The Oranje Hotel is 5 minutes’ walking distance from the vibrant centre of Leeuwarden. In the vicinity of the hotel there is always plenty to do. We will give you some tips!
Carabosse are bringing their new show 'Instillation de Feu' to bring warmth to some dark and cold months in Leeuwarden. The rustle and the smell of burning bring everyone together to wander and wonder through the city centre. Where water and fire normally work against eachother, in this show they harmonise... How? Come and experience for yourself on these magical evenings.
There are a lot of things to do in the Natuurmuseum Fryslân. The museum is three stories high and is suitable for people of all ages. Next to this, there is a indoor courtyard with all kinds of activities. Explore the Frisian nature in this museum.
Princessehof is a mansion built in 1693, actually a small city palace. The building now houses the Princessehof Ceramics Museum. Most of the masterpieces have an Asian, European and modern cermics origin. Since you are close to the museum, now is the time to visit this beautiful museum.
The Fries Museum has been located in Leeuwarden since 1881 and is entertainment for all. You could visit the museum for the Frisian history, but you could also visit the newest exhibitions. The Fries Museum tells stories about the eleven cities and the quest to define the 'typical Frisian man or woman', and much more. If you like history, this place is definitely worth a visit.
The Fries Verzetsmuseum is a part of the Fries Museum. The stories of the Frisian and non-Frisian people who lived in the countryside between 1940 and 1945 have been told.
Just outside the city centre is the Beerenburger museum of Boomsma. You can find everything about the history of this kruidenbitter, which is a Dutch kind of liquor. This is the perfect oppertunity to enjoy looking around in the museum with a drink in your hand.
The Blokhuispoort, the former prison of Leeuwarden, has been renovated recently and is an important meeting point on both the business and cultural level. Every Saturday, the old guards give a tour through the former prison at 14:00 and 16:00 o'clock. You could also visit the prison by yourself, it includes a new library and two restaurants.
The Central Pharmacy Leeuwarden is a beautiful building near the city centre. The outside of the building is decorated with Hygieia, the Greek goddess of health, cleanliness and hygiene, and on the roof eagles are portrayed. Furthermore, another fun fact is the fact that there is still a pharmacy in use in the building. The location is next to the water and near a traffic junction, and the building itself is worth a look.
The weighing house used to be the centre of every market place, which is where all the products which are traded are being weighed. The product that has been traded the most in Leeuwarden in the olden days was butter. This is why the Waag is often called the 'butter weighing house'. The weighing house was in use till 1880, but today it is used as a lunchroom with a spacious terras.
Go back in time and visit this last authentic Gruttersstore in the North of the Netherlands. Experience this old way of doing groceries by visiting this useu from the 20th century.
In this rather small museum, historical cars originating from both Europe and America can be seen. Next to this, there are modeltrains and radios are shown. This museum is located in a beautiful old warehouse.
The years between 1529 and 1533 were tough for the architect Jacob van Aken. He wanted to build a new church with a 120 meter high tower, but as soon as they started building, he could tell the ground was starting to shift. He tried to fix it but it was to no use. This "Frisian Leaning Tower of Pisa" is close ot the Prinsentuin and the Kleine Kerkstraat. The Oldehove is opened between April and the end of October, and the active people amongst us can climb the 183 steps tower.
This cosy shopping street in Leeuwarden was chosen in 2010 and 2012 as the nicest shopping street in the Netherlands and is definitely worth a visit!
This library has opened its doors in Januari 2018 and has everything the heart of a book lover desires. You could stop by to look around when you are close to the Blokhuispoort.
There is a lot of information to be found at the Tourist Inforation about the sights, highlights and attractions in Leeuwarden. Next to this, the employees have a lot of knowledge about the nature, culture and history of the surrounding area. The Tourist Information Center is right next door, so you could always stop by on your way to the city centre.
Tresoar is a repository where the history of Friesland is being kept. You can find many old Frisian papers and magazines, books which come from the library of Erasmus and letters from famous Frisians. If history is your thing, we are sure you would love to look around in this place.
If you want to leave the city behind you for a little bit, you can always visit the Prinsentuin. The atmosphere during Summer is great because of all the boats which come and go. Next to this, a lot of youth and families spend their afternoon picnicking in the grass. Next to this, the Pier Pander museum is opened during the Summer months. Of course, the spring or autumn are beautiful aswell when the Beatrixtree is blossoming or shredding its leaves.
The Grote Church, a.k.a. the Jacobijner church, is the oldest and most impressive church of Leeuwarden. When entering the church you are met with a special combination of modern furniture and centeries old elements, such as the 17th century pulpit and the Müllerorgel from 1724-1727.
Enjoy Leeuwarden from the perspective of a local. Get on a typical Frisian boat and discover the canals of Leeuwarden.
