Leiden, The NetherlandsThe Insider's Guide to Leiden
Summary: Our Guide to Leiden: Top Attractions, Culinary Hotspots, Nightlife, and More. Plus, Tips on Making Connections with the Locals and Finding Fun Recreational Activities
Welcome to Leiden! If you're planning to move to Leiden, congratulations on taking the first step towards a new adventure. While there are many things to think about before you leave, such as visas, housing, and transportation, it's important to remember that once you arrive, the fun really begins. In this article, we'll introduce you to some of the best sites, restaurants, and nightlife that Leiden has to offer, as well as provide tips on recreational activities and making friends in Leiden.
Leiden is a beautiful city with plenty of sites of interest for both tourists and locals. The city is home to the oldest university in the Netherlands, Leiden University, which was founded in 1575. The university is a great place to visit, with its many historic buildings, museums, and libraries. The Hortus Botanicus Leiden is also a popular attraction, with its beautiful gardens and greenhouses. The city is also home to the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, which houses a large collection of ancient artifacts from Egypt, Greece, and Rome. The city also has a number of churches, including the Pieterskerk, which dates back to the 13th century.
Leiden is also known for its vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene. Some of the most popular restaurants in the city include De Waag, which serves traditional Dutch cuisine, and De Koe, which specializes in seafood. For a more casual dining experience, there are plenty of cafes and pubs, such as Café de Koe, Café de Waag, and Café de Koning. For a night out, there are plenty of bars and clubs, such as Café de Koning, Café de Waag, and Café de Koe.
Leiden is also a great place for recreational activities. The city has a number of parks and green spaces, such as the Hortus Botanicus Leiden, the Leidse Hout, and the Valkenburgse Bos. There are also plenty of sports facilities, such as the Leiden Sports Centre, the Leiden Swimming Pool, and the Leiden Tennis Club. For those looking for a more relaxed activity, there are plenty of museums and galleries, such as the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, the Leiden Museum of Modern Art, and the Leiden City Museum.
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Insider Tips from Expats in Leiden: Making the Most of Life and Connections
"I never contacted any, I have built my social life slowly, friends from work, or that I've met in different situations," said one expat living in Leiden.
"Expats in Leiden can join a variety of clubs and activities, such as sports teams, language classes, and cultural events. Expats can also meet people by attending local festivals, joining meetup groups, or attending events hosted by the local expat community. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join local churches or volunteer organizations, as these can be great ways to meet people and become involved in the local community," wrote a member in Leiden.
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"Leiden is a students town, but also in between The Hague (centre of government) and Amsterdam (Capital) and not too far from Rotterdam (largest harbour in the world), therefore, it's quite a diverse city. You will find mostly everything you can think of, from sport clubs/associations, religious goups, classes in all forms of artistic expression (dancing, sculpture, painting, etc), loads of very interesting museums, and of course, a lively nightlife," commented an expat living in Leiden.
"Leiden is a great place for expats and digital nomads to live. The city is known for its vibrant culture, beautiful canals, and friendly locals. Expats and digital nomads can find plenty of activities to do in Leiden, from exploring the city's many museums and galleries to taking a boat ride along the canals. The city also offers a wide range of accommodation options, from traditional Dutch apartments to modern co-living spaces. Leiden is also well-connected to the rest of the Netherlands and Europe, making it easy to travel to other cities and countries. With its welcoming atmosphere and plenty of opportunities for work and leisure, Leiden is an ideal destination for expats and digital nomads," said an expat in Leiden.
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About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
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