A charming university town in South Holland, Leiden is just 20 minutes’ drive from Amsterdam’s Schiphol International Airport. Built around a series of picturesque canals and able to trace its roots back to at least the 11th century, the city is nothing short of stunning. It’s also great fun; the university population ensures a lively buzz, with arts and music-focused events held throughout the year. Like the city, the best places to stay in Leiden tend to be small, friendly and characterful — what more could you ask for?

Proudly founded in 1575, Leiden’s university is the oldest in the Netherlands. Take excellent student-led tours of the institution’s heritage buildings, admire the exceptional collections of the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden and the Naturalis Biodiversity Center, or amble around the beautifully maintained Hortus Botanicus gardens. Built at the confluence of the Old Rhine and the New Rhine, the 11th-century Burcht Fortress is unmissable. Market day offers a brilliant excuse to fill your bags with fresh produce, meeting makers and growers from across the region and tucking into delicious local specialities.

Venture slightly further afield to see the Keukenhof Gardens in full bloom during the spring, or to soak up the sunshine on the beaches of Noordwijk and Katwijk. Head to Delft to marvel at classic blue and white porcelain, take day trips to Amsterdam, The Hague and Rotterdam, or simply join the crowds at one of Leiden’s bustling bars and eateries before catching a performance at the acclaimed Leidse Schouwburg. Expect the best places to stay in Leiden to fill up fast during the city’s series of annual festivals. Book your room well in advance!