Why the Leiden Region
![Zoeterwoude molen Zelden van Passe](https://assets.plaece.nl/thumb/gInjqRl5S91gKYt8t5MihSMVeDh8jdWSFd443aff5NI/resizing_type:fit/width:960/height:0/gravity:sm/enlarge:0/aHR0cHM6Ly9hc3NldHMucGxhZWNlLm5sL2t1bWEtbGVpZGVuL3VwbG9hZHMvbWVkaWEvNjIyNjI4ZGY5M2NmZS96b2V0ZXJ3b3VkZS1tb2xlbi16ZWxkZW4tdmFuLXBhc3NlLTEuanBn.jpg)
The Leiden Region is full of discoveries– read more to find out what makes the region so special.
City of Science
When you stroll through Leiden's historic streets, you can imagine yourself being taken back to the 17th century. Home to the famous artist Rembrandt van Rijn, the American Pilgrims, Dutch royalty, and many renowned scientists, Leiden is also known as the "City of Science". For a taste of life outside the city, the nearby beach town of Katwijk, the flower fields, and the classic Dutch polder landscape are all within biking distance. Leiden is fantastic when experienced from the water, so hire a boat or book a canal tour.
Leiden Tourist Office![](https://assets.plaece.nl/thumb/z4nU9Ol3ftTS2cD12aimjtcfj-nHLcYheup_Q3zQOpY/resizing_type:fit/width:640/height:0/gravity:sm/enlarge:0/aHR0cHM6Ly9hc3NldHMucGxhZWNlLm5sL2t1bWEtbGVpZGVuL3VwbG9hZHMvbWVkaWEvNjU5ZTYzYTdhN2RjYy9waWV0ZXJza3dhcnRpZXItc2ltb25lLWJvdGguanBn.jpg)
Region of Surprises
From beaches, sea and dunes to colourful flower fields, a historic city and picturesque villages. Zuid-Holland is home to the Region of Surprises, which covers the municipalities of Leiden, Oegstgeest, Voorschoten, Katwijk and Wassenaar.
Discover the Region of Surprises![Oegstgeest on the water](https://assets.plaece.nl/thumb/-K6ncVb7Xz2QqHf4mdoVdQzBW1TEr2QJVlTLbaKtIF8/resizing_type:fit/width:640/height:0/gravity:sm/enlarge:0/aHR0cHM6Ly9hc3NldHMucGxhZWNlLm5sL2t1bWEtbGVpZGVuL3VwbG9hZHMvbWVkaWEvNjIzMzM0ZmU1NDE1NC9vZWdzdGdlZXN0Mi5qcGc.jpg)
![Castle Duivenvoorde in Voorschoten](https://assets.plaece.nl/thumb/jvqXuTypwKGb_7Rz7osB8N9bJKgdZLN-9eItL6FgbM0/resizing_type:fit/width:640/height:0/gravity:sm/enlarge:0/aHR0cHM6Ly9hc3NldHMucGxhZWNlLm5sL2t1bWEtbGVpZGVuL3VwbG9hZHMvbWVkaWEvNjIzODZkZDliNjI2MC9rYXN0ZWVsLWR1aXZlbnZvb3JkZS0yLWphc3Blci1zdWlqdGVuLmpwZw.jpg)
![Hooglandsekerkgracht in Leiden](https://assets.plaece.nl/thumb/q93Mjpl4tSJ4R0FG2GpO7BIWhB76BUYzRVHOErxrWAA/resizing_type:fit/width:640/height:0/gravity:sm/enlarge:0/aHR0cHM6Ly9hc3NldHMucGxhZWNlLm5sL2t1bWEtbGVpZGVuL3VwbG9hZHMvbWVkaWEvNjIyZjNkMTdlMDA1OC9ob29nbGFuZHNla2Vya2dyYWNodC1oZXJmc3QuanBn.jpg)
Municipalities - Leiden International Centre works with the Municipalities of Leiden, Leiderdorp, Voorschoten and Zoeterwoude.
International and Connected
While many internationals choose to live in Leiden, the surrounding municipalities of Leiderdorp, Oegstgeest, Voorschoten and Zoeterwoude are also very popular with expats. There are several international schools and social groups nearby that cater to both families and individuals. Leiden International Centre offers free information and support to all internationals living in the area.
In the city itself, biking is an easy and safe way to travel. Whether for day trips or a regular commute, travelling to and from Leiden is simple. Leiden Centraal station has frequent connections to Amsterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, Rotterdam, and Schiphol Airport.
Explore living in Leiden![Family at a museum.](https://assets.plaece.nl/thumb/sifFTsHWjK-PK23qXatstb1rjivTn7lurYIHafyT8Uk/resizing_type:fit/width:640/height:0/gravity:sm/enlarge:0/aHR0cHM6Ly9hc3NldHMucGxhZWNlLm5sL2t1bWEtbGVpZGVuL3VwbG9hZHMvbWVkaWEvNjIzMDViN2YzNTE2Zi9pbnRlcm5hdGlvbmFsLWFuZC1jb25uZWN0ZWQtZWNsLmpwZw.jpg)