THE NETHERLANDS · DESTINATION
The Dutch classics.
The 15 most popular leiden tours in the Netherlands. What each one is really like, who runs it, and what it costs.
See Leiden’s City Hall, Hortus Botanicus, and canal houses on a 1-hour guided cruise under 88 bridges for $15.
“Great guide explained the history and some of the stories about Leiden.”
50-minute electric canal cruise in Leiden from Blauwpoortsbrug with live Dutch/English stories, key sights, and covered comfort in bad weather.
“Great guide but we had a little trouble hearing toward the from of the boat. He had to deliver information in Dutch, German and English (which he navigated admirably) so we felt we would have received much more information if it was only delivered in English.”
Rent a private electric boat in Leiden and captain your own 2-hour canal cruise, no license needed, with easy controls for groups up to 8.
“Amazing! Absolute best way to see the city and enjoy a nice day.”
Step into Leiden’s 1590 Hortus botanicus for $14. See tulip origins, Japanese gardens, orchids, carnivorous plants, and old trees.
2-hour Leiden city tour with canals, Rembrandt, Einstein, refugees, and tulip history in German, English, or Dutch.
“leuke tour, Gert-Jan nam alle tijd voor ons en kan levendig over Leiden vertellen.”
Leiden walking tour with a live guide, classic gates and churches, views of Molen de Put, and entrance to Young Rembrandt’s studio.
“PJ did a great job making the history of Leiden come to life. Friendly, easy to ask him questions. I would definitely recommend.”
A smartphone-led e-Scavenger hunt through Leiden at your own pace, turning famous sights, canals, and museums into a point-scoring game.
“Een gezellige stadswandeling, waarbij je leuke informatie over de geschiedenis van Leiden krijgt! Het was een duidelijke app en doordat je punten kreeg, werd het ook een competitie. Een aanrader!”
Solve Leiden’s landmarks with a self-guided Outside Escape game. Riddles, Rembrandt spots, and a free-entry route for up to 6.
“This was our second Outside Escape, and it didn't disappoint. The puzzles are challenging without being frustrating, and the route is full of interesting places and fascintating historical facts. This is a great way to discover parts of the city. I would recommend taking the detour to the citadel as it has some great views.”
Solve puzzles on a self-guided walk through Leiden’s historic core, from a 1743 windmill to the Koornbrug bridge.
“The route was nice and indeed took 1 to 2 hours. Some answers/puzzles were either wrong or needed more info (like with the weights or pigeons).”
Leiden Secret Stories walking tour with local guide Suha: 17+ stops in 2 hours from Central Station to Beestenmarkt. Small group.
“Such a fun and informative tour! We took a 30 min train from Amsterdam and it was Easy to meet up at the Leiden train station. Guide is super pleasant and passionate about all the cool and unique places in Leiden. I would highly recommend this to anyone visiting Leiden.”
Leiden’s Merenwijk polder walk shows old windmills pumping water to reclaim land, strolls the De Zijl River, and ends at a lakeside farm.
“I got my tour in Netherlands arranged by Punartha of "Holiday in Holland " and he accompanied us ina Nature walk.That was cool and his brought tea and biscuits cor us to have half way. He was very much customer oriented and caring. 🙏”
Make a genuine leather tote in Leiden with step-by-step help from Emma in her cozy 19th-century workshop, plus vegan leather options.
“Emma thanks so much you made our experience fantastic you welcomed us into your home and never lost patience with my lack of sewing expertise!!! Your knowledge and expertise was awesome ( the coffee chocolates weren't bad either.) For a 2 hr experience we were around 4 hours and loved every second and never once…”
A 90-minute Rembrandt-themed quest in Leiden with GPS navigation and 10 puzzles. Walk canals, gates, schools, and studios.
“We played this escape game in the city center of Leiden and it was such a great experience! The game took us past both well-known and hidden spots, which made it extra fun. The puzzles were enjoyable and manageable, and the storyline was cleverly designed. It’s the perfect activity to enjoy the outdoors, get moving,…”
A 1-hour windmill-themed cruise from Warmond on the Kagerplassen, with Wi-Fi and restrooms on board and easy English commentary.
“Wonderful way to experience and learn about this fascinating area! Clean, comfortable boat and great service”
See Leiden’s Dutch history up close on a private walking tour with a local guide, from Rembrandt to the Eighty Years’ War.
“Excellent Guide helpful and knowledgeable.”
