The Dutch city half an hour from Amsterdam with canals that inspired Rembrandt

One of the Netherlands' main attractions for tourists traveling from Spain is its canals and tulips. Leiden more than meets both requirements. We invite you to discover this charming university city located between The Hague and Amsterdam, notable for its beautiful old town divided by dozens of circular canals that have existed for hundreds of years and crossed by picturesque bridges that are part of the city's history.

The old town of Leiden

The city has all the attractions that come to mind when we think of a Dutch city: canals, mills, and a beautiful, well-preserved cobbled old town . Once walled and surrounded by a long canal , it has now been transformed into the six-kilometer-long Singel Park. A walk through the historic center leads to the Morsport , one of the few remaining medieval gates in the city. It was built in the 17th century in the Dutch Renaissance style and served as a prison for many years.

A city between canals

You're in the second-largest canal city in the Netherlands (after Amsterdam), with a total of 28 kilometers of water where houseboats rest. One of the best things we recommend is taking a relaxing cruise along its waters, enjoying the windmills and beautiful buildings you pass by.

Another architectural highlight is the city's bridges. The city has 88 in total, although the most popular is the Koornbrug (Grain Bridge), which was historically the site of grain trade. It's surrounded by terraces and restaurants overlooking the canal and is one of the most touristic and lively areas. The city market is held in its surroundings every Saturday.

The oldest university in the Netherlands

Strolling along the canal banks will not only reveal striking architecture and homes, but also house some of the country's most important museums, such as the Museum of Antiquities, the Botanical Garden (founded in 1590, it is the oldest in the country), and the University of Leiden , which was also the first university to be established in the Netherlands. Erasmus, René Descartes, and Albert Einstein, as well as famous figures such as the current King of the Netherlands, all attended here.

The Church of St. Peter

Navigating the streets of the Old Town involves constantly dodging bicycles. Amidst all this street traffic, we arrive at the imposing St. Peter's Church (Pieters Kerk), the most important church in Leiden and one of the city's landmarks. Built in the Gothic style in the 16th century, it was originally Catholic and later Protestant. Today, it hosts concerts and exhibitions.

Another place we recommend visiting is the Town Hall . Dating back to the 16th century, it stands out for its imposing Renaissance façade , the longest in the Netherlands and packed with detail. You'll discover a symbol of Leiden: the keys that Jesus gave to Saint Peter (Leiden's patron saint) to open the gates of heaven. They're featured on the city's coat of arms, but also everywhere else.

Leiden Castle

And for the best views, climb up to the ruins of the fortress. You enter through an ancient gate with a lion emblem bearing the city's coat of arms. This fort is located on a small hill and was once protected by walls. Admission is free.

A museum that combines design and nature

Leiden is also known for being one of the country's main cultural centers. It boasts numerous museums and attractions, but there's one you shouldn't miss, especially if you're traveling with children: the Naturalis Natural History Museum. In addition to its impressive architecture, you'll find an important collection of dinosaur fossils and skeletons inside. The jewel of the museum: a replica of the giant Tyrannosaurus rex.