It is no surprise that there are plenty of stunning photo spots in Leiden — after all, the city is a breathtaking little gem, snugged neatly between Amsterdam and the Hague.
Leiden is a truly ideal spot for a photography tour, especially since all of its most stunning sights are within minutes of walking from each other.
Are you ready to get that perfect shot? Here’s where you can find it! 📸
1. De Burcht: for the best view of the Hooglandsekerk
De Burcht is worth visiting for many reasons. One of them, undoubtedly, is the fact that it’s located on a hill… in the Netherlands!?
If you know a thing or two about hills, you’ll know that they can provide fantastic views — and that sure is true for De Burcht as well. Here, you’ll get a breathtaking view of the glorious Hooglandsekerk of Leiden. ⛪️
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This imposing church is one of Leiden’s most famous monuments, so don’t miss this chance to get a stunning shot of it!
📍 Location: Van der Sterrepad 5, 2312 EK Leiden
2. The Hortus Botanicus: for exotic plants
Time for some greenery — and Leiden has just the right place to go: the university’s botanical gardens.
The Hortus Botanicus is the oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands. Beautiful, romantic, and packed with a great variety of plants, it’s easily one of the best photo spots in Leiden.
Whether you want to shoot some Dutch tulips, or Leiden’s famous penis plant (yes, you read that right), this is the place to be!
📍 Location: Rapenburg 73, 2311 GJ Leiden
3. The Rapenburg: for magnificent canal views
One thing that can’t be missing from a good ol’ Dutch photo series is pictures of a canal view: glistening water reflecting in the camera, a charming boat floating by, and lush green trees decorating the side of the roads. Oh la la!
Sounds too good to be true? It’s not! The Rapenburg in Leiden can provide you with just that. Trust us; the 700-metre-long street has not a singular spot that is not worthy of a spot in a Kruidvat photobook!
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The snazziest street of the city hosts the oldest building of Leiden University, as well as plenty of great cafés, museums, and historical Dutch houses.
On top of that, it has a stunning canal that is frequently called the mooiste gracht (prettiest canal) in the whole city — and we can see why! 😍
📍 Location: Rapenburg 1, 2311 GD
4. The Molen de Valk: for a quintessentially Dutch shot
If you walk towards Leiden’s city centre from the station, you will come past what looks like your typical painting of the Netherlands.
The main star of the show? The Molen de Valk, the only windmill left of the 19 that once stood within the city walls of Leiden.
Surrounded by the water and the park’s greenery, it makes for a truly stunning and quintessentially Dutch shot!
📍 Location: 2e Binnenvestgracht 1, 2312 BZ Leiden
5. The Pieterskerk square: to capture Leiden’s history
History buffs, and appreciators of all things beautiful, this one’s for you! A feast for the eyes and the brain alike: the Pieterskerk and its surroundings.
Charming little streets lead you to what used to be Leiden’s main Catholic church, with its roots dating all the way back to the 1300s.
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Important not just for Leiden’s history, this district of the city actually used to be settled by the American pilgrims in the 16th century.
The stunning church’s big windows, and red doors, along with the typical cobbled streets, easily make for one of the best photo spots in Leiden.
📍 Location: Kloksteeg 16, 2311 SL Leiden
6. The Koornbrug: for the hustle and bustle
Next up, let’s head to the Koornbrug. This stunning bridge has a unique look that will look great in any photo. Its canopy even hosts Leiden’s coat of arms! 🗝️
The Koornbrug is located right on the Nieuwe Rijn, one of Leiden’s main canals. Stroll along, sit by the water, admire the Dutch architecture and get shots of Leiden’s hustle and bustle.
Oh, and if you need a break from carrying your heavy camera through the city, you’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of great cafés and yummy ice cream shops along this canal!
📍 Location: Koornbrug, 2312 JE Leiden
7. The little pink house: for a pop of colour
Just like Los Angeles has its famous pink wall, Leiden has its charming pink house — a pop of colour in the middle of the city centre.
Dating back to 1635, this little dream house has quite the history in its lap. It used to be home to a well-known prostitute, who went by the nickname of Groene Haasje (little green hare).
At the time, the area the Little Pink House is in was deemed a Leiden-version of Amsterdam’s Red Light District.
Today, it’s just the perfect spot to spice up your Instagram feed. Just look at that beautiful contrast between the sky’s baby blue and the house’s baby pink! Mooi, hé? 🌸
📍 Location: Groenhazengracht 3, 2311 VT
8. Outside the Volkenkunde Museum: to see the cherry blossoms
Last but certainly not least: The Volkenkunde Museum — a beauty both inside and out!
While the inside of the National Museum of Ethnology is among the best things to do in Leiden, the museum’s surroundings are an attraction in themselves.
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In the spring, this is a great place to observe the cherry blossom season slowly unfolding. On top of that, the museum will occasionally have artwork of fairs outside as well. This is a photo spot in Leiden that’s definitely worth checking out!
📍 Location: Steenstraat 1, 2312 BS Leiden
Whether you’re looking to get that perfect shot for your apartment’s photo wall or just a casual snap for your ‘gram, these photo spots in Leiden are great locations to be featured. 📸
Do you know of any more great photo spots in Leiden? Tell us in the comments!
