Plan your visit

• By train

  Direct services run every 10 minutes from Amsterdam Central Station, Schiphol Airport, and The Hague Central Station.

• By bus

  The bus station is right in front of Leiden Central Station. With frequent departures every 5-10 minutes, buses make it easy to reach the city center or explore the wider region.

• By car

  Leiden is located between the A4 and A44 highways, making it easily accessible by car. Over 3000 parking spaces surround the historic city center.

  For parking close to the festival venue, see Getting to the venue.

Tips for accommodation

• Staying at a hotel

  There are plenty of hotels in and around the center of Leiden. We recommend making your reservations early, as April is a popular month in Leiden.
  View a list of hotels in Leiden

• Other accommodation options

  There are also plenty of nice and cosy B&Bs or Airbnb’s in Leiden, or closer to the beach (e.g., Katwijk or Noordwijk).

  If you prefer to stay in Amsterdam, please note that Leiden is approximately a 35-minute train ride from Amsterdam Central Station.

• Public transport

  Local buses run frequently.

  You can easily plan your trip at 9292.nl or download the app for ease of use. Buy a ticket online, in-app or at the station.

• Cycling

  Leiden is a true cycling city. If you arrive by train and have a personalised OV-chip card, you can rent an OV-fiets (public bicycle) at the station to explore like a local. 

  If you don’t have a personalised card, there are other options to rent a bicycle, such as Easy Fiets.

• Taxis & ridesharing

  Uber operates in Leiden, but it isn’t very common. Local taxi companies such as Leidse Taxi Centrale or Snel een taxi are alternatives.

Highlights

• Visit one of the museums

  There are 13 remarkable museums, including the National Museum of Antiquities, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Museum De Lakenhal, and CORPUS “journey through the human body”.

• Learn more about Rembrandt

  You can visit the Young Rembrandt Studio and explore the city where he grew up.

• Canal cruises

  You can learn more about Leiden from the water with a guided boat tour.

• Visit the botanical garden

  Hortus Botanicus is the oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands and it is located in Leiden.

• Sit by the canal and relax

  Cosy cafes and terraces along the canals are perfect for relaxing after the festival.

• Keukenhof gardens

  Keukenhof is the world’s most beautiful tulip garden! Open from 19 March to 10 May 2026, it’s just a short trip from Leiden and an unforgettable experience with millions of blooming flowers. You can find more information on Keukenhof here.

• Tourist information office

  Looking for directions to the Faculty of Law, a walking tour of Leiden’s famous hofjes (courtyard gardens), or tips on what’s happening over the weekend? You can visit the VVV Tourist Office. Conveniently located right across the Leiden Central Station, the VVV is your go-to place for local advice, maps, and bookings. 

  Opening hours
  Monday – Friday: 08:00 – 18:00
  Saturday: 10:00 – 16:00
  Sunday: 11:00 – 15:00

  Contact
  Address: Stationsweg 26, 2312 AV, Leiden
  Email: info@vvvleiden.nl
  Phone: +31 71 516 60 00
  You can also ask your questions via the live chat on their website.

• Food & drinks

  From a quick bite to a snack platter, or from a chic dinner to a vegan option. You can enjoy good food in Leiden. Some tips:

  • Stadscafé van der Werff – Great terrace, really nice place to eat/drink, also for groups, close to Central Train Station
  • ROOS – great for breakfast and lunch. Delicious food and coffee. No reservations, just walk in
  • Aperitivo – great interior style, Italian food across the Stadsgehoorzaal
  • Trattoria Italiana City Hall – nice and cosy restaurant in the City centre
  • WAAG  – cosy place to get a drink, beautiful interior in the City centre
  • Annie’s – large floating terrace in the City centre, the best place to get the last sunrays of the day

  If you’re a fan of falafel, be sure to check out X Falafel on Steenstraat 25 in Leiden. Perfect for take-away.

  More? Visitleiden.nl

Practical tips for festival

• Dress code

  Wear what makes you feel comfortable. Most of our attendees go for business casual.

• Weather tips

  We suggest being prepared for some rain. The weather in April in the Netherlands can be unpredictable, so it’s best to bring layers and a raincoat or umbrella, just in case.

  But if we are lucky, we can have lunch on the outside terrace, like in 2025!

• Sustainability measures

  Tap water in the Netherlands is safe to drink, so we suggest bringing a reusable water bottle that you can fill from any tap on location.

Safety

• Traveling in the Netherlands

  The Netherlands is generally a safe country to travel in. Leiden is compact, walkable city where visitors usually feel comfortable moving around on foot, by bike, or by public transportation. As in any city, it’s wise to keep an eye on your belongings, especially in busy areas or on trains.

• Safety at the festival

  Your well-being during the UXinsight Festival is our priority. The Stadsgehoorzaal complies with all local fire and safety regulations. In the event of an emergency, please follow the instructions of our team and venue staff, or call 112.

  We also follow our Code of Conduct to ensure a respectful and inclusive environment for all participants. If you need assistance at any time, please visit the registration desk to find a team member.

  Please visit the registration desk to find a team member, message us at info@uxinsight.org. Or report the violation via our (anonymous) form.