Professional Private Tours
Private Tour of Leiden
When walking through Leiden its rich history still seems very much alive, The university’s Academy Building, the Burcht and the Weighing House, the stately patrician mansions along the famous canal Rapenburg, the churches Pieterskerk and Hooglandse Kerk, the 35 almshouses each tell a part of Leiden’s history, This is where Rembrandt was born and developed his painting skills, this is where doctor Boerhaave taught and where, 400 years ago, Clusius brought the first Dutch tulip to flower.
Leiden has 12 museums, all well worth a visit. The priceless and unique collections on display enjoy international fame. The National Museum of Antiquities with its Roman, Greek and Egyptian collections, the National Museum for Ethnology with its treasures from other cultures, Museum Boerhaave, unveiling the history of medical science, the Lakenhal with its works by Rembrandt, Lucas van Leyden and Ian Steen, the National Presentation of Natural History Naturalis, it’s just a selection of all the treasures Leiden museums have on display.
As a centre of science Leiden ‘s atmosphere is largely determined by its university. In 1575 Leiden was the first city in the North of Holland to be given a university, which was to propagate free thought. This university has developed into a world famous centre of science, while its many students contribute to the lively and convivial atmosphere in the city.
Leiden’s lively shopping and entertainment centre in the old city of Leiden boasts a wide variety of shops. Moreover, every Wednesday and Saturday there is a general market along the banks of the Rhine, a market which has been in existence for over 9 centuries! A choice of theatres and concert venues and many events throughout the year make Leiden a city that offers something for each and everybody.
In the heart of Dutch Rhineland Leiden is situated between Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague. Just around the corner one can find the beaches, to the north one finds an extensive lake district and the bulb fields, while in the south the typically Dutch polders are waiting to receive the active tourist.