Start your day at the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, a national museum of antiquities, which offers interactive exhibits and hands-on activities for families. Then, head to the Burcht van Leiden, a medieval fortress, for a stunning view of Leiden.
After the fortress, visit the Molen de Valk, a windmill that has been milling grain for more than 300 years. Enjoy a picnic at the nearby Van der Werf Park before getting lost in the streets of Leiden. End your first day by taking a boat tour of the city's canals.
Take a short train ride to Gouda, a charming town famous for its cheese and stroopwafels. Start your day at the Gouda Cheese Museum to learn about the history and production of Dutch cheese. After, visit the De Markt, a picturesque square decorated by the Stadhuis and Grote Kerk.
Enjoy a lunch of local cuisine at Chez André, a family-owned restaurant known for their Dutch classics. Continue with a visit to the St. John's Church, known for its colourful stained-glass windows. End your day by indulging in a sweet stroopwafel from the famous Kamphuisen Siroopwafelfabriek.
Begin your final day at the Museum Boerhaave, a science museum displaying the history of science from 16th-century inventions to modern-day developments. After, visit the Hortus Botanicus Leiden, the oldest botanical garden of the Netherlands home to 10,000 plant species.
For lunch, visit Annie's Verjaardag, a cozy and colourful cafe offering homemade soups, sandwiches, and cakes. Continue to the Rapenburg Canal, one of the most beautiful canals in Leiden. Walk along the canal and end your trip with a visit to the Naturalis Biodiversity Center, where your family can explore the natural world and learn about the history of our planet.
Leiden is a pedestrian-friendly city, and most attractions are within walking distance. For trips outside of Leiden, taking a train is an affordable and easy option. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket machines located at the stations, with the price depending on your destination. Taxis and rental cars are also available but are less convenient for inner-city travel.
If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to nearby towns such as The Hague, Delft, or Rotterdam. If you have less time, modify your itinerary to include your favourite attractions or reduce the time spent at each location. Remember to check opening and closing times for all attractions to avoid disappointment.
The nearest airport is Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS), located approximately 30 km from Leiden. You can take a direct train from the airport to Leiden Central Station for a travel time of about 20 minutes.