Leiden Netherlands, surrounded by the South Holland, is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, and is a place where history, culture, and waterways can be united in harmony. Leiden is a culturally rich and peaceful experience to the traveler who wants to explore the authentic European charm that is not the overcrowded tourist destinations. You will not forget Leyden: you can stroll along it pretty canals, or explore its fascinating past.

However, we should mention, first, that there is always a group of UAE travelers who usually plan their European tour with multiple countries. In case you intend to travel to the local places like Switzerland, make sure you have the right documents with you including your Switzerland tourist visa. After that is figured out, you can readily package a trip to the Netherlands with other European beauties to make the whole travel worthwhile.

The Heart of Leyden of the Past.

Leiden is a city which takes pride in its history. It was founded in the 9 th century and it has become a major cultural and academic hub in the Netherlands. The oldest and most renowned structure in the city is Leiden University which was established in 1575 and is one of the most revered universities in the nation and Europe. It has trained genius brains, like Albert Einstein, Rembrandt van Rijn, and even a number of members of the royal family of the Dutch.

Leiden ancient streets evoke the feeling of going back. There are old brick houses, small cafes in the narrow streets, bridges gracefully spanning peaceful rivers. The Golden Age is on every street in the city, a time when Leyden thrived as both an artistic and trading city and a seat of learning.

One of the most glorified events in the history of the city is the Leyden Siege of 1574. The Eighty Years War was a heroic resistance of its people in which Leoden University was rewarded by the king William of Orange. The city is still characterized by this heritage of heroism and education to date.

A City of Canals and Bridges

The canals of Leyden are compared with Amsterdam, but Leyden is a smaller and more intimate city. The city boasts over 28 kilometers of canals and over 80 bridges and this makes it one of the most picturesque in the Netherlands.

One of the most appropriate means of exploring Leiden is through a canal cruise. Passing by the historic houses, windmills and lovely gardens that have their reflection in the waters, you will move through the waterways. There are canals that have floating terraces where people meet to have coffee or lunch particularly in the summer season.

When you would like to walk, you can visit Rapenburg, so called the most beautiful street in the Netherlands. This canal street is surrounded by nice buildings which include former residences of scholars and artists. It is a dream of a photographer due to such peaceful atmosphere and the beauty of the architecture.

Cultural Museums and Treasures.

The museum lover can have no better time in Leyden. The city is of little size but has some of the best museums of the Netherlands that present its scientific, artistic and cultural accomplishments.

Begin your tour with the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden (National Museum of Antiquities) with one of the most striking collections of Egyptian artifacts outside Egypt. There are ancient Greek, Roman, and Dutch archeological specimens that are also displayed in the museum.

Then go to the Museum De Lakenhal which is an art museum that epitomizes the rich textile and art culture of Leyden. It is possible to have admiration of works by the most well-known son of the city Rembrandt van Rijn and other Dutch Masters here.

Naturalis Biodiversity Center should be a place of visit in case you are traveling with children. It is an interactive museum in which people can be informed about natural history, dinosaurs, and wildlife with interesting exhibitions.

The Academic Soul of the City

The academic reputation of Leyden has many boundaries. The Leyden University Library is one of the oldest libraries in Europe that contains an unbelievable amount of manuscripts and rare books. The international students and researchers also like the city making it feel very cosmopolitan despite its small-town character.

You get a feel of the relationship between science and nature as you enter the Botanical Garden ( Hortus Botanicus Leyden ) which is the oldest of its kind in the Netherlands. It was here in 1590 when the renowned tulip was first grown in Western Europe that the flower has since been associated with Dutchness.

Food, Culture, and Local Life

The cuisine of Leyden is a fantastic blend of Dutch and international cuisines. The city offers all palates, whether it is cosy canal-side cafes or restaurants with Michelin stars. Missing the chance to try hutspot, a local meal that goes by the name of mashed potatoes, carrots and onions, symbolically referred to as the strength of Leyden in the period of the siege in 1574.

Leiden Market that is organised every Wednesday and Saturday is one of the oldest Netherlands markets. It will be possible to find fresh products, cheese, flowers, and local snacks here such as stroopwafels. Energetic market environment is an ideal reflection of Dutch life and hospitality.

To have a calming night, visit one of the local breweries or wine bars by the canals. Students and artists and travelers people all come out and listen to music and talk under the light of the streetlights.

Conclusion

Leiden, Netherlands, has not only an art gallery with canals, but it is also a museum of Dutch culture, innovativeness, and strength. Each and every bridge, museum, and cobblestone street has a narrative of centuries ago yet it is welcoming to the modern culture and innovation.

Therefore, when you next go to Europe, you might want to consider visiting Leiden. Visit its canals, eat Dutch food and learn how hospitable the Dutch people are.

And on your trip to Europe, you don’t have to forget to organize your travel paperwork. In case you are planning a trip to the Swiss Alps or other cities such as Zurich and Geneva, be sure to apply to your Switzerland visa from UAE through Go Kite Travel, your reliable travel agent to process visas and have memorable experiences.