Frequently Asked Questions

who? what? where?

The Leeuwarden Visitor Center is the information point for visitors to the city. We maintain contact with the city's entrepreneurs and are up to date on all activities and events taking place in Leeuwarden. You can also come to us for tips (such as where to stay, accessible restaurants, and hidden gems). The Leeuwarden Visitor Center is located in the OBE building. It is situated at Heer Ivostraatje 1, at the foot of the Oldehove. The Leeuwarden Visitor Center is open from Monday to Saturday, from 09:00 to 17:00, and on Sundays from 12:00 to 17:00.

Various parking garages can be found in the center of Leeuwarden. The largest underground parking garages are Oldehove and Zaailand. You can enter and exit here 24 hours a day. There are restrooms, elevators, and staff present to assist you. 

There are car parks behind Central Station and at the WTC Expo where you can park your car at a lower rate. You can also park at the Kalverdijkje car park. These car parks are located further from the city center. Read more about parking in the city here.

Leeuwarden Central Station is located about a 5-minute walk from the heart of the old city center. The bus station is situated next to the Central Station. There is a direct train connection from Rotterdam, Utrecht, Schiphol, Amsterdam, Zwolle, and Groningen to Leeuwarden. Read more about public transport in Leeuwarden here.

There are several ways to obtain a city map, both digital and physical. You can find the city map on our website . This is a digital and interactive city map showing the various areas of the city. Parking garages and public restrooms can also be found on it.

You can pick up a free paper city map at the Leeuwarden Visitor Center. This is available in both A4 and A3 sizes. 

You can find dispensers at various locations in the city center: at Central Station, at Zaailand, and at Oldehoofsterkerkhof. These dispensers contain free A3-sized city maps. They come out of the machine folded. On one side, you will find a city map with the city's highlights, while on the other side, you will find fun tips, events, and inspiration. 

No, unfortunately you cannot redeem VVV gift vouchers here. At the Leeuwarden Visitor Center , you will find information about activities in and around Leeuwarden, you can sign up for city tours (walks, barge cruises, or the city train), and we can help you plan your stay in Leeuwarden. We have free city maps and do-it-yourself walking and cycling routes.

For points of sale for VVV gift cards, we would like to refer you to the vvv-cadeaukaarten website.

You can rent a bicycle or e-bike at various locations in Leeuwarden. At Fietsstation 058 (Schrans 22), you can rent a regular bicycle with gears or a fast e-bike. These two options are also available at Van der Valk Hotel Leeuwarden , even if you are not staying there. Do you have a personal OV-chipkaart? Then you can easily rent an OV-fiets at the station . Are you staying at Hotel Post-Plaza ? Then you can also rent a bicycle there.

Emergency? Call 112! 

The Frisius MC hospital – formerly Medisch Centrum Leeuwarden / MCL – is located at Henri Dunantweg 2, 8934 AD Leeuwarden. The emergency department and Dokterswacht Friesland are also located here. You can reach Dokterswacht Friesland at 0850 820 820. On www.dokterswacht.nl, you can find information about your symptoms and receive advice on whether it is advisable to see a doctor.

For other medical emergencies

Are you suffering from other medical emergencies such as sports injuries or dental pain? Then you can contact several companies in Leeuwarden. For sports injuries and other complaints regarding muscles and joints, you can contact Topfysio . Do you need acute dental care? Then you can contact Dental365.

Emergency? Call 112! 

The police can be reached at 0900-8844. You can state that you are in Leeuwarden and will be automatically connected to the correct region. The police station is located at Holstmeerweg 3, 8936 AS Leeuwarden. 

Monday is the new Sunday! Many small businesses, museums, and hospitality venues are closed on Mondays. Fortunately, there are still plenty of fun things to do in Leeuwarden on the first day of the week! Read our blog for all the tips.

In the center of Leeuwarden, you will find a number of public toilets:

• The Leeuwarden Visitor Center, Heer Ivostraatje 1
• The Town Hall, Oldehoofsterkerkhof 2
• The Central Station, Stationsplein 1
• Blokhuispoort, Blokhuisplein 40 
• City Park De Prinsentuin

To increase the number of public toilets in the city center, the Iepen Húske – Place to pee campaign was launched. Iepen Húske literally translates to 'open little house', which means a toilet you are allowed to use. You can identify these locations by filtering for 'facilities' on the online city map or by looking for the green sticker with the Iepen Húske logo.

In the city center, you will find numerous charming vintage and secondhand shops. The larger thrift stores can be found at the De Zwette industrial estate. Especially for vintage lovers, we have created a free online Vintage Tour that you can easily follow on your mobile! This way, you will come home with the most beautiful pre-loved gems. In this blog, you will find vintage hotspots and inspiration.

On Fridays, you will always find a large market at Zaailand / Wilhelminaplein. At this market, you can buy fresh vegetables, fruit, bread, honey, herbs, fish, meat, and eggs. Additionally, there are stalls selling clothing, accessories, flowers, leather goods, textiles, gemstones and minerals, pet accessories, and cleaning products. Finally, you can enjoy a delicious meal at the stroopwafel stall, fries stall, fish stall, or Greek specialties. 

On Saturdays, you will find the little brother of this market on the Nieuwestad. 

Every month, there is a Farmers' Market on Saturday in the Vijzelstraat. Furthermore, there are numerous seasonal markets featuring antiques, curiosities, art, records, books, and more. Look here for a current overview of the markets in Leeuwarden.

The major retail chains in Leeuwarden are open 7 days a week. The opening hours are as follows:

Small independent business owners are usually not open on Sundays, Mondays, and late-night shopping evenings. 

Leeuwarden has numerous shopping areas:

• On the Nieuwestad, you will find the larger chains, such as H&M, Hema, and Rituals.
• De Kleine Kerkstraat has been named the nicest shopping street in Leeuwarden multiple times. With small boutiques, design, and local delicacies, we find that no wonder! 
• The Oude Markten is an area with cozy coffee shops and lots of beautiful second-hand items. You can find vintage outfits and furniture here at the fleet! 

On the Shopping and Markets page , you will find all the information and inspiration you need. The Citymap provides insight into the location of the shopping areas.

Leeuwarden is bursting with cozy lunchrooms, eateries, and unique restaurants. From international cuisine to vegan options, there is something for everyone. You can explore your options on the Food and Drink page .

Spending the night in a former prison, an old post office, or a cabin on the heath: in Leeuwarden, it is all possible. Do you prefer sleeping in a modern hotel , a picturesque bed & breakfast , or would you rather stay at a campsite ? On this page, you will find an overview of the most beautiful and pleasant places to stay in Leeuwarden.

Leeuwarden has various stages:

• Municipal Theater de Harmonie
• Music venue Neushoorn
• Podium Explore 
• Theater de Bres
• The program Tryater

View the theater schedule , or check the Theater & Film page for more information.

Look here for an accurate overview of all exhibitions currently taking place in Leeuwarden.

The following museums can be found in Leeuwarden:

• The Frisian Museum is the largest museum in Leeuwarden, with a number of permanent exhibitions on the history of Friesland and rotating exhibitions by various artists. 
• The Resistance Museum is located in the Fries Museum and tells the story of the Second World War in Friesland. 
• The Princessehof Ceramics Museum takes you through the history of ceramics, but also showcases contemporary masterpieces. 
• Nature Museum Fryslân is the museum for young and old, with the biggest spectacle: the Underwater Safari. 
• The Frisian Agricultural Museum tells the story of the Frisian farmer through the centuries. Located in a beautiful farmhouse just outside the city. 
• Eysinga Museum House is an impressive 18th-century city villa that was inhabited by the family of one of the most prominent men of his time: Frans Julius Van Eysinga. 
• From Utrecht is a hidden gem in the center of Leeuwarden. Built in 1904 in Art Nouveau style, packed with sayings, lavishly decorated, and brimming with symbolism.
• Historical Center Leeuwarden is the center for Leeuwarden's historical heritage. Thousands of linear meters of historical documents, from the Middle Ages to the present day, are preserved and made accessible here.
• The Other Museum has the most diverse objects. From a large collection of vintage cars to lace and other textiles. 
• The Grocery Store was a real old-fashioned grocery store in Leeuwarden. As soon as you cross the threshold, you step back in time. Buy licorice soldiers, herbal liqueurs, and other goods from the time of your (great-)grandparents! 

Just outside Leeuwarden, you will also find a number of museums and/or estates:

• Mineralogical Museum It is situated between Warten and Grou and is housed in the barn of an old farmhouse. In the labyrinth of filled display cases, a (changing!) collection of stunning gemstones and minerals can be admired. 
• Dekema State The estate in Jelsum was originally a noble residence, where various families lived until 1996. The State and the gardens are now open to the public.

Look here for an overview of all museums.

In Leeuwarden, multiple barge tours take place daily during the high season. The Leeuwarden Barge Sailing and Barge Rental Foundation organizes these barge tours. During the tour, you sit inside the barge; walkers are also allowed on board. There is, however, a small set of stairs at the quay that you have to go up and down to reach the barge. Although assistance is provided by the barge staff, whether this is possible depends on the degree of your mobility impairment. Don't want to take the risk? Then hop on the City Train with ease ! You sit comfortably in the carriage and travel at a leisurely pace through all the small streets of the old city center.

Do you see a group of people staring at a wall somewhere? Chances are they are looking at a minuscule scene. The Miniature People are the smallest inhabitants of Leeuwarden. Photographer Michel Tilma created and photographed tiny scenes, less than 2 centimeters tall, in special places throughout the city, leaving them there to be found. Walk through the streets and alleys of Leeuwarden's city center and go in search of these tiny Liwwadders. That is the only way to truly discover unknown spots. A special Miniature People Route is available for purchase at the Leeuwarden Visitor Center , among other places. It is the perfect activity for young and old!

You can rent electric whisper sloops at Green Joy and Bootverhuur Bonkevaart . You can also rent sailboats at Watersportbedrijf ANJA .

At the City Beach, you can enjoy a variety of fun water activities. You can take SUP lessons, do yoga on a SUP board, rent SUP boards, go canoeing, or simply relax with your feet in the sand and your face in the sun.

Are you planning to come to Leeuwarden by boat? Then spend the night in the city's most beautiful marina. In the old city center, you will find the Prinsentuin city park . This former pleasure garden of the House of Orange-Nassau is an open city park where you are also allowed to moor your boat . Right in the city center, yet surrounded by nature. Would you prefer to moor outside the city? Then take a look at the Leeuwarder Jachthaven.

Check the page By boat in Leeuwarden for more information.

On this page, you will find all information about water in and around Leeuwarden. From watersports hotspots to barge tours, and from marinas to lunch on the quay: everything has been thought of!

With the exception of Texel, the Wadden Islands belong to the province of Friesland. 

Vlieland
Vlieland is a relatively small island a good hour and a half's boat ride from the mainland. Oost-Vlieland is the only village. Vlieland has a few campsites, cycle routes through a beautiful dune landscape, cool forests, and beautiful beaches on the North Sea. You can reach Vlieland from Harlingen by Shipping company DoeksenHarlingen Haven is easily accessible from Leeuwarden by train. 

Terschelling
Terschelling can also be reached via Harlingen. You can buy ferry tickets from Rederij Doeksen. The crossing takes about 2 hours. Terschelling has several villages, including West-Terschelling and Midsland. Terschelling is rich in wooded areas, beaches, and dune landscapes. As a walker or cyclist, you will find plenty to enjoy here. 

Ameland
Ameland can be reached via Holwert with Wagenborg Passenger ServicesThe crossing takes a good forty-five minutes. Ameland has several villages, including Nes and Buren. Ameland is also known for its beautiful walking and cycling routes. Because Ameland is easy and quick to reach, it is perfectly suited for a day trip. Do you want to travel from Leeuwarden to Ameland? Then you can easily travel to Holwert by bus. 

Schiermonnikoog
Schiermonnikoog is a small, picturesque island that can be reached via Lauwersoog. Do you want to reach Schiermonnikoog from Leeuwarden? Then you can easily travel by bus to Lauwersoog. The regular ferry service with Wagenborg Passenger Services It takes forty-five minutes. That is why Schiermonnikoog is also perfectly suited for a day of cycling or walking. 

Buuten (Leeuwarders for 'outside') is an area for nature, recreation, and sports located adjacent to Leeuwarden. The Buuten area includes the Kleine- and Grote Wielen, AquaZoo, and Park Vijversburg, among others. Visit the Buuten page for more information.

There are various nature reserves both in and around Leeuwarden where you can enjoy a lovely walk. Closer to Leeuwarden, for example, you will find the Froskepôlle and the Grote Wielen . A little further away, you will find the Âlde Feanen National Park . Check the Walking in Leeuwarden page for all information and tips.

The walking tours by A Guide to Leeuwarden are wheelchair-friendly. Leeuwarden has no major elevation changes, so fortunately everything is on one level. They do often go inside briefly, and there might be a threshold here and there, but there are no other obstacles. The guides will always try to take this into account.

There are also two options for seated tours. You can take a barge cruise through the canals of Leeuwarden. However, it is important to know that you have to go down a small set of steps at the quay on the Nieuwestad to reach the barge. You must also be able to board the barge. Walkers are allowed on board. Naturally, staff members are present to assist you with this. If this is too much of a step, you can take the City Train ! This little blue and yellow train travels peacefully through the small, old streets of the city center. During the tour, you sit sheltered and comfortably. You receive information about the city's sights via headphones.

Tickets for all these tours can be booked at the Visitor Center.

There are several public toilets in the city that are accessible to people in wheelchairs and/or with limited mobility:

• In OBE, the building where the Leeuwarden Visitor Center located there is an accessible toilet which is free to use. Please ask about this at the reception desk in the Visitor Center, then we will open the door for you. The toilet is spacious and is equipped with extra support rails, a low washbasin, and an emergency button. This toilet is also equipped with a changing table for babies. The address of OBE is Heer Ivostraatje 1. The toilets are located on the side of the Oldehoofster Kerkhof. 
• At the Bak in the Blokhuispoort you will find a accessible toiletThe toilet is spacious, equipped with extra support rails and a low washbasin. The address of the Blokhuispoort is Blokhuisplein 40. The toilet is located on the second square on the left. 

Perhaps you have heard of Iepen Húske – Place to pee . Many Leeuwarden entrepreneurs have opened their (toilet) doors for shoppers to use. You can find these public toilets on our city map . You will also find more accessible toilets here. Pay attention to the icons in the description to see what facilities are available.

Leeuwarden is a beautiful city with a historic center, interesting museums, and cozy eateries. There is so much to see and do! But how do you visit the most beautiful sights if you have mobility issues? We have mapped out a city trip for you! Check our blog for inspiration.