Rainy day
What to do in Leiden on a rainy day
A rainy day need not be lost: Leiden has plenty of museums and compact indoor-friendly routes.
6 minute read · Updated September 27, 2026
What should you do in Leiden when it rains?
First choose one museum that can comfortably fill at least two hours. Museum De Lakenhal combines art and city history, Rijksmuseum Boerhaave science, the National Museum of Antiquities archaeology and Naturalis natural history. This avoids repeatedly crossing the city during heavy rain.
Before or after the museum, follow only a compact centre loop. Pieterskerk, Rapenburg and the Academy Building are close together. Nieuwe Rijn, Koornbrug and De Burcht also sit within a short distance, although you will still need an umbrella.
Plan without relying on outdated hours
Opening hours, temporary exhibitions and available time slots change. Use this guide to choose, then check the museum's official website on the day of your visit. Book ahead on busy weekends when timed entry applies.
Save courtyards, parks and the longer canal walk for a dry spell. The route map lets you shorten the plan and continue with only the nearest unvisited places.
From story to place
Bring your Leiden walk to life with these places. Explore their stories or find them on the map.
Leiden · Netherlands
Pieterskerk
52.1577° N · 4.4886° E
Explore this place →View on the map ↗
Leiden · Netherlands
Cleveringa 1940
52.1569° N · 4.4856° E
Explore this place →View on the map ↗Frequently asked questions
Is Leiden worth visiting in bad weather?
Yes. The compact city centre makes it easy to combine a major museum with short sections through the historic centre.
Should you book Leiden museums in advance?
It depends on the museum and date. Always check the official website, especially for weekends, holidays and temporary exhibitions.