Discover the Leiden Region
The Leiden region is full of surprises. Why not discover them?
Top 10 Things To Do in the Leiden Region
Whether you're looking for activities to do on a day or weekend trip, or you live in the region and want to explore all that Leiden and its surrounding areas have to offer, this top 10 list is sure to provide some inspiration! From feeding goats at Zoeterwoude's Boerderij 't Geertje to visiting Voorschoten's beautiful Duivenvoorde Castle, there's something for everyone in the Leiden region.
Top 10 Things To Do in the Leiden Region
Leiden is the capital region of museums
No other city in the Netherlands has so many extraordinary museums within walking distance from each other, offering a large array of nature, art and culture.
Leiden alone has 13 fantastic museums. Visitors can see Dinosaur skeletons, masterpieces by Rembrandt and Lievens, Wajang puppets from Indonesia, an Egyptian temple, treasures from Japan and everything about the relief of Leyden. But there are much more museums to visit in the region!
The museums of the Leiden region
Sample dishes from all over the world
Leiden has hundreds of restaurants, cafés and bars. Every cuisine imaginable can be found here, and there is something available in every price range. If you want a tasty lunch or a relaxing drink at the end of the afternoon, Leiden has plenty to offer. You’ll find that many of Leiden’s restaurants and cafés are located in beautiful historic monuments, each with its own rich history. This is what gives the city its special ambience.
Discover the region's best spots!
Shopping in the Leiden region - In the mood for some shopping? The Leiden region has plenty of opportunities for shopping ranging from local markets, vintage and second-hand stores to shopping centres.
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Winkelhof Leiderdorp
Winkelhof Leiderdorp
Explore the WinkelhofIn the Winkelhof shopping centre in Leiderdorp you can find various stores; from shoestores to pharmacies, bookstores and games for your kids, you name it!
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Rijneke Boulevard Zoeterwoude
Rijneke Boulevard Zoeterwoude
Find more about Rijneke BoulevardThe Rijneke Boulevard in Zoeterwoude has many medium-sized interior design stores. Go shopping for a new home electronics, or find your newest kitchen here!
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Shopping in Voorschoten
Shopping in Voorschoten
Discover VoorschotenYou can find most shops in the centre at Schoolstraat in Voorschoten. Explore the charming city centre while buying your newest outfit!
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Shopping in Leiden
Shopping in Leiden
Go shopping in Leiden!The main shopping streets are Haarlemmerstraat and Breestraat where you can access all kinds of brands. Besides, along the Nieuwe Rijn and the Botermarkt there are also countless of shops.
An abundance of water
The Region has many waterways and lakes and is bordered by the North Sea. For example, from Leiderdorp you can sail among the verdant meadows of the Groene Hart region.
Leiden is a wonderful city to explore from the water, with 28 kilometres of canals and 88 bridges throughout the city. There is a huge range of cruises to choose from, and you can also hire your own boat.
If you are interested in doing water sports, the Leiden region has plenty to offer. You can go SUP-boarding, surfing, canoeing, rowing, kitesurfing and much more.
Find a cruise on VisitLeiden's website, or check out the water activities on Streekvanverrassingen.nl!
Windmills
Leiden is home to 9 beautiful operating windmills and 3 of those you can drop in regularly for a visit to see how they work, while the rest are open throughout the year on special occasions.
There are National Mill Days that will land in the first two weekends of May that will open some of the windmills. In addition to this, the third Sunday in September is Leiden Mill Day, when each of the nine windmills within Leiden’s city limits is open to visitors.
The Molens in Leiden website has more information.
More information
Outdoor Activities in the Leiden region
There are lots of outdoor activities to discover in the Leiden region! Engange in one of the many water activities, go to a playground with your kids, or visit one of the many farms in the region. Discover all of that and more!
Outdoor activities in the Leiden region
City Guide
There is so much to see and experience in the Leiden region. With its rich history, museums, theatres, bustling city centre, shops, and restaurants, it's impossible to be bored in the city of Leiden. But don't forget the region! Leiden is surrounded by idyllic villages such as Voorschoten and Leiderdorp, each with its own rich fascinating history.
You can discover them in the Leiden City Guide, which is full of tips and inspiration!
Discover the Leiden region!
Our Partners in Leisure
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Leiden Bioscopen
Leiden Bioscopen
Three cinemas in Leiden: Lido Theater, Trianon Cinema, Kijkhuis Leiden. Expat Cinema screenings on Wednesdays.
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Hilton Garden Inn Leiden
Hilton Garden Inn Leiden
A hotel located on Leiden’s Bio Science Park that has flexible meeting and event space, a private dining suite and 6 meeting rooms for up to 112 people.
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Op Step Leiden
Op Step Leiden
Op Step offers kickbike tours which is a fun and sporty way of discovering the city!
