10x must do
Bored in Leeuwarden? Never! Here you will discover exceeding stories, follow in the footsteps of our royals, admire the city from a completely different side and explore Leeuwarden in unique ways. Of course there is much more to do, but we will help you on your way.
De Grutterswinkel
A real old-fashioned grocery store, where the cash register still rings and the sweets are still sold in paper cones. You will find another one in the historic city centre of Leeuwarden! Museum de Grutterswinkel is located in the Nieuwesteeg, in a seventeenth-century building. You will be served fresh orange cake and a Frysk Dúmke with your coffee in the nostalgic living room, and on the first floor you can still visit the old original annex!
Visit the Grutterswinkel
Miniature People
If you see a few people in Leeuwarden staring at a tiny ledge in the wall, there's a good chance that there are some Miniature People hidden there. What started as an artistic expression has become part of one of the best routes for walking (with and without kids). In total, there are more than 60 miniature people spread through the city centre.
Walk the route
De Utrecht
A hidden gem in the heart of Leeuwarden. Built in 1904 in the Jugendstil style, filled with sayings, exuberantly decorated, and rich in symbolism. Recently, this national monument has been renovated, expanded, and transformed into a mini stage and presentation space for visual artists, designers, and writers. Here, you can not only marvel at the unique architecture but also admire special exhibitions. Why is it called the Utrecht? You’ll find out during your visit.
Visit the Utrecht
Visit a real palace
Once in Leeuwarden, you should not miss a visit to the Princessehof, the former city palace of Maria Louise van Hessen-Kassel, Princess of Orange Nassau. And in the same palace, in 1898, the world-famous graphic artist M.C. Escher was born! Not only can you learn everything about its famous former residents here, but one top exhibition after another is running in this special museum.
To the Princessehof
Discover the city canals
Would you like to discover Leeuwarden from a completely different perspective? Then step on a pram. This is a typical Frisian boat with a flat bottom, which was formerly used for the transport of tools, livestock and hay. The guides take you on a beautiful route through the canals, where they tell you everything about the city while underway.
Greenjoy
Go on a pub crawl
You might not say this during the day, but as soon as night falls, the Doelesteeg is one of the nicest streets in the city. An alley full of pubs, each even more pleasant than the one before. From playing along with Dutch hits to going completely crazy on the dance floor. For the extensive pub crawl, turn right from the Doelesteeg, at the Ruiterskwartier, you will find many more cosy bars and dance cafés!
Going out in Leeuwarden
Under water safari
The Underwater Safari can be found in the Fryslân Nature Museum, and a visit to both should definitely be on your Leeuwarden bucket list. This unique attraction takes you under surface of the water (without getting wet feet!) and takes you through the underwater world of the Netherlands. Who knows, you might even spot the big five: the otter, beaver, catfish, seal and porpoise.
Under water safari
Go on a tour
In the historic city centre, you will be amazed. Enthusiastic city guides tell passionately about their favorite spot or the most beautiful street here. There is a wide range of tours in the city, from tours along all the highlights to a street art tour and even theatrical city tours where you are guided by historical figures from Leeuwarden’s history.
See all tours
The Frisian Museum
At the foot of the Wilhelminaplein (square), you will find the Fries Museum, where various top exhibitions alternate. In this special museum, you will discover everything about the eleven cities and the countryside, the love-hate relationship with water, the search for the typically Frisian and Friesland's place in the world.
To the Frisian Museum
Shop til you drop!
Okay, it sounds a bit cliché. But shopping in Leeuwarden is really a party. From the big fashion chains to hip boutiques and vintage gadgets, you'll find it all in the historic city centre. Or how about antique markets where you can find special finds? At the same time, you can also explore the city, which is convenient!
Go shopping
