To do's in Leeuwarden

In Leeuwarden, the cultural capital of Europe of 2018 (!), there's a lot more to do than just studying. To get inspired we listed 10 things to do in Leeuwarden.

1. Climbing the Oldehove tower

The Frisian version of the Leaning tower of Pisa, the Oldehove tower. It looks beautiful while standing on the ground. But after climbing the 183 steps, it offers an even more spectacular view of the whole city. You can climb this iconic tower for only €2,50 with your student card ;)

2. Frisian Museum

If you’re a little bit more interested in history, the Frisian Museum is just the place for you. The museum has a permanent exhibition about the history of the province, and many changing exhibitions, workshops and an art house cinema. A great place for some inspiration perhaps. 

3. Aqua Zoo

Just outside Leeuwarden, at the Groene Ster, you will find Aqua Zoo. The one and only animal zoo in Friesland. Here you stand face to face with polar bears, go on a seal safari or feed ring-tailed lemurs on the monkey island. Perfect for a day out, but still close to the city. 

4. City tour (A Guide to Leeuwarden)

Want to feel like a tourist in your own city? Join a City Tour! Here an enthusiastic tour guide will make sure to show you all the hot-spots, and hidden places of Leeuwarden. You can join a City Tour every Saturday for free!

5. Sailing

Feeling sporty? Explore Leeuwarden from the water. Friesland is the water sports province, and that you can definitely see in Leeuwarden. With canals throughout the city centre and a sailing route straight through the Prinsentuin, you can see boats everywhere. All around Leeuwarden you can rent a sailing boat, or an electric boat.

6. Supping

If you want to enjoy Leeuwarden from the water and sailing is too boring for you, you should rent a sup. Supping is short for Standing Up Paddling, so while standing on a surfboard you maveuer yourself through the canals of the city. While on a sup you are close to the water, and this way you can even sail through the lowest pipes of the canals and see the city from a completely different perspective.

7. Dinner in an old jail (Proefverlof)

In the Blokhuispoort, the old prison, they don’t lock people up anymore, but offer them delicious food and drinks. Enjoy these meals at the Proefverlof, this special restaurant offers culinary delights on a beautiful terrace by the water or in a cell. Want to feel the full experience? You can eat while you are, literally, handcuffed around the table.

8. Climbing the Achmea tower

For a view of Leeuwarden you can of course climb the Oldehove tower, but why stop there? For a view of the whole province you should climb the Achmea tower. The tower can be seen from almost the whole province in clear weather. Go on a Saturday for the Abe Bonnema experience to the VVV and climb the Achmea.

9. Prinsentuin

In the summer the Prinsentuin is never quiet. Here you can enjoy the sun, a picnic with your friends, or an afternoon stroll. The park also often offers gigs in the music dome and various events take place in the garden. In the past the Prinsentuin was a park for the nobility of Friesland, but today it is the most beautiful marina in the north.

10. The city centre

For a great shopping experience you should visit the city centre of Leeuwarden. With no less than 30 small specialty stores, the Kleine Kerkstraat is according to the entrepreneurs themselves the best kept shopping secret of the city. While going on your afternoon stroll to the Prinsentuin, make sure to stop here.