City of Scholars and Pilgrims
Discover Leiden on a private walking tour through one of the most atmospheric cities in the Netherlands. With your own knowledgeable local guide, you wander along tranquil canals and through elegant streets that reflect centuries of history.
Learn how the city withstood the Spanish siege of 1574, visit the birthplace of Rembrandt, and hear about the oldest university in the Netherlands and the Pilgrim Fathers who lived here before sailing to America.
The tour takes place entirely on foot in the compact historic center and normally lasts about 1.5 hours. Because this is a private walking tour, the pace and focus are fully flexible and can be adapted to your interests.
What you'll see on this tour
What guests say about this tour
5.0 · 8 reviews
“Elena was an excellent guide, brought the history of Leiden to life and was totally indulgent of my photo taking! Thank you!”
Google · May 2026“Elena is a FABULOUS guide! She knew everything about Leiden, and had some great historical documents that really help us understand the roots of the city. Highly recommend her! A 90-minute tour is also the perfect amount of time to explore historic Leiden.”
Viator · May 2026“My husband booked this as a suprise for me, and I couldn't be happier. We had a great time and I really feel like I got to experience the city. Our guide was knowledgeable and funny which also made for an overall great experience.”
What's included
Included
- Private guide
- 1.5-hour private walking tour
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities for the guide (optional)
- Pick-up and drop-off in another city (can be added to your booking at check-out)
What to expect
Starting at Beestenmarkt
The tour begins in front of McDonald's on Beestenmarkt square. Your guide sets the pace from here and can adjust the route on request.
Meeting point: In front of McDonald's, Beestenmarkt square. You can also choose a custom starting location. Just add it as a comment when you book.
The siege of 1574 and the university
The story of Leiden's heroic resistance to the Spanish siege in 1574, and how it led William of Orange to found the country's oldest university as a reward.
Rembrandt's Leiden
A walk past the birthplace of Rembrandt, with the story of his early years training as a painter before he moved on to Amsterdam.
The Pilgrim Fathers
The lesser-known chapter of Leiden's history: the more than a decade the Pilgrims spent living in the city before boarding the Mayflower for America.
Closing along the canals
The tour winds down through Leiden's well-preserved canals and cobbled streets, with time for questions at the end.
Highlights
Learn about Leiden's heroic resistance to the Spanish siege in 1574
See the oldest university of the country, founded by William of Orange
Visit Rembrandt's birthplace, where the young master grew up before moving to Amsterdam
Frequently asked questions
Where exactly does the tour start?
In front of McDonald's on Beestenmarkt square. If you'd rather start somewhere else in the city center, add it as a booking comment.
Is this tour focused more on Rembrandt or on the university and Pilgrim history?
The standard route covers all three, but since it's a private tour, your guide can lean more into whichever story interests your group most.
Can this tour be combined with Haarlem or The Hague?
Yes, both are a short train ride from Leiden, and combining two cities in one day is a popular option.
Is the route suitable for guests with limited mobility?
Yes, Leiden's historic center is flat and compact, and the route can be adjusted for a slower pace.
Can children join, given how history-heavy the tour sounds?
Yes, guides adjust the storytelling for younger visitors, and the mix of siege history, art, and the Pilgrim story tends to work well for families too.
Can I be picked up and dropped off in another city?
Yes. We offer paid pick-up and drop-off within roughly 100 km (62 mi) of the tour's meeting point, which covers Amsterdam and most of the Randstad. You can add this during the booking checkout, or book it separately, before your tour date. For longer distances, contact us for a quote.
How can I pay for my tour?
You can pay securely online during checkout with Apple Pay, Google Pay, credit or debit card, iDEAL, Bancontact or Sofort. Prices are listed in euros; your bank converts the amount automatically if you're paying from abroad.
Can we visit the Leiden American Pilgrim Museum?
Yes, before or after the tour. Since 2025 it is next to the Pieterskerk at Kloksteeg 16, open Wednesday to Friday 14:00 to 17:00 and weekends 12:00 to 17:00, with tickets at €7.50, card only. Your walk passes the Pieterskerk, where Pilgrim pastor John Robinson is buried.
What is Leiden's connection to the Pilgrims and the Mayflower?
The Pilgrims lived in Leiden from 1609 to 1620 before sailing to America, first on the Speedwell from Delfshaven and then on the Mayflower. Their pastor John Robinson stayed behind and is buried in the Pieterskerk. Ask for the Pilgrim story in a booking comment and your guide builds the route around it.
More about Leiden
What else there is to see, how to get there, and when to come.
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