Hosting Guests in Leiden: Top Activities to Enjoy Together

Ever wondered how to keep your visitors entertained in Leiden? Deciding what to do with friends or family in town can be challenging.  As a host, you want to offer an enriching experience, showing the best of what Leiden has to offer. Fortunately, this historic city and its surroundings are full of activities that will leave your guests impressed and eager to explore. We have collected the most fun things you can do with your visitors.  

Outside Activities  

Rent a bike  

The Netherlands has its own cycling culture with bikes being the most common mode of transportation. To give your visitors an authentic Dutch experience, explore Leiden by bike.  The city and its surroundings offer a variety of scenic cycling routes, perfect for discovering the local charm. On a sunny day, why not cycle to the beach in Katwijk with your guests? Renting a bike in Leiden is the perfect way to immerse yourself and your guests in Dutch culture. And to try something new, rent a kickbike from our partner OpStep and discover Leiden from a new perspective.  

Walking 

While cycling is integral to Dutch life, walking is also a fantastic way to experience Leiden. The city is surrounded by water and offers numerous walking routes along its canals, like the Singelpark. Strolling through Leiden’s streets provides a peaceful way to soak in the historic Dutch architecture.  Don't forget to pass by the Burcht Leiden, where you can enjoy a stunning view of Leiden. 

Hortus Botanicus (Botanical Gardens) 

The Hortus Botanicus is the oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands, dating back to the 1590, when it started being the study gardens of the University of Leiden. Known as “the green heart of Leiden”, it’s perfect for if you want to be in nature with your guests. Notably, this garden, is where Carolus Clusius cultivated Europe’s first large tulip collections, during a time when tulips were a major export of the Netherlands. The Netherlands, of course, remains famous for its tulip fields nowadays. 

Weekly Market 

As you take a stroll with your guests, make sure to visit Leiden’s biweekly market, happening on Wednesdays and Saturdays. It is not only perfect for picking up fresh, local products such as fruit and vegetables, but also great for bouquets or new clothes.  If you or your guests are in search of souvenirs, the market also offers a variety of regional products that make for unique gifts. Whether you’re shopping for essentials or just soaking in the lively atmosphere, Leiden’s market is a must-visit during your walk and your visitors stay.  

Wall Poems  

If you are strolling through the city, keep an eye out for the wall poems. How many can you find and count? In total, there are over 120 poems across Leiden’s walls, written in various languages and scripts. Hunting for these wall poems and exploring their meanings is a fun activity to enjoy with your guests. After your tour, be sure to check out the website for the translations and discover more about the poems’ meanings. 

Traditional Windmills  

No visit to the Netherlands is complete without seeing a traditional windmill, one of the country’s national symbols. Leiden and its surrounding areas offer plenty of windmills. Take your visitors to see one of them and give them a taste of authentic Dutch heritage. Don't miss the chance to explore a real Dutch “molen.” 

Rent a Boat  

Thinking about exploring Leiden from the water? It’s a great way to spend time with guests. Leiden offers 28 kilometers of canals and 88 bridges, offering plenty to see from nature to the historic city centre. On a sunny day, whether it’s summer, autumn or spring, consider renting a boat from one of the numerous boat companies in Leiden or booking a canal tour. A guided tour will let you enjoy the city’s sights.   

Indoor Activities  

Musuems  

Leiden is home to numerous museums, covering topics from nature to art and culture, all of which are well worth exploring with your guests.  A must-visit is the Naturalis biodiversity center, which has been named the European museum of the year 2021. There you can delve into the wonders of nature and discover the tricks of plants and animals. The Lakenhal museum is another highlight, featuring fine arts, crafts and the rich history of the city of Leiden. This year, in honor of the 450th anniversary of the 3rd of October celebrations, the museum is hosting a special exhibition on 450 years of parades starting on the 21st of September. Check out all museums in the Leiden region.  

Rembrandt traces in Leiden 

Discover the rich history of Rembrandt in Leiden, the city where the legendary painter was born and learned painting. Visit the Young Rembrandt Studio. There you can watch a short movie and step into the past and experience the atmosphere of the studio where young Rembrandt learned to paint, and don’t miss the opportunity to get a sketch of yourself. 

Swimming Pools  

A visit to a swimming pool is a fun way to spend time with your guests, regardless of the weather. Whether you are looking to do lane swimming or recreational fun with children, Leiden offers a variety of swimming pools. You can choose from several indoor pools or, on warm days, take advantage of the outdoor pool, which is still open until the end of September.  

Cinema 

On a typical Dutch rainy day, consider heading to one of Leiden’s cinemas with your guests. Bioscopen Leiden has three locations – Trianon, Lido, and Kijkhuis – offering a range of options, from Hollywood blockbusters to timeless classics and indie gems. They even offer a weekly special that includes one evening exclusively for expats, and you can enjoy movies with English subtitles or even in spoken English. 

Food and Drinks

Whether you’re coming back from a bike ride, a walk or a boat tour, you and your guests might be ready for a break and in need of some food or a drink. Here are our recommendations to ensure your guests have a truly charming Dutch experience:  

• If you are in the mood for a delicious breakfast or lunch, check out Floor’s Leiden They offer a range of dishes all made with fresh, gluten, - and wheat-free ingredients. Whether you're craving fish, meat, vegetarian or vegan options, their diverse menu has something for everyone. 

• The Netherlands, like Belgium, is known for its fries. One of the best fries' places in Leiden is Dapp frietwinkel where you can get the best organic fries.  

• Have you or your guests ever tried Dutch pancakes? If not, visit the 't Pannenkoekenhuysje Oudt Leyden in Leiden’s city centre. 

• Hudson Bar & Kitchen is just a short walk from the city center’s highlights. The restaurant features a lively urban atmosphere with meter-long Chesterfield sofas, wooden walls with skulls, steel frames and pop art murals. From lunch and dinner to bites, drinks and cocktails, the open kitchen prepares everything with passion and love.   

• Pipa’s Street food Bar is perfect for enjoying global cuisines alongside freshly made cocktails. Its shared dining style encourages trying a variety of dishes with your guests. Whether you choose to sit inside or on the terrace, Pipa’s is ideal for a relaxing break.  

• Freddy’s Gastrobar is directly located next to Leiden’s central station and underneath Heineken’s main office, making it an ideal place for a stop after you have picked up your guests. There you can enjoy delicious food, but also a refreshing beer from the tap.  

• De Twee Spieghels is a jazz and wine cafe with a history dating back to 1973 in the city center of Leiden. Check out their website for the programme and read yourself into the history of Ben Webster. 

Explore Rebel Horeca Group or de Horeca Group for more restaurants and bars located in Leiden.

Accommodations

If your visitors still need a place to stay, visit VisitLeiden website for a wide range of accommodations, from campgrounds and bed & breakfasts to hotels, ensuring a comfortable stay.  

For more activities and events in the Leiden region, don’t forget to check out our event calendar and the top 10 things to do in the Leiden region.