The city of Leiden, based in South Holland, is famed for being Rembrandt's birthplace, as well as being home to the Netherlands' oldest university. Leiden has been a University City since 1575, and has since been twinned with Oxford in the UK.
Car hire in Leiden allows you to explore the centre which is home to several University buildings, including the 1860's Leiden Observatory. A lot of the buildings are still intact from the 16th and 17th century, so make time to take in the architecture. Hiring a car in Leiden also allows you to head out to the coast in the warmer months, using Leiden as your beach break base.
Leiden is the perfect base from which to explore The Netherlands; it sits right in between Amsterdam and Rotterdam, so you can choose from the bigger cities and hire a car in Leiden to explore at your own pace.
The city itself, being Rembrandt's, is home to some fine art - the Museum de Lakenhal displays works of the Fijnschilders, literally 'fine painters' from the Dutch Golden Age, which is well worth making time for. Then, rent a car in Leiden and navigate the city itself, taking in the small canals and also the Old Rhine river, which meet in the centre of town.
While in Leiden, don't overlook the big cities nearby. Amsterdam is just 40 minutes north, on the A4 - despite being infamous for The Red Light District and stag parties, this beautiful city has so much more to offer. Avoid the tourist traps, and instead stumble upon unique cafes and individual stores in the winding streets of the city centre.
There is also Rotterdam, to the south. Take the A13 and A4 for just over half an hour; there is some great architecture on display. This includes the Cube Houses, by the architect Piet Blom; there is also now a 'Show Cube', so visitors can explore the interior as well as taking in the whole structure, based just by the Blaak Subway Station.
