Summer in Leeuwarden: What you should do

The days are getting longer, the sky bluer, and outdoor life is becoming even more enjoyable. There's nothing better than a weekend getaway in the summer, and the people of Ljouwert (Frisian for Leeuwarden) know exactly how to make it special. Stroll your way past freshly restored old facades, historic buildings, cozy shopping streets, winding canals, and sunny terraces. It's a city full of things to do but still feels like a large village—what more could you ask for?

Start your weekend in Leeuwarden with a visit to the Visitor Center. Here, you’ll be warmly welcomed by enthusiastic local experts who’ll help you plan your visit. Right next to the Visitor Center, admire the city’s icon: the leaning tower of Oldehove. Climb the steps to the top and enjoy the view over the city. Check current opening hours here.

^{Foto: © Jurjen Drenth}

Walking Tour of Leeuwarden

Get to know the city during one of the free walking tours, organized on a pay-what-you-like basis. From Tuesday to Sunday, the guides of A Guide to Leeuwarden will take you on a 1.5-hour journey, introducing you to hidden gems, the city’s unique history, and famous residents. After the tour, you’ll have a wealth of knowledge to continue exploring.

Prefer to explore the city on your own? At the Visitor Center, you can buy a do-it-yourself walking route. Discover, for example, the most beautiful murals with the Street Art Map, or hunt for tiny figures scattered around the city with the Miniature People Route.

^{Foto: Miniature People Route}

Museums in Leeuwarden

Discover Friesland and its stories at the Fries Museum, located in the heart of the city. Learn about the mysterious dancer and possible spy Mata Hari, explore rural war history at the Fries Resistance Museum, and travel back in time in the Hindelooper Room. With a mix of temporary and permanent exhibitions and a wide range of activities, there’s always something to do at the Fries Museum.

 
In the 18th-century city palace of Princess of Orange-Nassau, you’ll find the Ceramics Museum Princessehof. Here, you can admire a rich collection of mostly Asian, European, and modern ceramics. Or, for a brief moment, feel at home with world-renowned artist M.C. Escher in the small exhibition space and impressive 3D mural in the building’s basement.

Lunching in Leeuwarden

After all that wandering, you're bound to get hungry. Luckily, you won't have to search long for a great lunch spot. Sit down at one of the tables at the bridge keeper's house of STEK or at the cozy shopping street at Barrevoets. Create your own bowl at Bowls 'n Rolls or enjoy an all-day breakfast and lunch in the charming garden at The Bakery. Be welcomed and enjoy fresh products at Brownies & Downies, or opt for a more elaborate lunch by the water at Proefverlof.

^{Foto linksboven: STEK, Foto linksonder: Brownies & Downies, Foto rechts: Barrevoets}

Shop till you drop

From big chains and Frisian specialty stores to charming boutiques and colorful gift shops, Leeuwarden has various shopping districts where you’re sure to find something you like. Stop by local businesses on Kleine Kerkstraat, score unique items in one of the many vintage shops, wander around the richly decorated bookstore Van der Velde, or visit one of the creative (gift) shops in the former prison, De Blokhuispoort.

^{Foto links: House of Taste, Foto rechts: Kleine Kerkstraat}

^{Foto: Blokhuispoort}

Adventures on the water

The best way to explore the Leeuwarden canals is by boat. Book an electric sloop online easily and quickly with Greenjoy. Pick up your 8- or 10-person boat at one of two locations in the city center: Blokhuispoort or Willemskade. After activating the boat via your phone, you'll sail quietly and 100% green through Leeuwarden along one of the many available free routes.

Drinks & Dining

End the day with a drink on a terrace or a delicious dinner—Leeuwarden knows how to handle both. Enjoy a Frisian beer or fruity cocktail on one of the terraces by the water, or look for the hidden speakeasy bar Dr. Watson. Step inside for a wine tasting at Vino & Verder, where owner Gosse will treat you to high-quality wines in an informal setting, all with his infectious enthusiasm.

^{Foto: Vino & Verder}

Travel back in time at the Pannekoekschip, or let yourself be surprised by the international shared dining dishes at Lazy Lemon. Feel like you’re on vacation in Spain at Las Tapas, or indulge in satay and more at TOTT. Want to dine in a unique place in the city center? Take a seat at the Grand Café at Post-Plaza, located in a former post office that miraculously survived the war.

^{Foto: Grand Café Post-Plaza}

Special overnight stays in Leeuwarden

Located in the city center, the non-traditional hotel Vie Via is the perfect base for your weekend getaway in Leeuwarden. Check-in and door openings all happen via a digital key on your phone.

 
The fresh and spaciously decorated rooms, equipped with a rain shower, plenty of light, and fast WiFi, are available in various sizes. Soft beds and fluffy towels offer a warm welcome after a long day of exploring the city. After a hearty breakfast at the yogurt bar, with fresh croissants, farm yogurt, toppings, juices, and hot drinks, it’s time to head out and explore what else Leeuwarden has to offer.

Summer events

Leeuwarden stays active in the summer, and you can take advantage of that! Plan your visit during one of the events, such as the Zomerfeest (July 12), Tuinfeest (July 13), and Park Proeverij (July 14) at Prinsentuin. Or enjoy one of the recurring events, such as the Boerenmarkt at the Vijzelstraat every first Saturday of the month, the Antique & Curiosities Market every Thursday in summer, and the Prinsentuin concerts almost every day in summer. Expect music, food trucks, entertainment, and fun for all ages.

Enjoy the late summer in Leeuwarden with fun events such as Culinair in the Park on September 6, Live in the Park on September 7, Zuidergrachtconcert on September 13, and the Smook! BBQ Festival on September 15. Check out a full and current overview of events in Leeuwarden >

^{Foto: Prinsentuinconcerten}

This article is written in collaboration with Visit Leeuwarden. Visit the Visit Leeuwarden website for more information and inspiration.