Europe’s most underrated city dubbed a ‘mini Amsterdam’ but without the crowds

This beautiful city in the Netherlands has been compared to Amsterdam but with less crowds.

Leiden is a city in South Holland, famous for being a popular university city since 1575. Described as Europe’s most “prominent scientific centres”, the city has a rich history and plenty to see.

One travel blogger wrote how the Dutch city was “packed with Amsterdam-esque canals but without the Amsterdam-sized crowds”.

And its not hard to see why the comparison is there, with canals on every street corner and beautiful townhouses.

The city has a large student population, making for a thriving centre filled with bars, restaurants and shops. The university buildings are scattered across the city.

Leiden University is also the oldest university in the Netherlands, twinned with Oxford University in the UK. It is described as one of Europe’s top universities, with thirteen Nobel Prize winners.

There are also 13 museums across the city, offering a glimpse into the vast history of the area. For those visiting, boating along the picturesque canals is described as a must-do. 

Nicknamed the ‘City of Discoveries’, there is something to see around every corner. The centre has been well-preserved, with historical architecture still remaining in tact.

Stroll through the lanes to visit some of the famous cafes and bars that attract thousands of students and tourists, with boutique-style stores lining the streets.

Thanks to its size, the city is walkable, meaning you can easily access all 13 museums on foot. Displaying a range of exhibitions, the National Museum of Antiquities has been ranked the best on TripAdvisor.

It is the national archaeological museum of the Netherlands, with a complete Egyptian temple to explore. For those wanting to visit the city, Leiden Central Station is just a 15-minute walk from the centre.

It is also cycle-friendly – similar to Amsterdam – with numerous bikes available to rent and dedicated pathways for exploring the city.

Make sure to visit HerenDoeza street – one of the most famous thanks to its range of boutique stores and culinary options.