Guided Tours
Connection through Dutch culture
in Leiden and surroundings
Connection through
Dutch culture
in Leiden and surroundings
Connect with the city, with art and with each other!
The guided tours below are available in Dutch, English, German, French and Italian.
Guided tours in Leiden last approximately 1 hour (€75) or 2 hours (€125) per group of max 15 people, excluding entrance fees and any refreshments. No VAT will be charged.
You can also register as an individual for these tours and for themed tours that take place throughout the year. Please contact me to sign up for the newsletter.
Highlights Tour
Cross the picturesque centre from highlight to highlight: climb the medieval castle, for example! See, too, the impressive windmill De Valk, the Gothic Pieterskerk, the centuries-old botanical garden, and the historic Cloth Hall; visit a hidden courtyard and walk in the footsteps of the great painter Rembrandt van Rijn. This tour can also be booked as an adventurous children’s walk to discover Leiden with the whole family!
Highlights Tour
Cross the picturesque centre from highlight to highlight: climb the medieval castle, for example! See, too, the impressive windmill De Valk, the Gothic Pieterskerk, the centuries-old botanical garden, and the historic Cloth Hall; visit a hidden courtyard and walk in the footsteps of the great painter Rembrandt van Rijn. This tour can also be booked as an adventurous children’s walk to discover Leiden with the whole family!
Almshouse Courtyards Tour
Leiden’s city centre has dozens of almshouses, where the less fortunate used to live in small houses around a courtyard garden. Today, a number of these beautiful, but often hidden gems can still be visited. Your experienced guide knows where to find them!
Almshouse Courtyards Tour
Leiden’s city centre has dozens of almshouses, where the less fortunate used to live in small houses around a courtyard garden. Today, a number of these beautiful, but often hidden gems can still be visited. Your experienced guide knows where to find them!
Internationals Tour
Orientation walk for new residents: where can you find the best coffee, the tastiest cheese, that good specialty store? Which museums are interesting with the kids? And where in the Netherlands did the first tulip grow? Your guide has been living in Leiden with her family for years and so knows all the shops with long-standing reputations as well as the newest trendy eateries in town. After this tour, the city will feel familiar to you as an international.
Internationals Tour
Orientation walk for new residents: where can you find the best coffee, the tastiest cheese, that good specialty store? Which museums are interesting with the kids? And where in the Netherlands did the first tulip grow? Your guide has been living in Leiden with her family for years and so knows all the shops with long-standing reputations as well as the newest trendy eateries in town. After this tour, the city will feel familiar to you as an international.
Pilgrim Fathers Tour
Leiden has been a refuge for foreigners for centuries. That was also the case for this group of English Protestants who stayed here in the 17th century before they left for the New World. We visit the location of their former home, their church and the grave of their leader John Robinson. We also pass the Pilgrim Fathers Archives, see the Pilgrim Fathers model garden as well as their departure point from Leiden.
Pilgrim Fathers Tour
Leiden has been a refuge for foreigners for centuries. That was also the case for this group of English Protestants who stayed here in the 17th century before they left for the New World. We visit the location of their former home, their church and the grave of their leader John Robinson. We also pass the Pilgrim Fathers Archives, see the Pilgrim Fathers model garden as well as their departure point from Leiden.
Jewish Leiden
The city has a long, rich Jewish history. Of course, the Second World War is discussed, but the multifaceted Jewish life in Leiden is also extensively covered. For example, we will see the old synagogue, the Academy Building of Leiden University, a former Jewish school and Jewish bakery and we will reflect on monuments such as Baggage and Stolpersteine. This tour can also be booked as a bike tour.
Jewish Leiden
The city has a long, rich Jewish history. Of course, the Second World War is discussed, but the multifaceted Jewish life in Leiden is also extensively covered. For example, we will see the old synagogue, the Academy Building of Leiden University, a former Jewish school and Jewish bakery and we will reflect on monuments such as Baggage and Stolpersteine. This tour can also be booked as a bike tour.
Roman Leiden Tour
Leiden is located on the limes, the old northern border of the Roman Empire. We begin this bike tour with a visit to the impressive National Museum of Antiquities, where we view the beautiful Roman treasures that have been found in Leiden and the surrounding area. Then we cycle through Leiden past places where all kinds of fascinating traces from Roman times have been excavated, such as a mask, a ship, coins and even settlements. Right here in Leiden! We will finish with a visit to the Roman army camp Matilo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rebuilt as a park. This tour can also be booked as a walk.
Roman Leiden Tour
Leiden is located on the limes, the old northern border of the Roman Empire. We begin this bike tour with a visit to the impressive National Museum of Antiquities, where we view the beautiful Roman treasures that have been found in Leiden and the surrounding area. Then we cycle through Leiden past places where all kinds of fascinating traces from Roman times have been excavated, such as a mask, a ship, coins and even settlements. Right here in Leiden! We will finish with a visit to the Roman army camp Matilo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rebuilt as a park. This tour can also be booked as a walk.
Art Tours
Leiden has a very rich artistic tradition. It is not only the birthplace of Rembrandt, but also of the De Stijl modern art movement. Your guide will be happy to introduce you to this all during a walking tour of the city or a guided visit to Museum De Lakenhal.
Or choose from a combination of a city walk with a museum visit:
Rembrandt’s childhood and training as a painter: city walk with a visit to the (free) Young Rembrandt Studio and to Museum De Lakenhal;
17th century Leiden painters: city walk and Museum De Lakenhal;
17th to 20th century Leiden painters: city walk and Museum De Lakenhal.
Art Tours
Leiden has a very rich artistic tradition. It is not only the birthplace of Rembrandt, but also of the De Stijl modern art movement. Your guide will be happy to introduce you to this all during a walking tour of the city or a guided visit to Museum De Lakenhal.
Or choose from a combination of a city walk with a museum visit:
Rembrandt’s childhood and training as a painter: city walk with a visit to the (free) Young Rembrandt Studio and to Museum De Lakenhal;
17th century Leiden painters: city walk and Museum De Lakenhal;
17th to 20th century Leiden painters: city walk and Museum De Lakenhal.
Botanical Leiden and/or Singelpark Tour
Your guide is a great lover of plants and flowers. Discover beautiful parks with centuries-old trees and sustainable green initiatives together. Be surprised by the hidden greenery in the city and take a look at the impressive oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands.
Measuring 6.5 km around the old city centre, the Singelpark is the longest city park in the Netherlands. We can walk part of it during the tour or it can also be booked as a separate tour.
This tour can also be booked as a bike tour. Then we will also visit Polderpark Cronesteyn: stories about a Roman settlement, a Medieval castle, a heron forest, clay geysers and of course lots of natural beauty make this park very surprising!
Botanical Leiden and/or Singelpark Tour
Your guide is a great lover of plants and flowers. Discover beautiful parks with centuries-old trees and sustainable green initiatives together. Be surprised by the hidden greenery in the city and take a look at the impressive oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands.
Measuring 6.5 km around the old city centre, the Singelpark is the longest city park in the Netherlands. We can walk part of it during the tour or it can also be booked as a separate tour.
This tour can also be booked as a bike tour. Then we will also visit Polderpark Cronesteyn: stories about a Roman settlement, a Medieval castle, a heron forest, clay geysers and of course lots of natural beauty make this park very surprising!
War in Leiden Tours
You can choose from tours about:
Siege of Leiden: during the Eighty Years’ War, Leiden withstood a long siege by the Spaniards. Your guide will show you that the traces of this long battle and the subsequent liberation on October 3, 1574 are still visible in the city today. This tour can be booked in combination with a visit to the interesting permanent exhibition on this topic in Museum De Lakenhal. This tour can also be booked as a bike tour;
Second World War: on every street corner in Leiden there are – visible and invisible – reminders of the Second World War, from moving monuments to secret hiding places. This tour can also be booked as a bike tour.
War in Leiden Tours
You can choose from tours about:
Siege of Leiden: during the Eighty Years’ War, Leiden withstood a long siege by the Spaniards. Your guide will show you that the traces of this long battle and the subsequent liberation on October 3, 1574 are still visible in the city today. This tour can be booked in combination with a visit to the interesting permanent exhibition on this topic in Museum De Lakenhal. This tour can also be booked as a bike tour;
Second World War: on every street corner in Leiden there are – visible and invisible – reminders of the Second World War, from moving monuments to secret hiding places. This tour can also be booked as a bike tour.
Leiden Trade Tours
You can choose from tours about:
Leiden Cloth: the city’s most important industry for centuries. What exactly was it and how was it made? It is possible to include a visit to the permanent exhibition about the cloth trade in Museum De Lakenhal;
Leiden Markets: many street names are still reminiscent of markets from the past: the Beestenmarkt, the Botermarkt, the Boommarkt (Cattle Market, Butter Market, Tree Market). A fascinating glimpse into these open-air shops of yesteryear. Of course extra fun on Wednesday, market day!
Leiden Trade Tours
You can choose from tours about:
Leiden Cloth: the city’s most important industry for centuries. What exactly was it and how was it made? It is possible to include a visit to the permanent exhibition about the cloth trade in Museum De Lakenhal;
Leiden Markets: many street names are still reminiscent of markets from the past: the Beestenmarkt, the Botermarkt, the Boommarkt (Cattle Market, Butter Market, Tree Market). A fascinating glimpse into these open-air shops of yesteryear. Of course extra fun on Wednesday, market day!
Do you have another wish?
Would you rather discover the nicest boutiques with friends? Or enjoy a delicious culinary walk with family? Your guide will show you the way! Even a tour combined with yoga is possible!
Do you have another wish?
Would you rather discover the nicest boutiques with friends? Or enjoy a delicious culinary walk with family? Your guide will show you the way! Even a tour combined with yoga is possible!
Tours beyond Leiden
Your guide also organizes fun city walks in Utrecht, Gouda, Woerden, Haarlem, Delft and The Hague.
Or how about a visit to a wonderful museum in The Hague, such as the Mauritshuis, the Prins Willem V Gallery, the Panorama Mesdag or The Mesdag Collection?
Please contact me for all the possibilities!
Tours beyond Leiden
Your guide also organizes fun city walks in Utrecht, Gouda, Woerden, Haarlem, Delft and The Hague.
Or how about a visit to a wonderful museum in The Hague, such as the Mauritshuis, the Prins Willem V Gallery, the Panorama Mesdag or The Mesdag Collection?
Please contact me for all the possibilities!
Reviews
Judith is an extremely competent guide and, thanks to her expertise and involvement, has already given many groups a great cultural experience. She exudes professionalism and enthusiasm. Judith not only has an extensive knowledge of the history and culture of the region, but also knows how to convey this in an engaging and accessible way. Her stories are rich in details and anecdotes, which makes the tour lively and interesting for everyone in the group.
High praise for our tour leader Judith, who looked after us in such a very friendly and competent way and also reacted in a very professional and flexible way to spontaneous requests and necessary changes to the programme (due to weather, flat tyres during the bike ride, etc.), a really terrific lady.
While travelling in the Netherlands with our ten-year-old son, we had the pleasure of spending an afternoon with Judith on a walking tour of Leiden. Judith kept us all entertained with her historical knowledge and captivating stories. She took the time to understand our interests and so created a bespoke tour to suit. Judiths fluency in both English and Dutch is such an asset, switching seamlessly between languages as needed. We would recommend Judith 100%!
Judith is an extremely competent guide and, thanks to her expertise and involvement, has already given many groups a great cultural experience. She exudes professionalism and enthusiasm. Judith not only has an extensive knowledge of the history and culture of the region, but also knows how to convey this in an engaging and accessible way. Her stories are rich in details and anecdotes, which makes the tour lively and interesting for everyone in the group.
High praise for our tour leader Judith, who looked after us in such a very friendly and competent way and also reacted in a very professional and flexible way to spontaneous requests and necessary changes to the programme (due to weather, flat tyres during the bike ride, etc.), a really terrific lady.
While travelling in the Netherlands with our ten-year-old son, we had the pleasure of spending an afternoon with Judith on a walking tour of Leiden. Judith kept us all entertained with her historical knowledge and captivating stories. She took the time to understand our interests and so created a bespoke tour to suit. Judiths fluency in both English and Dutch is such an asset, switching seamlessly between languages as needed. We would recommend Judith 100%!
We have been using Judiths services for years. We always look forward to every walk we take with Judith as our guide. She is well-informed about everything we encounter along the way and makes every walk fun.
The tour through the city with the very friendly and knowledgeable guide Judith Nieuwenhuijsen left nothing to be desired and was to our complete satisfaction.
Thanks to your efforts as a guide, we were able to get a fantastic impression of amazing places. Thank you so much.
The tour was informative and different, we all thoroughly enjoyed our day. I intend to book further tours so that I can explore new parts of the city.
We have been using Judiths services for years. We always look forward to every walk we take with Judith as our guide. She is well-informed about everything we encounter along the way and makes every walk fun.
The tour through the city with the very friendly and knowledgeable guide Judith Nieuwenhuijsen left nothing to be desired and was to our complete satisfaction.
Thanks to your efforts as a guide, we were able to get a fantastic impression of amazing places. Thank you so much.
The tour was informative and different, we all thoroughly enjoyed our day. I intend to book further tours so that I can explore new parts of the city.
Clients
City Culture Tours
Exquisite Experiences
HDS Holland
Holland Incoming
Holland Palette
Holland Tour Guides
Holland Welcome Tours
Inspire Me Monte Carlo
ITB Holland
ITO Tours
JK DMC Services
Key DM
Kuoni Benelux
Lüngen Reisen
Performance Travel
PR Guided Tours & Events
Puur Events
Rotary Club Bussum
Private individuals
City Culture Tours
Exquisite Experiences
HDS Holland
Holland Incoming
Holland Palette
Holland Tour Guides
Holland Welcome Tours
Inspire Me Monte Carlo
ITB Holland
ITO Tours
JK DMC Services
Key DM
Kuoni Benelux
Lüngen Reisen
Performance Travel
PR Guided Tours & Events
Puur Events
Rotary Club Bussum
Private individuals