Leiden is a city that offers a little something for all. Whether you’re drawn to its rich history, picturesque canals, or artistic roots, the city’s tour scene is lively and diverse. We’ve rounded up six of the best Leiden tours and experiences, each with its own flavor and appeal. One standout is the Leiden: historical and entertaining city tour in German, which we love for its engaging blend of stories about Rembrandt, scientific discoveries, and the tulip’s history. It’s a great introduction for first-timers wanting a balanced view of Leiden’s past and present.
For those wanting a creative twist, the Genuine Leather Tote Bag Workshop offers a chance to craft a personalized leather item in a cozy 19th-century home. If you prefer a more comprehensive exploration, the Private tour of Delft and Leiden combines two historic cities with expert guidance. Alternatively, a Private walking tour with a local lets you customize your route, focusing on your interests. The Cultural highlights walking tour dives into Leiden’s key landmarks, and the Walking City Tour with a live guide adds the energy of a live narration. Now, let’s explore each experience in more detail.
1. Leiden: historical and entertaining city tour in German
This 2-hour tour is perfect for travelers who want a lively, well-rounded overview of Leiden. Costing $24 per person and rated 4.9/5 from 17 reviews, it’s an affordable way to see some of the city’s most charming spots. The tour includes visits to beautiful canals and quaint courtyards, the birthplace of Rembrandt van Rijn, and discusses important scientific discoveries, including how Albert Einstein is connected to Leiden. The guide’s storytelling makes the city’s history engaging and accessible.
What makes this tour stand out is its broad scope—covering everything from the history of tulips to Leiden’s role in the American story. The small group size ensures a personal experience, and the 2-hour length makes it easy to fit into a travel day. Guests love the combination of visual beauty and storytelling, making history come alive in a fun way.
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal for first-time visitors wanting an engaging, budget-friendly introduction to Leiden’s highlights.
2. Genuine Leather Tote Bag Workshop in Leiden
For $142.90, this 3-hour workshop offers a hands-on experience that results in a one-of-a-kind leather tote with your name inscribed. Rated a perfect 5.0/5 from 9 reviews, it’s perfect for creative travelers who want to leave with a tangible souvenir. The workshop is hosted in a charming 19th-century home, where you’ll relax with coffee or tea as you learn the basics of leather crafting.
The session is designed for beginners—no prior skills are needed. You’ll receive step-by-step instruction, and all materials are included. Emma, the host, is praised for her patience and welcoming attitude, making it a memorable and personal experience. Reviewers mention that the purses they made were “absolutely beautiful,” and the intimacy of the small group adds to the enjoyment.
Bottom Line: This experience is best suited for those who want a creative, memorable activity and a handcrafted leather keepsake.
3. Historical Private Tour of Delft and Leiden including Transfer
This 4.5-hour private tour costs $255.98 per person and is ideal for travelers who want an immersive, guided exploration of two historic Dutch cities. It includes transportation between Leiden and Delft, saving you time and effort. The tour begins in Leiden’s Beestenmarkt square, with stops at the Morspoort, Molen de Put, and Rembrandtplaats, where the guide shares stories about the city’s resilience during the Spanish siege of 1574 and its connection to Rembrandt and the Pilgrim Fathers.
In Delft, you’ll discover the iconic Delft Blue pottery, visit the Old Church, and see the Nieuwe Kerk with its famous tombs. The guide’s personal insights make history engaging, and the combination of two cities provides a well-rounded picture of Dutch culture. Reviewers note the knowledgeable guide and the convenience of the included transfer.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting an in-depth, hassle-free day trip to Leiden and Delft with customized attention.
4. Best of Leiden: Private Walking Tour with a Local
This flexible tour ranges from 2 to 6 hours, priced based on duration, and is suited for travelers who appreciate a tailored experience. Led by a local resident, it’s all about exploring authentic Leiden beyond the usual sights—discovering hidden corners, favorite cafes, and unique stories. You can customize the route to focus on your interests, whether that’s art, architecture, or local life.
Ideal for those who prefer a relaxed pace and a personal touch, this tour offers insider tips on where to eat or shop. The guide’s local knowledge enriches your understanding and allows you to see Leiden through a resident’s eyes. The adaptable length makes it a good option if you want a quick overview or a leisurely exploration.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want a personalized, flexible experience that dives deeper into Leiden’s everyday charm.
5. Leiden: Cultural highlights walking tour NEW
At $295 for a group up to 10, this two-hour tour focuses on Leiden’s cultural and historic landmarks. It covers the Canals, city gates, Leiden University, and the Hortus Botanicus, as well as Rapenburg, where Rembrandt grew up. The guide walks you through the Pieterskerk, Leiden City Hall, and other significant sites, sharing stories behind each.
While the reviews are not yet available, the itinerary suggests a comprehensive look at Leiden’s defining features. This tour is suited to travelers who want a structured, all-in-one overview of the city’s highlights with a knowledgeable guide. It’s especially good for groups who prefer a set itinerary and want to learn the stories behind the sites.
Bottom Line: A solid choice for those seeking a detailed, guided walk through Leiden’s key landmarks.
6. Leiden: Walking City Tour with Live guide
This 1.5-hour tour costs variable but is unique in being the only live-guided walking experience in Leiden available through GetYourGuide. It offers an energetic, narrated walk covering Morspoort, Rembrandtplaats, Saint Peter’s Church, Leiden City Hall, and more. The tour emphasizes Leiden’s medieval past, artistic roots, and cultural venues, including the Stadsgehoorzaal.
It’s particularly suited for travelers who want an engaging, live commentary that brings Leiden’s history and architecture to life. The shorter duration makes it a good option for those on a tight schedule or who prefer a lively, guided overview. Reviewers appreciate the lively narration and the well-chosen stops that showcase Leiden’s most iconic sights.
Bottom Line: Great for those wanting a lively, well-paced introduction to Leiden with a live guide.
How to Choose the Right Tour in Leiden
When selecting your ideal Leiden experience, consider your budget, time, and what interests you most. If you prefer a cost-effective overview, the Leiden: historical and entertaining city tour in German provides a solid introduction. For something more interactive, the Leather workshop offers a memorable hands-on activity, especially if you enjoy crafting.
If you want a comprehensive day trip, the private tour of Delft and Leiden combines two historic cities. For personalized exploration, the private local tour can be tailored to your interests. For a quick, structured visit, the cultural highlights walk covers key sights efficiently, while the live-guided walk offers a lively narration in a short timeframe.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak seasons, to secure your spot on these popular experiences.
Leiden offers a broad spectrum of tours—from history and culture to crafting and personalized explorations. Whether you want an engaging group experience or a private tailored walk, you’ll find a tour that fits your style. With a little planning, you’ll walk away with not just memories but authentic insights into this charming Dutch city.