Is Leiden worth visiting?
Yes, Leiden is definitely worth visiting for numerous reasons. Its a city that everyone should see, and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay here. During our first trip to Leiden in 2024, we fell in love with its world class museums and diverse restaurants.. We've been back several times since then to experience it even more.
Whether you're a traveling as a family, a couple, or a backpacker, this city has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the fantastic museums and attractions and spectacular food.
Leiden is a charming and historic city that offers a perfect blend of culture, education, and scenic beauty. It is a student city and it has an intellectual atmosphere, with many museums and historical landmarks to explore. Visitors can stroll along the picturesque canals, visit the famous Hortus Botanicus, or enjoy the vibrant cafes and restaurants scattered throughout the city.
Leiden, Netherlands
5 Reasons to Visit Leiden
1. Museums and Attractions
There are a huge number of museums around town. Some are affiliated with the museum, while others are not. Some of the favorites include the National Museum of Antiquities (Rijksmuseum van Oudheden), Naturalis Biodiversity Center, The Boerhaave Museum, the Corpus Museum, and the National Ethnological Museum.
2. Food
There's a diverse food scene with many international flavors such as Japanese, Chinese, and French. The cafe culture influences the culinary scene and you'll find many cozy cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a bite to eat.
3. Nightlife
The large student population means that there is a good nightlife scene. There are a variety of bars, pubs, and cafes where you can enjoy a drink, with options ranging from cozy, intimate spots to larger, more vibrant venues. The Oude Markt area, with its charming historic setting, is a hotspot for nightlife, offering a mix of traditional Dutch bars and international-themed pubs.
4. Shopping
There are a mix of unique boutiques, international brands, and charming local stores. The Breestraat and Nieuwe Rijn are popular shopping streets, and they're lined with a variety of shops selling everything from fashion and accessories to books, art, and antiques. The city also has several markets, including a weekly Saturday market near the Pieterskerk, where you can find fresh produce, flowers, and vintage items.
5. Authenticity
Leiden has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Leiden worth visiting in the Summer?
Summer is the high season for travel in Leiden, so expect more visitors and higher prices. This destination is fairly touristy, and in the high season it's busier than usual.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during summer with average temperatures around 17°C (62°F).
You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable city, especially in the nice weather. You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to browse through museums and grab some drinks at a bar.
Summer Weather in Leiden
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| August | 17°C (62°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| September | 14°C (57°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
Is Leiden worth visiting in the Autumn?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Leiden. Even though Leiden is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 11°C (51°F).
Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. During this season it's fun to experience the famous sights and museums.
Autumn Weather in Leiden
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 11°C (51°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| November | 6°C (43°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| December | 3°C (38°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
Is Leiden worth visiting in the Winter?
The weather in Leiden can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 2°C (36°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
The low season for travel in Leiden is during the winter. This destination is fairly touristy, but in the low season you can find fewer crowds and better deals.
This is a great time of year to browse the museums, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, and enjoy the evening activities.
Winter Weather in Leiden
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 2°C (36°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| February | 3°C (37°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| March | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
Is Leiden worth visiting in the Spring?
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Leiden. Even though Leiden is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.
The weather in Leiden can be quite cold during spring, and averages around 8°C (46°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to find the best deals at the shops, spend time at the museums, and take advantage of the local nightlife.
Spring Weather in Leiden
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 8°C (46°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| May | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| June | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
Related
What is Leiden most famous for?
Leiden is most famous for its many museums and renowned university. People visit this impressive city for its great museums and attractions and food. Also, it's known for nightlife and shopping. It is often described as historic, cultural, and scholarly.
What is the most famous sight in Leiden?
The most popular sight in Leiden is the Hortus Botanicus. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Leiden on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for the Hortus Botanicus and other attractions here.
How touristy is Leiden? Is it a popular city to visit?
Leiden is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Dutch Windmills & Polder Walking Tour: $45
- Self-Guided City Trail Kids Tour in Noordwijk (4-8 years): $23
- Self-guided city trail - JOLA's Schnipseljagd Noordwijk Tour: $35
- Discover Leiden with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $30
- Leiden City Tour with Live guide in Netherlands: $43
- Half-Day Private Guided Tour in Leiden: $262
- Pilgrims and Painters of Leiden A Self Guided Walking Tour: $6.94
- Windmill cruise through Warmond: $23
How long should I spend in Leiden?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Leiden is one to two days. Since Leiden has activities such as museums and attractions and dining, many visit for up to two days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Leiden? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Leiden?.
For guided and organized tour options, check out The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Netherlands and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Netherlands.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.