Hotels in Leiden

Leiden: University City on the Old Rhine

Leiden sits where the Old Rhine splits into two channels, 35 km southwest of Amsterdam and 20 km northeast of The Hague. Founded before 860 AD, it became one of Europe's foremost academic centres when Leiden University — the Netherlands' oldest, established in 1575 — opened its doors. The university still shapes the city: 25,000 students fill the Rapenburg canal district, where 17th-century gabled facades reflect in still water. Rembrandt van Rijn was born here in 1606, and a dedicated Rembrandt route links his birthplace on Weddesteeg to sites across the old town.

Where to Stay

Hotels concentrate around Stationsplein and along Breestraat, the main commercial artery. The Pieterskerk quarter offers smaller boutique properties within walking distance of the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden (National Museum of Antiquities) on Rapenburg. Budget options cluster near the station; 4-star properties sit closer to the canal belt.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: Direct trains from Amsterdam Centraal take 35 minutes; from Schiphol Airport, 15 minutes.
• Getting around: The old centre is compact and walkable; rent a bike at the station for day trips to Keukenhof (5 km away, open March–May).
• Best time to visit: April brings tulip season and the 3 October Festival rehearsals; the city also commemorates the 1574 Spanish siege each autumn.
• Canal tours: Boats depart from Beestenmarkt square and cover the full canal network in roughly 50 minutes.