Leiden

The Church of St. Peter (the patron saint of the city) is a 16th-century church, in late-Gothic style. A feature which Americans will find interesting is that this church is associated with the Pilgrim Fathers, whose leader John Robinson…

Dedicated to St Pancras and located at the site of an earlier wooden chapel dating from 1314. Construction started in 1377 but parts the building were left lower than had been planned when construction was halted in the 16th century.

Stadhuisplein, 1

The old renaissance façade facing Breestraat is dating from 1597. A newer building lying behind this façade (facing Nieuwe Rijn) was built to replace the older one, destroyed in a fire in 1929.

Rapenburg 73

The old university building still used for ceremonies and a few studies.

Burgsteeg 13-16

An old shell keep dated back to 11th century. This elevated borough is freely accessible and right in the heart of Leiden. After climbing the stairways you can walk around and enjoy the magnificent views of Leiden from above.

Breestraat 59

It was the home office of the first water management body in the Netherlands. It is now a meetings venue.

A small yearly film festival in October encompassing mainstream and smaller art-house films shown at a variety of museums and cinemas throughout town. It gets some Dutch premieres.

start at a house near the Pieterskerk· Free

This site suggests a rather unusual way of sightseeing: walk and read poems written on the walls. More than 100 poems from all over the world are painted on the walls of houses.

Celebrations commemorating the end of the Spanish siege of Leiden (in 1547). Part of the festivities is a huge fun fair. The festival is overwhelming, noisy and heavily beer drinking.

· Cheap

Take a tour along the almshouses (courtyards) hidden behind the façades of Leiden houses. A tour will take about two hours. A prior reservation is required. Check with the website or VVV Leiden for further information.

A week of different activities in the city center and on the canals. There's a culinary festival, and the museum night. June.

A small-scale music festival with performances ranging from metal to dance. July.

opposite the Hooglandskerk

Contemporary crafts gallery collectively run by 12 people, whose work is permanently on display and for sale. It has been going since 1991, and one of the original members is still part of the collective.

Aalmarkt 1 – 3F

Very popular beer cafe with many specialty beers on draft.

Vrouwenkerkhof 1

Italian. Not pizza, but true Italian food. Not cheap, reservations a must on Thursday, Friday and Weekends. This is not the same restaurant as the popular chain in the United States.

in a monumental building opposite the Pieterskerk

Just about the best culinary experience in French-oriented cuisine Leiden has to offer; bring your wallet though.

Hartesteeg 13

Mediterranean and Middle Eastern inspired food (open for breakfast, lunch and dinner) and drinks.

Nieuwstraat 32

Great food in a somewhat higher price range.

building on the left when exiting the train station at the north side· Expensive

A new hotel in a large building right outside the north side of the main train station. The surrounding area is still a bit under construction, making it slightly hard to locate, but the rooms are modern and comfortable, there's wellness…

Oude Singel 212· Cheap

If you're not on a budget, sleeping in this small 4-star boutique hotel will make your historic experience complete. Housed in a monumental building, all rooms have their own style and while equipped with modern bathrooms and comfortable…

Boommarkt 23. In six prestigious 16th-century canal houses. Central, close to museums and faculties of Leiden University.

Cronesteyn 3. A family-managed small camping near a park and recreational area just outside of Leiden.

Rapenburg 2. Hotel in an ancient Patrician mansion, built in 1638.