32 Quirky College Towns Where Every Street Feels Like a Movie Set

27. Leiden, Netherlands: Quintessential Dutch Canals and Charm

Leiden, with its prestigious Leiden University, is a quintessential Dutch university city, offering a charming, picturesque backdrop for a gentle European film. Its beautiful canals are lined with historic gabled houses, charming bridges, and leafy streets, less crowded than Amsterdam but equally captivating. Imagine scenes of students cycling along canals, or intimate conversations in cozy brown cafes. Leiden offers a calm, intellectual, and visually appealing setting, perfect for a subtle character study or a quiet period piece exploring Dutch history and academic life.