Europe's Hidden Gem: Leiden, the Mini Amsterdam

By Ivan PetrenkoJun 2, 2024 21:00 PMNews
Share:
The boats in the cannal in Leiden
The boats in the cannal in Leiden. Source: Photo by Norbert Staudt on Unsplash

Leiden: Europe's Uncharted Gem

Nestled in South Holland, Leiden shines as Europe's best-kept secret, drawing parallels to Amsterdam minus the bustling crowds. Renowned for its historic university established in 1575, Leiden boasts a rich tapestry of culture and heritage.

 

With its enchanting canals reminiscent of Amsterdam's allure, Leiden offers a picturesque landscape adorned with vibrant townhouses and bustling streets. Its vibrant city center, fueled by a vibrant student community, hosts an array of charming cafes, lively bars, and eclectic shops, creating an atmosphere teeming with life.

 

Home to the oldest university in the Netherlands, Leiden University stands as a testament to academic excellence, boasting numerous Nobel Prize winners and earning recognition as one of Europe's premier educational institutions.

 

Leiden's cultural mosaic is further enriched by its 13 museums, each offering a captivating glimpse into the city's storied past. Exploring the city's scenic canals by boat is a quintessential Leiden experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in its beauty from a unique vantage point.

 

Dubbed the 'City of Discoveries,' Leiden beckons adventurers with its well-preserved historical architecture and charming cobblestone streets adorned with quaint cafes, lively bars, and boutique stores.

 

Easily traversed on foot, Leiden invites travelers to meander through its historic streets, unveiling hidden treasures at every turn. From the illustrious National Museum of Antiquities to the picturesque lanes of HerenDoeza, Leiden promises an unforgettable journey of exploration and discovery.

 

As a haven for cyclists, Leiden offers the perfect opportunity to explore its delights on two wheels, embracing a cycle-friendly ethos akin to its famed counterpart, Amsterdam. With its captivating allure and diverse attractions, Leiden stands as a beacon of charm and sophistication, inviting visitors to uncover its many wonders.

Top Articles
Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Oct 16, 2025 16:22 PM
Smartphone with eSIM logo surrounded by travel essentials like flowers, map, camera, and sunglasses

Where to Buy eSIM at the Best Price: A Full Review of Tariffs and Options

Aug 8, 2025 10:54 AM

Internet on a Cruise: How to Avoid Huge Bills for Connectivity

Aug 6, 2025 09:14 AM

No More SIM Swaps: The eSIM Travel Solution You’ll Actually Use

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM
More News
Hotel room with large windows overlooking Manila at sunset

AC Hotels Makes Manila Debut, Adding Choice for City Stays

Dec 26, 2025 23:25 PM
Japan Airlines aircraft operating an international flight

JAL to Offer Limited-Edition Japanese Whisky on International Flights in 2026

Dec 26, 2025 22:32 PM

Western Estonia Braces for Windy Conditions That May Slow Island Travel

Dec 26, 2025 21:49 PM

Long-Haul Incentives and Airline Loyalty Offers Post-Christmas Flight Sales Take Off in Edinburgh

Dec 26, 2025 20:26 PM
China Eastern aircraft operating international service

China Eastern International Flights at Guangzhou to Move to Terminal 3

Dec 26, 2025 00:33 AM
Ryanair aircraft parked on the apron at sunrise

Ryanair’s Booking Model Under Pressure in Italy as Appeal Looms

Dec 25, 2025 23:54 PM
Jet2 aircraft operating seasonal winter services

Jet2 Expands Christmas Flights to Gdańsk for Winter 2026

Dec 25, 2025 23:47 PM
Red South Western Railway train passing through a station platform

Festive Rail Changes at Waterloo Will Affect Visitor Journeys Across London

Dec 25, 2025 23:31 PM
Four people hold a Chelsea football shirt with “Pegasus 25” on the pitch of an empty stadium

Chelsea FC partnership marks new chapter with possible travel implications

Dec 25, 2025 01:29 AM

What Travellers Should Expect From Amsterdam’s Organised New Year Festivities

Dec 25, 2025 00:36 AM

Air India Brings Back Delhi–Rome Non-Stop Flights in Spring 2026

Dec 24, 2025 23:52 PM
A modern passenger train stopped at a covered station platform

Travellers Warned of Altered Rail Links Over Christmas Period

Dec 24, 2025 23:28 PM
Orange windsock blowing strongly against cloudy sky

Strong holiday winds could disrupt Christmas journeys

Dec 24, 2025 22:35 PM
IHG and local partners signing hotel agreement in Dhangadhi

An International Hotel Brand Is Coming to Dhangadhi in 2028

Dec 24, 2025 06:54 AM
New Year light installation near Amsterdam city centre

Amsterdam Marks New Year With Extra Controls in Busy Districts

Dec 24, 2025 05:37 AM

Festive Rail Travel In Scotland Shifts Focus to Boxing Day

Dec 24, 2025 04:22 AM

Direct Charter Flights Link Gdańsk with Kenya and Sri Lanka

Dec 24, 2025 03:45 AM
Sale sign symbolising discounted air fares

easyJet Rolls Out Major January Sale Covering 2026 Travel

Dec 24, 2025 03:38 AM
Hurghada coastline with Red Sea resorts

Aalborg Launches Direct Winter Charter to Hurghada

Dec 24, 2025 03:23 AM
Flooded street with submerged bicycle and traffic sign

Severe Weather Warnings Put Evening Travel Across Southern France at Risk

Dec 23, 2025 21:46 PM
Hotel room keys handed to guest at check-in

French Hotel Guests Embrace AI, but Not at the Expense of Human Service

Dec 23, 2025 06:39 AM
TAP Air Portugal Airbus A320neo in flight

TAP to Restore Lisbon–Tel Aviv Flights After Long Suspension

Dec 23, 2025 05:26 AM

Southern Hungary Set for Year-Round Air Link via Munich Hub

Dec 23, 2025 04:49 AM

Getting Around Greater Manchester Becomes Easier Over Christmas and New Year

Dec 22, 2025 22:53 PM
Coastal landscape near Muscat in Oman

Vienna Gains First Direct Air Link to Oman with SalamAir Launch

Dec 22, 2025 22:34 PM
The Westin Jaipur Kant Kalwar Resort exterior near Aravalli hills

India’s Travel Map Is Expanding as New Resorts Open Beyond Urban Centres

Dec 22, 2025 21:47 PM