Quintessentially Leiden

What makes Leiden so special?

The museums, the university, the shops, the monuments or typical Leiden activities? Read on to find out what Leiden else has to offer besides its well-known attractions.

Markets

Nothing is more fun than strolling around an open air market. And Leiden has plenty of opportunities to do that!

  • Boerenmarkt
    On Wednesday, the Boerenmarkt or 'farmer's market' is held in downtown Leiden on the Aalmarkt. All of the products sold here are organic.
  • Zaterdagmarkt
    The biggest outdoor market in Leiden takes place on Saturday, with some 210 stands selling fruits and vegetables, fish, flowers and gifts. The market is set up in the midst of dozens of outdoor cafes where you can take a break from shopping to relax with a drink and a bite to eat.
  • Stoffenmarkt
    The Stoffenmarkt or 'fabric market' is held twice a year in the centre of Leiden, with 120 stands selling a huge selection of fabrics, notions and other clothing accessories.
  • Lakenmarkt
    Leiden, the birthplace of Rembrandt van Rijn, hosts a variety of cultural, musical, culinary and athletic events to commemorate one of its most famous natives. One of the highlights during the immensely popular Lakenfeesten is the Lakenmarkt. The market is arranged into themes as much as possible and includes an antique market, a curiosity market, a collector's market and an artist’s market.
  • Leidens Ontzet
    During the Leidens Ontzet or 'relief of Leyden' you will find the largest one-day carnival in the Netherlands along with some 250 stands set up around the city centre.

Leiden in action

  • Leidens Ontzet celebration on 2 and 3 October
    This is indisputably the biggest popular festival in the Netherlands in the northern half of the country. The event commemorates the Spanish occupation and liberation of the city in 1574. The celebration includes eating hutspot, which is mash with carrots and onions, and herring and white bread are distributed, too. There is also a very traditional service of remembrance. Find about more about this unique event on the 3 October Society's website.
  • Leidse Lakenfeesten
    In July, Leiden goes all out during the four-day Lakenfeesten, with dozens of activities promising fun for everyone. The festival includes the Peurbakkentocht, in which a spectacular parade of elaborately decorated boats sail through the canals, the culinary festival, the Gouden Pet or 'Golden Cap' street musician festival, a small carnival and various markets.
  • Leiden Marathon
    This annual sporting event is famous for its uniquely Leiden flavour, part of which is provided by marching bands along the route to encourage the runners and spectators alike. Whether you are racing or just watching, the marathon is fun for everyone.
  • Leids Cabaret Festival
    While the Leiden Marathon will give your muscles quite a workout, this is one city that will also tickle your funny bone. For example during the Leids Cabaret Festival, which offers up and coming comic talent the chance to show audiences what they have got, and you the chance to laugh yourself silly.
  • Leids Film Festival
    During this five-day international film festival, a large selection of new and noteworthy films are shown in numerous cinemas, museums and cultural and music venues in Leiden.

The language of Leiden

  • Leiden accent
    You are sure to hear it roll by you at least once: Leiden's famous R sound. It is just one of the characteristics of the local dialect, just like the sing-song intonation.
  • Wall poems
    Wandering around Leiden you see them everywhere: the wall poems. The special wall poem website features pictures and translations of the poems. The site also offers more background information, a walking route, a map and news about the city poetry.