Pilgrims and Painters of Leiden: A Self Guided Walking Tour
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
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.
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.
What To Expect
Molen de Put
Discover a reconstructed 17th-century windmill that reveals why these icons dot the Dutch landscape - and what Rembrandt's father did for a living.
Hortus Botanicus Leiden
The first tulip in the Netherlands was planted in this garden. What happened next nearly bankrupted the country.
Options
Pilgrims and Painters of Leiden: A Self Guided Walking Tour
What‘s Included
100% Satisfaction Guarantee: If you don’t love the tour, write to us for a full refund.
Audio and written guide included
Offline access to the tour (no internet connection needed) once tour is downloaded
Images to identify stops and in app interactive map for navigation
1-year access on iOS & Android. Listen to the tour anytime, as many times as you like
Check or search your inbox for an email from “Tourific” with tour access instructions.
Any physical devices or headphones
Human tour guide at location
Entry to any attractions
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
3 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Successful self-guided tour...
865detlefn,Jul 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The use was quite easy; there is sufficient information about the individual stations. You can freely allocate time and take a break. Can be recommended in good conscience.
Easy to listen to walking audio guide at your own pace in Leiden
markbw777,Jun 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Clear informative well paced guide to some interesting sites in beautiful Leiden. Easy to download onto your mobile and with earphones/pods easy to listen to as you walk around. Good that you could choose to stop when you liked rather than on a group tour having to go at the pace the tour guide sets. 15 places of interest on the tour plus additional information I’m sure there is scope for a second audio guide for Leiden but this was a good introduction
Best way to explore Leiden!
A8614ZFninaj,Oct 26, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This self-guided tour of Leiden was fantastic! The app led me through some amazing routes —from the beautiful canals and hidden “hofjes” to Rembrandt’s old school and the iconic university—while giving me the freedom to explore at my own pace. It was the perfect mix of guidance and flexibility! Highly recommend it!
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Operated by Tourific