Parks and gardens in Leiden

Leiden's Gardens and Hofjes

Leiden’s green landscape is defined by its historic hofjes—enclosed almshouse courtyards dating back to the 13th century—and the Hortus Botanicus, established in 1590. This collection highlights the city's horticultural heritage, from the scientific collections of the National Herbarium to the expansive Polderpark Cronesteyn. The list includes architectural landmarks like the Jean Pesijnhofje, founded on the site where the Pilgrim Fathers lived, and modern recreational spaces such as Park Matilo, which sits atop a former Roman fort and UNESCO World Heritage site.

Leiden's Gardens and Hofjes — Map

Biccie / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Hortus Botanicus Leiden

The Hortus botanicus of Leiden is the oldest botanical garden of the Netherlands, and one of the oldest in the world.

Vysotsky / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

National Herbarium of the Netherlands

Botanic garden adjacent to Leiden university was founded in 16th century by King William I for scientific purposes.

C

Leidse Hout

The Leidse Hout is a public urban park in Leiden, Netherlands. It is located between the border of Oegstgeest, approximately 1.5 kilometers…

D

Polderpark Cronesteyn

A large polder park featuring diverse landscapes including water meadows, woodland, and a re-created historic garden on the site of a former castle.

Biccie / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

Hof van Venetië

A residential complex consisting of twelve houses built in 1898, located along the Uiterstegracht.

F

Blekerspark

A small neighborhood park located along the Singelpark route, offering views of the city's historic canal system.

G

Jean Pesijnhofje

Founded in 1683, this courtyard was built on the site of the house where Pilgrim Father John Robinson lived and taught.

H

Sint Elisabethgasthuishof

A historic courtyard on the Oude Vest, originally serving as a 15th-century hospital before being converted into a hofje in 1728.

Henri Obreen / Public domain

I

Mierennesthofje

A small, historic courtyard located in the heart of Leiden's city center.

Henri Obreen / Public domain

J

Sint Annahof of Joostenpoort

A secluded courtyard on the Zegersteeg with origins dating back to the late 15th century.

Effeietsanders / CC BY-SA 3.0 nl

K

Klein Sionshofje of Weduwenhofje

A small courtyard founded in 1641, originally intended to provide housing for widows.

Rudolphous / CC BY-SA 3.0 nl

L

Samuel de Zee's hofje

Founded in 1723, this courtyard was specifically established to house the poor relatives of the founder, Samuel de Zee.

M

Huigpark

A modern urban park along the Singel canal featuring a community garden and outdoor fitness area.

N

Kooipark

A 1920s park designed in the Amsterdam School style, featuring a central pond and mature trees.

O

Leeuwenhoekpark

A green space located within the Leiden Bio Science Park area.

P

Roomburgerpark

A neighborhood park that combines green space with sports facilities and playgrounds.

Q

Park Matilo

An archaeological park built on the remains of the Roman fort Matilo, featuring reconstructed ramparts and watchtowers.

R

Kweektuin Singelpark

A plant nursery and community space that forms part of the Singelpark, a six-kilometer green corridor circling the city.

S

Nieuweroord

A park situated on a former estate near the central station, featuring mature woodland and open lawns.

T

Bos van Bosman

A small woodland area providing a nature-focused retreat near the city's university district.

Other Lists

Leiden's Unmissable Treasures Leiden's Museum Treasures Historic Buildings of Leiden Leiden's Religious Sites