GENERAL INFO

Venue

The Stadsgehoorzaal in Leiden is a renowned cultural and conference venue located in the heart of the city. This historic building offers a unique blend of traditional charm and modern facilities, making it the ideal venue for Exoplanets 5. Its central location ensures easy access to local facilities and numerous special sights that Leiden has to offer.

The Stadsgehoorzaal is centrally located, and it’s within walking distance from Leiden Central Station.

Address
Breestraat  60
2311 CS Leiden
The Netherlands

Click on the map for the route from Leiden Central Station to the Stadsgehoorzaal.

Lodging

Preferred Hotel Reservations has been appointed as the official housing agent for Exoplanets 5. They negotiated special rates and conditions at the selected hotels for participants of the conference:

  1. Ibis Leiden Centre – from € 159.00
  2. VIC Hotel Leiden – from € 159.00
  3. Golden Tulip Leiden Centre – from € 169.00
  4. Tulip Inn Leiden Centre – from € 159.00
  5. NH Leeuwenhorst – from € 156.90
  6. Babylon Hotel The Hague – from € 190.00
  7. Renaissance Amsterdam Schiphol Airport – from € 189.00

Other hotels in Leiden can be found on the website of Visit Leiden.

Visa

For a visit to the Netherlands for up to 90 days, visitors from nearly 60 countries only need a valid passport (including most of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA, and Japan). Nationals of most other countries need a Schengen visa, named after the Schengen Agreement that eliminated passport controls between 26 EU member states.

Please keep in mind that a visa application takes a lot of time. You are kindly advised to apply for this on time.

Letter of invitation

If you need a letter of invitation to apply for your visa, please send your request by email. Invitation letters can only be sent to participants who registered and have paid the required registration fees. 

From Schiphol Airport to Leiden

Schiphol Airport, also known as Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (IATA: AMS), is the closest major international airport to Leiden. Schiphol is approximately 20 kilometers (12.5 miles) northwest of Leiden, making it a convenient choice for participants of Exoplanets 5.

Schiphol Airport Station is located directly beneath the airport. In the arrival hall. Follow the ‘Trains’ signs to Schiphol Plaza and then take the stairs, moving walkway or lift down to the platforms. Take the train to station Leiden Centraal. Depending on the type, the train will take you there in 16-21 minutes.

Once at Leiden Centraal, take the exit on the city side (the side with the low numbered platforms). Take a bus, rent a bike, take a taxi or walk to the venue (approx. 12 minutes’ walk). 

Public transportation

Wherever in Holland you want to go, you can get there easily and in comfort by train, bus, tram or ferry. 

Plan your trip

Plan your journey with public transportation with the NS travel planner. It is possible to purchase your e-ticket for your journey ahead of time in this app.

Read all about how you can easily check in and out with your debit card, credit card or mobile here.

With your journey at NS you travel without a carbon footprint; their trains run 100% on wind power.

Rent a bike

Leiden is a bike-friendly city with a well-developed network of bike lanes and paths, making it easy to explore the city and its surroundings on two wheels. Renting a bike, whether it’s a regular city bike or an electric bike (e-bike), is a fantastic way to experience Leiden and its nearby attractions. 

Exoplanets 5 Locations

Conference Venue
Stadgehoorzaal
Breestraat 60
2311 CS Leiden
 
Reception Big Exoplanets 5 Solar-Solstice Party™
Date: Thursday 20 June 2024
Time: 18.30 – 19.00 hrs.
Old Observatory
Sterrewachtlaan 11
2311 GW Leiden
 
Big Exoplanets 5 Solar-Solstice Party™
Date: Thursday 20 June 2024
Time: 19.00 – 00.00 hrs.
Hortus botanicus Leiden
Rapenburg 73
2311 GJ Leiden

Leiden

The city

Leiden is a picturesque and historically rich city in the Netherlands, known for its charming canals, well-preserved architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. 

  • Canals: Leiden is often referred to as “Little Amsterdam” due to its lovely canals that crisscross the city, making it perfect for leisurely walks or boat rides.

 

  • Historic City Center: The city boasts a beautifully preserved historic center, featuring centuries-old buildings, cobblestone streets, and charming squares.

 

  • Cultural Hub: Leiden is home to several museums, theaters, and galleries, offering a rich cultural experience.

 

  • Academic Heritage: It’s renowned for its prestigious Leiden University, the oldest in the Netherlands, and the birthplace of Rembrandt.
 

 

Pilgrim history of Leiden

In the early 17th century, a group of English Separatists, later known as the Pilgrims, sought religious freedom from the Church of England. They settled in Leiden in 1609.

Leiden provided the Pilgrims with the freedom to practice their religion. During their stay, they integrated into the Dutch community and held regular meetings for worship.

The Pilgrim House, where they congregated, is believed to have been in the vicinity of Pieterskerk.

The Pilgrims’ time in Leiden is a significant part of the city’s history and is commemorated as a symbol of religious tolerance and the pursuit of freedom. Their subsequent journey on the Mayflower to America and the establishment of Plymouth Colony played a pivotal role in American history. Leiden’s connection to the Pilgrims is an important chapter in its rich heritage.

Leiden American Pilgrim Museum (reservation required to visit)

Worth visiting while in Leiden

Burcht van Leiden

Climb this medieval fortress for excellent views of the city.

 

Leiden Observatory

Visit the oldest operating university observatory in the world.

Leiden University

Explore the historic campus and its many museums, including the Hortus Botanicus, a stunning botanical garden.

Museum de Lakenhal

An art and history museum showcasing the works of Dutch Masters and the city’s textile history.

Museum Volkenkunde

National museum of Ethnology; a museum about people, is just a few minutes from Leiden Central Station.

Molen de Valk

A historic windmill, now a museum, offers panoramic views of Leiden from its upper floors.

Naturalis Biodiversity Center

A fascinating natural history museum with an extensive collection of fossils and specimens.

Pieterskerk

A grand Gothic church with a rich history, often used for concerts and events.

Rijksmuseum van Oudheden

This national museum houses an extensive collection of archaeological artifacts, including Egyptian mummies and Roman antiquities.

SieboldHuis

Museum showcasing Japanese art and artifacts