Bezoek Leeuwarden in 2 dags

Where to Stay in Leeuwarden

Location matters more here than fancy extras: Leeuwarden is compact and most highlights fit into a relaxed two-day visit, so choosing a base that saves walking or cycling time will stretch your sightseeing and cut stress. Aim to sleep within easy reach of the main cluster of attractions so you can drop bags, step outside and be at a cafe, museum or canal in minutes. For a short stay, proximity buys you morning light on the Oldehove and an effortless evening stroll past the lit facades near the museums.

The city is organized around a tight historic centre bounded by canals and pedestrian streets, with the railway and bus hub a short walk to the south. Streets like Nieuwestad and the area around the old post office form the commercial heart; the leaning tower of the Oldehove sits slightly off the busiest streets but is still easily walkable, and the stately Stadhouderlijk Hof anchors the museum and garden quarter. Once you understand that everything radiates from the centre, you can choose a spot that lets you pivot quickly between sights.

If you want to be in the middle of the action, look for lodgings near the former Hoofdpostkantoor or along the main shopping streets: you'll be a few minutes from cafes, galleries and evening options. For a quieter, more atmospheric stay, pick accommodation on a canal arm or a side street east of the Oldehove — you’ll still be a short walk from museums but enjoy gentler evenings. If museums and the princely gardens are your priority, the area around the Stadhouderlijk Hof and the Prinsentuin makes a calm, cultured base.

Transport in Leeuwarden is simple: the train station is roughly a 10–15 minute walk from the core, bikes are abundant to rent, and the best short trips are on foot. Taxis and local buses are available but rarely necessary for central Leeuwarden; plan for comfortable shoes and a lightweight daypack so you can flit between Oldehove, the Hof and canal viewpoints without fuss.

Finally, pick practical comforts over flash: a secure place to store bikes, flexible check-in if you arrive early or late, and a room on a quieter street will make two days feel unhurried. With the right location you’ll spend less time commuting and more time savoring Leeuwarden’s compact charm — and that’s exactly what a short stay is for.

Getting Around Leeuwarden

Leeuwarden feels wonderfully small and friendly, and that makes public transport surprisingly easy to use even if you’re a tourist. The city centre is compact, so many visitors find that walking or cycling gets them between highlights like the Oldehove, the Stadhouderlijk Hof and the Hoofdpostkantoor faster than waiting for a connection. When you do need to hop on, the bus network is frequent and stops are clearly marked; regional train services at Leeuwarden station connect you to Friesland and beyond. Everything feels approachable — drivers and fellow passengers are usually happy to point you in the right direction if you ask.

Practical tip: get an OV-chipkaart if you plan to use public transport more than once. You can buy and top it up at the machines in the station or at many shops, and it works on most buses and trains across the Netherlands. If you only need one ride, you can buy a single ticket from the driver or via the operator apps, and many trains accept contactless payment. For short hops, consider the OV-fiets rental at Leeuwarden station — it’s a brilliant, inexpensive way to see the city on two wheels. 🎫

Use Google Maps or the Dutch planner apps (9292 and the Arriva/NS apps) for real-time departures and platform numbers; they’ll show you walking times, bus numbers and where to check in or out. I always pull up the route as I leave my accommodation so I know which stop to look for and which direction the bus is coming from. The live updates are especially handy when there’s construction or a temporary diversion — the app will re-route you in seconds. 🗺️

To save money, combine walking with a few targeted bus or bike rentals: many of Leeuwarden’s main sights are within a 10–15 minute walk of each other, so you can avoid multiple short fares. If you plan several train trips in a day, check for day tickets or promotional passes on the NS/Arriva sites; otherwise topping up the OV-chipkaart and paying per journey keeps costs predictable. Also, avoid buying point-to-point tourist packages unless you’re certain you’ll use them — pay-as-you-go is often cheaper here.

I remember the first time we navigated from the Hoofdpostkantoor to the Oldehove: Google Maps told us it was a pleasant 12-minute walk along a canal, but I hesitated because of rain. We opted for a quick bus, checked in with the OV-chipkaart as we boarded, and within five minutes the driver gave a friendly nod when I asked which stop to use. We hopped off, followed a short sign to the tower and were there before the clouds broke. That little detour felt completely stress-free — public transport in Leeuwarden makes spontaneous city exploring easy. 🚇

What to Pack for Leeuwarden

Leeuwarden is compact but deceptively full of lanes, canals and hidden façades — you’ll end up walking more than you expect. I’ve done two-day hops there where I wandered 10+ hours both days, and those small choices in my bag made the trip relaxed instead of rushed. Below are the essentials I actually use and why each one saved me time, comfort or stress.

1. Comfortable walking shoes (e.g., Merrell Moab 2 or Allbirds Wool Runners): I once walked roughly 15 miles over two days in Leeuwarden chasing towers and side streets; hard soles or new shoes would have ruined my feet. Choose shoes with good arch support and grippy soles for cobblestones and wet bridges — your feet are the day’s engine.

2. Weather-appropriate layered clothing + lightweight waterproof: The Dutch weather changes fast; I’ve had sun at 11:00 and drizzle by 11:20. A thin merino base, a light sweater and a packable waterproof shell kept me comfortable while standing outside to admire facades or waiting near the Oldehove. Layers mean you’re ready for wind off the canals or a sunny café stop.

3. Cross-body bag (secure, water-resistant): I carry a small cross-body and stashed my phone, card and passport inside inner pockets — it freed my hands for photos and a stroopwafel. Pickpockets aren’t rampant, but being able to keep a hand on your bag while on busy streets or a tram gives peace of mind and faster access to tickets.

4. European power adapter (Type C/Type F) and phone cable: Dutch outlets are 230V, so a compact EU adapter is a must if your charger isn’t EU-ready. I forgot mine once and had to hunt a shop while my phone was at 18% — not fun when maps and tickets live on your screen.

5. Power bank (10,000–20,000 mAh): Between photos, maps and checking opening times, my phone drains fast. A 10,000 mAh bank easily gave me a full recharge after a 10+ hour day; if you’re out earlier and later, go for 20,000 mAh so you don’t hunt cafés for an outlet.

6. Optional — Small foldable umbrella or packable rain jacket: I got caught in a sudden shower outside the Waagplein; a tiny umbrella kept me dry and smiling. It’s light, takes little room and is far more useful than you expect in the Netherlands’ changeable climate.