Leiden
is a charming university town situated about 30 miles south of Amsterdam
(just two stops on the Sneltrain). Traversed by picturesque canals, the
town is a tourists' dream. It is also a mummy master's dream as well.
Leiden not only has a world
class Egyptian exhibit, it also has the Grillroom Nefertiti and the
Grillroom Sphinx, both down the street from the train station (there's
also the Camp David Grillroom). After dinner, you can see a movie at the
Luxor Cinema ("Dude, Where's My Car?" was showing when I was
last there; I passed.).
To the left of the museum (as
you face it) is an excellent book shop which carries many hard to find
books about Egyptian life and mummification (some in English). And Leiden also has a museum
on the Pilgrims (since many lived in Leiden before setting sail for
America). Finally, Leiden is situated close to Schiphol Airport (one train
stop to the south) and makes an excellent (and much quieter) base for
visiting Amsterdam.
If you arrive by plane in
Amsterdam, take the train south to Leiden. I suggest the Golden Tulip
Hotel, almost directly across the street from the station.
Leiden is easily reached from
Amsterdam. You can check air fares and hotels at Travelocity.com:
