Autumn tip: Discover cultural Leeuwarden

Stroll through the charming City Center

If you make the effort to step outside during autumn, Leeuwarden rewards you with the beauty of its historic city center. From picturesque bridges and hidden courtyards to grand monumental buildings and lively squares, the city is perfect for exploring on foot. Take your time and carry an umbrella for those unexpected showers.

^{Foto: Visit Leeuwarden}

 

Warm up in cafes and restaurants

After an active autumn day, unwind at one of the (heated) covered café terraces in the city center. Enjoy coffee and treats at Grand Café Fire or treat yourself to an Irish beer at Paddy O’Ryan. Dive into the world of brewing at In de Brouwerij or relax at the cozy Eetcafé Het Leven. For a longer meal, head to Unia 12 for local ingredients and fine wines, or dine at Restaurant Éléve for stunning panoramic views and surprising flavors.

^{Foto: De Walrus / Visit Leeuwarden}

Explore Leeuwarden's museums

Leeuwarden offers plenty for museum enthusiasts. Visit the Nature Museum Friesland for an underwater safari, enjoy the grandeur of Huis Van Eysinga, or learn about ceramics at Princessehof.

For history, the Fries Museum is a must, featuring permanent exhibits on Frisian traditions and resistance, plus a special exhibit on wedding dresses, including that of Queen Máxima.

(Active) Outings in Leeuwarden

Don’t rely solely on the weather for your Leeuwarden experience—there’s plenty to do indoors. Play pool or darts at Big Ben Swing & Pool café or head to Noardwand, the Netherlands' most modern climbing center. For a competitive outing, try your hand at jeu de boules at BOEL bar, enjoying street food, craft beers, and cocktails.

^{Foto: Klimcentrum Noardwand / Visit Leeuwarden}

^{Foto: BOEL / Paula van de Kamp}

Get redy for December gifts

Fall is the perfect time to buy gifts for the holidays and in Leeuwarden there is more than enough choice to make your move. From vintage gems and unique boutiques to large fashion chains and design stores. Shop sustainably at the Wereldwinkel or browse through (baby) clothes at NENEK Fashion & Lifestyle. Looking for a fun board game or puzzle to get through the dark days? Then step into the wonderful world of games at Spellekijn.

^{Foto: Spellekijn / Visit Leeuwarden}

From decorated shops to a maze of market stalls, you won't get bored quickly in Leeuwarden. Every Friday afternoon you can go to the Wilhelminaplein for the weekly market. And every first Saturday of the month you can stroll along the artisan stalls of the Boerenmarkt in the Vijzelstraat. During the autumn, another gem is added, namely the Christmas market at the Blokhuispoort on 14 and 15 December. Special products and small entrepreneurs are central here. In combination with winter snacks, mulled wine and cozy mood lighting, it promises to be a festive affair.

Stay in Leeuwarden

Want to make the most of your visit to Leeuwarden? Then stay overnight in one of the many special accommodations. Experience what it's like to sleep in a cell at the Alibi Hostel, located in an old prison from 1875. Or roll into bed after your drink or dinner at In de Brouwerij. Stay in one of the 11 comfortable rooms, from elite suites to work suites, each equipped with all the comforts.

Relax in the richly decorated rooms of the Post-Plaza Hotel, where you can enjoy fine details, a wonderful rain shower and an extensive breakfast buffet in the Grand Café. Or let yourself be pampered at one of the many unique B&Bs that Leeuwarden has to offer.

^{Foto: Alibi Hostel / Visit Leeuwarden}

Festivals & events in the fall

Even in the autumn, the people of Leeuwarden are not sitting still. From mid-September to the end of December, there is a lot to experience, in and around the city centre. Including many unique (and free) festivals and events. For example, every autumn in September you can enjoy the annual Popronde festival in Leeuwarden with various musical performances at surprising locations: a musical discovery tour where all types of music are played and you discover the headliners of the future.

In November, you will be introduced to special art forms at various locations in Leeuwarden during Explore the North. With language and literature as a common thread, you will experience a cultural autumn full of literary performances, music, dance spectacles and much more during this three-day festival. 

For the film lovers among us, the Northern Film Festival from 13 to 17 November is a must-visit . During this forty-fourth edition of the film festival, the theme 'in motion' is central and you can admire many new Northern European feature films and documentaries.

Or listen to Friesland's best-kept stories during the Story Night on Friday 15 November. An evening where the province comes together, fueled by stories that deserve a listening ear. Have you always wanted to wander through a museum during the late evening hours? You can do so during the Frisian Museum Night, which kicked off this 'Skitterend Najaar' in September.

^{Foto: Fries Museum / Visit Leeuwarden}

In December, walking through Leeuwarden is extra fun. For example, follow the special December edition of the Miniature People route. The route was created in collaboration with the guides of A Guide To Leeuwarden to give the dark months just a little more color. Go in search of the tiny figures of photographer Michel Tilma and discover the city like never before.

Or enjoy beautiful sparkling works of art that bring the darkest streets of Leeuwarden to life during the December Light Route. A project by artist duo Kroft&Smids that originated from the first corona lockdown and can be walked for the fifth time in a row this year. For more information, visit the website of Miniature People and Decemberlicht .

View the Visit Leeuwarden agenda for all event information.

This article was written in collaboration with Visit Leeuwarden. Visit the Visit Leeuwarden website for more information and inspiration. Or read the blogs ' Summer in Leeuwarden: what you should do ' and ' 5 things to do around Leeuwarden, Friesland ' and be surprised!