Leiden

About

First mentioned in the 9th century, over the centuries the picturesque city of Leiden would grow to be one of the most important in the country. The historic Leiden University, one of the top schools in Europe, and the oldest in the Netherlands, was founded in 1575, and established the city as one of Europe’s most prominent academic centers - Einstein himself was a regular professor here. This reputation is further solidified by the city’s slew of museum, such as the National Museum of Natural History, where visitors will find everything from fossils and bones to a “treasure chamber” filled with precious gems. The Museum Boorhaave delves even deeper into Leiden’s history of science, displaying historic scientific and medical instruments, and even a reconstruction of a Theatrum Anatomicum. Visitors can also opt to simply stroll the city’s old town - the second largest in the country - to enjoy the charming canals lined with 17th century houses.