I’m going to apologize up front. This post is photo happy! Every single photo I took yesterday turned out gorgeous. It’s like re-living yesterday in pictures. And yesterday was over-the-top gorgeous.
I am in Leiden. I am visiting Zoë, checking out Dutch university life. Catching up with one of my favorite young people. Running Dane ragged till he sleeps till 10. I had no idea that Leiden was this amazing. This beautiful. This perfect. I am head-over-heels in love.
Leiden is a university town. It is Rembrandts hometown. It is a cultural & scientific center. It is quaint. Dutch. Adorable. My camera loved Leiden. I love Leiden! Why have I never been here before?
Leiden is only 25 miles south of Amsterdam, 12 miles north of The Hague. I’ve driven by it countless times. This time I stopped. I stopped for Zoë. I fell in love all by myself.
All I can say is, unless you really, really love coffee shops, the Anne Frank house and Rembrandts actual paintings, skip Amsterdam. Leiden is prettier, cleaner and less crowded. I could spend days walking the streets, riding boats through her canals. Shopping. Eating at one of the many cafe’s on the water.
I don’t have enough words. I do have enough pictures. I’ve given up trying to find a handful of perfect ones, I’m sharing the ones I haven’t been able to cut. Come to Leiden! You won’t regret it.
Oh my goodness! SO charming! Gorgeous pics.
Wow, looks beautiful and so full of charm and Dane looks COOL xx
Never been to Leiden, looks awesome. I’m going to Wageningen soon. Wageningen is beautiful too. Checking out a study for Martine. Hoping she can enroll next year.
Oh, you’ve given me yet another reason to dream about Holland, the country I’ve been wanting to visit since i was a little girl. Definitely going on my wishlist. Love your photos Toiny, as always.
Looks wonderful – we are working on a Bike & Barge Trip in the Spring. What is your best guess, time wise to see the TULIPS in BLOOM? May ?
That depends on what kind of weather we have had in februari and march. But I think April is the best Time. The Keukenhof this is a big garden is now closed. In 2019 the park will be open from March 21 until May 19 2019.
I think end of April is ideal, you miss Easter vacations, Hemelvaart (Ascension day) & “pinksteren” (Assumption Day) these are holidays, as well as the beginning/end of school vacations. It means places like Keukenhof are more crowded. The end of April is also the sweet spot for flowers blooming, right in the middle so you avoid missing it if flowers bloom early, or if they bloom late.
Even though I enjoy your photos every post, these were extra special because my ancestors from way back emigrated to the New World from Leiden in 1621. I have their marriage record from the day – in Dutch, of course. This place is definitely on my bucket list. Thanks for sharing you photos and your life!
I can see why you fell in love with Leiden! I’ve added it to my bucket like. It’s amazing!! Thanks so much for sharing, always love your photos!!
The tourist bureau in Leiden should hire you as their director! Your photos and dialogue are better than anything I searched for about Leiden. Thank you for sharing all of your amazing travel adventures.
Beautiful city, beautiful photos, thanks for sharing.