Zijlpoort
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Zijlpoort

4.4
·123 reviews·Leiden, Netherlands

A majestic 17th-century city gate in Leiden, offering a glimpse into Dutch history and picturesque canal views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Golden hour for photos

CrowdLow
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Zijlpoort

Zijlpoort

Best Time

Early mornings

Golden hour for photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A majestic 17th-century city gate in Leiden, offering a glimpse into Dutch history and picturesque canal views.

4.4
(123 reviews)

"Beautiful little place with a great city gate."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Zijlpoort is a fantastic backdrop for photos, especially during golden hour. Capture its historic charm!

🚗 Parking Hassles

Parking near Zijlpoort can be pricey. Consider public transport or cycling to save money.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Majestic Zijlpoort

The Majestic Zijlpoort

Zijlpoortplein

A 17th-century historic city gate, showcasing Dutch architecture with orange brick walls and a pointed roof. A timeless tribute to Leiden's past.

Canal Views from Zijlpoort

Canal Views from Zijlpoort

Near the canals

Enjoy picturesque canal views from the Zijlpoort, offering a glimpse into Leiden's charming waterways and historic surroundings.

Peurbakkentocht Spectacle

Peurbakkentocht Spectacle

Ankerpark (during the event)

Witness the traditional Peurbakkentocht boat parade, with stunning views from the Zijlpoort during Leiden's summer festival.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Zijlpoort

Zijlpoort is a historic city gate, best enjoyed when the light is soft for photos. Consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and fully appreciate its architecture. Early mornings or late afternoons offer a more serene experience.

Getting Around Leiden

Leiden is a walkable city, and Zijlpoort is centrally located. If arriving by car, be aware that parking can be expensive. Many visitors opt for public transport or cycling to explore the city and its landmarks.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Soft light, fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer evenings (during festivals)
Why
Festive atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This city in the Netherlands is incredible😍 more info here⬇️ Leiden is a small city in the province of south Holland. You don't need more than a day to explore this place, but it could be a nice base from which to explore the country by train. It's has a lot of the same charms as Amsterdam like canals and historical buildings, just without the drugs and red lights. I've made a map with interesting...
@travelih
35.8K likes • 661.7K views

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Zijlpoort is a fantastic backdrop for photos, especially during golden hour. Capture its historic charm! Instagram+1

🚗 Parking Hassles

Parking near Zijlpoort can be pricey. Consider public transport or cycling to save money. Reddit

The Netherlands is more than just Amsterdam. Take the train and explore cities like this just 30 minutes from the capitol. If you want to visit Leiden, I have some recommendations and a self-guided audiotour which you can both find in the link in my bio! #travel #nederland #netherlands #netherlandstravel #holland #leiden #explore #tourism #awesomeplaces
@travelih
18.3K likes • 548.1K views
Stadsfestival de Lakenfeesten is weer spetterend afgetrapt met de traditionele Peurbakkentocht. Het uitzicht vanaf de Zijlpoort was weer eens prachtig. #peurbakkentocht #ankerpark #leidencity #leiden #dronephotography #droneview #streekvanverrassingen #stadvanontdekkingen #visitnetherlands #leidengram #djiair3 #zijlpoort #zomeravond
digitale.duif
757 likes • 19K views

🚲 Explore by Bike

Leiden is bike-friendly! Cycling is a great way to see Zijlpoort and other city sights. Instagram

🛥️ Boat Trip Starting Point

Take an informative boat trip from near Zijlpoort for a unique perspective of Leiden. Reddit

#leiden #leidencity #zijlpoort #zijlpoortleiden
busteros
19 likes • 189 views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Zijlpoort is a fantastic backdrop for photos, especially during golden hour. Capture its historic charm! Instagram+1

🚗 Parking Hassles

Parking near Zijlpoort can be pricey. Consider public transport or cycling to save money. Reddit

🚲 Explore by Bike

Leiden is bike-friendly! Cycling is a great way to see Zijlpoort and other city sights. Instagram

🛥️ Boat Trip Starting Point

Take an informative boat trip from near Zijlpoort for a unique perspective of Leiden. Reddit

🚴‍♀️ Watch for Bikers

Be mindful of cyclists, especially around Zijlpoortplein. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(123 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Zijlpoort a beautiful and historic landmark, perfect for quick visits and photo sessions. It serves as a great meeting point and offers lovely canal views. However, some note that its appeal is primarily visual, and parking nearby can be quite expensive.

"Beautiful place for a quick visit"

Azza Elias Botrus

"Yeah great meeting point but that is about it"

Fedor Boendermaker

"Nice place for photo sessions"

Zivko Trikic

What People Like

Beautiful historic gate
Great photo opportunities
Picturesque canal views

What People Dislike

Expensive parking
Limited to viewing

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Zijlpoort is easily accessible in the heart of Leiden. If arriving by train, it's a pleasant walk or a short bus ride. Many visitors find cycling the most convenient way to explore Leiden and reach the Zijlpoort. TikTokInstagram

Yes, Zijlpoort is located in a central area of Leiden, making it very walkable. You can easily combine a visit with exploring the surrounding canals and streets. TikTok

Parking near Zijlpoort can be expensive, as is common in Dutch cities. It's recommended to use public transport or cycle if possible. Reddit

Absolutely. Leiden's public transport system is efficient, and buses frequently run through the city center, making it easy to get close to Zijlpoort. TikTok

Yes, Zijlpoort is an excellent starting point. Its central location and historical significance make it a great place to begin your exploration of Leiden's charming streets and canals. Instagram+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Zijlpoort is an exterior landmark and a historic city gate. You can view and photograph it freely without needing a ticket. Instagram+1

As an outdoor monument, Zijlpoort is accessible at all times. However, the surrounding area and nearby businesses will have their own operating hours. Instagram

There is no entrance fee to see Zijlpoort. It's a historical structure that is part of the city's landscape. Instagram

Typically, visitors cannot go inside the Zijlpoort itself, as it's a preserved historical monument. Its architectural beauty is best appreciated from the outside. Instagram

Yes, many guided tours of Leiden, including boat tours, often include Zijlpoort as a point of interest. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The best times for photography are early morning or late afternoon when the light is softer and creates a beautiful ambiance. Golden hour is particularly stunning. Instagram+2

Absolutely! Zijlpoort itself is a photogenic landmark, and the surrounding canals and historic buildings offer many excellent photo opportunities. Instagram+1

Drone photography is possible, and some creators have captured aerial views of Zijlpoort. Always check local drone regulations before flying. Instagram+2

Wide-angle shots capturing the entire gate and its surroundings, as well as close-ups highlighting its architectural details, are highly recommended. Instagram+1

Try capturing Zijlpoort from across the canal for a classic view, or from Zijlpoortplein to get a sense of its scale. Night shots can also be very atmospheric. Instagram

🎫 📍 Onsite Experience

Near Zijlpoort, you can enjoy a boat trip on the canals, stroll along the waterfront, explore nearby historic streets, and visit local shops and cafes. InstagramReddit

Yes, Zijlpoort is often used as a convenient and picturesque meeting point in Leiden due to its central location. Reddit

Zijlpoort is a 17th-century historic city gate, built in 1667, that once served a defensive purpose. Today, it stands as a beautiful architectural landmark. Instagram+2

Yes, the area around Zijlpoort has many cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy local Dutch cuisine or a refreshing drink. TikTok

Zijlpoortplein is the square where the Zijlpoort is located. It's a public space that offers views of the gate and is a hub for activity. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Zijlpoort is a great visual landmark for families. Kids can marvel at the imposing old city gate and imagine knights and travelers from centuries past. It's a perfect spot for a quick photo op that feels like stepping back in time. Instagram

Consider combining a visit to Zijlpoort with a canal boat tour. Many families find these tours engaging for children, offering a fun and educational way to see more of Leiden's historic sites. The open space around Zijlpoortplein also provides a bit of room for children to move around before or after exploring the gate itself.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Zijlpoort is a dream. The 17th-century architecture offers a classic Dutch aesthetic, perfect for capturing stunning images. Aim for golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) for the most dramatic lighting that highlights the orange brickwork and pointed roof. Instagram+2

Experiment with different angles: shoot from across the canal for a postcard-perfect view, or get closer to capture the intricate details of the stonework. Drone photography can offer unique aerial perspectives, showcasing the gate's integration with the city and waterways. Instagram+1

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

Zijlpoort is an excellent free attraction. As an outdoor monument, you can admire its grandeur without any entry fee. Instagram The main cost to be mindful of is parking, which can be quite high in Leiden. Reddit Therefore, arriving by public transport or bicycle is highly recommended to keep costs down. TikTokInstagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Architecture of Zijlpoort

The Zijlpoort is a significant historical landmark in Leiden, Netherlands. Constructed in 1667, it stands as one of the city's few remaining historic city gates. Its architecture is a prime example of Dutch style from the period, characterized by its orange brick walls and a distinctive pointed roof. Originally built for defensive purposes, the Zijlpoort once controlled access to the city, reflecting Leiden's historical importance as a fortified center. Instagram+2

Today, the Zijlpoort no longer serves a military function. Instead, it has been beautifully preserved and integrated into the urban landscape, acting as a welcoming gateway and a testament to Leiden's rich heritage. Its imposing architecture and robust appearance are a constant reminder of the city's past glory. The restoration efforts, such as those undertaken by dP Bouw & Ontwikkeling, ensure that this markante historical structure retains its original splendor for future generations. Instagram+1

Visitors can admire the Zijlpoort from Zijlpoortplein, the square named after it. The gate's presence adds a unique charm to the city, making it a popular spot for photography and a key point of interest for anyone exploring Leiden's historical core. Its enduring presence offers a tangible connection to the city's centuries-old story. Instagram+1

Experiencing Leiden's Canals and Waterways

Leiden is often described as having similar charms to Amsterdam, with its network of picturesque canals, and the Zijlpoort offers a fantastic vantage point to appreciate this watery landscape. The canals surrounding the Zijlpoort provide beautiful reflections of the historic gate and the city's architecture, especially during the soft light of early morning or late afternoon. Instagram+1

A popular way to experience these waterways is through a boat trip. Many tours depart from near the Zijlpoort, offering an informative and relaxing way to see the city from a different perspective. These trips often highlight the historical significance of landmarks like the Zijlpoort and provide insights into Leiden's past. Reddit The Peurbakkentocht, a traditional boat parade held during Leiden's summer festivals, also offers a vibrant spectacle with excellent viewing opportunities from the Zijlpoort area. Instagram

Beyond organized tours, simply strolling along the canals near the Zijlpoort is a delightful experience. You can admire the charming houses, bridges, and the general ambiance of this historic Dutch city. Remember to be aware of cyclists, as Leiden is a very bike-friendly city, and they often share the pathways along the canals. Reddit

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