Fortress of Leiden (De Burcht)
Gravensteen Castle
Linen Hall Museum (Stedelijk Museum De Lakenhal)

National Museum of Antiquities (Rijksmuseum van Oudheden)
St. Anna's Almshouse (St.-Anna Aalmoeshuishof)

Fortress of Leiden (De Burcht)

Built in the 13th century to protect the Leiden from attacks, this circular fortress now consists of a brick circular wall and ramparts resting on arches. If you can, take a wall along the fortress walls - there's a lovely view over the city from that vantage point.

Gravensteen Castle

Built in the 13th century, this castle and its adjoining house Gravenhof (of which no trace remains today, unfortunately) have been used as residences for the Counts of Holland. In later days, it was also used as a court of justice and a prison. Today, the 'Gravensteen' hosts the Leiden University International Office and the Leiden University School of Management.

Linen Hall Museum (Stedelijk Museum De Lakenhal)

Once home to guild of the linen makers, Leiden's most famous industry, the hall now serves as the city's municipal museum and is noted for its collection of 16th and 17th century paintings, including works from such masters as Rembrandt and Van Leyden. Of course, there is also a permanent exhibition covering the ancient linen-maker's guild.

National Museum of Antiquities (Rijksmuseum van Oudheden)

This museum houses an impressive collection of Egyptian, Roman and Greek artifacts, as well as some items from the prehistoric Netherlands. The displays range from ceramics to jewellery and sculptures. The collection's main glory centres on items from Egypt, but there are many other fascinating exhibitions on permanent display, as well as occasional temporary exhibitions.

St. Anna's Almshouse (St.-Anna Aalmoeshuishof)

Almshouses were once complexes of houses centred around a courtyard, which were built by local charities for the elderly. There are still quite a few existing ones in Leiden today, and though they are occupied, visitors are welcome, provided they do not disturb the residents. This particular almshouse is the oldest (built in the 1400s) and considered one of the most beautiful.