Leiden car rental comparison

Leiden is an active and lively university town in The Netherlands which exudes an air of mystery and excitement. Its many tranquil canals and narrow alleys provide exciting surprises at every bend. This charming city has produced some of the greatest minds and artists in history, and boasts naturally beautiful scenes of windmills, gardens, canals, parks, and a unique style of architecture. HAPPYCAR is here to help you find the best car hire Leiden has to offer so you can take full advantage of this charming city. We check the prices of international and local providers so that you don’t have to check each website to provide you with the best deals to make your money go further on a rental car that fits your specific vacation needs.

General Information

Leiden enjoys a rich cultural heritage dating back to its establishment as a city in the 13th century. Between the 16th and 18th centuries, Leiden profited greatly from the Dutch Golden Age. Leiden cloth, baize, and camlet were ubiquitous terms throughout the trading routes of the world. In 1574, from May to October, the city was besieged by the Spaniards as part of the 80 Years War. A great percentage of the inhabitants died of starvation and disease, until the city was eventually relieved by cutting the dikes in order to flood the land and allow ships to sail in carrying much needed food and aid. As a reward for their unrelenting courage and steadfastness, the citizens of Leiden were given the option of either levied taxes or a University.,they chose the latter, and thus the first university in the Netherlands was born. Every year on the 3rd of October, the citizens of Leiden celebrate the lifting of the siege. Over the course of several days, the city is transformed into one giant festival ground, where you can enjoy the colorful parades, hutspot, mashed potatoes and carrots, and herring on white bread.

The city also enjoys a great variety of fascinating architecture dating back to medieval times when Leiden was considered a strategically defensive position due to its location on the Old Rhine River. At the junction of the two arms of the Old Rhine you can see the old castle De Burcht, a circular tower built on a small hill. The old walls which encircled the city regrettably have not withstood the test of time, but you can still see the old archways, engraved with ornate designs, which denote the entrances to the old city. The city also features impressive churches, the chief of which are the Hooglandse Kerk and Pieterskerk. These majestic buildings display ornate designs, lofty ceilings, and imposing statues honoring a multitude of scholars and religious figures. Of course one cannot mention Leiden without pointing out the many brilliant minds this city produced, the most recognizable of which is the famous painter Rembrandt. You can visit the house in which he was born and lived, across from which is located a statue in his honor.

Car rental Leiden: crisscrossing canals and narrow alleys

Taking your Leiden car rental around town is hassle-free and quick, due to the relatively small size of the city. You can explore the many alleys and roads running alongside peaceful canals, or you can opt to take a canal tour via boat, which will give you an entirely different perspective of the area. The Hortus Botanicus, one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, lies on an outer canal running through the city. This oasis in the middle of the city features a great variety of fascinating species of trees and plants. The Beestenmarkt is the main square of the city and contains numerous restaurants and cafes, which is a favorite spot for locals to moor their boats and socialize in the sun.

If you wish to explore other parts of the Netherlands, Leiden provides the perfect starting point for your journey through the country. With your car hire Netherlands becomes easily accessible: 12 miles to the south lays the city of Den Haag, and 25 miles to the north is Amsterdam, the main tourist destination within the Netherlands. If you wish to experience the largest flower garden in the world, you can visit the Keukenhof, a stone’s throw away from Leiden. The vast gardens feature a vast array of flora, with the main attraction being the myriad of tulip species.

Book now with HAPPYCAR and take full advantage of the flexibility and freedom your Leiden car hire grants you. Our quick and online service provides you with a great springboard into your adventures. The HAPPYCAR team wishes you a pleasant journey!