Going out in Leeuwarden Hands in the air!
Leeuwarden may not be the biggest city in the Netherlands, but when it comes to nightlife, we sure know how to make the most of every square metre. The best part? You’ll never have to walk far to find your next drink, dance floor, or unforgettable story. All the pubs and bars are close in proximity, so you can easily hop from one to the next—or simply stick around after that very first pint.
From cosy brown cafés where time seems to stand still to trendy cocktail bars and buzzing clubs where you can dance the night away—Leeuwarden’s nightlife is as diverse as it is fun. And trust us: after just one night out, you’ll know exactly what we mean.
Whoever says “a night out in Leeuwarden” is really saying: Ruiterskwartier, Nieuwestad, and Oude Doelesteeg. These three streets are the beating heart of the city’s nightlife. Here you’ll find everything you need for a great night out: cosy brown cafés, student bars, cocktail lounges, and clubs—all just a few steps away from each other.
The best way to tackle a pub crawl in Leeuwarden? Start easy with a cold beer at one of the cafés on Nieuwestad. Then head over to the Oude Doelesteeg, where the music is louder, the dance floor smaller, and your chances of running into someone you know—or would like to know—grow by the minute. And for those who still have energy left, the night usually ends in one of the clubs on Ruiterskwartier.
A pub crawl in Leeuwarden? Easier than your next exam week. Within just a few hundred metres, you can tick off ten pubs. Though after number five, you’ll probably lose count. No taxis, no long walks; in Leeuwarden, the next stop is always right around the corner.
Did someone say… karaoke?!
Are you the secret songbird who secretly listens to Engelbewaarder every night (and is finally ready to share it with the world)? Or maybe the metalhead with a soft spot for ABBA? Grab that microphone, clear your throat, and let it all out. Anything goes every Thursday night at Muziekcafé Scooter’S!
You are the dancing queeeen
From Cosy to Lively - Café's en borrelplekjes
Prefer an evening of drinks? Leeuwarden offers cafés for every taste. Traditional brown cafés invite conversation and a perfectly poured pint. Student bars bring lively crowds and affordable drinks, while cocktail and beer bars cater to those seeking a touch of sophistication, offering an extensive menu.
Insider’s tip: order a draught craft beer at a local beer café, and chances are you’ll get a free crash course in hop varieties.
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Cocktails
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Winebar
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Specialty Beers
And there’s so much more!
Let’s be honest: most cafés and clubs are clustered around Ruiterskwartier and Oude Doelesteeg. But we like to keep an open mind and shine a light on the great cafés found elsewhere in the city too.
On Sint Jacobsstraat, you’ll find Café de Spoek, where you can enjoy the finest whiskies at the weekend. Over on Eewal, the bartenders at Café de Strohoed and De Toeter will probably have your drink ready before you even take a seat. In Kleine Kerkstraat, you’ll always get a warm welcome at De Pastorie, and on Tweebaksmarkt you can dive into genuine Irish cheer at Paddy O’Ryan. You might not hear any Roxy Dekker songs in these spots, but you’ll definitely find barrels full of good vibes. Cheers!
Poppodium Neushoorn - THE BEATING HEART OF THE CITY
When you talk about going out in Leeuwarden, you simply can’t skip Neushoorn. This is the music venue of the city. In the evenings, major concerts and intimate performances take turns on stage. Will you catch an up-and-coming singer-songwriter in the Neushoorn Café, dance the night away to pounding techno beats, or scream along to shredding guitars in the Arena? You’ll also find jam sessions, improv nights, countdown parties, disco shuffle tournaments, and throwback nights here. There’s truly something for everyone — and often all on the same night! Curious? Here’s a little sneak peek.
Goed beslagen op stap! - tips, tricks en info
Meer Leeuwarden zien? - Ontdek
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Staying the night
You don’t have to go home tonight
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Having Breakfast
No time for hangovers!
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Studying in Leeuwarden
I want to go there — and never leave!
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Having drinks in Leeuwarden
Recovery beers beat paracetamol!