country.

Scheveningen · 15km from Leiden

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No. 20 of Family-friendly Attractions in Netherlands

Vakantiepark Duinrell

4

Vakantiepark Duinrell, located in Wassenaar, South Holland, is a comprehensive resort that blends natural scenery, entertainment facilities, and leisure activities. Nestled near the beautiful Dutch coast, surrounded by lush forests and nature reserves, the resort offers a comfortable vacation environment. Vakantiepark Duinrell is renowned for its abundant family-friendly entertainment, making it especially suitable for families with children. The resort features a large water park, Tiki Pool, with various thrilling water slides, pools, and relaxation areas suitable for guests of all ages. In addition, the resort offers a variety of amusement rides, including roller coasters and carousels, providing endless fun and excitement.

Wassenaar · 7.6km from Leiden

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2026 Europe 50 - Night Attractions

Royal Palace Amsterdam

8.5

4.7/5

385 reviews

• The magnificently decorated royal palace opens 17 halls, rooms, and galleries to the public, and its exquisite interior is truly breathtaking • Retained approximately 2,000 pieces of royal furniture, including sofas, tapestries, and chandeliers, as well as hanging paintings with symbolic meanings • After touring the palace, you can also stroll around the square in front of it, feed the pigeons, or watch street performers to savor the European charm. △ Royal Palace Amsterdam is one of the three royal palaces in the Netherlands. Originally a city hall and courthouse, it served as the political and economic center of the city, as well as an important square for the whole city and a favorite creative subject for painters. To this day it remains full of vitality. The main highlights here are its architectural structure and the magnificent decorations inside the palace. △ Visiting this classical and solemn royal palace allows you to deeply feel the prosperity and flourishing of Amsterdam during the "Golden Age." The entire building was designed by the Dutch architect Jacob van Campen, cleverly supported by 13,569 wooden piles holding up this magnificent structure.

Amsterdam · 36km from Leiden

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Experiences you can't miss in Leiden

Featured Day tours in Leiden

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Leiden: Historical and Fun City Tour in German, English or Dutch

5.0/5

· 20 reviews

Duration: 2 hrs

Free cancellation

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FromNZD 48.03

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Leiden: Pilgrims Walking Tour

Duration: 2 hrs

Free cancellation

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FromNZD 50.04

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Leiden: Cruise through the Historic City Center with a Guide

4.6/5

· 39 reviews

Duration: 50 mins

Free cancellation

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22 consecutive positive reviews

FromNZD 27.02

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The Most Beautiful Guided City Walk in Leiden

4.8/5

· 13 reviews

Duration: 2 hrs

Free cancellation

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FromNZD 48.03

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Discover Leiden: Secrets of the Golden Age, History & Beauty

4.7/5

· 3 reviews

Duration: 1.5 hrs

Free cancellation

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FromNZD 10.01

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Discover Leiden with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!

Duration: 1–2 hrs

Free cancellation

FromNZD 55.85

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Leiden: Historic Canal Cruise with an amazing guide

4.7/5

· 292 reviews

Duration: 1 hr

Free cancellation

94.9% of travelers recommend

FromNZD 25.02

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Canal Cruise Leiden

Duration: 1 hr

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FromNZD 27.02

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Featured Outdoor & sports in Leiden

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Small group full day island tour to Texel from Amsterdam

Duration: 10 hrs

Free cancellation

FromNZD 500.31

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Amsterdam: Countryside Bike Tour and Zaanse Schans Windmills

5.0/5

· 2 reviews

Duration: 5 hrs

Free cancellation

FromNZD 108.07

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Amsterdam: Cheese Tasting, Windmill & Countryside Bike Tour

4.8/5

· 51 reviews

Duration: 3 hrs

Free cancellation

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29 consecutive positive reviews

FromNZD 66.71

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Amsterdam: Leisurely Windmill & Countryside Bike Ride

5.0/5

· 8 reviews

Duration: 3.5 hrs

Free cancellation

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FromNZD 87.06

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Amsterdam: Waterland District Countryside Villages Bike Tour

5.0/5

· 2 reviews

Duration: 3.5 hrs

Free cancellation

FromNZD 90.06

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Haarlem & Zandvoort: Full-Day Bus Ticket from Amsterdam + Audio Guide App

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FromNZD 34.03

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Amsterdam: Guided Land Rover Tulip Tour

Duration: 150 mins

Free cancellation

FromNZD 190.12

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Featured Nature & wildlife in Leiden

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Otterlo: De Hoge Veluwe National Park Entry Ticket

4.3/5

· 8 reviews

English

Free cancellation

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FromNZD 27.72

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De Hoge Veluwe National Park

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FromNZD 27.72

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Keukenhof: Entry + Roundtrip Bus Transfer from Amsterdam Central Station

FromNZD 70.05

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Hilvarenbeek: Safaripark Beekse Bergen Entry Ticket

4.7/5

· 71 reviews

Free cancellation

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94.4% of travelers recommend

FromNZD 59.04

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Keukenhof & Zaanse Schans: Guided Tour from Amsterdam

Duration: 9 hrs

Free cancellation

FromNZD 179.11

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Admission ticket for Artis Royal Zoo and Micropia

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FromNZD 55.04

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Werkendam: Boat Cruise and Biesbosch Museum Entry Ticket

4.5/5

· 138 reviews

Duration: 75 mins

Free cancellation

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92.8% of travelers recommend

FromNZD 47.03

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Amsterdam: Keukenhof Gardens Guided Tour in Spanish and English

Duration: 5 hrs

Free cancellation

FromNZD 118.00

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Leiden Today's weatherMostly clear 2-10℃

Leiden weather for the next 2 days11/6: 1-9℃, 11/7: 6-8℃

Free things to do in Leiden

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What travellers say about Leiden

Mohamed khaliel3 November 2026

5.0

Keukenhof is a little piece of heaven in the Netherlands, where millions of colorful tulips turn the landscape into a living masterpiece. 🇳🇱🌷❤️ Walking among endless flowers, surrounded by vibrant colors and the fresh spring breeze, feels like stepping into a beautiful dream. ✨ I love how places like this remind me to slow down, appreciate nature, and find happiness in the simplest moments. Keukenhof is a memory I would treasure forever

Keukenhof

luana5 August 2026

5.0

I traveled to a city specifically for a painting. I went to The Hague just to see the masterpiece, "Girl with a Pearl Earring," in person. Compared to large museums, I personally prefer this art gallery; it's small, exquisite, and fulfilling, leaving a deep and unforgettable impression.

Mauritshuis Museum

非你不渴12 July 2021

5.0

The wishing tree at the entrance of the Peace Palace has a Japanese style and is very close to the concept of the International Court of Justice. It is a relatively political attraction. Perhaps only people of a certain age like me will come here.

Peace Palace

Fi Wong3 November 2026

5.0

Very amazing experience. Many master pieces of van Goho on three floors and two pieces for Monet

Van Gogh Museum

Tomo智🐬南宫亦月2 November 2026

5.0

A must-visit place when you come to the Netherlands, this is the museum with the most works by Van Gogh. Of course, the exhibits in the Rijksmuseum also show that the Netherlands is a very wealthy country.

Rijksmuseum

Anonymous user9 March 2026

4.0

It's a relatively unknown museum, but well worth a visit. Located in a royal palace next to the embassy district in the center of The Hague, the exhibitions are definitely worth seeing. Furthermore, the prints by artist Escher consistently revolve around the themes of eternity and infinity, which are of great mathematical research value and highly recommended.

Escher in the Palace

_GG***7524 November 2023

5.0

Great swimming pool and lovely Theme park

Duinrell

Mr Malek Ahmad4 March 2025

5.0

My time at Morarodum in The Hague with my mum was unforgettable. The cozy, charming accommodations offered a peaceful retreat, complete with thoughtful touches like fresh flowers and a lovely garden view. Located in a quiet yet convenient area, it was the perfect base for exploring The Hague. We visited the Peace Palace, enjoyed Scheveningen Beach, and admired masterpieces at the Mauritshuis Museum. Sharing stroopwafels and laughter with my mum made every moment special. The staff’s warm hospitality stood out—they provided excellent local tips, enhancing our experience. Morarodum was a serene and welcoming haven, blending relaxation with cultural discovery. It was a trip filled with joy, bonding, and beautiful memories. I’d highly recommend it for a heartfelt getaway.

Madurodam

_TI***hq26 July 2026

5.0

The place is beautiful and the whole experience with audio book is amazing. It usually takes around 1 hour and 30 min to see the palace thoroughly. The staff was amazing and the place was tidy and really capturing

Royal Palace Amsterdam

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Trip Moments in Leiden

The Crowd Lane: Keukenhof's Tulip-Grid Exit

“#travellikealocal Escaping Keukenhof’s Busiest Hour Keukenhof is breathtaking, but mid-morning can feel overwhelming.”

@oo00m · travellikealocal · 9 hours ago

Leiden's Marepoortsbrug, the 6 a.m. Bicycle Tide and the Canal That Sleeps Late

“Leiden's a student city built on a web of canals, and the Marepoortsbrug is where the old drawbridge still lifts for the morning boat traffic — if you're there before the bikes, you get the bridge to yourself and the water before it remembers the day.”

@vvyy66 · travellikealocal · 3 days ago

Solo on the Canals of Leiden's Morspoort: the Naval-Stair Lane, the Herring Cart and the Bell That M

“#travelsafetytips Leiden’s Morspoort is the old sea gate at the edge of the city, and it marks the beginning of the canal system that once connected the town to the North Sea.”

@jjii88 · travelsafetytips · 6 days ago

Solo on the Canals of Leiden's Windmill Row: the Molen de Valk Path, the Grindstone Shadow and the Q

“#travelsafetytips Leiden is a university town built around a lattice of canals, and the windmill row is where the city explains its old wealth.”

@jjii88 · travelsafetytips · 6 days ago

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Popular cities near Leiden

Zaandam

Amsterdam

Utrecht

Heidelberg

Cologne

Brussels

Hague

Rotterdam

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Leiden?

Don't miss these attractions in Leiden: Keukenhof, Mauritshuis Museum, and Peace Palace. If you like Day tours, try Leiden: Historical and Fun City Tour in German, English or Dutch. If you enjoy Outdoor & sports, try Small group full day island tour to Texel from Amsterdam.

What are the recommended tours and excursions in Leiden?

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Leiden: Historical and Fun City Tour in German, English or Dutch, Leiden: Pilgrims Walking Tour, and Leiden: Cruise through the Historic City Center with a Guide. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

What's the typical cost of day tours and activities in Leiden?

As of 6 November 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Leiden is around NZD 10.01 – NZD 55.85. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

How can I contact Trip.com customer support?

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Can I change or cancel my booking?

Change and cancellation policies vary by attractions and tours. Please check the product details page for more information.

How can I get discounted prices?

Ticket prices may vary between weekdays and weekends, as well as during peak and off-peak seasons. When booking with Trip.com, you can also use Trip Coins to get extra savings. For more tips on booking discounted tickets, please visit Trip.com for the latest information.

Things to do in Leiden

Explore top experiences

Top 10 attractions in Leiden

Keukenhof

Mauritshuis Museum

Peace Palace

Van Gogh Museum

Rijksmuseum

Escher in the Palace

Duinrell

Madurodam

Vakantiepark Duinrell

Royal Palace Amsterdam

Experiences you can't miss in Leiden

Featured Day tours in Leiden

Featured Outdoor & sports in Leiden

Featured Nature & wildlife in Leiden

Free things to do in Leiden

International Criminal Court

Het Plein

Scheveningen strand

Canals of Amsterdam

What travellers say about Leiden

Keukenhof

Mauritshuis Museum

Peace Palace

Van Gogh Museum

Rijksmuseum

Escher in the Palace

Duinrell

Madurodam

Royal Palace Amsterdam

Trip Moments in Leiden

The Crowd Lane: Keukenhof's Tulip-Grid Exit

Leiden's Marepoortsbrug, the 6 a.m. Bicycle Tide and the Canal That Sleeps Late

Solo on the Canals of Leiden's Morspoort: the Naval-Stair Lane, the Herring Cart and the Bell That M

Solo on the Canals of Leiden's Windmill Row: the Molen de Valk Path, the Grindstone Shadow and the Q

Popular cities near Leiden

Zaandam

Amsterdam

Utrecht

Heidelberg

Cologne

Brussels

Hague

Rotterdam

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Leiden?

What are the recommended tours and excursions in Leiden?

What's the typical cost of day tours and activities in Leiden?

How can I contact Trip.com customer support?

Can I change or cancel my booking?

How can I get discounted prices?