Discover the historic hofjes of Leiden on a charming guided walk through the city’s quiet, scenic courtyards. Learn their stories and see beautiful architecture that offers a glimpse into the past.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels, including casual walkers
Wildlife
History
Leiden’s hofjes date back to the 14th century, originally built as charitable housing for the elderly and poor, reflecting the city’s long-standing social care tradition.
Conservation
The preservation of these historic hofjes is a priority, with ongoing efforts to maintain their original architecture and gardens, supporting sustainable tourism.
Cicerones
Discover the historic hofjes of Leiden on a charming guided walk through the city’s quiet, scenic courtyards. Learn their stories and see beautiful architecture that offers a glimpse into the past.
Cicerones is a Dutch walking-tour operator based in Gorinchem, Zuid-Holland. The company organises guided walking tours across many Dutch cities, offering themed experiences such as hofjeswandeling (courtyard walks), vrouwenwandeling (women’s history walks), stadswandeling (city walks), street art routes and Jewish-heritage tours. Most walks are scheduled as 1.5-hour guided tours; several experience listings note a two-hour Jewish heritage walk in Amsterdam.
Each trip listing describes guided walks that highlight architecture, local history and personal stories — for example hofjes tours of Amsterdam, Leiden and Alkmaar; women-focused walks in Haarlem, Leiden, Utrecht and more; and urban explorations in Rotterdam, Utrecht and Den Bosch. Cicerones runs tours in over twenty Dutch cities, including Amsterdam, Haarlem, Leiden, Rotterdam, Utrecht and Groningen, and offers specialised routes such as street-art and Hendrick de Keyser monument walks.
The booking information and trip summaries emphasise small-group walking itineraries that visit landmarks such as Pieterskerk in Leiden, Jordaan hofjes in Amsterdam, and the Jewish Quarter in Amsterdam. Guides narrate historical context, architectural details and cultural stories tailored to each route. Cicerones presents factual, site-focused tours suitable for visitors seeking history, architecture and local stories in manageable 1.5-hour formats. Based in Gorinchem, the organisation connects visitors with the hidden corners and heritage of Dutch towns through concise guided walks across multiple regions. Tour listings also include Hilversum, Delft, Alkmaar, Zwolle, Den Haag, Groningen, Schiedam, Hoorn, Deventer and Muiden, covering municipal centres, historic neighbourhoods and specialized monument routes across the Netherlands. All trip summaries specify themes, durations and notable sites for planning.
Tours Offered
45+ guided tours
Across cities and themes
Typical Length
1.5 hours
Most walks last 1.5 hours
Base Location
Gorinchem, Zuid-Holland
Headquartered in Gorinchem
Select a city, view detailed trip summaries and secure a spot on a 1.5-hour or 2-hour guided tour across the Netherlands.
Wear comfortable shoes
The walk covers cobbled streets and uneven surfaces, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
Bring a camera
Capture the picturesque courtyards and your guide’s storytelling moments along the route.
Dress for the weather
Check the forecast and wear weather-appropriate clothing, especially in spring and fall.
Arrive early
Getting there a few minutes before the start ensures a relaxed beginning and better parking options.
Comfortable walking shoes
Sturdy shoes are necessary for walking on cobbled and uneven surfaces.
Rain jacket or umbrella
Prepare for sudden weather changes, especially in spring and winter.
spring|fall|winter
Camera or smartphone
Capture the charming hofjes and architectural details.
Water bottle
Stay hydrated during your walk through the city.
Cities Covered
20+ cities
Historic towns across the Netherlands