Things To Do
in Voorschoten
Voorschoten is a picturesque Dutch village located between The Hague and Leiden, known for its tree-lined canals, historic manor houses and tranquil village center. The town combines a strong local community feel with easy train connections to nearby cities, making it popular with commuters and visitors seeking a quieter base. Green polders, cycling routes and the nearby Duivenvoorde Castle lend the area an appealing mix of history and outdoor recreation.
Despite its small size, Voorschoten offers good local cafés, weekly markets and quick access to cultural attractions in Leiden and The Hague.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your journey with a leisurely stroll through the picturesque streets of Voorschoten, admiring the charming Dutch architecture and serene canals. Enjoy a fresh coffee and a traditional Dutch pastry at a local café, soaking in the peaceful morning atmosphere. As the sun rises higher, take a moment to visit the historic church of St. Bavo for a glimpse of its stunning interior.
In the afternoon, head over to the Voorschoten Lion, a well-known monument that tells the rich history of the town. Explore the nearby parks, where you can relax under the shade of trees or have a picnic by the water. Wrap up your afternoon with a visit to the local market, where you can sample fresh produce and handmade goods from local artisans.
As night falls, indulge in a delightful dinner at a cozy restaurant that showcases regional Dutch cuisine. After dinner, take a walk along the canals, where the reflection of the city lights creates a magical ambiance. Finally, unwind at a local pub to enjoy a nightcap and listen to some live music or engage in friendly conversations with the locals.
Take a short train ride to The Hague and begin your day at the Mauritshuis, where you can admire masterpieces from Dutch artists such as Vermeer and Rembrandt. During your visit, revel in the serene surroundings of the museum's gardens, which provide a perfect spot for contemplation. Afterward, enjoy brunch at a nearby café, sampling some traditional Dutch breakfast options.
After finishing your meal, stroll through the nearby Lange Voorhout, a beautiful tree-lined street known for its art galleries and coffee houses. Visit the Peace Palace, taking in its impressive architecture and learning about its significance in international law. Before heading back to Voorschoten, spend some time at Scheveningen beach, enjoying the sandy shores and maybe a refreshing dip in the North Sea.
Return to Voorschoten for a serene evening at the local cinema, where you can catch a Dutch film or international release. After the movie, dine at a restaurant known for its fusion cuisine, blending Dutch and other international flavors. End your day with a relaxed evening walk around town, reflecting on the day's adventures.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $3-4 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (pub) | $5-8 |
| 🚆Local train ticket (short trip) | $3-6 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $90-150 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, picturesque village atmosphere with historic charm
- Excellent location between The Hague and Leiden with fast train links
- Great cycling routes and nearby coastal/dune landscapes
- Lower crowds compared with major Dutch tourist centers
- Limited nightlife and fewer dining options within the town itself
- Weather can be changeable and windy, especially near the coast
- Some services and shops may close early or be limited on Sundays
- Accommodation prices can be high relative to small-town amenities
- "Hallo" - Hello
- "Dank u wel / Dank je" - Thank you
- "Alstublieft / Alsjeblieft" - Please / Here you go
- "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
- "Waar is het station?" - Where is the station?
- "Hoeveel kost dit?" - How much does this cost?
- "Tot ziens" - Goodbye / See you
Places to Visit in Voorschoten
Visit one of these nice places.
A photogenic historic castle with manicured gardens, ornamental trees and reflective water features — excellent for architectural and landscape shots.
Charming streets, old facades, canals and local shops provide classic Dutch village scenes and candid street photography opportunities.
Canal-side paths, moored boats and low arched bridges make for picturesque reflections and golden-hour images.
Wide-open fields, ditches and farmhouses captured at sunrise or sunset create dramatic, minimalist landscape photos.
Dune trails, windswept grasses and coastal vistas are ideal for nature and atmospheric seascape photography.
Food in Voorschoten
Voorschoten Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Dutch classic — typically sold at markets and fish stalls. Try it with chopped onions and pickles; often found at market stalls in Voorschoten or nearby Leiden.
Must-Try!
Comforting mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables (kale, endive or sauerkraut) and served with smoked sausage or bacon; available in traditional restaurants around Leiden/The Hague.
Small, fluffy pancakes served with butter and powdered sugar; common at markets and cafés — a favorite for a sweet snack.
Fried fish bites (kibbeling) and local oysters are popular in coastal areas and often available at market stalls or seafood-focused eateries nearby.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Held in the town center (Dorpsstraat) on market days — ideal for fresh produce, cheeses, bread and small prepared foods; try local cheeses and stroopwafels.
A short train ride away, Leiden’s market is larger and offers more international street food, fish stalls, and specialty vendors — great for a lunchtime wander.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Form orderly queues and be polite; Dutch people appreciate directness but also courtesy in public interactions.
Respect bike lanes and watch for cyclists — they have priority in many places. Don’t walk on dedicated cycle paths.
Be on time for appointments and tours; punctuality is valued in social and business settings.
Keep noise low in residential areas, especially during evenings and Sundays when people value quiet time.
Safety
Tipping in Voorschoten
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is usually included in bills; rounding up or leaving 5–10% for good service is appreciated but not mandatory. Taxi drivers and hotel porters may expect small change. Cash is accepted but cards (contactless, debit/credit PIN) are the norm across shops, cafés and restaurants.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warmest and sunniest months; ideal for cycling, picnics and visiting the beach. Expect long daylight hours and busy weekends as locals and visitors enjoy outdoor cafes and coastal trips.
Crisp weather with colorful foliage in parks and castle grounds; good for walks and photography. Rain becomes more frequent and windier days are common near the coast.
Mild compared to inland Europe but can be cold, wet and windy; occasional frost and rare snow. Indoor cultural activities and cozy cafés are appealing; note fewer outdoor events.
Flowering trees and bulbs appear, making it a great time for cycling and garden visits. Temperatures are mild but variable — pack layers and be prepared for rain.
Voorschoten at Night
Hiking in Voorschoten
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Trails and landscaped gardens around Kasteel Duivenvoorde offer short scenic walks amid historic settings — good for gentle hiking and photography.
A larger dune and woodland area with marked trails, wildlife and coastal scenery — suitable for longer hikes and varied terrain.
Recreation area with lakes and marshes near Leidschendam — trails for hiking, birdwatching and waterside walks.
Coastal paths linking dunes and beaches; accessible from nearby towns for longer seaside hikes and fresh sea air.
Airports
How to reach Voorschoten by plane.
The largest nearby international airport (about 30–45 minutes by train) with frequent rail connections via Leiden/Binnenhof and direct services to major Dutch cities.
Smaller regional airport approximately 25–40 minutes drive or a train+bus combination away; convenient for short-haul flights and low-cost carriers.
Further away (approx. 1.5–2 hours by train/car) and mainly serves low-cost and some international routes; an alternative for budget travelers.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents commute to The Hague, Leiden and Rotterdam for work — creating a professional, family-oriented community.
Voorschoten is popular with families due to good schools, green spaces and a safe environment.
A segment of older residents value the peaceful village life and local amenities.
Proximity to international workplaces in The Hague and Leiden attracts some international professionals and diplomats who prefer quieter residential towns.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Locally popular at amateur and youth levels; many community pitches and clubs for all ages.
Field hockey has a strong following in the region with clubs and matches common in nearby towns.
Both recreational and commuter cycling are widespread — the Netherlands is famous for bike culture and infrastructure.
Nearby rivers, canals and coastal areas support rowing, sailing and windsurfing, especially around Leiden and the coast.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Voorschoten.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available — cafés and restaurants often list a few vegetarian dishes; bigger choices are in Leiden and The Hague.
Vegan options are growing in the Netherlands; smaller Voorschoten eateries may have limited choices, but nearby cities have dedicated vegan cafés and menus.
Ask cafés and restaurants — many are familiar with gluten-free requests, but always check since traditional Dutch breads and pastries contain gluten.