This post is about how to spend 1 day in Leiden, a perfect day trip from Amsterdam.
When I planned my trip to the Netherlands, I knew Amsterdam would be the star of the show, but I didn’t expect to fall completely in love with a small city just 40 minutes away: Leiden. If you’re visiting Amsterdam and have a free day, trust me, a day trip to Leiden is 100% worth it. This charming university town is full of history, canals, windmills, and cobblestone streets that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a Dutch postcard.
Leiden is known for being the birthplace of Rembrandt and the home of the country’s oldest university. It’s less touristy than Amsterdam, but still packed with culture, museums, and lovely spots to explore. The best part, It’s super walkable, relaxed, and filled with hidden gems around every corner. If you’re a fan of pretty canals, historical stories, or just want to see more of the Netherlands beyond Amsterdam, Leiden is calling and I am going to help you with the itinerary.
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HOW TO SPEND 24 HOURS IN LEIDEN?
How to get around in Leiden?
I had rented a car in Amsterdam, so I decided to drive to Leiden, which only took about 40 minutes. Parking was easy to find near the city center, and the drive itself was smooth and scenic.
But honestly, If you don’t have a car, the train is even easier. It also takes about 40 minutes, and the Leiden Central Station drops you right near everything. Once you’re there, the best way to get around is just by walking, or rent a bike if you want to blend in with the locals. Everything feels so close and accessible, which makes exploring super easy and stress-free.
What to do in one day in Leiden?
I arrived in Leiden just before 10 a.m., coffee in hand, ready to explore. The town was already buzzing, but in that calm Dutch way. My first stop was a guided canal cruise, which is honestly one of the best ways to start your day.
Floating through the narrow canals, passing windmills and centuries-old buildings while the guide shared fun stories, it was the perfect way to get familiar with the city’s layout and history. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.
After the cruise, I stopped by the Wereldmuseum Leiden, formerly known as the National Museum of Ethnology. It was such an eye-opening and well-curated museum.
From there, I walked over to the Leiden Botanical Gardens, which are part of the university and absolutely beautiful. Even if you’re not a plant lover, it’s a peaceful spot to take a break.
In the afternoon, I joined the Leiden Secret Stories Walking Tour, which was such a cool way to see the lesser-known side of the city. The guide had all these quirky facts and hidden alleyways to show us, and I honestly felt like I was seeing a side of Leiden I never would’ve found on my own.
If you’re visiting during spring, especially between March and May, then you absolutely HAVE to make time for Keukenhof, the famous tulip gardens in nearby Lisse. It’s about a 25-minute drive or a short train + shuttle ride.
If you want a scenic way to get there, try the Warmond Windmill Cruise that also includes Keukenhof tickets. It’s a full experience.
If you have more time to explore, there are a few other gems in Leiden that I absolutely loved and would recommend:
I wandered up to the Burcht van Leiden, a historic fortress perched on a little hill right in the middle of the city. It’s not a massive climb, but when you get to the top, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of rooftops, canals, and church spires, it felt like I was looking down on a fairytale village. There were benches where I just sat and soaked it all in for a bit.
Right nearby is the Museum of the History of Science, and while I didn’t originally plan on going inside, I’m so glad I did. If you’re a curious soul or into science and innovation, it’s such a cool spot with old instruments, maps, and discoveries that tell the story of Leiden’s scientific roots.
And of course, there’s the charming Molen de Valk, a real working windmill that you can climb! I had seen windmills from afar all over the Netherlands, but actually going inside and climbing the wooden stairs gave me a whole new appreciation for how they worked back in the day. Plus, the view from the top was another wow moment.
What to eat in Leiden?
One of my favorite things about exploring new cities is finding great local food, and Leiden didn’t disappoint. Right after my canal cruise, I walked just a few steps to Annie’s, a super cozy cafe set right along the canal. The breeze was light, the flowers were blooming around the terrace, and the smell of fresh bread and coffee was the perfect combo. I ordered a simple lunch, a sandwich and a cappuccino, and just sat there watching the boats float by. Pure happiness.
Later in the afternoon, I couldn’t resist trying one of the local pancake places. Oudt Leyden is kind of famous for their traditional Dutch pancakes, and once you try one, you’ll get why. Mine was sweet with apples and cinnamon, and it felt like eating a warm hug. For dinner, I treated myself to something a bit fancier at De Waag, which is housed in this historic building that used to be a weighing house. The vibe was upscale but relaxed, and the food was just what I needed after a day of walking. If you’re more of a brunch person, Roos is a super cute spot for coffee and pastries in the morning. And don’t forget to try a warm stroopwafel from one of the street vendors, I got mine fresh off the press, and it was honestly one of the best things I ate in the Netherlands.
What do I need to know for planning a 1 day in Leiden day trip?
Before heading to Leiden, I made a quick checklist, and I’m so glad I did. First off, wear comfortable shoes. The city is super walkable, but that also means you’ll be on your feet a lot, and the cobblestones can be a bit tricky if you’re not used to them. I wore sneakers and was good to go.
Next up: bring a light jacket or umbrella. Even if the weather looks great in Amsterdam, Dutch skies can change their minds fast. I was lucky with sunshine most of the day, but a few clouds rolled in by late afternoon, and I was glad I packed a small umbrella.
If you’re planning to visit multiple museums or landmarks, check if your Museumkaart or I Amsterdam card works in Leiden too, some places honor them, and it could save you a few euros. One thing that made my day even easier? Everyone I interacted with spoke great English, so don’t stress about the language barrier.
My last tip: arrive early if you want to make the most of your 24 hours. I got to Leiden around 10 a.m., and it gave me just enough time to do everything I wanted without feeling rushed. Mornings are peaceful and the streets feel like they’re just waking up, perfect for starting your day with a quiet canal view and a coffee in hand.
What to pack for a 1 day Leiden day trip?
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- A travel plug adapter for your electronics. Click here.
- Portable phone battery charger. Click here.
- Portable fan to keep cool in summers. Click here.
- Sunscreen- again travel size only, I like the Neutrogena stick version which works for face & body. Click here.
- Camera- I have the Canon EOS T7i, there is a great bundle deal on Amazon. Click here.
- Waterproof camera- under $50, loved it! The quality is pretty good for the price. Click here. I also purchased a wide angle lens. Click here.
- Tripod- solo traveler problems. Get something sturdy and lightweight, especially if you plan on taking pics when it is windy. Click here.
- Shoes- 2-3 sandals, a reliable pair of sneakers and some comfortable heels.
- Blister bandages because you never know how painful walking all day can be. Click here.
STEAL MY ITINERARY- 1 DAY IN LEIDEN DAY TRIP
Morning
- Arrive in Leiden by 10 a.m. (by car or 40-min train from Amsterdam)
- Grab a cappuccino and light breakfast by the canal
- Take a guided canal cruise through Leiden’s historic center
Midday
- Explore the Wereldmuseum Leiden (Ethnology Museum)
- Walk through the peaceful Botanical Gardens
- Climb up to Burcht van Leiden for panoramic city views
- Grab lunch at Annie’s Café right on the canal
Afternoon
- Try a sweet Dutch pancake at Oudt Leyden
- Join the Leiden Secret Stories Walking Tour
- Visit Molen de Valk (windmill you can climb)
- Explore the Museum of the History of Science
Evening
- Enjoy dinner at De Waag (historic and elegant)
- End with a warm stroopwafel from a local street vendor
Seasonal option (Spring only)
- Head to Keukenhof Gardens in nearby Lisse
- Or book a Warmond Windmill Cruise + Keukenhof combo
CONCLUSION- 1 DAY IN LEIDEN DAY TRIP
Leiden surprised me in the best way. I showed up expecting a calm university town, and I left completely smitten by its charm, history, and peaceful energy. It’s a place that doesn’t scream for your attention, it gently wins you over with every stroll along the canals, every friendly local smile, and every story tucked into its cobbled streets. It felt like a much-needed breath of fresh air after the fast pace of Amsterdam.
If you only have one day to spare, Leiden delivers the perfect balance of culture, history, nature, and relaxation. Whether you’re sipping coffee by the water, admiring tulips in bloom, learning about Dutch exploration, or just soaking up the atmosphere, it all feels refreshingly real and down-to-earth.
So if you’re heading to the Netherlands, don’t skip Leiden. It may not be as famous as Amsterdam, but that’s what makes it so special. It’s one of those places that stays with you long after the trip ends, and I genuinely can’t wait to go back one day.
