Leiden, Netherlands 🇳🇱
#966
52.159474, 4.490884
Nomad Score:
70%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Leiden is a vibrant city known for its historic university, picturesque canals, and rich culture. |
| 👥 Population | approximately 125,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | average of 100 Mbps, widely available in co-working spaces and cafes |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD; major banks include ABN AMRO, Rabobank, and ING |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable; tap water is safe and very good quality |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include KPN, Vodafone, and T-Mobile |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Revolut, N26 widely accepted; local banks offer expat services |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local real estate agencies, and student housing |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards widely accepted; many establishments do not accept cash |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb, Wimdu, and local agencies for short stays |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Roots, St. Pieter Hostels offering affordable lodging options |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Sesam, located in the heart of the city, provides a great working environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Kobalt, known for its cozy atmosphere and excellent Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetup groups and local expat networks frequent events in parks and cafes. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Leiden Expat Center hosts regular meetups for international residents. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is available, as well as local taxi services. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Fietsenwinkel offers bike rentals; Donkey Republic for electric scooters. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Noordwijk Beach, about 20 minutes by bike. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Transavia operates regional flights to several destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | KLM and Dutch carriers operating from Schiphol Airport, 30 mins by train. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | A44 provides access to the rest of the Netherlands. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Leiden Centraal Station connects to local and international destinations. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | OV-chipkaart for easy access to trains and buses. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains to Amsterdam (40 mins), The Hague (15 mins), and Rotterdam (30 mins). |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) provides comprehensive healthcare. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yogaplace and Studio Harmonia offer various classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Sportschool De Hoge Rijndijk and Basic-Fit are popular choices. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Stomerij Het Spoor offers reliable laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Thuisbezorgd.nl and UberEats are major food delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Haring (raw herring) served with onions; try at local fish stalls. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Fruit & Vegetables, a local vegan restaurant offering diverse meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | TAART serves delicious cakes and pastries in a cozy environment. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | De Markt for fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Bol.com and Coolblue for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Albert Heijn and Jumbo offer home delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Brouwerij de Molen and Het Lokaal for nightlife experiences. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brouwerij de Molen, known for its artisanal beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wijnbar de Druiventuin, a place for wine tasting experiences. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various vendors at the weekly market offering diverse street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Taste of India for authentic Indian cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Rapenburg canal and the Old Observatory are essential visits. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, offering extensive archeological displays. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Botanical Garden and Old City Hall showcase rich history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The St. Peter's Church is a local landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Leiden University Book Festival held every spring. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Visit the city center for cultural museums and shops. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Stadsgehoorzaal hosts various performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Weekly markets at the Botermarkt showcase local produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Various venues around the city host live music sessions. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore the intricate murals across the city center. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Koken met Kees offers hands-on cooking experiences. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Stadsgalerij offers contemporary art displays. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Leiden City Hall features impressive architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Leiden is known for its rich academic legacy dating back to the 16th century. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Leiden offers parks such as the Haarlemmermeer Forest close to the city. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | South Kennermerland National Park, a 45-minute drive away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Canalside paths provide scenic views and walking opportunities. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from the Old Observatory is stunning. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Parks around the canals are great for birdwatching enthusiasts. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Various parks allow for designated bonfire areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and PostNL are reliable delivery services in the city. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iRepair offers excellent electronic services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Sportcentrum Goudseweg features table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language school Leiden provides Dutch language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The National Library of the Netherlands is a great study location. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Wijkcentrum De Meren offers various community programs. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | GameHub provides a space for gamers to meet up. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Holland Casino located in nearby Scheveningen. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €128,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,600 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €104,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €210,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €168,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €240,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €192,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residency-based taxation; income earned abroad is subject to taxation. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 49.5% |
| 🧾 VAT | 21% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, rules apply to limit foreign income tax advantages. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxation; assessed based on value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2% for residential properties. |