Leiden is a city that rewards exploration on foot. Its compact streets, historic canals, and lively neighborhoods make it perfect for walking adventures. What really sets Leiden apart are its diverse tour options, each offering a different glimpse into the city’s personality. Whether you’re intrigued by its iconic windmills, love uncovering hidden stories, or want an in-depth local experience, Leiden has a tour for you. We especially enjoy the Dutch Windmills & Polder Walking Tour for a picturesque taste of the Dutch landscape, and the Secret Stories Guided Walk for a quirky look at Leiden’s lesser-known tales. Both offer authentic insights you won’t find in guidebooks, making your trip truly memorable.
If you’re planning your visit, consider what kind of experience suits your style. For a scenic, nature-oriented stroll, the windmill tour is ideal. If you prefer discovering quirky local stories and unusual spots, the secret stories tour is a hit. For those wanting a more personalized experience, the Private Walking Tour with a Local offers flexibility and insider tips. And for groups interested in a rundown, the Cultural Highlights Tour covers major landmarks in a concise session.
1. Dutch Windmills & Polder Walking Tour
This walking tour stands out because it’s the only Dutch landscape walking experience in the Leiden area that also combines views of the nearby flower fields. For anyone keen on understanding how land was reclaimed from the sea, this tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at iconic windmills like Broekdijk and Boterhuis, which historically pumped water to keep the land dry. The tour lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours, making it manageable even for a busy day.
What makes this tour particularly appealing is its unique focus on Dutch water management techniques—a subject often overlooked. You’ll pass by a golf course that’s been shaped by these old windmills, and learn how they protected Holland from flooding. The windmills are visited from the outside, giving a good sense of their function and importance. The tour can be combined with a visit to the flower fields, adding a colorful, sensory layer to your experience.
The tour is perfect for lovers of rural scenery and engineering marvels. It’s also an excellent value at just over $34 per person. Visitors often praise the informative narration and scenic stops, making it both educational and picturesque. Keep in mind, it’s a quick tour, so if you want more time exploring the fields or windmill interiors, consider combining it with other activities.
Bottom Line: This tour is a gem for those interested in Dutch land reclamation and landscape, offering a scenic, easy walk with meaningful insights.
2. Leiden: Secret Stories Guided Walking Tour
Rating: 5/5 (5 reviews)
Price: $31 per person
Duration: 2 hours
At number 2 on our list, the Secret Stories Guided Walking Tour shines for its focus on Leiden’s lesser-known tales and eccentric characters. Led by a local resident, this tour is a breath of fresh air for travelers tired of the typical sightseeing route. It’s a 2-hour walk through some of Leiden’s quirkier spots—from hidden corners to unusual landmarks—that you’re unlikely to discover on your own.
You’ll start at Starbucks and visit places like Molen De Put, Rembrandtplaats, and the Japan Museum SieboldHuis. Each stop reveals stories that are often fascinating, sometimes amusing, and always surprising. For instance, you’ll learn about Leiden’s ties to Rembrandt, but from an angle most travelers miss. The tour provides insights into Leiden’s academic and cultural sides, making it perfect for curious travelers who want stories as much as scenery.
The reviews are glowing, with visitors praising the passionate storytelling and secret spots that really bring Leiden to life. One reviewer said, “Suha shared stories I’d never heard before, making the city feel alive and personal.” The combination of historical tidbits and personal anecdotes makes this a highly engaging experience.
Bottom Line: If you’re after an authentic, story-driven tour that uncovers Leiden’s quirky side, this walk offers excellent value for its price and length.
3. Best of Leiden: Private Walking Tour with a Local
Rating: 4.2/5 (reviews)
Duration: 2 – 6 hours
For those who want a fully tailored experience, the Private Walking Tour with a Local lets you explore Leiden at your own pace. This flexible tour is ideal if you have specific interests, whether that’s hidden neighborhoods, local food spots, or historical landmarks. The guide, a Leiden resident, adapts the itinerary to your preferences and can share personalized insights along the way.
What makes this tour stand out is its customization. You could focus on major sights such as the Leiden University, the Hortus Botanicus, or the Birthplace of Rembrandt. Alternatively, you could request a deeper dive into lesser-known areas or specific themes like architecture or academic history. It’s a relaxed experience, perfect for travelers who prefer a personal touch and want to avoid cookie-cutter tours.
While the price varies, the length of 2 to 6 hours makes it a good choice for those who want to spend more time exploring. Because it’s private, it also offers a more intimate, flexible pace. Reviewers appreciate the guide’s local knowledge and ability to answer detailed questions.
Bottom Line: If you value a personalized experience, this tour offers the most control and tailored insights to suit your interests.
4. Leiden: Cultural Highlights walking tour NEW
Rating: /5 (reviews)
Price: $295 per group (up to 10)
Duration: 2 hours
This group-oriented walking tour is designed for those who want a structured overview of Leiden’s main sights. The guide takes you past the Leiden canals, city gates, and historic buildings, including the Leiden University and Hortus Botanicus. It’s a solid choice if you’re short on time but eager to see the city’s highlights.
The tour includes stops at the Leiden City Hall, Pieterskerk, and the Rapenburg, where you learn the stories behind these landmarks. It’s a good fit for groups of friends or families wanting a shared experience that covers the essentials. The focus is on storytelling, with the guide explaining the significance of each site.
While not as personalized as the private tour, the group setting keeps costs reasonable at $295 for up to 10 people. Reviewers mention the engaging explanations and well-chosen stops, making it a straightforward way to grasp Leiden’s history.
Bottom Line: Ideal for small groups wanting a guided, all-in-one overview without the hassle of planning their own route.
$295 per group up to 10
5. Leiden: Walking City Tour with Live guide
Rating: 4.6/5 (reviews)
Duration: 1.5 hours
If you prefer a lively, guided experience, this Walking City Tour with a Live Guide is a great option. It’s the only guided walk in Leiden listed on GetYourGuide that offers a live, engaging guide sharing cultural insights throughout the tour. The route covers key sites like the Medieval Gateway (Morspoort), Rembrandt’s Square, the Gothic St Pieters Church, and the Lively Beestenmarkt.
The tour is designed to show you the city’s architectural and cultural highlights in a compact 1.5-hour walk. The guide’s commentary adds color to the sights, making history come alive. It’s perfect for travelers with limited time but who want to get a solid overview and some local flavor.
Reviewers appreciate the informative guides and the lively atmosphere, noting that it’s a good introduction to Leiden’s main attractions. The route’s focus on cultural venues like the Stadsgehoorzaal adds an interesting dimension.
Bottom Line: This tour suits visitors who want an active, lively introduction to Leiden with a personable guide.
How to Choose the Right Walking Tour in Leiden
Picking the best tour depends on your interests, schedule, and travel style. If scenic landscapes and windmills fascinate you, start with the Dutch Windmills & Polder Walking Tour. For uncovering Leiden’s secret stories, the Secret Stories Tour is a perfect fit, especially if you enjoy local anecdotes.
Travelers seeking flexibility should consider the Private Tour, which can be tailored to your specific interests. For those on a group budget, the Cultural Highlights Tour offers a structured, rundown. And if a lively guide appeals, the Live Guided Tour delivers a spirited, engaging experience.
When choosing, also think about your budget, time constraints, and whether you’d prefer a private, small-group, or larger group setting. Booking early is wise, especially in high travel seasons, to secure your spot.
Leiden offers a rich variety of walking experiences, from scenic nature walks to story-rich city strolls. For most travelers, a combination of a scenic windmill walk and a secret stories tour will provide a well-rounded picture of the city’s character. Group travelers or those short on time might prefer the structured city highlights tour, while curious explorers should consider the private options for a tailored experience. Whatever your choice, Leiden on foot is a delightful way to see this charming Dutch city up close.