People buy an ice cream from an ice cream truck in a sunny Prinsentuin in Leeuwarden.

Princetuin
Culture, Charm & Activities

The Green Heart of Leeuwarden offers an oasis of tranquility for residents and visitors. The park was laid out by Prince Frederik of Nassau as a tribute to the Eighty Years' War. And although the park was closed to the public for nearly 150 years, William I decided to donate it to the people of Leeuwarden. Something we gratefully make use of to this day. Thank you, William!

The Music Pavilion

It might seem like a somewhat random part of the city. But every resident of Leeuwarden has a memory of the bandstands in the Prinsentuin. The bandstand was built in 1844 and renovated in 1992-1993. More than 150 years after its construction, the bandstand still does what it is supposed to do: provide a stage for musicians. On Liberation Day, King's Day, but also during the Prinsentuin concerts in the summer, you can come here for free music!

Marina De Prinsentuin

During the summer months, the Prinsentuin is more than just a lovely place to walk and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. For the many water sports enthusiasts, it is also a marina. And not just any marina… It is one of the most beautiful marinas in the Netherlands! So, if you are planning to visit the city by boat, you can moor in the Prinsentuin and discover the city from this beautiful park.

Boats, festivals & parties!

Especially in spring and summer, the Prinsentuin literally and figuratively comes into bloom. With fun parties, intimate concerts, and lively festivals, it is a delightful place to spend time in the former pleasure garden of the Nassau family. Check here to see what there is to experience in the coming period!

More Leeuwarden?

Discover

The city center of Leeuwarden

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
Autumn in the Prinsentuin: trees turn orange.

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
People are sitting on the terrace at the Brol, between the historic canal houses.

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.

More about Nieuwestad, Wilhelminaplein and Ruiterskwartier
Shoppers at the Friday market on Wilhelminaplein with the Fries Museum in the background.

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
People on the terrace of Bagels & Beans on the Brol.

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 Area
A photo of the Love Fountain in Leeuwarden on the station square

Stay informed

Newsletter