In Leiden, there are free walking tours that depart from the historic city center and move between its canals, hidden courtyards, and the oldest university in the Netherlands; there is no upfront payment - at the end of the tour, each participant gives the guide a tip in an amount at their discretion, depending on the quality of the experience and their personal feelings.

There are two main tours in the city, detailed on the GuruWalk website: one follows the general story of Leiden - from the Old Citadel to the Pilgrim Quarter - and the other focuses on the journey from the Pilgrims to the painters of Rembrandt's generation, revealing corners and courtyards that most tourists simply pass by. Both tours are offered in English, and some are also in Spanish.

Leiden is compact and easy to walk, so a walking tour allows you to cover most of the main sites in a short period of time - from the canals and bridges to the squares and hidden courtyards (hopis) scattered throughout the historic center.

Why take a walking tour of Leiden?

A small city that can only be discovered on foot

Leiden is one of the most compact Dutch cities, and most of its attractions are concentrated in the canal-lined historic center - an easy walk from one end to the other. A local guide will help you connect the different layers of its history: the circular Burcht van Leiden fortress, which stands on an artificial hill in the city center, the huge Pieterskerk Church, next to which the Pilgrim community lived before they sailed to America, and the old university district in the Netherlands with its historic academy buildings and libraries.

Leyden and Rembrandt's Golden Thread

A guide who knows Leiden well can also tell you about the city's connection to Rembrandt, who was born and studied painting there before moving to Amsterdam, and lead you through the district where his birthplace and first painting studio stood. Along with the historical story, a tour with a local also reveals the lively student side of Leiden - the cafes, small shops and countless wall poems (Muurgedichten) painted on the walls of houses throughout the city, which many visitors simply don't notice without the guidance of someone who lives here.

Areas and starting points of the tours

Historic city center and canals

Most tours depart from the heart of the historic center, around the main street Breestraat and the squares adjacent to it, and move along canals such as the Rapenburg - the elegant canal alongside which lie the historic university buildings and professors' houses from the 17th century.

Pilgrims Quarter and Peterskirk

Another area that almost every tour touches on is the area around the Pieterskerk Church, where the Pilgrim community lived before leaving the Netherlands for England and then America - narrow alleys and inner courtyards (Hofjes) that were originally built as housing for the needy, and are largely preserved to this day.

The Citadel, the University and the Botanical Garden

Many tours climb to the Burcht, the round fortress that provides a vantage point over the city's rooftops and the confluence of the two arms of the Old Rhine River, and continue to the oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands (Hortus Botanicus), established at Leiden University and linked to the history of tulip cultivation in the country.

Important tips before you go out

Before leaving for the tour

It is recommended to register in advance through GuruWalk to guarantee a spot, even if it is a free tour - groups are limited in size to maintain a personal experience. Most tours in Leiden are held in English, and some are also offered in Spanish - it is worth checking in advance which language the tour you have signed up for is held in.

What to bring and expect

Comfortable shoes are a must - the historic streets are paved with stone and sometimes uneven, and a typical tour involves about two hours of walking. The Netherlands is known for its changeable weather even in summer, so it's a good idea to check the forecast and bring a light jacket or compact umbrella. As with any tourist destination in Europe, it's also a good idea to be wary of pickpockets in crowded areas.

How does the tip work?

At the end of the tour, it is customary to give the guide a cash tip, in euros - the amount is at your discretion depending on the length of the tour and the quality of the experience, and this is actually the only salary the guide receives. There is no need to plan an amount in advance; you can consult with other participants at the end or simply give according to your feelings.

How to get to and around the city

Leiden is easily accessible by train from Amsterdam, The Hague and Rotterdam, and the train station is a short walk from the city centre and the departure points of most tours. Within the city itself, almost everything is within walking distance, and as in all of the Netherlands, bicycles are the most popular means of transport among residents - watch out for them at intersections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the tours in Leiden really free?

Yes - there is no registration or entry fee, and the only payment is a voluntary tip to the guide at the end, in an amount you determine based on your satisfaction.

Do I need to book in advance?

Highly recommended. Groups are limited in size, and pre-registration through GuruWalk guarantees you a spot and keeps you updated if anything changes in the schedule.

In what languages are the tours held?

Most tours in Leiden are held in English, and some are also offered in Spanish - it is worth checking in advance which language is suitable for the tour you have chosen.

Is the tour suitable for families with children?

A two-hour walking tour at an adult pace may be challenging for very young children, but older children and teenagers generally enjoy the stories and historical atmosphere.

How much is it customary to tip a guide?

There is no set amount - this is the principle of the optional tipping model. Many consider the length of the tour, the quality of the guide and their personal budget, and tip in cash in euros.

Where do the tours leave from?

The departure points are detailed on the registration page of each GuruWalk tour and are updated periodically, so it is worth checking the exact details closer to the date of participation.