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Spring in the Leiden Region

Spring in the Leiden region is so vibrant

Spring is a magnificent time in the Leiden region. With the days starting to feel longer as the sun begins to set later, it’s a great time to watch the flowers that surround the region bloom. There are so many places to see and things to do, the opportunities are endless. While the holiday season may have passed, springtime is filled with its own set of festivities to celebrate, ensuring there’s never a dull moment. To help plan you can look at this year's national and public holiday calendar. 

Keukenhof

The season begins with the much-anticipated opening of Keukenhof from 21 March to 12 May. Here visitors can discover over 800 varieties of tulips and a wide range of other flowers by visiting this beautiful botanical garden. Tickets for park admission and bus transportation can be conveniently purchased at the Leiden tourist offices in-store or directly via the Keukenhof website.   

Find more information here

Flower field season is here!

As one of the best perks of springtime, we have gathered the essential details to ensure you make the most of this delightful experience. Immerse yourself in the vibrant bloom here

Springtime Activities - Discover the blossoming beauty of the region through its scenic flower fields and canals

Meet&Mingle

Would you like to meet other internationals over a drink in a refreshing environment during the spring days? 

We know that meeting new people can sometimes be hard, which is why we organise our monthly Meet&Mingles! Joining is free, and we encourage everyone living or working in the Leiden region to come. 

Register for our next Meet&Mingle

King's Day

King's Day is a highlight in Dutch culture and is celebrated nationwide in the Netherlands. The whole country dresses up in orange colors and plays traditional games that you’ll want to try. In Leiden the festivities are endless, you can run into flea markets, parties, and live music at every corner.  

Other great options for those who desire to celebrate King’s Day outside the city but stay within the Leiden Region are our neighbouring towns Voorschoten and Leiderdorp.

Find more information here
Kingsday cake and drink

Remembrance & Liberation Day

Remembrance Day in the Netherlands observed on 4 May, is a solemn occasion dedicated to honoring the sacrifices of war victims. At 20:00, a nationwide two-minute silence is observed to commemorate those who suffered and gave their lives for the liberation of the Netherlands. Liberation Day follows on 5 May, marking the end of World War II and celebrating freedom in Dutch history. Festivities and events across the country pay tribute to this significant milestone.

Find more information here
Dutch flag with the sky in the background.

Outdoor Activities

  • Discover the mesmerizing allure of cherry blossoms at the Wereldmuseum. Lose yourself in the delicate beauty of nature's finest display as you stroll through the enchanting pathways. Don't miss this captivating springtime experience.

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  • Leiden's Hortus Botanicus is the oldest botanic garden in the Netherlands, with some sections dating back to 1590. The gardens feature exotic plants from all over the world, and you can also learn more about the rich history of the gardens themselves.

    Read more

  • A great chance to zone out the loud noise is to visit the historic Leiden courtyards where you can be present and enjoy the stillness of the moment. 

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  • Windmills are not only beautiful but prominent in Dutch history. If you wish to learn more plan a trip to visit all the windmills within the region.

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    Leiden windmill and bridge

  • Duivenvoorde Castle in Voorschoten offers not only the opportunity to tour the beautiful historic castle but also many scenic walks on the estate itself. The castle also has its own museum, which allows you to learn more about the rich history of the building.

    Read more

  • An abundant number of waterways surround the region from canals to the seaside, you can enjoy the scenic water views on a boat or if you're feeling active you can participate in water sports of your choice.

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  • Leiden has plenty of cycling routes that will take you around beautiful scenery from the countryside to the coast and more, you can make a list of trips to take to see more of the region.

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  • Boerderij 't Geertje is an organic, small-scale farm where everyone is welcome to come and see the animals at their petting zoo. They also have a restaurant and shop that sells food and related items made from their farm. It's a perfect family-friendly activity to enjoy and support local. 

    Read more

  • The Milieu Educatief Centrum in Leiderdorp organises activities for kids every Wednesday afternoon. Every week is a different activity, both indoor and outdoor.

    Read more
    a bridge in park de houtkamp in Leiderdorp

Food & Drinks

Leiden is home to many charming hotpots for going out to restaurants and cafés, especially during spring when the weather makes these venues a lot more enticing to visit.   

There are so many places to try in the region and if you’re a big foodie you’ll want to check out our guide to add to your list. 

Discover the spring hotspots in the region
Four women sitting at a table together and talking with one another

More Events Happening in the Leiden Region

  • Eurovision Watch Party Leiden

    Eurovision Watch Party Leiden

    Saturday, May 11th you’re invited to enjoy the most popular singing contest in Europe: Eurovision.

    Saturday 11 May

  • Dutch Classes for Children Information Session

    Dutch Classes for Children Information Session

    Your children are starting school but don't speak Dutch? Learn more about International Language Classes (ITK)!

    weekly

  • Japan Markt

    Japan Markt

    In 2000, the Emperor of Japan and his wife visited the SieboldHuis during a state visit to the Netherlands. In...

    Sunday 19 May

  • May Meet&Mingle

    May Meet&Mingle

    Meet other internationals in the Leiden region during our monthly Meet and Mingle!

    Thursday 2 May

  • Kinderkring

    Kinderkring

    Every Wednesday morning from 9.30 to 11.00 h. you are welcome to join the Kinderkring. Meet other parents or grandparents...

    weekly

  • PLNT Festival

    PLNT Festival

    Are you ready to fascinate yourself during PLNT Festival?! The time has come again for the coolest event of the...

    Thursday 4 July

  • Holiday Leave - Employment, Employee Participation & Mediation Webinar

    Holiday Leave - Employment, Employee Participation & Mediation Webinar

    De Clercq Advocaten organises regular webinars on different topics regarding employment law. This month topic is...

    Thursday 20 June

  • Horse Days Voorschoten

    Horse Days Voorschoten

    The traditional Voorschotense Horse Days are on July 26, 27 and 28! People from all over the country come to this...

    26 until 28 July

  • Keukenhof

    Keukenhof

    De Keukenhof Park, located in the municipality of Lisse, is known for its numerous flowers, but most notably: the...

    until 12 May

  • Plant Market

    Plant Market

    Experience spring in the Hortus botanicus Leiden during the annual plant market. Here, garden and plant lovers...

    Saturday 11 May

  • Language Café Leiderdorp

    Language Café Leiderdorp

    You will learn to speak Dutch better in the Language Café. You talk to each other about normal everyday things....

    weekly

  • Ceramic Workshops

    Ceramic Workshops

    In her ceramic workshop series, professional ceramic artist Ipek Kotan will be teaching wheel-throwing, hand-building...

    until 5 October

  • Kings Day Voorschoten

    Kings Day Voorschoten

    The national spring festival is coming again! Everyone is welcome to visit Voorschoten to celebrate King's Day.

    Saturday 27 April

  • Summer Party: Memories

    Summer Party: Memories

    Do you want to meet new people and enjoy an amazing night with lots of fun, dancing and singing your favourite...

    Friday 5 July

  • Fort Vechten

    Fort Vechten

    The National Museum of Antiquities has been involved in archaeological research in Vechten for almost two hundred...

    until 31 October

  • Repair Café Voorschoten

    Repair Café Voorschoten

    A Repair Café is an event that revolves around repairs. At the location where the Repair Café is held (in this...

    monthly

  • Expat Cinema

    Expat Cinema

    Expat Cinema is back in Leiden!

    weekly

  • EL CXUCE TANGO

    EL CXUCE TANGO

    EL CXUCE Tango is an international company founded in 2013 which brings together some of the best dancers in the...

    Thursday 6 June

  • Seminar Social Security (ENG)

    Seminar Social Security (ENG)

    In international employment, social security plays an important, often underestimated role. Where is the employee...

    Thursday 16 May

  • Reading to Kids in Portugese

    Reading to Kids in Portugese

    The BplusC library offers free reading sessions to kids in Portuguese, this occurs every 1st Saturday of the month...

    monthly

  • Life Science Workshop 2024

    Life Science Workshop 2024

    Life Sciences with Industry is a workshop that focuses on devising innovative solutions for scientifically challenging,...

    13 until 17 May

  • Exhibition I’m Going to Fight - Anton de Kom and the Surinamese Student Union

    Exhibition I’m Going to Fight - Anton de Kom and the Surinamese Student Union

    Today, the Surinamese writer and freedom fighter Anton de Kom has become an indispensable part of history. His...

    until 7 July

  • Housing Consultations by Expat Mortgages

    Housing Consultations by Expat Mortgages Housing consultations

    Free housing advice by Expat Mortgages

    weekly

  • Climate & Energy Transition - Leiden Migrant Support Desk

    Climate & Energy Transition - Leiden Migrant Support Desk

    Leids Steunloket Migranten and Solid Sustainability invite you to come and talk about the climate crisis and the...

    3 May, 10 May and 8 more days

Discover What Else There is To Do

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