Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Leiden?

Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Leiden?

Many travelers spend one to two days in Leiden during their visit. After all, the historic city has plenty to explore such as the famous sights and museums, the restaurant scene, and the nightlife scene.

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.

Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Leiden? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is 3 days enough time in Leiden?

Three days is more than enough time to see everything that Leiden has to offer. Many visitors prefer to spend one to two days here, so you'll be able to wander through the museums, dine out at amazing restaurants, enjoy an evening out, and browse the shops at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then you can take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.

How to spend 3 days in Leiden

A number of fantastic museums and famous landmarks are found in Leiden, so spend at least one full day exploring those that look the most appealing to you. 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.

A few tour suggestions include:

Tulip Experience Ticket Tulip Garden Museum and Indoor Picking ($14)

The restaurant and food scene here is top notch, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine. 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.

Leiden is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. The city is compact and easy to navigate on foot, with many of its attractions, cafes, shops, and historical sites located within walking distance of each other.

Perhaps the most famous spot in Leiden is the Hortus Botanicus, so make sure you set aside some time to check it out. It might not be at the top of your list, but it's worth experiencing during your trip.

The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. 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.

The public transit in Leiden is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. The Leiden Central Station is the main hub for trains, which connect the city to other towns throughout the country. Around town there are buses that are reliable and convenient.

Shopping in Leiden is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. 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.

There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Leiden.

Is 4 days enough time in Leiden?

Four days is more than enough time to see the university and other sights in Leiden. You can move at your own pace, enjoy the local culture, and take in the student vibe. You could also use Leiden as a base for exploring the nearby destinations after you wander through the museums, dine out at amazing restaurants, enjoy an evening out, and browse the shops. You'll find some great day trips in the region.

Leiden, Netherlands

How to spend 4 days in Leiden

With 4 days in Leiden, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.

After you've explored most of Leiden, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.

Is 5 days enough time in Leiden?

Five days provides ample opportunity to explore the university area of Leiden at your own pace to experience the famous sights and museums, the restaurant scene, the nightlife scene, and the quaint shops. Then you can use the city as a convenient base for venturing into nearby destinations where you'll discover exciting day trip options.

How to spend 5 days in Leiden

If you have more than 5 days in Leiden, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.

With so much time here, you should absolutely take another day trip to one of the many nearby destinations around Leiden. Plenty of amazing options are available.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Leiden, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.