The Best of Leiden: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Leiden , Netherlands

The Best of Leiden: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Active

1h - 2h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

On this self-guided audio tour, you’ll discover how a medieval town transformed into a center of knowledge and culture that shaped global history.

The tour begins at the Hartebrugkerk. You’ll weave through narrow alleys and alongside picturesque canals, exploring the Rijksmuseum Boerhaave, where medical science flourished. Along the way, you’ll discover how commerce, religion, and innovation shaped this influential Dutch city.

You’ll climb the ancient Burcht van Leiden, a fortress that’s stood guard over the city for nearly a thousand years. Along quiet canals, you’ll find wall poems painted in dozens of languages and hidden hofjes (courtyard almshouses) that tell stories of charity and community. The tour ends at the ornate Renaissance façade of the Stadhuis.

By the end of this tour, you’ll understand how this seemingly quiet Dutch city played an outsized role in science, art, and global affairs throughout history.

Available options

The Best of Leiden: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

What's included

Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

App for Android and iOS

Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour

Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Detailed itinerary

This self-guided audio tour around Leiden begins at the Hartebrugkerk (Heart Bridge Church), a fitting starting point where a wooden bridge has connected the city since the 1300s.

You’ll weave through narrow alleys and alongside picturesque canals, exploring the Rijksmuseum Boerhaave where medical science flourished.

Stop 3 Pass by

Visit the former Cloth Hall (Lakenhal) that showcases how textile trade brought wealth to Leiden

Marvel at the Morspoort, one of only two surviving 17th-century city gates

Walk along the prestigious Rapenburg Canal, often called one of Europe’s most beautiful waterways

Experience the vibrant Aalmarkt, once the bustling center of the city’s fish trade

You’ll climb the ancient Burcht van Leiden, a fortress that’s stood guard over the city for nearly a thousand years.

Explore Pieterskerk, where the Pilgrim Fathers worshipped before departing on the Mayflower

Explore Leiden University, founded in 1575 as a reward for the city’s resistance during the Spanish siege, and where Einstein once taught as a visiting professor

See the Hortus Botanicus, where tulips were first planted in the Netherlands, sparking the famous tulip mania

National Museum of Antiquities

The tour ends at the ornate Renaissance façade of the Stadhuis (City Hall), which has served as Leiden’s administrative heart for generations.

What's not included

Smartphone and headphones

Available languages

Audio guide

Written guide

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

This self-guided audio tour starts in front of the Hartebrugkerk. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

Create an account

Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Leiden

Leiden is a historic city in the Netherlands known for its beautiful canals, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene. It's the birthplace of Rembrandt and home to the oldest university in the Netherlands, making it a hub for art, science, and education.

Top Attractions

Hortus Botanicus Leiden

One of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, featuring a wide variety of plants, greenhouses, and a Japanese garden.

Nature 2-3 hours €10.50

Rijksmuseum van Oudheden

A national museum of antiquities with collections from the ancient Mediterranean and the Near East.

Museum 1-2 hours €15

Leiden University

The oldest university in the Netherlands, known for its historic buildings, beautiful courtyards, and significant contributions to science and art.

Historical 1-2 hours Free to explore the exterior; some buildings may have entry fees

Molen de Valk

A historic windmill that has been restored to its original condition and offers insights into Leiden's milling history.

Historical 1 hour €5

Leiden American Pilgrim Museum

A museum dedicated to the history of the Pilgrims who lived in Leiden before sailing to America on the Mayflower.

Historical 1 hour €7.50

Must-Try Local Dishes

Stamppot

A traditional Dutch dish made with mashed potatoes and vegetables, often served with sausage.

Dinner Vegetarian options available

Haring

Raw herring fish, typically served with onions and pickles.

Snack Contains fish

Poffertjes

Miniature pancakes, often served with powdered sugar and butter.

Dessert Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Biking Kayaking Canal tours Beach visits Museum visits Historical tours Ice skating (if conditions permit) Visit the oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the best time to visit Leiden for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. The city is lively with festivals and events.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Dutch
Widely spoken: English, German
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Leiden is generally safe with low crime rates. However, as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use licensed taxis
• Be cautious with ATMs

Getting there

By air

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol • 35 km (22 miles)

By train

Leiden Centraal

By bus

Leiden Centraal, Rijksuniversiteit Leiden

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the main form of public transport in Leiden. They are reliable and cover most parts of the city and surrounding areas.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, TaxiApp

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Binnenstad (City Center) Mors Rijnsburgerweg

Day trips

The Hague

20 km (12 miles) • Half day

The political capital of the Netherlands, known for its museums, beaches, and historic sites.

Katwijk

15 km (9 miles) • Half day

A charming coastal town with beautiful beaches and a relaxed atmosphere.

Keukenhof Gardens

25 km (15 miles) • Half day

One of the world's largest and most beautiful flower gardens, featuring stunning displays of tulips and other flowers.

Festivals

Leiden Ascent • July Rembrandt Year • 2019 (next occurrence TBD)

Pro tips

Visit the Hortus Botanicus early in the morning for a peaceful experience.
Explore the city by bike for a unique and local perspective.
Check out the Leiden American Pilgrim Museum for a fascinating look at the city's history.
Try traditional Dutch dishes like stamppot and haring for an authentic culinary experience.
Consider purchasing a Leiden City Card for discounted entry to attractions and public transport.