🇳🇱 The Ultimate Guide to Leiden – The Most Beautiful University City

When visiting the Netherlands, don’t just stay in Amsterdam—Leiden is an absolute hidden gem! 🏰 As the country’s oldest university town and the birthplace of Rembrandt, it’s packed with history, charming canals, windmills, museums, and quirky hidden spots. Best of all, it’s walkable and perfect for a day trip! 🚂 Getting There: Amsterdam → Leiden By train 🚄: From Amsterdam Centraal, it’s just 30-40 mins to Leiden Centraal (tickets ~€10). Trains run frequently! 📸 Must-See Attractions & Itinerary 🔹 Morning: History & Art Stroll 1️⃣ Leiden University 🎓 The oldest uni in the Netherlands (1575!), with stunning architecture. The library and courtyards are insta-worthy! Fun fact: 16 Nobel laureates studied here. 2️⃣ National Museum of Antiquities (Rijksmuseum van Oudheden) 🏺 Home to Egyptian mummies, Greek/Roman artifacts, and even a 1st-century Egyptian temple! 3️⃣ Rembrandt’s Birthplace 🎨 A small plaque and park mark where the master painter was born. Art lovers, don’t miss this! 🔹 Lunch: By the Canals 🍽️ Near Hooglandse Kerk, grab a seat by the water. Try Dutch pancakes (Poffertjes) or raw herring (Haring) if you’re brave! 🔹 Afternoon: Windmills & Nature 🌿 4️⃣ De Valk Windmill 🌪️ A postcard-perfect landmark! Climb up for panoramic views (€4) and explore the windmill museum inside. 5️⃣ Hortus Botanicus 🌸 Europe’s oldest botanical garden—greenhouses filled with exotic plants feel like a fairy tale! 6️⃣ Canal Walk (Rapenburg) 🚶‍♂️ Lined with *17th-century mansions*, this is the spot for dreamy photos. 🔹 Evening: Market & Sunset 🌇 Markt Square: If it’s the weekend, the open-air market is buzzing with local vibes. Burcht van Leiden 🏰: A free-to-enter castle ruin with stunning sunset views over the city. 🍴 Foodie Picks Dutch cheese 🧀: Leiden’s a major producer—sample some at the market! Stroopwafel 🍯: Freshly made street versions are the best! Café De Uyl van Hoogland ☕: A quirky Japanese-inspired café—super unique! Leiden is like a living history book—full of scholarly charm and canal-side romance, but way calmer than Amsterdam. Add it to your list! 💙 #NetherlandsTravel #LeidenGuide #HiddenEurope #DutchGem