Summer in Leeuwarden Enjoy!

The days are long, the trees are green, and the sun is shining bright: it’s summer in our little city! And we’re eager to show off the sunniest side of Leeuwarden. We flock to the terraces, cool off in the park, and wander through the streets. This summer, go wild at the best festivals, meet your friends on the water, and dive into culture at the newest exhibitions in the Leeuwarden museums. Will you join us?

Summer delights - events

Sunny terraces - pure enjoyment

Whether you’re soaking up the sun or looking for a shady spot, in Leeuwarden you’ll always find the perfect place. Enjoy a cold beer or a refreshing iced tea on the water – yes, on the water – at Dikke van Dale. While you sit in the sun on the terrace boat, you can wave to everyone passing by. With cheerful staff and happy guests, the summer vibe in Leeuwarden is at its absolute best. So, find yourself a spot, order a drink, and enjoy!

Fancy dinner too? Then book a table at Proefverlof in the Blokhuispoort, Leeuwarden’s former prison! Relax on the spacious, sunny terrace and enjoy a three- or four-course meal, with expert wine pairings. Psst… if you book between 5:00 and 5:30 PM, you get a discount with the vroegverlof early bird deal.

  • Túnmanswente

    Túnmanswente

    Túnmanswente' is the former gardener's house of the Martenastate castle. It is located in the village of Koarnjum (Cornjum) in Friesland, just nort...

    Historic mansion

  • Brasserie Spiegelaar

    Brasserie Spiegelaar

    Brasserie Spiegelaar can be found on the corner of St. Jacobstraat/Nieuwestad on the canal in the pleasant city centre of Leeuwarden. The place for...

    Restaurant

  • Grand café De Dikke Van Dale

    Grand café De Dikke Van Dale

    The Dikke van Dale is located at Nieuwestad 69 in the centre of Leeuwarden. It is the perfect location for a night out in the town.

    Restaurant

  • Doppio Leeuwarden

    Doppio Leeuwarden

    This establishment is in the heart of Leeuwarden city centre. The espresso bar is in a lovely building with a seating area that stretches from the...

    Breakfast

  • Zuid4 Food & Drinks

    Zuid4 Food & Drinks
    Restaurant

  • De Schepperij

    De Schepperij

    De Schepperij | art and kitchen under one roof

    Sandwich shop

  • Bajes Streetfood Club

    Bajes Streetfood Club

    THE LARGEST COVERED TERRACE IN LEEUWARDEN

    Restaurant

  • Hotel Cafe 't Anker

    Hotel Cafe 't Anker Frontsite hotel -cafe

    Hotel Cafe 't Anker is a family hotel located in 4 characteristic mansions. The hotel is located in the beautiful center of Leeuwarden and offers h...

    Diner

  • Sophias

    Sophias Sophias Leeuwarden

    You can find Sophias in the middle of the square across from the Leeuwarden Central Station. Go for a lunch, a drink or dinner in the Urban Bistro...

    Restaurant

  • Podium Explore

    Podium Explore

    Podium Explore offers a café, a large hall, a studio and several smaller spaces where you can create, present and meet: a place for stories in all...

    Lunch

  • De Burgemeester van Napels

    De Burgemeester van Napels

    Tasty pizzas baked in a traditional stone firewood oven. Enjoy pizza, pasta and salads in an industrial environment

    Restaurant

  • Doughpamine

    Doughpamine

    IF YOU DOUGHN'T STAND FOR SOMETHING, YOU WILL FALL FOR ANYTHING. Discover Doughpamine's irresistible oven specialties.

    Brasserie/Lunchroom

  • Loetje Leeuwarden

    Loetje Leeuwarden

    At Loetje you can just walk in without a reservation. If it is busy, you can already have a drink at our bar.

    Restaurant

  • Stadswaag

    Stadswaag

    Come and experience tasty treats in this lunchroom in the centre of Leeuwarden, with a Dutch kitchen.

    Brasserie/Lunchroom

  • Het Wapen van Leeuwarden

    Het Wapen van Leeuwarden

    Het Wapen van Leeuwarden has been a household name in Leeuwarden for many years. With us you can always enjoy a snack or drink, whether you sit ins...

    Restaurant

  • Bowls 'n Rolls

    Bowls 'n Rolls

    Bowls 'n rolls is the first poké bowl restaurant in Leeuwarden and stands for convenience and quality! A quick, healthy and nutritious meal for an...

    Restaurant

  • Lazy Lemon

    Lazy Lemon

    A restaurant and bar where enjoyment and experience are the focus. In a unique and casual setting, you can enjoy a delicious breakfast, lunch, cup...

    Restaurant

  • Grand Cafe Jan!

    Grand Cafe Jan!

    JAN! creates surprising, home-made dishes by experimenting with local and exotic influences, inspired by distant travels and the local food culture.

    Restaurant

  • Zuivelhoeve Leeuwarden

    Zuivelhoeve Leeuwarden

    Come and visit us and enjoy the delicious Dutch cheese, fresh farm cheese, our own Fryske Tsiis (Frisian cheese), the beautiful range of foreign ch...

    Sandwich shop

  • Het Broodhuys

    Het Broodhuys

    Het Broodhuys is the location for a drink or a delicious lunch in the heart of Leeuwarden. We are happy to welcome you inside or on the heated terr...

    Restaurant

  • Jonker Sikke

    Jonker Sikke

    Eetcafé Jonker Sikke in Jellum is the culinary centre of Friesland and nice and close to Leeuwarden.

    Restaurant

  • Fer Koffie

    Fer Koffie Front view shop

    Welcome to Fer, your second home for the best specialty coffee and tea.

    Coffee shop

  • Grand Café De Brass

    Grand Café De Brass

    Enjoy a snack and/or drink in the centre of Leeuwarden! You can eat or drink at the bar or at one of our tables.

    Brasserie/Lunchroom

  • Brownies&downieS Leeuwarden

    Brownies&downieS Leeuwarden

    Brownies&downieS stands for pure. Pure in all its facets. Our employees are sincere, enthusiastic and pure. But we also consider the products with...

    Sandwich shop

  • Douwe Egberts Café Leeuwarden

    Douwe Egberts Café Leeuwarden

    Welcome to the cosiest living room in Leeuwarden! You can drink the tastiest coffee here 365 days a year, served by enthusiastic and skilled baristas.

    Restaurant

  • Irish Pub Paddy O'Ryan

    Irish Pub Paddy O'Ryan

    Paddy O'Ryan: The Irish Pub where we bring the convenience of Ireland to Leeuwarden.

    Restaurant

  • Bistro Pinot Grou

    Bistro Pinot Grou

    The perfect place for Burgundians Welcome to Bistro Pinot. Visit us in picturesque Grou and immerse yourself in a French atmosphere. The Bistro is...

    Restaurant

  • Proeflokaal Wouters

    Proeflokaal Wouters

    Opposite Central Station and a short walk from the city centre, this is the right place for a delicious cup of coffee and cake, a drink, a tasty lu...

    Restaurant

  • De Walrus

    De Walrus De Walrus Leeuwarden

    De Walrus is located in the historic city centre of Leeuwarden and close to many beautiful sights.

    Lunch

  • Fire Café-Restaurant

    Fire Café-Restaurant Café Fire Leeuwarden

    Fire Café-Restaurant is a cosy eatery in the heart of the city centre at Nieuwestad 47 in Leeuwarden.

    Restaurant

Water fun

You don’t need to head to the coast for a perfect beach day. In the heart of Leeuwarden, you’ll find the City Beach! The place to go SUPing, canoeing, or enjoy an ice-cold drink with your bare feet in the sand. Rent a tandem SUP and cool off together on the Leeuwarden canals. Looking for more peace and quiet? Paddle gently from the City Beach into the Potmarge, where you’ll be serenaded by frogs and birds.

Craving more action? Try a clean-up canoe! For a reduced rate, you can rent a canoe. The included bucket is for collecting litter from the water. It’s a fun activity for yourself – and a kind gesture to the planet!

Explore Leeuwarden from the water
Stadsstrand

Discover the region - breathtaking

You can easily spend your whole city trip in town, but if you’ve got the time, why not explore Friesland? Leeuwarden is one of the hidden gems of the Netherlands, and Friesland is full of even more treasures. From Leeuwarden, a short drive and ferry ride brings you to the wide beaches of the Wadden Islands in just a few hours. Prefer cycling? From the lively city center, you're only 15 minutes away from the peace and space of the Frisian countryside.

  • From Leeuwarden to the Wadden Islands

    Ameland

    Leeuwarden is the perfect base for a day trip to one of the islands. Did you know the Wadden Sea area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

    Discover the Wadden Islands

  • The region

    Alde Feanen

    By bike, you’re out of the city in no time! Explore the beautiful nature reserves around Leeuwarden. From the playful and active Buuten to the Alde Feanen National Park – the region is full of surprises.

    Discover the region

Ice, ice, baby!

After all that SUPing, biking, exploring, boating, and walking, it’s time for a well-deserved ice cream! Whether you go for authentic Italian gelato from La Venezia (locals call it ‘laffi’) or traditional artisan ice cream from PUUR, the ice creams in Leeuwarden bring a smile to everyone’s face – young and old!

6x the best ice cream
Ijsjes

For the kids

Six weeks of summer fun, let’s go! Visit AquaZoo, one of the most fun zoos in the Netherlands. Waddle with penguins, spot otters, and be amazed by the cheeky monkeys. Want to pet some animals? Head over to the Petting Zoo. Feed the baby goats, take a pony ride, or go wild in one of the large playgrounds. Too hot to be outside? Cool off at the Fries Nature Museum during the Underwater Safari! Curious about life on the Frisian countryside? Then check out the Frisian Agricultural Museum, located in a real working farm. Need more air conditioning? How about a kid-friendly afternoon of shopping? Or get into a tropical vibe with a wild game of pétanque at BOEL. Hungry? Head to the Pancake Ship! 

Need more inspiration?

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