The Nieuwestad, Wirdumerdijk, and Ruiterskwartier form the heart of Leeuwarden's city center. With a fantastic array of charming shops and boutiques, interspersed with delightful restaurants and cafes, it is a wonderful place to spend time. It is just a few minutes' walk from the station to this bustling center. Staying a little longer? In the evening, this part of the city transforms into a cultural hotspot full of theater, drama, music, film, and much more. Still don't want to go home? Then you can also put on your dancing shoes here and go out for an old-fashioned night on the town! Have fun!
Historic Downtown
Slieker Film is the movie theater on Wilhelminaplein in Leeuwarden, located in the Fries Museum.
Stadsschouwburg De Harmonie is the leading theatre in the Northern Netherlands. Every year, around 830 performances, events and… take place here.
De Dikke van Dale is located at Nieuwestad 69 in the center of Leeuwarden. It is the…
Huize Kwast is a cozy restaurant in the center of Leeuwarden. In a retro ambiance, you can…
Rental company of luxury electric sloops for a relaxing cruise through Leeuwarden and the surrounding area.
Discover the Frisian in yourself at the Fries Museum! Here you will discover everything about the eleven cities and…
Our concept is very simple. We want you to always feel at home with us and we…
From a weigh house to a delightful lunchroom. De Waag tells a rich history with a culinary twist.
Fire Café-Restaurant is a cozy eatery in the heart of the city center at Nieuwestad 47 in Leeuwarden.
A contemporary bistro where good food, conviviality, and craftsmanship come together. A homey place with space and tranquility, where…
Van der Velde Boeken has branches in Sneek, Drachten, Dokkum, Groningen, Harlingen, and Assen.
ROAST is the forerunner in the field of food & drink in the right ambiance where quality, hospitality…
Het Broodhuys is the place for a drink or a delicious lunch in the heart of Leeuwarden. We…
The city brewery of Leeuwarden!
A tad headstrong. A distinct idea. A contemporary shop that distinguishes itself in the field of silk flowers,…
Fries Museum
The famous Fries Museum is located on Wilhelminaplein. Filled with stories about the history of the province and city, you can wander through here for hours. From well-known names like Mata Hari, Alma Tadema, and MC Escher to everyday items and stories that make Friesland and Leeuwarden who they are. Discover the rich history and let yourself be carried away by the most beautiful stories.
The Waag
You will find De Stadswaag on the Nieuwestad. An impressive 16th-century building of great historical importance to the city. In the 17th and 18th centuries, it was the place where all goods transported in and through the city were weighed. Subsequently, the goods were stored in large underground cellars in the city center. Now you can stop by for a nice cup of coffee or an affordable lunch!
Culture at the Ruiterskwartier!
As the lights outside slowly fade, the doors of bars, cafes, theaters, music venues, and cinemas open, allowing you to enjoy a wonderful night out. Beautiful performances alternate with the latest action movies and local musical talent. You’ll find it all at Ruiterskwartier. Immerse yourself in the city’s cultural nightlife!
Restaurants & Cafes
Restaurants, cafes and more!
Just arrived in Leeuwarden? Or have you already walked well over those 10.000 steps? Then these streets offer you the opportunity to unwind for a moment. A cup of coffee, or perhaps something stronger, it doesn't matter. Look out over the Fries Museum, take a seat on a lovely terrace boat on the Nieuwestad, or enjoy the finest wine and beers around and on the Ruiterskwartier. Immerse yourself completely in Frisian hospitality!
Cozy, intimate spot in the heart of the city center where you can go for a delicious cappuccino, cocktail, or drinks! Fresh…
Baylings stands for exceptionally delicious food, a contemporary experience, and a unique ambiance. We have no fewer than 350 seats…
A contemporary bistro where good food, conviviality, and craftsmanship come together. A homey place with space and tranquility, where…
Van der Velde Boeken has branches in Sneek, Drachten, Dokkum, Groningen, Harlingen, and Assen.
Rental company of luxury electric sloops for a relaxing cruise through Leeuwarden and the surrounding area.
You would most love to stay at Boutique Hotel Catshuis……
Bite, Drinks, and Experience. That is what the Kantelaar is all about. At the beginning of the…
Discover the rest of the city!
The city center of Leeuwarden
- The Prince's Garden
- Historic city center
- Nieuwestad, Wilhelminaplein and Ruiterskwartier
- The Old Markets
- station area
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.
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 AreaActivities in the center
The Northern Film Festival is an annual film festival in Leeuwarden. It distinguishes itself with its international Nordic Focus,…
Once, in the distant past, a legendary king reigned over the great Frisia. Redbad was his name,…
Discover the historic city center of Leeuwarden in one of our authentic historic farm barges through the canals of…
Barge tours through the canals and waterways of Leeuwarden. The departure jetty is at Nieuwestad zz near the yellow…
On Saturday evening, October 24, 2026, we will be operating the evening cruises during the "Night of the Night"!
Saturday evening, October 31, 2026, is the day: Halloween Night 2026!
Free workshops, scavenger hunt through the exhibition, and costume party in the hall.
Drawings and prints from: Leipzig, Leeuwarden, Marrum & Berlin with work by: Hans Bote, Machteld van Buren, BC…
Rental company of luxury electric sloops for a relaxing cruise through Leeuwarden and the surrounding area.