Leiden city canal cruise

Leiden, a mediaeval historical town in South Holland, the Netherlands, owes its origin to the small village created back in the IX century where the rivers Rijn, Vliet and Mare flow together.

It soon became an important urban centre, and had to build new canals to keep on with the expansion. Historical buildings and a unique canal network are mostly preserved from the time, and make Leiden a proof of Netherlands’ history.

Sailing through the city in an hour-long boat trip, you will witness the very rich culture of the city: monuments, museums ansd almshouses are located on the water. For example, you navigate past Weddesteeg, the street in which Rembrandt van Rijn was born, as well as the Hortus Botanicus gardens, which date back to 1581. The Hortus is part of the University of Leiden, the oldest university in the Netherlands.

As an old Dutch city, Leiden has a lot of monumental canal-side buildings. These are characterised by all sorts of gables such as the stepped gable and Dutch gable. You will see many examples of these during your canal trip.

The canal cruise includes a headphone audioguide explanation available in 9 languages: Dutch, English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Polish and Russian.

The Leiden canal trip sails daily. The trip lasts one hour.

• November 1st to February 28th: departures from Tuesday to Sunday. 
• March 1st to October 31st: daily
  
  

Departure hours: 11:30 - 12:30 - 13:00 - 14:00 - 15:00

Boats leave from Blauwpoortshaven (at the Beestenmarkt) which is on the route from Leiden Central Station to the city centre.

Once you’ve completed the booking process, we’ll send you your tickets. Go to the departing point at your chosen date and hour and enjoy the canal cruise!