Discover Leiden: From Pilgrims to Painters in Historic Key City

A historic church with a tall tower and large windows, surrounded by a cobblestone square with people sitting at outdoor tables. 1

By Leiden Walks

Exceptional

Free cancellation available

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Features

Free cancellation available
1h 30m
Mobile voucher
Instant confirmation
Multiple languages

Overview

We delve into the rich history and vibrant culture of Leiden's Golden Age on this ±90-minute free, tip-based, walking tour. Explore the picturesque canals, majestic mansions, and hidden courtyards while uncovering stories of the Pilgrims and the Dutch Masters. Your guide will lead you through 12+ significant stops, including the iconic Molen de Valk and the stunning Hortus Botanicus, where tulip mania began. Whether you're a local or a traveller, this tip-based tour offers a unique perspective of the city’s past and present.

This walking tour will cover 2-3 km in 90 minutes throughout the city's historic centre, highlighting areas for your continued exploration.

Explore historic sites like the Molen de Valk and the Hortus Botanicus

Insightful narratives on Leiden's role in art, history, and culture

Available in English and Spanish with knowledgeable local guides

Suitable for all individuals comfortable with the walking distance, uneven cobblestone streets, and some stairs

Activity location

Leiden
- Leiden, The Netherlands

Meeting/Redemption Point

Molen De Valk
- 1 Molenwerf
- 2312 CH, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands

Check availability

Leiden Tour, English Option

1h 30m
English

English-speaking Guide

Travellers

Language options: English

Starting time: 19:00

Price details

€6.00 x 1 Adult€6.00

Total

Leiden Tour, opción en Espanol

1h 30m
English

guía de habla hispana

Travellers

Languages available

Starting time: 19:00

Price details

€6.00 x 1 Adult€6.00

Total

What's included, what's not

Official Guide
Service charge

Know before you book

- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transport options are available nearby
- Travellers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, activities services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. Supplier cancellation policy will apply.
- This activity is provided by a private individual (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law will not apply to your booking.

Activity itinerary

Molenmuseum de Valk (Pass by)

Starting outside the Molen de Valk, we'll talk about the last surviving windmill that would have graced the city walls. (we do not go into the Museum)

Singelpark (Pass by)

The green jewel of the city, we'll travel along this path that outlines the city's natural fortifications.

Morschpoort (Pass by)

One of two of the remaining city gates

Molen de Put (Pass by)

A 600 year old mill that is still operational.

Hortus Botanicus Leiden (Pass by)

The oldest botanical gardens in the country, and one of the finest examples of medical garden anywhere in the world. It's home to rare specimens gathered during the height of the Dutch East Indian Trading Company, and the place the Tulip craze originated.

Leiden University Academic Building (Pass by)

Learn about the famous and brilliant who called Leiden University home. Find out how the the early buildings were repurposed after the Siege of Leiden.

Pieterskerk Leiden (Pass by)

The historic gothic cathedral for the Patron of the city. learn about the Pilgrims who called Leiden home

Gravensteen (Pass by)

Early 13th century building and former prison for the City of Leiden. From that moment on, death sentences were carried out on the square in front of the Gravensteen (the Court of Justice). In 1556, the Gravensteen was expanded with a cell block that is still intact. In 1598 the prison was provided with a disciplinary house and in 1655 a spider and rasp house. Finally, a new four-scissor (the place where the court was held) was built in 1672. At the end of the nineteenth century, the building fell increasingly into disuse. The last death penalty was carried out here in 1856.

Leiden

A historic, atmospheric street in the heart of Leiden, located in the Pieterskwartier. It is known for its unique, authentic shops, studios and catering establishments, right next to the famous Pieterskerk. The street is characterised by old buildings (average year of construction 1735) and is part of the atmospheric, academic city centre. Known for speciality stores and restaurants, such as the Moers tea shop, silver workshops and various boutiques.

De Markt (Pass by)

The home of a weekly street market that's more than 600 years old

Hooglandse Kerk (Pass by)

Stunning, massive Cathedral in the heart of Leiden's oldest quarter.

Burcht van Leiden (Pass by)

A Burcht dating back from 1100.

Location

Activity location

Leiden
- Leiden, The Netherlands

Meeting/Redemption Point

Molen De Valk
- 1 Molenwerf
- 2312 CH, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands

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