Leiden is one of the most enchanting and intellectually rich cities in the Netherlands. With its canal-lined streets, historic buildings, and the country’s oldest university, it’s a place where science, art, and nature meet. On this private walking tour, you’ll discover the green and scholarly side of Leiden with an expert local guide.
Start your journey in the city center, where your guide will share the story of Leiden’s pivotal role in the Dutch Golden Age. Walk past the historic university buildings, where famous thinkers like René Descartes and Albert Einstein once lectured. You’ll also visit the beautiful Pieterskerk, where pilgrims worshipped before sailing to the New World.
A key highlight of the tour is the Hortus Botanicus, the oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands, founded in 1590. Your guide will take you through the garden’s most fascinating collections — from tropical greenhouses to ancient medicinal plants. Discover how the garden played a role in the study of tulips and the introduction of exotic plants from Asia and the Americas.
As you stroll along the canals and alleys, your guide will point out secret gardens, hidden courtyards, and historic almshouses, sharing stories about local life through the centuries.
This tour is ideal for curious travelers — those who appreciate a mix of nature, science, and history. Whether you’re passionate about botany, interested in the Dutch Enlightenment, or just love peaceful beauty, this walk through Leiden will stay with you long after you leave.
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