Parks in Leiden

One of the finest urban green projects in the Netherlands, created by Leiden citizens following the line of the old singel fortification canals that surround the historic centre. The 9-kilometre loop passes through planted meadows, orchard sections, the Van der Werffpark, the Plantsoen, the Merenwijk farm area, the Morspoort and Zijlpoort city gates, and continuous canal-side walking paths. The project was driven entirely by a citizens’ initiative and took a decade to complete. Walking or cycling the full ring takes about two hours at a relaxed pace and gives an extraordinary picture of all of Leiden’s neighbourhoods. One of the best urban parks in South Holland.

A charming canal-side park in the city centre named after Pieter Adriaanszoon van der Werff, the mayor who famously refused to surrender Leiden to the Spanish in 1574. The park occupies the site of a catastrophic gunpowder explosion in January 1807, when a ship carrying 37,000 pounds of gunpowder blew up, destroying a large part of the city. Today it is a peaceful green space alongside the canal, excellent for picnics and summer relaxation a short walk from the Rapenburg. One of the most pleasant spots for a midday break near the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden.

A classic 19th-century English-style park designed by architect Salomon van der Paauw, built with municipal funds using unemployed workers. The park features an old aviary, a fountain, a 350-year anniversary monument to the relief of Leiden, and mature trees along canal-side paths. One of the most pleasant parks on the Singelpark route on the northern side of the city, popular with families and dog walkers. The park’s newsletter is produced by the Het Plantsoen Association, which organises seasonal events.

A neighbourhood farm park in the Merenwijk district on the western side of Leiden with a children’s farm (kinderboerderij) housing sheep, cows, rabbits, birds, and other animals. Set in a large green area close to the water, further from the city centre but easily reached by bicycle along the Singelpark. A small terrace cafe offers snacks and refreshments. Excellent for families with young children, particularly for expat parents who want to show their children a working Dutch farm environment. The surrounding Merenwijk park and waterside area is excellent for walking.

The oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands and one of the oldest in the world, established in 1590 as part of Leiden University. The garden where Carolus Clusius introduced the tulip to Western Europe in 1594. Four centuries of collecting have produced over 10,000 plant species across different garden sections: the reconstructed Clusius Garden, the Systematic Garden, the Fern Garden, the Japanese Garden, and spectacular tropical greenhouses including Europe’s oldest surviving palm tree, planted in 1705. The Orangery of 1744 is a beautiful piece of garden architecture. Covered in depth in the museums guide.

The small park surrounding the Burcht van Leiden fortress mound at the confluence of the Oude Rijn and Nieuwe Rijn. A natural resting point in the heart of the city after exploring the Burcht’s ramparts. The surrounding streets, the fish bridge (Vissluis), and the views along both Rhine branches make this a pleasant spot in any weather. The Grand Cafe de Burcht at the foot of the hill is good for a post-Burcht coffee or beer.

The Galgewater is one of Leiden’s most photogenic canal stretches, running along the edge of the historic centre with a continuous waterside path popular with walkers, cyclists, and runners. The area around the Zijlpoort gate where the Galgewater meets the singel is particularly attractive. Houseboats, rowing clubs, and canal-side gardens give it a lived-in character that feels different from the more tourist-facing Rapenburg. A good walk to combine with the Singelpark route or as a standalone evening stroll.

Leiden’s main woodland park on the north-western edge of the city, offering the largest expanse of trees and natural paths within reach of the centre. Good for running, dog walking, and cycling in a greener environment than the city parks offer. A sports area and outdoor facilities make it a practical destination for active residents in the Stevenshof and Roomburg neighbourhoods. About a 20-minute cycle from the city centre but well worth the trip for residents who want a more natural setting than the Singelpark provides.