Historical Leiden: Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide

5.0 (5 reviews) 2 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

5 reviews

5.0

A guide pointing at something in Leiden — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

A group walking through the streets of Leiden — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Explore Leiden on a private walking tour through one of the most historically rich cities in the Netherlands. With your own knowledgeable local guide, you discover a city that played a key role in Dutch history, art, and science.

Leiden is home to the country’s oldest university, beautifully preserved canals, and the birthplace of Rembrandt. During this guided tour, your guide brings the past to life with stories of painters, pilgrims, professors, and Leiden’s heroic resistance and relief during the Eighty Years’ War.

The private tour of Leiden takes place entirely in the compact historic center and normally lasts about 1.5 hours. Because this is a private walking tour, the pace and focus are flexible and can be adapted to your interests.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want insight, context, and stories rather than a simple checklist of sights.

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At a glance

Duration: 2 hours
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: German, English, Italian, French, Dutch, Spanish
Operated by: Holland City Tours

What is included

Included

Included: All fees and taxes
Included: Private guide

Not included

Not included: Gratuities (optional)

Itinerary

Station Leiden Centraal

5 min

Your guide will meet you in front of station Leiden Centraal. Form here, the private tour will commence. Have fun!
Morspoort

15 min

The first thing you will see during the tour is the famous Morspoort, one of the oldest entrances to the city.
Molen de Put

15 min

We will walk past the iconic 17th century windmill Molen de Put. This is a typical landmark for Leiden. Your guide will tell you all about it!
Rembrandtplaats

15 min

This square is named after the famous Dutch master Rembrandt van Rijn, who used to live in Leiden. Let's find out more about it.
Stadsgehoorzaal

15 min

We will see the Stadsgehoorzaal, as we are walking on the Breestraat. This is a much used concert hall. If it is open, you can visit the inside afterwards.
Pieterskerk Leiden

15 min

We cannot miss the Pieterskerk of course, the most famous church of Leiden. You will learn more about its history (going back to the 12th century!) and current use.
het Stadhuis van Leiden uit 1596

15 min

The old town hall of Leiden. It is an iconic building that we cannot miss during the tour. Your guide will tell you about it!
Burcht van Leiden

15 min

We will visit the exterior of the Burcht van Leiden, an old castle used for defensive purposes in war times. It is located on top of a hill and adds to the particular character of Leiden.
Stop 9

5 min

Near the station, we will end the tour in the Haarlemmerstraat, a very popular shopping street. From here on, you can decide if you go back, or whether you will discover Leiden further. Enjoy!

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Our guide will be waiting for you on Beestenmarkt square, in front of the McDonald's. It is a central location and it is easy to find. You won't start with a hamburger.

End point

Our guide will be waiting for you on Beestenmarkt square, in front of the McDonald's. It is a central location and it is easy to find. You won't start with a hamburger.