Guided cruise with a skipper
- Around 60 minutes along the Nieuwe Rijn, the Rapenburg and past the Zijlpoort gate.
- Departure points are central, a short walk from Leiden Centraal station.
- Covered boats sail all year round, rain included.
- The skipper covers the 1574 siege, the cloth industry and Rembrandt.
Rent a boat yourself
- Electric whisper boats for 4 to 10 people, no boating licence needed.
- Allow two hours for the centre loop, three if you add the Kaag lakes.
- Bring food and drinks; you can moor along the quays.
- Book well ahead at weekends and on sunny days — the fleet is small.
Canoe, kayak and paddleboard
For something quieter and closer to the water, rent a canoe, kayak or paddleboard. You can then reach the narrowest canals where tour boats do not go, such as around Van der Werfpark and the Oude Vest. Go early: the water is mirror-flat and the city is almost yours.
The prettiest route
- Rapenburg — the widest canal, past the National Museum of Antiquities and the university.
- Nieuwe Rijn — terraces, the Koornbrug and the market on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
- Oude Singel — along Museum De Lakenhal and the Marekerk.
- Zijlpoort and Morspoort — the two 17th-century city gates, best seen from the water.
Book tickets
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Frequently asked questions
- How long is a canal tour in Leiden?
- A guided cruise lasts about an hour. If you rent a boat yourself, allow two to three hours for a relaxed loop.
- Do I need a licence to drive a boat in Leiden?
- No. The electric whisper boats and sloops rented in the centre need no licence; you get a short briefing before you set off.
- Can you take a canal cruise in winter?
- Yes, covered tour boats sail all year. Self-drive rental usually runs from spring through autumn.