Why expats shouldn’t overlook Leiden

1 year ago

expatleidenlocationrental

5 minutes reading time

A view of Leiden over a canal, with bikes lined up next to trees and a bridge crossing the water. Below, lilypads float on the water.

Nestled between the global hubs of Amsterdam, The Hague, and Rotterdam lies Leiden (sometimes spelled Leyden), a city that often flies under the radar, and we don’t know why! For expats looking at a move to the Netherlands, Leiden offers a compelling alternative to the hustle and bustle of bigger cities. It’s compact, scenic, well-connected, and filled with history. If you’re looking for a place that combines Dutch charm with a practical lifestyle, Leiden might just be your perfect place to settle.

Perfectly positioned

One of Leiden’s biggest draws is its location. It sits right in the middle of the Randstad, the Netherlands’ most populous and economically vital region, which makes this a strong suitor for people who want to be well-connected.

By train:

Amsterdam is about 30 minutes away.
The Hague is about 15 minutes away.
Rotterdam is just under 40 minutes away.
Schiphol Airport is a quick 20-minute ride away.

This makes Leiden an excellent home base for professionals working in other cities who prefer a quieter, more livable setting. Whether you’re commuting for work, catching a flight, or planning a trip to another city, Leiden makes it all easy, without the crowds and inflated prices of its bigger neighbors.

Full of history and culture

Leiden feels like the Netherlands concentrated into one city. It’s picturesque, with charming canals, windmills, cobblestone streets, and rows of 17th-century houses that wouldn’t look out of place on a postcard.

It’s also home to the oldest university in the country, Leiden University, founded in 1575. That academic heritage gives the city a vibrant, intellectual energy. You’ll find international students and scholars walking the streets alongside families, retirees, and young professionals.

Despite its smaller size, Leiden packs in cultural weight. The city gave the world the famous Dutch Golden Age painter Rembrandt, and today you’ll find a thriving arts scene and a strong sense of identity alongside celebrating its history with the Young Rembrandt Museum. Despite having been home to many of the Netherland’s most notable scholars, leaders, and politicians, you don’t get the sense that Leiden is rooted in the past.

Things to see and do

Living in Leiden gives you everyday access to places tourists cross oceans to see (but without having to dodge selfie sticks).

The National Museum of Antiquities and Museum of Natural History (Naturalis) offer world-class exhibits.
The Botanical Gardens (Hortus Botanicus) are a calm retreat right in the city center.
The Young Rembrandt Museum gives visitors a glimpse into the famous painter’s life and history that inspired him to create some of the most famous paintings of the Baroque era.
You can stroll past working windmills or hop on a canal boat cruise that lets you experience the city from the water.
Burcht van Leiden, a hilltop fortress, gives you panoramic views of the city, reminding you just how cozy and connected Leiden really is.

And for families, couples, or solo expats, the green spaces, quiet streets, and cultural festivals keep life engaging year-round.

Why Leiden makes sense

So why choose Leiden over expat hotspots Amsterdam, Rotterdam, or Utrecht?

First: size (in this case) does matter. Leiden is smaller, which makes everything more accessible. You can bike to work, walk your kid to school, grab groceries without crowds. It’s big enough to not feel claustrophobic, and big enough to feel like you can explore.

Second: community. You’re more likely to make local connections here than in larger, transient expat hubs. English is widely spoken, and the international vibe is strong thanks to the university and various research institutions.

Third: balance. You’re close enough to the big cities to enjoy them when you want, but far enough to enjoy peace and routine. In other words, you’ve got all of the access with none of the overwhelm.

Is housing harder to find in smaller cities?

Here’s the thing about places like Leiden: good properties don’t always hit the major housing websites first. Bigger cities get the spotlight, so many portals push those listings harder.

That’s why, if you’re looking for a home in Leiden, or any smaller Dutch city, it helps to use a tool that does the digging for you. Rentbird uses smart AI bots that search across 1,400+ rental websites 24/7 and alert you the moment a matching home becomes available.

You won’t waste time manually searching dozens of portals, and you won’t miss out on hidden gems.

Leiden is the kind of place that rewards those who look beyond the obvious. It’s cozy, beautiful, and perfectly positioned to give you the best of Dutch life, without the stress that sometimes comes with the bigger cities.

If you’re thinking about relocating to the Netherlands, don’t overlook this hidden gem. And if you want a smoother move? Start with Rentbird and let smarter housing search tools find your perfect home, before someone else does!

Or Check Expat Relocations

Amy Worgan

Related tips

A row of brown brick houses with a red door and a tree outside on the pavement.

expatmoneyrentaltips

11 minutes reading time

Why is it so hard to rent a room in the Netherlands?

If you’re planning a move to the Netherlands – for work, study, or just a new adventure – you’ve probably already heard warnings about how tough the Dutch rental market can be (we’ve seen the Reddit threads, too). And, well… it’s true. We hate to admit it, and renting in the Netherlands definitely isn’t impossible, but it can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re an expat navigating unfamiliar real estate laws, housing types, and contracts.

So, why is it so difficult to rent a room here? And what can you do to improve your chances? Let’s break it down with a few practical rental tips Netherlands newcomers wish they knew sooner.

Read article

expatmoneyrentaltips

11 minutes reading time

Why is it so hard to rent a room in the Netherlands?

So, why is it so difficult to rent a room here? And what can you do to improve your chances? Let’s break it down with a few practical rental tips Netherlands newcomers wish they knew sooner.

Read article

Back to all tips

Find your new rental property in no-time!

Where do you want to live?

4.6

Based on 1,980 reviews