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Guide
Leiden, Netherlands π³π±
#966
,
Nomad Score:
67%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Leiden, a historic city in the Netherlands, is known for its prestigious university, beautiful canals, and rich cultural heritage. |
π₯ Population | Approximately 125,000 inhabitants. |
π» Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 100 Mbps. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 EUR β 1.07 USD; widely accepted payment methods including credit/debit cards. |
π° Tap Water | Drinkable, safe for consumption. |
π Power | 230V, 50Hz, π Type C/F sockets. |
πΆ SIM Card | Providers include KPN, Vodafone, and T-Mobile. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Banks such as ING, Rabobank, and Bunq offer services for expats. |
π Accommodation | Options range from Airbnb rentals to student housing through local platforms. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely in stores and restaurants. |
π Short Term Rentals | Popular platforms include Airbnb and Booking.com. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Leiden is a budget-friendly option. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The city center and along the canals. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Pieterskwartier and the area around Leiden University. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | The Hague University of Applied Sciences offers good facilities for remote work. |
β Best Cafe for Work | Coffee company, a cozy spot with Wi-Fi and plenty of outlets. |
πΌ Networking Events | Meetups regularly held at The Hague University and digital nomad gatherings at local cafes. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Expats in Leiden Facebook group hosts various social events. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in Leiden, alongside local taxi services. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Greenwheels offers bike rental services across the city. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Katwijk aan Zee, approximately 20 minutes by bike. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Transavia serves regional flights. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | KLM and easyJet are major carriers. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Access via the A4 and A44 highways. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Leiden Central Station is the main transit hub. |
π Public Transport Passes | OV-chipkaart is used for all public transport. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Trains to nearby cities (Amsterdam, The Hague) run frequently from Leiden Central. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) is the primary healthcare facility. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga studio 'Yoga Leiden' offers various classes. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic-Fit and Sportcity are popular gym options. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Wasserette De Waslijn provides laundry services. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Thuisbezorgd.nl is widely used for food delivery. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Haring served raw with onions; a local delicacy. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | De Vegetarische Snackbar offers good vegetarian fast food options. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | Leiden's finest patisserie 'Patisserie de Uitdaging' serves great pastries. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Boerenmarkt Leiden on Wednesdays for fresh local produce. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Bol.com and Coolblue both operate in the Netherlands. |
π Grocery Delivery | Albert Heijn and Jumbo offer online grocery delivery services. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | The Haarlemmerstraat is a vibrant area for nightlife and bars. |
π» Local Brewery | Brouwerij Huyghe offers tours and tastings. |
π· Wine Bars | Wine bar 'De Wijnkelder' is a cozy spot to enjoy a drink. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Visit the weekly food market in the city center. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Bistro 'La Roche' serves delicious French cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the historic University of Leiden and the National Museum of Antiquities. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Museum of the History of Science and the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden are notable places. |
π° Historical Sites | The Old Town Hall and the Burcht van Leiden are significant historical sites. |
π Religious Sites | The St. Pieterskerk is a beautiful and prominent church. |
π Annual Events | Leiden's annual International Festival is a highlight. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | Molenbeek is known for its arts scene and local creativity. |
π Theater Venues | Stadsgehoorzaal is renowned for performances and events. |
ποΈ Local Markets | De markt on Saturdays is perfect for shopping and local produce. |
πΌ Music Scene | The local music scene is vibrant, with gigs at various bars and venues. |
π¨ Street Art | Explore the vibrant street art in the Molenwijk area. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | 'Kookstudio Leiden' offers various culinary workshops. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | 'Galerie Sille' showcases local artists' works. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The Botanical Garden at Leiden University is a must-see for plant lovers. |
π΄ Local Heritage | Leiden is famous for its historical relationship with science and exploration. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | The Bovenlanden nature reserve nearby offers excellent hiking and birdwatching. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | The Hollandse Duinen National Park is accessible within 30 minutes. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | The Rijn, a scenic bike path along the river, is popular among cyclists. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | Beautiful views are available from the Lake of Leiden. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | De Laak is a popular spot for birdwatchers. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Parks in and around Leiden allow bonfires in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and PostNL provide reliable delivery services. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Repair shops like 'PC-Dokter' offer tech services. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Sportcenter 'De Doelen' has facilities for ping pong. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Dutch language courses available at 'Taalhuis Leiden'. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | The Central Library is a great spot for studying. |
ποΈ Community Centers | The LUMC Community Centre hosts various events and activities. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Game On Leiden is a popular gaming venue. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Holland Casino in nearby cities offers gaming options. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬3,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = β¬140,000) |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬2,800 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = β¬112,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬3,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = β¬192,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬2,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = β¬150,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬3,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = β¬240,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬2,300 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = β¬184,000) |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 25% standard corporate tax rate. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% on dividends. |
π¦ Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | Max personal income tax rate is 49.5%. |
π§Ύ VAT | Standard VAT rate is 21%. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply. |
π Property Tax | Annual property tax based on property value. |
π Property Transaction Tax | 10% standard rate when buying property. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Special arrangements allow for favorable tax treatment for nomads. |