Situated 2 miles from Leiden is Merenwijk. This is a terrific place to swing by while you’re in the area, so why not put it on your itinerary?

No matter what the weather forecast is, you’ll be able to explore the glorious beaches near Leiden from the comfort of your own rental car. As you draw near to the ocean, keep an eye out for seagulls drifting over these beautiful stretches of coastline:

• Katwijk Aan Zee Beach (5 miles away).
• Scheveningen Beach (9 miles away).
• Kijkduin Beach (12 miles away).

Networking and chatting with new people can be tiring. So if you’re traveling to Leiden for a work trip, you’ll be pleased to hear that there are some terrific places to kick back and relax near these popular convention centers:

• Claus Event Center (12 miles away).
• Bakenesserkerk (16 miles away).

Get prepared for your upcoming adventure in Leiden. The car you pick depends on the type of vacation you have in mind. If you’re traveling on your own, why not opt for a compact or a mini? They’re great on gas and easy to park. If you’re hitting the road with a few friends, consider an intermediate or a standard car. They offer more room to move and space for bags.

You’ll be glad to know that there’s a wide variety of luxury rentals in Leiden. What you end up opting for depends on how much you’re willing to spend and what you’re hoping to do. Specialty vehicles offer unparalleled comfort and class. If you want to indulge yourself, why not pick up a fully kitted-out SUV, or perhaps an upmarket medium-sized vehicle? Otherwise, if you just need a car to zip around town in as economically as possible, stick with an economy compact vehicle (or something else that won’t blow your budget).

Motoring in and around Leiden demands more from you than just knowing how to step on the gas pedal. Learn about the traffic laws and make your way around this lively city the safe way:

You have to drive on the right side of the road in Leiden. Even though it may seem similar to home, we recommend driving a little more cautiously in a new destination.

Peak-hour traffic jams aren’t a huge concern in Leiden and the greater The Hague area. With a population of 474,300, the roads aren’t as busy here as they are in larger cities.

It can be. Circling the block looking for a parking spot is common in Leiden. Getting near the popular sights is easier if you plan in advance.

If you plan on driving through Leiden, a neighborhood of The Hague, speed limits range from 50km/h to 100km/h. Keep in mind that residential areas generally have a default speed limit of 30km/h.

Most of the time, your car rental company will bill the amount detailed on the fine to your credit card, including local taxes. Or they may provide your contact details to local authorities, who’ll then send a fine to your postal address.

Subject to a small number of exceptions, seat belts are mandatory in The Hague.

It is prohibited to use your cell phone while driving in Leiden, and you could also be fined for simply holding a phone when you’re in control of a vehicle. However, the use of hands-free or Bluetooth functions is permitted, as long as your attention remains on the road.

While behind the wheel in Leiden, it’s against the law to have a BAC (blood alcohol content) of over 0.05%. Thinking of having a wine or two with lunch or dinner? Consider grabbing a taxi or using a ride-sharing service.

No, it’s not. In Leiden, red equals stop, with no exceptions. When approaching a set of traffic lights, always maintain a safe speed so you can easily stop if you need to.