Experience Leeuwarden
must take a look!

Gardens and flowerbeds near the Saint Anthony Hospital. People walk past.Shoppers at the Farmers' Market in Vijzelstraat

Are you ready for some excitement ? Then you’ve come to the right place in our little city ! September is here, and with it, the start of the cultural season. Stadsschouwburg de Harmonie is providing a festive kick-off , while the Fries Museum is gearing up for the crowds surrounding their new exhibition . Those who love browsing can also indulge themselves in Leeuwarden: the cozy Farmers' Market is back from vacation, you can still score pre-loved gems every Thursday at the Antiques and Curiosities Market , and the schedules of music venues are filling up again. And, psst – we know you don't want to think about autumn just yet, but there is something very special planned for October.

Events

What to do?
Architecture
until October 26 Climb the Oldehove

A visit to Leeuwarden's iconic leaning tower is, of course, a must during your visit to Leeuwarden.

Oldehove
Music Festival
Friday October 09 Oldehove Glow-up: Popronde

This year, part of the Popronde is taking place in our own leaning tower during the Oldehove Glow…

Oldehove
Walking tour
until October 10 Mata Hari walk

This year marks 150 years since Margaretha Geertruida Zelle was born in Leeuwarden.

Historical Center Leeuwarden
Markt
until December 05st Farmers' market in Vijzelstraat

Monthly farmers' market on Vijzelstraat in Leeuwarden, featuring local products directly from the farmer and producer. Every first…

Festival
until November 22 Explore the North Festival

Explore the North is a three-day journey of discovery full of stories in many forms!

Podium Explore
Festival
Saturday September 19 beer festival

After another sold-out edition of Leeuwarden Beer Festival, we are steaming ahead! Beer lovers, get your calendars ready, Beer Festival…

Specialty Beer Café De Markies
Open day
Saturday September 26 Museum Night FRL at the Fries Museum

During Museum Night FRL, you will discover the Fries Museum like you have never seen it before. On Saturday evening, the 26th…

Fries Museum
Open day
Saturday September 26 Oldehove Glow-Up: Museum Night

Discover the Oldehove in the dark

Oldehove
Concert
Thursday September 17 Oldehove Glow-up: The Little Pop Route

The next big name from Fryslân? They could very well be standing on the Oldehove. During the Oldehove Glow-up…

Oldehove
Walking tour
Saturday November 21 Light at Night Walk Leeuwarden

On Saturday, November 21, 2026, we light up the night together during the Light at Night Walk in…

Oldehove

How long are you staying?

24, 48 or 72h

Let us inspire you

What is the best way to discover Leeuwarden? Through the eyes of the adventurer, who gets lost and accidentally finds the most beautiful courtyard. And through the eyes of the local, who knows exactly where to find the most special spots. Let these city conquerors inspire you with beautiful stories, so you can be sure you don't miss a thing.

Find your way around the city center

Discover!

The city center of Leeuwarden

Discover Leeuwarden

Leeuwarden's city center is difficult to divide into fixed areas. Here, old and new are interwoven, you find history in every street, and a friendly face on every corner. Discover the city center; we'll show you the way.

The Prince's Garden

The Prinsentuin was laid out in 1648 as a pleasure garden for the Nassaus. 150 years later, the park became open to the public. Today, the Prinsentuin is an indispensable meeting place for the city.

More about De Prinsentuin

Historic city center

Leeuwarden breathes history. From a rich trading past and the Middelsee to a favorite of the Nassaus and the court city of Friesland. Although you see and feel the history throughout the city center, it is here where it all began.

More about Historic city center

Nieuwestad, Wilhelminaplein and Ruiterskwartier

Looking for major fashion chains, cute boutiques, and the coziest terraces? Then you need to head to Nieuwestad, Wilhelminaplein, and Ruiterskwartier. Here you will come across icons such as the Waag, the Fries Museum, and the Palace of Justice.

More about Nieuwestad, Wilhelminaplein and Ruiterskwartier

The Old Markets

Nowhere in the city do old and new blend together as much as on the Oude Markten. Where the gallows once stood, today you find streets full of vintage shops, cozy restaurants, and passionate entrepreneurs. Oh, and an old prison…

More about The Old Markets

station area

When you arrive by train or bus, you are warmly welcomed by the impressive LOVE fountain. These two giant heads mark the station area. But there is much, much more to see and do here.

More about the Station Area

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