Private Tour from Amsterdam: Historical Leiden

Amsterdam , Netherlands

Private Tour from Amsterdam: Historical Leiden

Active

(2 reviews)

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This tour aims to give you a peak into the live of a normal dutchman. We will take you away from the tourist traps and crowds of Amsterdam and take you to one of the most cosy and pleasant cities in the Netherlands, Leiden. Leiden has been described as the better version of Amsterdam, with its majestic canals, friendly people, rich history and bustling city live. Leiden offers a chance to peak into the true side of the Netherlands and experience the cosiness of the Dutch people while being surrounded by over 450 years of history.

Hopefully, at the end of your tour, you will understand an old quote from Einstein: "Leiden, that delightful little place of earth."

Available options

Private Tour from Amsterdam: Historical Leiden

What's included

Bottled water

Entry tickets Pieterskerk

Train tickets

Entry tickets Botanical gardens

Snacks

Lunch

Detailed itinerary

We start by visiting the grand Amsterdam central station and looking into the lesser known history of the area before taking the train to Leiden.

Once in Leiden we go over to Lammermarkt to view an historic windmill in the middle of the city and look into the history of windmills in the Netherlands.

Walking though the alleyways of the city we will look for some hidden murals depicting the scientific and cultural importance of the city.

We stop at a grand gothic style church and have a look into its mysterious and impressive history.

We climb a hill to get to one of the oldest buildings in the city, the old keep. Here we will experience history first hand while taking in a nice view of the city.

We dive into the history of the Netherlands and the pivotal role Leiden played in the creation of the country while we visit this historic building with its rich traditions.

Time for a break. We sit down in a nice park with an explosive past to eat our lunch. The lunch will be in the form of a picknick if weather permits. The food will be in a typical Dutch style.

We walk past one of the most important scientific buildings in the Netherlands where many nobel prizes where earned.

Once you step inside this giant gothic church you will be greeted with a beautifully decorated church. The Pieterskerk has a rich history to show us, both inside and outside.

We go into a 18 centaury botanical garden. Visit its rooms that simulate foreign climates and end up at the old observatory.

We visit the old observatory and its controversial conception. Entrance into its domes with the telescopes is possible when availability allows, for an extra fee.

Before we go back to Amsterdam we take a dive into the artistic heritage of Leiden by visiting the birthplace of Rembrandt van Rijn and its favourite painting spot.

Available languages

Guide guide

EN NL

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

We can accommodate dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc. If you have dietary requirements. Please indicate it to the special requirements at the time of booking.

Not recommended for travellers who have trouble walking

Meeting point

Our guide will be waiting for you at the front entrance to Amsterdam central station holding a sign with your name.

About Amsterdam

Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is renowned for its picturesque canals, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Known as the 'Venice of the North,' the city offers a rich blend of art, history, and modern innovation, making it a captivating destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is the Dutch national museum dedicated to arts and history. It houses an extensive collection of paintings, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer.

Museum 2-3 hours €20

Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum is dedicated to the works of Vincent van Gogh and his contemporaries. It houses the largest collection of Van Gogh paintings and drawings in the world.

Museum 1.5-2 hours €20

Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House is a biographical museum dedicated to Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank. The building is where Anne Frank and her family hid from Nazi persecution during World War II.

Historical 1 hour €16

Dam Square

Dam Square is the central square of Amsterdam and a historic site. It is home to the Royal Palace, the National Monument, and various other landmarks.

Historical 1 hour Free

Jordaan

Jordaan is a picturesque and lively neighborhood known for its narrow streets, canals, and vibrant atmosphere. It is a great place to explore, shop, and dine.

Neighborhood A few hours to explore Free to explore, varies for shopping and dining

Must-Try Local Dishes

Stroopwafel

A thin, round waffle made from two layers of baked dough joined by a caramel-like syrup filling

Dessert Vegetarian, contains wheat and sugar

Bitterballen

Deep-fried, crispy balls filled with a creamy, spiced ragout, typically made from beef or veal

Snack Contains meat, gluten, and dairy

Haring

Raw herring fish, traditionally served with onions and pickles, eaten by holding the fish by its tail and lowering it into your mouth

Dish Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians

Poffertjes

Miniature pancakes made from a batter of flour, eggs, milk, and yeast, served with powdered sugar and butter

Dessert Vegetarian, contains wheat, eggs, and dairy

Popular Activities

Canal kayaking Bike tours Escape rooms Canal cruises Visiting parks and gardens Spa and wellness treatments Museum visits Art galleries

Best Time to Visit

June to August

The peak tourist season in Amsterdam is during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. This is the best time to enjoy outdoor activities and festivals, but it's also the busiest and most expensive period.

15°C to 22°C 59°F to 72°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Dutch
Widely spoken: English, German, French
English: Widely spoken, especially in tourist areas

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, with some areas requiring caution

Amsterdam is generally a safe city for travelers, with low violent crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bike theft, can occur, particularly in tourist areas and on public transport. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of your surroundings, particularly in crowded areas and on public transport
• Use licensed taxis and agree on the fare before starting your journey

Getting there

By air

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol • 17.5 km from city center

By train

Amsterdam Centraal

By bus

Amsterdam Sloterdijk, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

Getting around

Public transport

Amsterdam's tram system is efficient and user-friendly, with 14 day and night tram lines. A single ticket costs €3.20, and day passes are available.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Taxi Amsterdam

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Jordaan De Pijp De Wallen (Red Light District) Museumplein Amsterdam-Noord

Day trips

Zaanse Schans

20 km from Amsterdam • Half day to full day

A picturesque and open-air museum featuring traditional Dutch houses, windmills, and workshops, showcasing the history and craftsmanship of the region.

Haarlem

20 km from Amsterdam • Half day to full day

A charming and historic city known for its beautiful architecture, museums, and vibrant cultural scene, often considered a smaller and more relaxed version of Amsterdam.

Utrecht

50 km from Amsterdam • Full day

A vibrant and historic city known for its beautiful canals, medieval architecture, and lively cultural scene, with a unique and charming atmosphere.

Festivals

King's Day (Koningsdag) • April 27 (or April 26 if the 27th is a Sunday) Amsterdam Pride • Late July to early August Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) • Mid-October

Pro tips

Use the OV-chipkaart for seamless and convenient public transport
Rent a bike to explore the city like a local, but be aware of cycling rules and etiquette
Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Explore the city's neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and charm
Try local specialties, such as stroopwafels, bitterballen, and Dutch pancakes