Visitor centre and city maps
The Leiden visitor centre (VVV Leiden) is located on Stationsweg, directly opposite Leiden Centraal station. Staff sell walking-route booklets, city maps and tickets, and can advise on guided tours in English and German.
Opening days you should plan around
- Most museums close on Mondays; Naturalis and CORPUS are the usual exceptions.
- Shops in the centre are open Monday afternoon to Saturday, with late-night shopping on Thursday and many shops open on Sunday afternoon.
- The famous floating market on the Nieuwe Rijn runs on Wednesday and Saturday.
- 3 October is Leidens Ontzet, the city's biggest annual festival — book accommodation months ahead.
Money, tipping and practicalities
- The currency is the euro. Card and phone payment is accepted almost everywhere; many places no longer take cash.
- Tipping is not obligatory — rounding up or 5–10% for good service is normal.
- Tap water is safe and free to drink.
- Leiden is compact and safe; the whole centre is walkable and cyclists have right of way more often than you expect.
When is the best time to visit Leiden?
Late March to mid-May is peak season thanks to the tulip fields and Keukenhof. June to August brings terraces, festivals and long evenings. September and October are quiet, golden and cheap, with the 3 October festival as a highlight. Winter is grey but museum-perfect, and Leiden's centre looks its best under Christmas lights.
Frequently asked questions
- Where can I find tourist information in Leiden?
- The visitor centre sits by the city hall bridge in the centre; online you will find current opening hours, routes and tickets right here.
- Is there a map of Leiden?
- Yes, hotels and the visitor centre hand out free city maps, and our walking routes work well on your phone.
- How much time do I need in Leiden?
- One day covers the historic centre and one museum. Two days allow several museums, a canal cruise and Keukenhof.