Historic Downtown

special stories

If you visit Leeuwarden, you naturally cannot miss the city's iconic landmark, the Oldehove. The Oldehove has stood here since 1529 and is even more crooked than the Tower of Pisa! You can admire it from the inside and out. The elevator, installed in 2011, takes you to the first floor; from there, you will have to conquer the spiral staircase to the roof. Give it your all! Once at the top, you have a magnificent view of the city. 

The Waag was always the center of trade. This building was constructed around 1595 in the Renaissance style. Merchants were required to have their goods weighed at the city weigh house. After all, a reliable weighing facility was in the interest of trade and thus also beneficial to the prosperity of the city. Butter was the main commodity traded in Leeuwarden, which is why the Waag was known as the butter weigh house. The Waag on the Nieuwestad remained in use until 1880, but nowadays you can enjoy sitting on the terrace there! 

This fantastic Jugendstil – or Art Nouveau – pharmacy ranks in the top 100 of Europe's most beautiful buildings, and for good reason! Built in 1905, the monument is perfectly maintained and is still used as a pharmacy to this day. Anyone visiting Leeuwarden certainly should not miss this remarkable cityscape. 

On the edge of the city center stands a very special building, the Blokhuispoort. This is a former prison from the 16th century, and this is reflected in everything. Where the hardened criminals used to be housed, you now find a hostel, creative entrepreneurs, small shops, a library, and two restaurants.

Want to leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind for a while? Then take a walk to the hidden courtyards and almshouses in the city center: Luilekkerland, Boshuisengasthuis, and the Sint Anthony Gasthuis. You will find an oasis of tranquility here; it is as if time has stood still.

The Prinsentuin was laid out in 1648 as a pleasure garden for the Nassaus and as a tribute to the end of the Eighty Years' War and the Peace of Münster. It was not until 150 years later, by order of King William I, that the park was opened to the public. Today, the Prinsentuin is an indispensable meeting place, hosting everything from concerts and festivals to soothing walks or relaxed picnics. You will also find a restaurant there – De Koperen Tuin – and one of the most beautiful harbors in the Netherlands!