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.
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't Leven
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Kelder 65
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Vino & Verder
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De Skeve Toren
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Huize Kwast
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
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.
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
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?