Leiden

Step into the timeless elegance of Leiden, the Netherlands’ oldest university city and the birthplace of Rembrandt, where the iconic Leiden University (founded 1575) and its historic academy buildings stand alongside the serene Rapenburg canal lined with grand gabled houses and the famous Hortus Botanicus—the oldest botanical garden in Western Europe—bursting with centuries-old plants, including the original tulip specimens that sparked the 17th-century tulip mania. Wander the atmospheric old town with its winding canals, the majestic Pieterskerk with its soaring Gothic vaults, the charming Burcht van Leiden (the castle on the hill) offering panoramic views over red-tiled rooftops, and the lively Friday market on Nieuwe Rijn for fresh flowers, cheeses, and stroopwafels—all in a compact, walkable city that perfectly blends profound academic heritage, artistic legacy, and the warm, welcoming spirit of Dutch living.

Savor rich Leiden cheese (Leidsekaas) with cumin, fresh herring from the canalside stands, sweet poffertjes, and crisp Dutch gin amid lively cafés, canal reflections, and the unmistakable rhythm of a place where history, science, and beauty meet in perfect harmony.

Leiden isn’t just a destination—it’s the Netherlands’ most graceful university city of canals, culture, and timeless charm—plan your Leiden escape today!

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