Right here in Leiden you can find one of the first botanic gardens in Europe. In the city center and part of the University of Leiden, it is a wonderful way to spend a summer day. Part of the garden provides a historical reconstruction of the very first version of the botanical garden. Other highlights include a Japanese garden named after the scientist Von Siebolt, and a garden named after the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus.

The garden is located in the center of Leiden. From Leiden Central Station, follow “De Leidse Loper” in the direction of the National Museum of Antiquities. You will find the garden at Rapenburg 73. A PDF map of the route is available here.

In the summer (1 April – 31 October) the garden is open daily from 10am to 6pm. The entry fee is 6 euros for adults but free with the museum card. Entry is 2 euros for students – just present your university ID card.