Bored in Leeuwarden? Never! Here you will discover special stories, follow in the footsteps of our royals, admire the city from a completely different perspective, and explore Leeuwarden in unique ways. Of course, there is much, much more to do, but we are here to give you a head start.
The Grocery Store
A real old-fashioned grocery store, where the cash register still rings and sweets are still handed over the counter in paper cones. You can still find one in the historic city center of Leeuwarden! Museum de Grutterswinkel is located in the Nieuwesteeg, in a seventeenth-century building. In the nostalgic living room, you are served fresh orange cake and a Frysk Dúmke with your coffee, and on the first floor, you can still visit the old, original back house!
Miniature People
If you see a few people staring at a tiny ledge in the wall in Leeuwarden, chances are there are some Miniature People hidden there. What started as an artistic expression has become part of one of the nicest walking routes (with and without kids). In total, there are more than 60 mini people to be found scattered throughout the city center.
From Utrecht
A hidden gem in the heart of Leeuwarden's city center. Built in 1904 in the Art Nouveau style, it is packed with sayings, lavishly decorated, and brimming with symbolism. Recently, this national monument has been renovated, expanded, and transformed into a mini-stage and presentation space for visual artists, designers, and writers. So, here you not only marvel at the unique architecture but also admire special exhibitions. Why it is called the Utrecht? You will find out during a visit.
The Princessehof
Once in Leeuwarden, you really shouldn't miss a visit to the Princessehof, the former city palace of Maria Louise of Hesse-Kassel, Princess of Orange-Nassau. Moreover, the world-famous graphic artist MC Escher was born in this very palace in 1898! Not only will you learn everything about its famous former residents here, but this extraordinary museum is also hosting one top exhibition after another.
Discover the city canals
Did you know that Leeuwarden looks completely different from the water? You might need to bundle up warmly, but it is well worth it: cruise through the canals of the historic center on a Greenjoy electric whisper boat. The boats can be booked entirely online, and you can board at various locations in the city center, which is very convenient.
Pub crawl!
You might not guess it during the day, but as soon as evening falls, the Doelesteeg is one of the city's coziest streets. An alley full of pubs, each one more inviting than the last. From singing along to Dutch hits to going completely wild on the dance floor. For an extensive pub crawl, turn right from the Doelesteeg; you'll find many more cozy pubs and dance cafes at the Ruiterskwartier!
Underwater safari
You can find the Underwater Safari at the Natuurmuseum Fryslân, and a visit to both really belongs on your Leeuwarden bucket list. This unique attraction takes you below the water's surface (without wet feet!) and guides you through the underwater world of the Netherlands. Who knows, you might even spot the Big Five: the otter, beaver, catfish, seal, and porpoise.
Take a guided tour
In the historic city center, there is plenty to see. Here, enthusiastic city guides passionately tell you about their favorite spot or the most beautiful street. There is a wide range of tours available in the city, from tours of all the highlights to a street art tour and even theatrical city tours where you are guided by historical figures from Leeuwarden's history.
The Frisian Museum
At the foot of Wilhelminaplein you will find the Fries Museum, where various top exhibitions rotate. 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.
Shopping!
Okay, it sounds a bit cliché. But shopping in Leeuwarden really is a treat. From major fashion chains to trendy boutiques and vintage trinkets, you’ll find it all in the historic city center. Or how about antique markets where you can pick up unique finds? At the same time, you get to explore the city—handy!