Exploring Leiden with the Secrets of Leiden Exploration Game: A Practical Review
If you’re visiting Leiden and looking for an activity that combines sightseeing with a bit of fun, the Self Guided Secrets of Leiden Exploration Game might just be worth considering. This is not your typical walking tour—it’s a GPS-based, interactive game designed to uncover some of Leiden’s lesser-known treasures at your own pace.
What we really like about this experience is its flexibility—you can pause and resume whenever it suits you, which makes it adaptable to your schedule. Plus, the game is designed to be engaging, with puzzles, riddles, and photo tasks that add a layer of challenge and fun. On the flip side, if you’re someone who prefers guided commentary or detailed historical narratives, you might find this format a bit light on context.
This tour seems best suited for independent travelers or groups who enjoy a bit of friendly competition or just want a playful way to see the city without following a guide. It’s also a good pick if you’re trying to squeeze sightseeing into a flexible itinerary or want an activity that can be taken at your own pace without the pressure of a scheduled tour.
Key Points

- Flexibility: Play whenever you want, pause and restart as needed.
- Cost-effective: At around $31 for a group of up to four, it’s fairly affordable for a personalized activity.
- Interactive: Engages you with puzzles, photo tasks, and hidden facts.
- Self-guided: No guide, no problem—everything you need is in the app and email instructions.
- Duration: Roughly 2 hours, but can take longer if you explore shops or linger.
- Suitable for Mobile Users: Requires a smartphone with internet to participate.
A Deep Dive into the Experience

When we picture a city exploration, it’s often through guided walks or hop-on-hop-off buses. This self-guided game flips that idea on its head—it relies on your device, your curiosity, and your sense of adventure. The Secrets of Leiden Exploration Game is set up to give you a sense of discovery without the constraints of a group or a guide speaking in your ear.
What does the experience involve? Once you book your spot—ideally a few days in advance—you’ll receive an email with simple instructions on how to download the Loquiz App and access your game. Once you’re ready, you can start the game whenever suits your schedule. The app then guides you through various points of interest, with clues, puzzles, questions, and photo tasks that aim to reveal hidden stories and secrets about Leiden.
Travelers tend to appreciate the independence this setup offers. One reviewer, Vincent, mentioned that “it’s a super fun and playful way to get to know Leiden,” though he noted that shopping and exploring shops slowed him down. That’s a common experience; this isn’t a quick snapshot tour—it’s more an interactive journey through the city at your pace.
What about the content? You’ll learn about the city’s history, special characters, and unique facts—many of which are unknown even to locals. The puzzles are designed to be intermediate difficulty, so they’ll challenge your observation skills without being frustrating. The fun facts and visual tasks add a layer of engagement that keeps the experience lively.
Price-wise, at just over $31 per group (up to four people), it’s quite reasonable considering you get a personalized, interactive activity rather than a crowded, scripted tour. For larger groups, you’d need to buy additional tickets, which makes sense because each group plays on one device.
One thing to keep in mind—since the tour ends back at the starting point, it’s a loop that can be completed at your leisure. If you’re a curious soul who enjoys solving puzzles or exploring city streets on your own, this is a good pick.
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The Itinerary and What You’ll Encounter

Start Point: Stadhuisplein. This lively square is a natural starting point, with plenty of nearby cafes and sights. As you begin, the game leads you into exploring Leiden’s streets, with clues hidden in the architecture, shops, and perhaps even some lesser-known corners.
Throughout the tour, you’ll encounter puzzles that require you to explore your surroundings. These might include answering questions based on local landmarks, taking photos of specific objects, or solving riddles that reveal fun facts. The goal is to gather points, but also to enjoy the city’s vibe along the way.
Some highlights from user experiences include discovering secrets unknown to many visitors, which adds a sense of exclusivity to your exploration. The game encourages engagement with your environment, so don’t expect a passive experience—you’re actively involved in “uncovering” Leiden’s stories.
The game’s difficulty level is intermediate, meaning you’ll need to pay attention to details and think a bit, but it won’t be overwhelming. It’s a good balance for casual puzzle lovers and history buffs alike.
End Point: The activity wraps up back at the starting location, making it convenient to continue your day or grab a meal. If you’re pressed for time, it’s easy to tailor the experience—stop when you’ve had enough or linger to soak in the ambiance.
Real Traveler Insights and Tips

One reviewer, Vincent, noted that it might take longer than two hours if you also want to explore shops or take photos leisurely. So, plan accordingly if you’re on a tight schedule. He also appreciated the ability to pause and continue—a feature that adds flexibility.
The cost seems fair for a personalized activity, especially since it offers the option to explore independently without an extra guide fee. For those who love a bit of competition, the game even offers a leaderboard, adding a fun challenge to beat your own score or friends’ results.
Since the tour relies entirely on your smartphone and internet connection, make sure your device is charged and you have decent Wi-Fi in the area. It’s a straightforward setup but worth noting—there’s no physical guide or pre-planned route, so preparation is key.
Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is particularly well-suited for independent travelers or small groups who enjoy puzzles and discovery. It’s ideal if you want a flexible, engaging way to see Leiden without the formality of a guided tour. It also appeals to those who don’t mind using their phone as a tool for exploration and are comfortable with self-directed activities.
If you’re traveling with kids who enjoy challenges or are curious about local secrets, they might find it engaging too. But if you prefer detailed historical narrations or guided storytelling, you may find this a bit light on context.
It’s also a good option if you want to avoid large crowds or busy tours, since you’re exploring at your own pace and in your own space.
Final Thoughts
The Self Guided Secrets of Leiden Exploration Game offers a unique, flexible way to experience this charming Dutch city. Its blend of puzzles, photo challenges, and local secrets makes it more than just a walk—it’s an interactive adventure that encourages curiosity and discovery.
At around $31, it offers good value, especially for those who prefer to explore independently or with a small group. The ability to pause and continue means you can tailor the experience to your day, making it a practical choice for varied schedules.
While it may lack detailed guided commentary, it compensates with a playful approach that reveals Leiden’s hidden corners. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy solving riddles, taking photos, and uncovering city secrets at their own pace.
If you’re visiting Leiden and want a fun, customizable way to explore beyond the main sights, this game could be a memorable part of your trip. Just be prepared to use your phone, enjoy some puzzles, and embrace the sense of discovery.
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Self Guided Secrets of Leiden Exploration Game
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FAQ
Is this a guided tour?
No, it’s a self-guided experience that relies on your phone and the provided instructions. You are in charge of your schedule and pace.
What do I need to participate?
You need a smartphone with internet access. The game is played through the Loquiz App, and instructions are emailed to you after booking.
Can I start the game at any time?
Yes, once you receive the instructions, you can start whenever it suits you, making it flexible to fit into your day.
How long does the tour last?
The activity is estimated to take about 2 hours, but you can spend more time if you want to explore shops or take extra photos.
Is it suitable for groups larger than four?
Yes, you can buy additional tickets for larger groups. Each group plays on one device, so more players mean more tickets.
What is included in the price?
You get the self-guided game, instructions, login details, and interesting facts about Leiden.
Are there any physical guides involved?
No, it’s a completely self-guided digital experience—no physical guides or group leaders.
Is it family-friendly?
While not specifically designed for children, the puzzles and activities are generally accessible for most ages, especially those who enjoy a bit of puzzle-solving.
In the end, the Secrets of Leiden Exploration Game is a practical, engaging way to see the city—especially if you appreciate discovering hidden stories at your own pace. It’s a solid choice for curious explorers who like a bit of challenge and flexibility.
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