© Naturalis

Anne

 

October 12, 2023
March 31 2026

11 X Leiden bucket list with fun things to do and see

In the cozy old center of Leiden You'll be amazed. The canals you can sail on, the narrow streets around St. Peter's Church, and the beautiful Hortus Botanicus. I love it! If you're planning a weekend getaway soon with an unknown destination, Leiden is highly recommended. To ensure you don't get bored during your STAYCATION, we've compiled a list of 6 fun things to do in Leiden.

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Come with me to get breakfast in Taipei 🥢 Straight from the airport to this little spot to taste soup dumplings and so much more! That's what I call a soft landing 😉
Just back from Catalonia and I thought: I'll share some tips right away. During our road trip, we stayed two nights in the Ebro Delta. An incredibly fun stop for families and foodies alike, where there is plenty to do. · A boat trip to the Musclarium is a must! Here you eat oysters and mussels straight from the farm, in the middle of the sea. · Admire the flamingos and black ibises that can be found here all year round. · Rice is grown in the Ebro Delta all year round. For paella, but Kensho also makes sake and miso from it! You can visit them during a tasting. · Cycling along the rice fields, canoeing on the Ebro River, and visiting various beaches. It was still a bit too cold now, but there is plenty to do. · The towns are very low-key and not that exciting, but you can find fantastic local food there. From the Michelin-awarded Les Moles* to local eateries like Vermuteria Bonmarisc and Lo Tinglado. We ate a lot of fish, but also anemone fritters (a first!). Now back to work, and I’m going to create an extensive travel guide of this road trip through Catalonia, but you’ll want to save these tips for a future adventure. ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck { In this post, I share tips for the Ebro Delta in Spain (Delta de l'Ebre). More tips for Catalonia can be found at www.yourlittleblackbook.me }
PUUR JONNIE, an ode to Jonnie Boer. Today I had the honor of being at @delibrijezwolle for the book launch of @jonnie_en_therese. I spent the entire evening reading and browsing. WHAT A BOOK. What stories. WHAT AN ODE. Love, Nature, Pioneer, Fatherhood, Music, Jonnie's Foundation, Friendship, Suppliers, Local products, Relaxation, Entrepreneurship, Humor & The pure human being. Everything is covered, beautifully written by @joel.broekaert. With contributions from, among others, @nelsontanate, @rekkebus, @ronblaauwtje, @jorisbijdendijk, @sidney_schutte & @hvw043. Thanks for the wonderful afternoon @jonnie_en_therese 💚 PUUR JONNIE, Available from April 14 at your local bookstore (and online) 🖊️ @anne_de_buck
This is your ticket to Japan without taking a plane 🥢 @tewatashi.ams in De Pijp serves an authentic Edo-Mae Sushi Experience and is super consistent in their quality. It's the place we keep going back to when we have something to celebrate <3. In this video I'm sharing the 2 hour experience in 60 seconds. Still dreaming about the buttery ika nigiri. 🤤 ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck { one of the best authentic Japanese restaurants in Amsterdam serving premium sushi omakase in De Pijp }

11 Fun Things to Do in Leiden During a Weekend Getaway

Leiden Botanical Garden

When I want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a moment, I like to take a walk. the Botanical GardenThis is one of those places where you naturally slow down and keep discovering something new. From tropical greenhouses to centuries-old trees and unique plants, it almost feels like you're on a journey here. Perfect for a quiet walk, alone or together, right in the heart of Leiden. 
Rapenburg 73, Leiden

Book tickets

Naturalis 

Looking for a museum that is anything but boring? Then you've come to the right place at Naturalis Biodiversity Center. It is certainly a hit with kids: from coming face-to-face with T. rex Trix to exploring on their own in the LiveScience Lab. With scavenger hunts, interactive exhibits, and beautiful exhibitions, you can easily spend a few hours here.
Darwinweg 2, Leiden – naturalis.nl

Visit Leiden Castle

In the heart of the city, you will find the Castle of Leiden, one of the oldest castles in the Netherlands. It is worth a visit for that alone, but the view really makes it complete. From the top, you look out over the rooftops, canals, and streets of Leiden.
Van der Sterrepad 5, Leiden – visitleiden.nl

Coffee break in Leiden

In the mood for a good coffee break in Leiden? There is no shortage of great spots. Personally, I like going to Bikini Bikini or 30ML for a good coffee and something tasty to go with it. Perfect for catching up or just taking a moment for yourself during a day in the city. Curious about more great spots? Then check out the YourLBB shortlist of the best coffee shops in Leiden here >> 

Celebrate the Relief of Leiden

October 3rd is a very ordinary day elsewhere in the Netherlands, but not for the people of Leiden. All of Leiden goes to the fair, celebrates, and eats hutspot (a Dutch hutspot). They've been doing this since the 16th century. It's especially recommended to experience it on the evening of October 2nd to 3rd. The entire city is transformed into one big bar with a lively atmosphere. Definitely worth it!
Leidsontzet.com

Museum Night Leiden

During this evening, various Leiden museums open their doors. Among the participating museums are the oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands, the Botanical Garden, the well-known World Museum Leiden, and the Old Observatory. Highly recommended!
Museumnachtleiden.nl

© Museum Volkenkunde, Leiden

Restaurants in Leiden

Whether you're in the mood for lunch in the sun, a spot by the water, or want to enjoy an elaborate dinner in the evening: Leiden is the perfect place. There is so much choice that you can essentially try something new every time. Personally, I like to go for an Italian dinner at City Hall, terwijl Brasserie Rumours is actually really nice for an extensive lunch. Exactly what you need during a day strolling through the city. Curious about the best spots in Leiden? Check out the Your Little Black Book shortlists here with the best places for breakfast, the best places to have lunch en the best places to dine >> 

Take a courtyard walk

Leiden has about 35 courtyards, tranquil spots where there is no sign of the hustle and bustle of modern life. Worth visiting are, among others, the Jean Pesijnhofje, the Loridanshofje, and the Eva van Hoogeveenhofje. Keep your (Google) map handy and take a lovely tour of these courtyards.

Take a culinary walk

Did you know Leiden has over 200 restaurants? You can also discover some of the best eateries with a food tour. Of course, there's something special to try at every stop. Perfect if you, like me, love good food!
Gofoodtours.nl

Visit the Leiden Cabaret Festival

The Leiden Cabaret Festival has been a leading platform for young cabaret talent since 1978. Previous editions have produced renowned comedians like Najib Amhali, Javier Guzman, and Sanne Wallis de Vries. It's going to be a laugh!
Leidscabaretfestival.nl

Discover Leiden from the water

After Amsterdam, Leiden boasts the most water within its gates. A total of approximately 28 kilometers of canals and moats are perfect for a leisurely boat trip. At Bootjes & Broodjes, you can rent a sloop with a skipper, or take a boat tour to admire the city from the water.
Blauwpoortsbrug 1 Leiden – Bootjesenbroodjes.nl

fun things to do in Leiden

© Boats & Sandwiches, Leiden

Discover more tips in the
Leiden Little Black Book

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Travel Essentials

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