Best things to do in Leeuwarden

Leeuwarden Essentials

Leeuwarden, the Frisian capital, is home to the leaning Oldehove tower and the neo-Gothic Sint-Dominicuskerk. The city’s history is preserved at the Historisch Centrum Leeuwarden and Tresoar, while the Pier Pandertempel showcases the work of sculptor Pier Pander. Key landmarks include the Us Mem statue, symbolizing the region's cattle-breeding heritage, and the Boomsma Distillery, known for its traditional herb-flavored gin. The Prinsentuin park and the monumental Vrouwenpoortsbrug bridge provide scenic access to the historic city center.

Leeuwarden Essentials — Map

Antoine / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Oldehove

The Oldehove is a leaning and unfinished church tower in the medieval centre of the Dutch city of Leeuwarden.

Nykle / CC BY-SA 4.0

B

Historisch Centrum Leeuwarden

Historisch Centrum Leeuwarden, located in Leeuwarden, Netherlands, preserves documents pertaining to the history of Leeuwarden.

A. J. van der Wal / CC BY-SA 4.0

C

Prinsentuin

Public park on the northern edge of the city center, originally established in 1648 as a private garden for the Nassau family. It includes a harbor for pleasure boats and a pavilion.

D

Stadsschouwburg de Harmonie

A modern theater and concert hall hosting a diverse program of plays, musicals, and musical performances. It is one of the largest cultural venues in the northern Netherlands.

Michielverbeek / CC BY-SA 4.0

E

Us Mem

A bronze statue of a Frisian cow commissioned in 1954. The name translates to 'Our Mother,' representing the cultural and economic importance of the Frisian-Holstein cattle breed to the province.

F

Sint-Dominicuskerk

A neo-Gothic Roman Catholic church designed by architect Pierre Cuypers Jr. and completed in 1937, featuring a prominent tower and traditional brickwork.

G

Boomsma Distillery

Visit the manufacturing premises of the traditional Dutch spirit maker to see how the herb-flavoured gin is made and taste it.

H

Pier Pandertempel

A national monument and art temple designed to house the sculptures of Pier Pander. The building is located within the Prinsentuin park and features a circular design.

I

Tresoar

Tresoar is the short name for the Frysk Histoarysk en Letterkundich Sintrum in Leeuwarden.

J

Vrouwenpoortsbrug

A monumental bascule bridge on the western edge of the city center, serving as a key crossing point over the canal system for both vehicles and pedestrians.