Leiden

Get to know Leiden on foot!

When you walk through Leiden you can see that Leiden it's rich of history and it seems like it is very much alive. Leiden's atmosphere is largely determined by the first university in Holland (1575), which has developed into a world-famous centre of science, while its many students contribute to the lively and convivial atmosphere in the city.

Leiden has a large number of shops in the historic city centre. Also, every Wednesday and Saturday a large general market is held along the banks of the Rhine, a market that has existed for over 900 years! A great diversity in restaurants establishes Leiden as a truly culinary city.

Some highlights of Leiden:
* Rembrandt van Rijn was born in Leiden on July 15th 1606. He spent his youth there, went to school and was trained as a painter. After a short apprenticeship in Amsterdam he returned to his city of birth to establish himslef as a fullfedged painter. Seven years later, in 1631, he left for Amsterdam for good.
*Leiden has more then 12 museums, of which five of them are national museums
*Nice buildings and great architecture
*Lot of canals
*Great views!
*There are 35 groups of almshouses in the city centre of Leiden.
*The city of Leiden is decorated throughout with surprising 'wall poems'
*Good restaurants & pubs
*Good nightlife

A beautiful old city with a relaxed and fun atmosphere. Great shopping and good food everywhere.