Leeuwarden (Ljouwert in Frisian) is the capital of the province of Friesland and served as the royal residence of the Netherlands from 1584 to 1747. This regal atmosphere can still be felt throughout the city today. Have you never visited this city before? Then plan a day trip soon, because Leeuwarden was the European Capital of Culture in 2018. You’ll find a charming city center, canals, lovely shopping streets, numerous museums, and excellent dining options. To help you get started, we’ve compiled our top 6 things to do in Leeuwarden for your perfect day out.
Top 6 things to do in Leeuwarden
- Visit the Oldehove
- Spot trendy street art
- Shop in the best shopping street
- Explore the Blokhuispoort
- Visit the Fries Museum
- Visit Aquazoo
- Bike tour
Visit the Oldehove
The Oldehove is a must-see among things to do in Leeuwarden, as this tower truly symbolizes the city. It’s one of the most leaning towers in the Netherlands and even more tilted than the Tower of Pisa. In 1529, the plan was to build a church here. However, the foundation was so poor that the tower began to lean, causing the builders to stop construction four years later. You can climb the 183 steps of the tower to enjoy a magnificent view over the city.
Spot trendy street art
What to do in Leeuwarden? Go street art spotting! The Frisian capital has numerous artworks scattered throughout the city. Many electrical boxes are decorated with vibrant colors. The city’s most famous artist, Maurits C. Escher, is depicted on one of these electrical boxes. In the Prinsentuin, you can admire a beautiful mural of Saskia van Uylenburg, the wife of Rembrandt van Rijn. There are many more stunning murals throughout the city, so definitely go exploring.
Shop in the best shopping street
In the heart of the city center, you’ll find the Kleine Kerkstraat. This street has been voted the best shopping street in the Netherlands several times. Here you’ll find many charming boutiques and local specialty shops. Of course, this capital city also has the major chain stores like H&M, Zara, and Costes. These shops can be found on Nieuwestad and Wirdumerdijk. But if you’re looking for Leeuwarden’s hidden shopping gems, walk through het Naauw, de Kelders, and Sint Jacobsstraat and check out the most beautiful boutiques.
Explore the Blokhuispoort
On the edge of the city center, you’ll find the Blokhuispoort. This former prison dates back to the sixteenth century. Today, it’s a cultural business center where you’ll find a hotel, creative shops, a library, and two restaurants. On Saturdays, you can visit the old prison between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM to experience what a cell really looked like. A true must-do in Leeuwarden.
Visit the Fries Museum
Leeuwarden has many museums, but the Fries Museum is the most famous. Here you’ll learn everything about Leeuwarden and Friesland. Discover all about the eleven cities, the Frisian countryside, the love-hate relationship with water, and much more. The Fries Museum houses the Frisian Resistance Museum. In this museum, you’ll meet the residents of Friesland during the years 1940-1945. There’s also a collection of over 100,000 objects from the war. A ticket to the Fries Museum costs €15.
Visit Aquazoo
A paradise for nature lovers Aquazoo Leeuwarden is a natural paradise where you’ll come face to face with the most fascinating aquatic animals and other wildlife. The park offers a unique experience for young and old alike and takes you on a journey through different water-rich ecosystems from around the world.
With more than 100 animal species, including sea lions, polar bears, penguins, and various types of fish, Aquazoo Leeuwarden is a place where education and fun come together. Here you can not only admire the animals but also learn more about their natural habitats and the efforts being made to preserve them.
Tickets: Buy online
Things to do in Leeuwarden: bike tour
Are you excited to visit Leeuwarden? Then book a bike tour with Baja Bikes. During our Highlights bike tour you’ll pass by the city’s best attractions. Together with our local guide you’ll cycle past old monuments, hidden gems, trendy spots and of course he’ll share wonderful stories. No boring history lesson, but simply a super fun tour, crisscrossing through Leeuwarden! After this two-hour bike ride through Leeuwarden you’ll have a great impression of this beautiful city.
