Explore Leiden’s history and hidden gems with a self-guided walking tour. Discover canals, windmills, Rembrandt’s schools, and the oldest university in the Netherlands.
Explore Leiden’s history and hidden gems with a self-guided walking tour. Discover canals, windmills, Rembrandt’s schools, and the oldest university in the Netherlands.
- Molen de Put - Explore a reconstructed 17th-century windmill that illustrates why these landmarks are prevalent in the Dutch landscape and learn about Rembrandt’s father’s profession.
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Hortus Botanicus Leiden - The first tulip in the Netherlands was planted in this garden, leading to events that nearly caused the country’s financial ruin.
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Molen de Put - Explore a reconstructed 17th-century windmill that illustrates why these landmarks are prevalent in the Dutch landscape and learn about Rembrandt’s father’s profession.
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Hortus Botanicus Leiden - The first tulip in the Netherlands was planted in this garden, leading to events that nearly caused the country’s financial ruin.
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Leiden University Academic Building - Appreciate Rapenberg and discover the renowned alumni such as Descartes, Rembrandt, and several members of the Dutch royal family.
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Young Rembrandt Studio - Visit the place where Rembrandt honed his artistic skills!
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Pieterskerk Leiden - Learn about the church’s ties to the Pilgrims, who resided in Leiden before their voyage to America. Nine U.S. Presidents are their descendants.
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De Burcht - A 9th-century hilltop fortress offering panoramic views of the city, making it an ideal spot to conclude your walk through Leiden.
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Galgewater - This canal’s name means “Gallows Water”. Discover the reason behind it. Today, it stands as one of Leiden’s most picturesque locations.
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Doelenpoortsbrug - Identify the hints that link it to Rembrandt’s most celebrated painting.

- Audio commentary (AI-narrated) for 11 locations
- Access to tour on the Tourific Smartphone app (1 year, iPhone and Android)
- Unlimited tour access at location or home for 1 year
- In-app map for navigation
- Audio guide in English, Spanish, French, German
- Offline access once tour is downloaded
- Audio commentary (AI-narrated) for 11 locations
- Access to tour on the Tourific Smartphone app (1 year, iPhone and Android)
- Unlimited tour access at location or home for 1 year
- In-app map for navigation
- Audio guide in English, Spanish, French, German
- Offline access once tour is downloaded
- Any physical devices or headphones
- Human tour guide at location
- Entry to any attractions
- Any physical devices or headphones
- Human tour guide at location
- Entry to any attractions
In the 1600s, a single tulip bulb was valued as highly as a canal house, and the flower that sparked the renowned tulip mania was planted right here in Leiden. This walking tour guides you along a path to that historic spot at the Hortus Botanicus and through the streets where Rembrandt spent his childhood, created his early sketches, and emerged as the…
In the 1600s, a single tulip bulb was valued as highly as a canal house, and the flower that sparked the renowned tulip mania was planted right here in Leiden. This walking tour guides you along a path to that historic spot at the Hortus Botanicus and through the streets where Rembrandt spent his childhood, created his early sketches, and emerged as the artist who would epitomize the Dutch Golden Age.
During the tour, you will discover how Leiden’s canals were originally constructed as moats to deter invaders, why the city walls are adorned with poems instead of graffiti, and learn about the English refugees known as the Pilgrims who found refuge here before embarking on their journey, with nine future U.S. Presidents among their descendants.
Your local guide will lead you through 12 stops, from the charming Galgewater canal to the scenic fortress of De Burcht. Along the way, you can have a portrait drawn in the style of Rembrandt and explore one of the city’s hidden hofjes.
The tour is available in 9 languages, works offline, and offers the freedom to explore without a schedule or group—just you and the city.
- The total tour duration includes the time spent listening to information at the stop and time required to walk through all the stops.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.