Leiden and Amsterdam, the Netherlands
The main office of IIAS is situated in the historic centre of Leiden, a university city that combines modern urban amenities with historic 17th century charm. It is housed in one of the mansions along the "Rapenburg" canal.

Leiden
Leiden is a dynamic and friendly university city, an urban community bustling with life with an outward-looking, international character. It is an attractive town, as both the city and the region offer an extensive and diverse range of amenities.

Leiden is located just eight miles east of the North Sea and dune coast, and lies right in the political, cultural and economic heart of the Netherlands. It provides easy access to surrounding Dutch cities, including Amsterdam (and Schiphol airport), Rotterdam, Utrecht and The Hague. All of these cities can easily be reached by train in less than an hour.

Some facts about Leiden: 

• Approximately 120,000 inhabitants
• Home to Leiden University, the oldest university in the Netherlands (founded in 1574). Leiden University owns approximately 2.7 million books and periodicals, of which some 1.8 million volumes reside within the main University library. 
• English is widely spoken (throughout the Netherlands); the official language is Dutch.
• The Hague can be reached by train in 12 minutes, Schiphol Airport in 20 and Amsterdam in 45 minutes.
• Located at only 20 km from the North sea, and close to the tulip and bulb fields. The best are right behind the North Sea dunes.
• Home to 6 major museums and a (university) botanical garden.
• 88 bridges connect the streets along its many canals.
• Home to many shops, restaurants, bars and theatres.