Free tour
Discovering the Keys to Leiden: From Pilgrims to Painters! (offered in English or Spanish)
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Guru: Holly
Registered on 30 March 2026
Leiden is our adopted home, and we have always been passionate about sharing what makes this city special to me and the millions of others that have found their way to this smaller, more charming Amsterdam-of-the-South.
Holly leads our English tours and is an avid reader, researcher, traveler and mom of 2. She loves unraveling the 1000 year mysteries of this city.
Jamie leads our Spanish tours, with a history and art background, and has extensive guide experience from his time in the Netherlands, Philadelphia and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
We would love to be part of your vacation.
Free reservation and cancellation
Pay-what-you-want tour, no set price, reservation and cancellation are free
Tour description
Welcome to the beautiful and peaceful Key City, commonly known as the Amsterdam of the South. On our walk, we will uncover beautiful Bridges, Tiny courtyards, historic Homes, and the beautiful spaces that have been inspiring travellers and adventurers for hundreds of years.
Focusing on Leiden's First Golden Age we talk about how a single tulip bulb sold for the price of a canal house. The flower that started the famous tulip mania? It was planted right here in Leiden. Our walking tour follows a trail that takes you to that spot at the Hortus Botanicus and through the streets where Rembrandt and his contemporaries grew up, sketched their 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 and how those Invaders impacted the unique Leiden accent you'll still hear today. You'll understand 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 guide walks you through 12+ stops, from soaring Mills canal to the panoramic fortress of De Burcht. On Market Days, we'll be sure to stop for extra snacks. We will help you fall in love with this unique city we call home.
Highlights
What will we see on this tour?
Meeting point:
Punto de encuentro
We will meet at Leiden's most central windmill, Molen De Valk at Molenwerf 1, 2312 BZ Leiden, a 5 minute walk from central station. Our guides will have a blue and purple polka dot umbrella and will be a minimum of 10 minutes early for every tour.
1
Outside visit
Rijnsburgerbrug
2
Outside visit
Singelpark kweektuin
3
Outside visit
Morschpoort
How much does this tour cost?
Free tours don't have a fixed price. At the end, each person contributes to the guide the amount they consider fair based on their satisfaction. As a guideline, Guruwalk recommends between €15 and $50 per participant.
Who is this tour for?
Accessibility
Not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Groups
Does not accept large group bookings.
Pets
Suitable for bringing pets.
What should I know?
Minimum attendees
Requires a minimum of 4 people to conduct the tour.
Additional costs
The tour does not require payment for entries or additional expenses.
Free cancellation
If you cannot attend the tour, please cancel the reservation, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.
Payment methods
Electronic or card payment accepted.
Discovering the Keys to Leiden: From Pilgrims to Painters! (offered in English or Spanish)
Other cities after visiting Leiden
Cancellation risk
This guru has cancelled 3 of the last 6 bookings for this tour.
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