If your trip to Leiden is all organized but your travel itinerary is looking a little empty, we can give you a helping hand.Leave that rental car in the hotel parking lot and use those legs. Not far from this neighborhood’s center, Naturalis Biodiversity Center is worth a visit. More adventure is waiting for you at National Museum of Ethnology and Hortus Botanicus, which are also nearby.

Be sure to swing by Merenwijk and Valkenburg during your time here. Give yourself plenty of time to explore — there’s loads to keep you busy. Head 2 miles from Leiden and you’ll find yourself in Merenwijk. Alternatively, Valkenburg is 3 miles away.

Leiden boasts some breathtaking stretches of coastline, and what better way to experience them than from behind the wheel of your own rental car. See what fascinating shells and treasures you can find dotted beside the water at one of these well-loved beaches:

• Katwijk Aan Zee Beach (5 miles away).
• Scheveningen Beach (10 miles away).
• Kijkduin Beach (13 miles away).

Hang out with some locals while you’re in Leiden by heading to an event at one of the popular convention centers. There are a few terrific things on, so scan through the schedule and jot down a date. Recommended places include:

• Claus Event Center (13 miles away).
• Bakenesserkerk (17 miles away).

Sure, it’s possible to get out and explore Leiden without a car. But with so much to see and do, having one will definitely make your trip much easier. If you’re excited to venture out into the great outdoors, choose something with some extra oomph. A full-size car or an SUV could be just the ticket. A smaller car, like a mini or a compact, is a popular choice if you’ll only be taking shorter trips.

For some of us, owning a luxury vehicle may be a little out of reach. But renting your dream car is well within your grasp! Picture yourself cruising around town in a high-end sports car, even if it’s only for a short while. Or perhaps all you’re looking for is a trusty set of wheels to bring you from A to B. Flashy or thrifty? Either way, one thing’s for sure — there’s a rental car to suit your style in Leiden.

You’ll be motoring along the right-hand side of the road in Leiden. Even though it may seem similar to home, it’s a good idea to drive a bit more cautiously in new and unfamiliar destinations.

One of the best things about visiting a smaller city like The Hague is less traffic — and you won’t find a lot of it in the neighborhood of Leiden. That being said, you may still experience busier road conditions as people come and go from work.

It can be tough to get a car space in Leiden. Once you nab one, make sure you pay careful attention to the signage. Overstaying the time limit or leaving the car in a restricted zone can put a big dent in your vacation budget.

Just like the rest of The Hague, the neighborhood of Leiden has speed limits ranging from 50km/h to 100km/h. In residential zones, you generally won’t be able to drive faster than 30km/h.

In most cases, your chosen car rental company will charge the amount of the fine to your credit card. Alternatively, the company may supply your contact details to local law enforcement agencies so they can send a fine to you directly.

Seat belts should always be fastened in The Hague. That being said, these rules may not apply for some vehicles, such as those operated by public transportation systems.

It is prohibited to use your cell phone while driving around Leiden, and you could also be issued a fine for simply handling your phone if you’re in control of a vehicle. That said, using hands-free or Bluetooth functions is allowed, as long as your focus remains on the road.

When behind the wheel in Leiden, it’s illegal to have a BAC (blood alcohol content) greater than 0.05%. Thinking of having a drink or two with lunch or dinner? Consider booking a taxi or using a ride-sharing service.

Turning on a red light isn’t allowed in Leiden. Always keep an eye on traffic signs and lights so that you don’t break any traffic laws.