Leeuwarden

Introduction

You will find Leeuwarden situated in the province of Friesland as its provincial capital. As the seat of the Provincial Council of Friesland, this city serves as a central hub within the region.

Before you go

Prepare for your visit by understanding the cultural significance of this destination. You will find that the city held the title of European Capital of Culture in 2018, a distinction it shared with Valletta.

Getting there

If you are traveling by car, you can reach Leeuwarden from Amsterdam via two different routes: a western path through the A7 and A31, or an eastern route using the A1, A6, and A32. Travelers arriving from Groningen and northern Germany can access the city via the A7 and N31.

You can also reach the city by train, with intercity services connecting Leeuwarden to Amsterdam and Schiphol Airport. Direct rail connections are available to Utrecht, Groningen, Heerenveen, Franeker, and Harlingen. For those arriving at Schiphol Airport, a direct train provides access to the city. Alternatively, you can fly into Groningen Airport Eelde and take a bus to Groningen station before catching a direct train to Leeuwarden. Bus services also connect the city to nearby destinations in Friesland, including Sneek and various local villages.

Getting around

You can easily explore the compact old city centre of Leeuwarden on foot. If you prefer to see more of the city and its surrounding natural areas, cycling is an excellent way to travel. You can find bike rentals at the train station or consult the tourist information centre for various walking and biking routes designed to help you reach all the major sights.

For longer journeys, a variety of bus lines depart from the station located next to the train station. The station features a covered area for local city lines and a separate section for regional lines that connect you to nearby villages and cities.

Where to stay

You can choose from a variety of accommodations that cater to different preferences for your stay in the city center. For a luxurious experience with professional service and spacious suites, you can stay at a high-end hotel located directly in the heart of town. Alternatively, if you prefer a historic atmosphere, you can find lodging in rooms set within four old houses that feature an on-site café and restaurant serving simple Dutch dishes. Another option provides a sense of history with a long-standing establishment located conveniently across from the station.

For those seeking unique experiences or different locations, consider these options:

• Stay aboard a ship to experience a nautical atmosphere, ranging from historic vessels with shared facilities to private holiday homes.
• Choose a chain hotel located outside the city center for easy access by car or bus if you prefer a simpler room.

Food & drink

Savor a variety of international flavors throughout the city. You can enjoy high-quality dishes made with sustainable products from local and regional suppliers or visit a spot widely considered to offer the best Italian food in town. For those seeking smaller portions, you can find well-prepared tapas featuring a mix of Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern influences served in an exotic interior with relaxing lounge areas. If you prefer Greek-style dishes, there are options available for your next meal.

Explore the local drink scene by trying beerenburg from a local brewery, which is available in most liquor stores. You can find many cafés throughout the city, some of which feature outdoor terraces during the summer months. Visit an Irish pub to enjoy a range of international beers and food, or head to a popular hangout for students where you can spend your evening playing board games.

What to see and do

Explore the compact medieval centre of Leeuwarden, where you can wander past numerous national monuments and historic buildings along defensive canals. You can visit the Grote of Jacobijnerkerk, a Gothic-style former monastery housing a famous organ, or see the Waag, a decorated former weigh house that now serves as a lunch room. The city's skyline is marked by the Oldehove, a leaning tower with a unique history of construction challenges, and the Classicist city hall featuring an inscription for peace and justice.

Immerse yourself in local culture at the Fries Museum, which houses art and artifacts from across the region, or visit the Princessehof National Ceramics Museum. You can also find historical sites like the Mata Hari birthplace and statue, as well as the Natural History Museum Friesland. For a more active experience, you can rent an electric sloop to navigate the picturesque canals or follow a poetry route where poems are inscribed into the stones of the pavement throughout the city centre.

• Grote of Jacobijnerkerk
• Waag
• Oldehove
• Kanselarij
• City hall
• Fries Museum
• Princessehof National Ceramics Museum
• Natural History Museum Friesland
• Mata Hari birth place & statue

Three days in Leeuwarden

Day one, you arrive in Leeuwarden to begin your exploration of the culture within this region of Friesland. You can settle into your surroundings and prepare for a journey through the local landscape.

Day two, you explore more of the area or choose to travel toward nearby locations such as Heerenveen, Franeker, or Harlingen. You can also take a bus to reach other destinations like Sneek.

Day three, you visit the Grote street to experience the heart of the city before your departure from the region.