Explore Leiden's beauty and history in just one day with our itinerary and audio tour.
Beyond the famous sights, our audio guide unveils the city's hidden secrets and legends as you enjoy a leisurely walk at your own pace. The tour covers over 40 stories and spans 5.0 km. Once activated, you have until the end of the next day to complete your exploration. Take your time to enjoy a coffee, lunch, or a museum visit along the way. There's so much to discover.
WHAT TO EXPECT?
A diverse route:
The tour leads you to renowned landmarks such as St Peter's Church and the Castle of Leiden, along with hidden treasures like the Hooigracht and Salvator Almshouse.
Engaging narratives:
Dive into Leiden's rich history and culture. Explore the city's beautiful canals, learn about the prestigious Leiden University, hear the story of the Gunpowder Rampart, and discover the hidden gems of this historic city.
Flexibility:
Stroll at your own pace and pause whenever you wish. You have all day and the next to finish the tour.
Cancellation is possible up to one day in advance.
Convenience:
Download the CityAppTour app and activate the audio tour with the code sent to your email. The app will guide you along the route and remember your progress if you take a break. Play the stories whenever you choose.
TRANSFORM YOUR VISIT TO LEIDEN INTO AN UNFORGETTABLE ADVENTURE!
Why Visit: A 900-year-old motte castle on a 12-metre artificial hill – coins minted here in the 11th century turned up as far away as Russia.
The circular battlemented wall rises about 6 metres and is nearly a metre thick. In 1651 the city bought the site from the Van Wassenaer family for 70,000 guilders. Your audio guide Leiden explains how mayors styled themselves burgraves until the French abolished noble privileges in 1795. Climb the steps for sweeping city views.
Ever Wondered: why it has a double roof (1824)? Grain was stored underneath and ventilated through ceiling holes to prevent mould.
This 1642 stone arch bridge anchored Leiden’s grain trade for centuries. The city coat of arms with two keys is framed by wheat ears. Any walking tour Leiden stops here – those neoclassical canopies kept merchandise dry. On the fish-market side stands the cloth merchant statue.
The Story Behind: An unfinished Gothic cross-basilica with a 65-metre transept; the low nave sits strikingly out of proportion with the lofty choir.
Work halted in 1535 when Haarlem, not Leiden, became a bishop’s seat. During the 1566 Iconoclasm the mayor famously faced the crowd with drawn pistols. This self guided tour Leiden stop shows where the church stored grain during the Spanish siege.
Local Secret: The English Pilgrim Fathers lived in Leiden for years before sailing in 1620 – this 1683 courtyard recalls that chapter (see the Pieterskerk plaque).
Founded by Jean Pesijn of Lille for elderly Walloon church members. Twelve dwellings with support; above the gate the regents’ room, and on the back wall a 1924 sundial. Courtyards like this are quintessential Leiden attractions.
What You’ll Find: The church without a tower – the 110-metre spire collapsed in 1512 and was never rebuilt. Young Rembrandt attended the adjacent Latin school.
Pilgrim pastor John Robinson rests here alongside Jan Steen and Herman Boerhaave. Stained glass shattered in the 1807 gunpowder disaster (18,000 kg). Today events take place among tombs – and a curious mummy.
Back in 1853: The last public execution ended this 12th-century tower’s 600-year role as a prison.
Built by the Count of Holland with chains in the cellar. On the square called Het Gerecht (“The Court”), punishments were carried out. Today it houses the law faculty – chains replaced by law books. A walking tour Leiden reveals how escape once meant squeezing through a hatch in the vault.
