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ChangeBotanical guest of honour
At the Hortus Botanicus the guest of honour gets to be king or queen of the plants. Take a group photo at the entrance or (inside) among the plants where everyone holds a flower or leaf or wears one in their hair. The greener, the better.
Canal terrace cheers
Along a Leiden canal or in a courtyard you find a terrace that invites you to stay. Find one, order something festive, clink with the whole team and take a photo of the official toast. To the guest of honour!
Citadel view
From the Burcht you have the most beautiful view of Leiden. Climb to the top and take a group photo with the rooftops of the city behind you. Everyone must be clearly in frame.
Key City coronation
Today the guest of honour is king or queen of the Key City. Crown them with a sash, tiara or other festive accessory and take a photo of the official coronation, ideally in front of a Leiden backdrop like a canal, courtyard or stately gable.
Kick-off in the Key City
The party starts! Find a true Leiden spot (a canal, a small bridge, a courtyard) and take a group photo where everyone jumps in the air at the same time with the guest of honour in the middle. Everyone off the ground, otherwise it does not count.
Leiden local wanted
Convince a random Leiden local or student to share one fun fact or hidden spot in the city. Take a photo with your impromptu city guide and remember the tip, you might go there next.
On the Leiden bike
Leiden is a true cycling and student city. Take a group photo where everyone holds, sits on or stands next to a bike. The more bikes, the better.
Pilgrim pose
At the Pieterskerk, the Pilgrim Fathers gathered for their journey to the New World. Take a group photo at the church where everyone points "into battle" as if you are about to set off too, to America, or to the next bar.
Rapenburg glamour
The Rapenburg with its stately canal houses and small bridges is the postcard view of Leiden. Find a pretty bridge, pose with the canal behind you and take a stylish group photo.
Spot a Hortus Botanicus plant
Walk into the Hortus Botanicus Leiden (the oldest botanical garden in NL). Photograph an unusual plant, palm or the entrance gate.
Spot a Leiden 3 October (Leidens Ontzet) reference
Around 3 October find a Leidens Ontzet (Relief of Leiden, 1574) reference: posters, herring-and-white-bread stalls, parade flags. Outside the season find a 3 October souvenir or photograph. Photograph the reference.
Spot a Leiden bell gable (klokgevel)
Find a bell-shaped gable on a Leiden facade. Photograph the bell shape.
Spot a Leiden bitterballen plate
Find a plate of bitterballen on a Leiden café table. Photograph the line-up.
Spot a Leiden brown café
Find a Leiden bruin café (dark wood, beer pumps). The Café De Bonte Koe is the classic. Photograph the doorway.
Spot a Leiden canal boat
Find a tour boat on the Rapenburg or Oude Rijn. Photograph the boat from a bridge.
Spot a Leiden cheese stall
Find a cheese stall on the Wednesday/Saturday Hooglandse Kerkgracht market or any Leiden cheese shop. Photograph the Gouda wheels.
Spot a Leiden Dutch flag
Find a Dutch flag flying on a Leiden building. Photograph the colours.
Spot a Leiden Dutch upright bike
Find a classic Dutch upright bicycle parked along the Rapenburg. Photograph it.
Spot a Leiden flower stall on the Wednesday or Saturday market
On a market day find a Leiden flower stall on the Nieuwe Rijn waterside market. Photograph the cascade of bouquets.
Spot a Leiden haring with onions
Find a Hollandse Nieuwe herring with chopped onion at a Leiden haringkraam. Photograph the silver fish.
Spot a Leiden hofje courtyard
Find one of Leiden's hofjes (Sint-Annahofje, Hofje van Bakenes, Coninck van Polen). Photograph the courtyard.
Spot a Leiden poffertjes plate
Find a poffertjeskraam with the cast-iron pan of small puffy pancakes. Photograph the pan.
Spot a Leiden small archway lamp
Find a small wrought-iron lamp hanging in a Leiden archway (between Pieterskerkhof courtyards). Photograph the lamp.
Spot a Leiden stepped gable
Find a stepped gable on a Leiden canal house. Photograph the silhouette.