Pilgrims and Painters of Leiden: A Self Guided Walking Tour
Description
In the 1600s, a single tulip bulb sold for the price of a canal house - and the flower that started the famous tulip mania was planted right here in Leiden. This walking tour follows a trail that takes you to that spot at the Hortus Botanicus and through the streets where Rembrandt grew up, sketched his earliest works, and became the painter who would define the Dutch Golden Age. Along the way, you will hear how Leiden's canals were built as moats to stop invaders, why poems cover the city walls instead of graffiti, and how a group of English refugees, called the pilgrims, sheltered here before sailing - with nine future US Presidents among their descendants. Your local guide walks you through 12 stops, from the atmospheric Galgewater canal to the panoramic fortress of De Burcht. Along the way, you can get a Rembrandt-style portrait sketched and explore one of the city's hidden hofjes. Available in 9 languages. Works offline. No schedule, no group - just you and the city.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Discover a reconstructed 17th-century windmill that reveals why these icons dot the Dutch landscape - and what Rembrandt's father did for a living.
The first tulip in the Netherlands was planted in this garden. What happened next nearly bankrupted the country.
Admire Rapenberg and find out about the famous alumni like Descartes, Rembrandt, and multiple members of the Dutch royal family.
Discover the place where Rembrandt learnt art!
Here, you'll learn about the church's connection to the Pilgrims, who lived in Leiden before their journey to America. Nine US Presidents descend from them.
A 9th-century hilltop fortress with panoramic views of the city - the perfect place to end your walk through Leiden.
This canal's name translates to "Gallows Water". Find out why. Today it is one of Leiden's most scenic spots.
Spot the clues that connect it to Rembrandt's most famous painting.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The total tour duration includes the time spent listening to information at the stop and time required to walk through all the stops.
Reviews(3)
The use was quite easy; there is sufficient information about the individual stations. You can freely allocate time and take a break. Can be recommended in good conscience.
Vielen Dank, dass Sie sich die Zeit genommen haben, uns eine ausführliche Bewertung zu hinterlassen! Wir wissen das sehr zu schätzen – es hilft uns, mehr Reisende zu erreichen. Wir hoffen, Sie in Zukunft in einer anderen Stadt wieder begleiten zu dürfen. Mit freundlichen Grüßen Ihr Tourific-Team
Clear informative well paced guide to some interesting sites in beautiful Leiden. Easy to download onto your mobile and with earphones/pods easy to listen to as you walk around. Good that you could choose to stop when you liked rather than on a group tour having to go at the pace the tour guide sets. 15 places of interest on the tour plus additional information I’m sure there is scope for a second audio guide for Leiden but this was a good introduction
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review! We really appreciate it and we are glad that you enjoyed the tour. We hope to guide you again in a different city in the future. Best regards, The Tourific team
This self-guided tour of Leiden was fantastic! The app led me through some amazing routes —from the beautiful canals and hidden “hofjes” to Rembrandt’s old school and the iconic university—while giving me the freedom to explore at my own pace. It was the perfect mix of guidance and flexibility! Highly recommend it!
Thank you for taking the time to write this review! We appreciate it and we are really glad that you enjoyed the tour. We hope to serve you again in the future. Best regards, The Tourific team
