Canal cruises in Leiden
Guided canal cruises leave from the centre throughout the season and take about an hour, passing the windmill, the university quarter and the old city moat. Rederij Rembrandt is the best-known operator; several smaller companies run open boats and evening cruises. In summer, book ahead at weekends.
Rent a boat yourself
Small electric boats can be rented without a licence — Bootjes en Broodjes and similar rental points hire by the hour. Leiden's quays are low enough to moor almost anywhere, and several bridges are low enough that you will need to duck.
Water taxis and boat restaurants
A water taxi is an unusual way to reach your hotel or a restaurant, and several cafés have terraces directly on the water. There are even a couple of floating restaurants.
Day trips by boat from Leiden
Leiden is a fine starting point for a day on the water. You can sail to Katwijk or Delft, out to the Kaag and Braassemermeer lakes, or — for the truly adventurous — all the way to Rotterdam.
Arriving in Leiden by your own boat
The city has two harbours. Blauwpoortshaven near the Beestenmarkt suits day visitors (no overnight mooring). The harbour beside the Zijlpoort, on the edge of the centre, is reached from the east via the Zijl, the Rijn-Schie canal and the Oude Rijn.
Book tickets
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Frequently asked questions
- Can you take a canal cruise in Leiden?
- Yes, boats run year-round through the canals and the Zijl; in winter they are usually covered and heated.
- How long is a Leiden canal cruise?
- A standard cruise lasts about an hour and departs from Beestenmarkt or Blauwpoortsbrug.
- Can I rent a boat myself?
- Yes, rental companies in the centre hire out electric sloops; no boating licence is required.