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Offered languages
- German
- Portuguese
- English
- Italian
- French
- Dutch
- Spanish
In the 1600s, a single tulip bulb sold for the price of a canal house - and the flower that started the famous tulip mania was planted right here in Leiden. This walking tour follows a trail that takes you to that spot at the Hortus Botanicus and through the streets where Rembrandt grew up, sketched his earliest works, and became the painter who would define the Dutch Golden Age.
Along the way, you will hear how Leiden's canals were built as moats to stop invaders, why poems cover the city walls instead of graffiti, and how a group of English refugees, called the pilgrims, sheltered here before sailing - with nine future US Presidents among their descendants.
Your local guide walks you through 12 stops, from the atmospheric Galgewater canal to the panoramic fortress of De Burcht. Along the way, you can get a Rembrandt-style portrait sketched and explore one of the city's hidden hofjes.
Available in 9 languages. Works offline. No schedule, no group - just you and the city.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
This is a self-guided audio tour on the "Tourific self-guided tours" app. To activate the tour, check your email for instructions from Tourific or your booking platform sent right after booking. Can’t find it? Search for “Tourific” in your email inbox and spam folder. OR contact us via support.
Itinerary
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Molen de Put (Pass by)
Discover a reconstructed 17th-century windmill that reveals why these icons dot the Dutch landscape - and what Rembrandt's father did for a living.
Admission ticket free -
Hortus Botanicus Leiden (Pass by)
The first tulip in the Netherlands was planted in this garden. What happened next nearly bankrupted the country.
Admission ticket free -
Leiden University Academic Building (Pass by)
Admire Rapenberg and find out about the famous alumni like Descartes, Rembrandt, and multiple members of the Dutch royal family.
Admission ticket free -
1Young Rembrandt Studio
Discover the place where Rembrandt learnt art!
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
Pieterskerk Leiden (Pass by)
Here, you'll learn about the church's connection to the Pilgrims, who lived in Leiden before their journey to America. Nine US Presidents descend from them.
Admission ticket free -
2De Burcht
A 9th-century hilltop fortress with panoramic views of the city - the perfect place to end your walk through Leiden.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
This canal's name translates to "Gallows Water". Find out why. Today it is one of Leiden's most scenic spots.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
Spot the clues that connect it to Rembrandt's most famous painting.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The total tour duration includes the time spent listening to information at the stop and time required to walk through all the stops.
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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