Hotels in Leeuwarden, Netherlands
Leonardo Oranje Hotel Leeuwarden
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Leeuwarden
What do remarkable historical buildings, cultural hotspots, and romantic canals have in common? You’ll find them all in Leeuwarden! The capital of Friesland is bursting with charm, history, and good vibes. Visit iconic landmarks like the Oldehove Tower and Blokhuispoort, walk along the canals, pop into the Fries Museum for a dose of local art and culture, or discover hidden courtyards and boutique shops. What’s more, it’s a great place for foodies. With intimate wine bars, gorgeous grand cafes, cute breakfast spots and cool restaurants, Leeuwarden’s dining scene won’t disappoint. Culture, art, history, food and shopping: Leeuwarden has it all!
Get your bearings
Getting to Leeuwarden is all part of the adventure! By train or car, you’ll pass through stretches of scenic Dutch landscape. Once there, it’s easy to get around: explore the sights, shops, and restaurants on foot, or hop on a bike like a real Dutchie to cover more ground – this compact city is made for cycling! And within minutes, you’ll find yourself in the Frisian countryside. Another great tip: rent a small boat or join a canal tour for a laid-back way to see the city.
Don't miss
Don’t miss these Leeuwarden gems! At the Fries Museum, you can learn more about Frisian culture and history. Climb the leaning Oldehove Tower (the Dutch "Tower of Pisa") for unique city views and go to the Slieker Film Theatre for indie films in a charming setting. Grab coffee or lunch at De Waag, a historic weighing house, or explore Blokhuispoort, a former prison now housing creative shops, cafés, and Proefverlof – a must for cocktails and burgers, served in a former cell!
While you're there
Leeuwarden is as friendly as it gets – ideal for slowing down and soaking in the typical, down-to-earth Frisian lifestyle. Rent a boat and glide through the canals at your own pace, or let a gondolier take you on a Venetian-style tour. Back on land, have a walk through the Prinsentuin, a lush park where locals relax. Enjoy lunch at De Koperen Tuin, the park’s cosy café. Fancy a local drink? Head to the Jenever Museum for a tasting of Dutch gin in a stunning old townhouse.
What do remarkable historical buildings, cultural hotspots, and romantic canals have in common? You’ll find them all in Leeuwarden! The capital of Friesland is bursting with charm, history, and good vibes. Visit iconic landmarks like the Oldehove Tower and Blokhuispoort, walk along the canals, pop into the Fries Museum for a dose of local art and culture, or discover hidden courtyards and boutique shops. What’s more, it’s a great place for foodies. With intimate wine bars, gorgeous grand cafes, cute breakfast spots and cool restaurants, Leeuwarden’s dining scene won’t disappoint. Culture, art, history, food and shopping: Leeuwarden has it all!
Get your bearings
Getting to Leeuwarden is all part of the adventure! By train or car, you’ll pass through stretches of scenic Dutch landscape. Once there, it’s easy to get around: explore the sights, shops, and restaurants on foot, or hop on a bike like a real Dutchie to cover more ground – this compact city is made for cycling! And within minutes, you’ll find yourself in the Frisian countryside. Another great tip: rent a small boat or join a canal tour for a laid-back way to see the city.
Don't miss
Don’t miss these Leeuwarden gems! At the Fries Museum, you can learn more about Frisian culture and history. Climb the leaning Oldehove Tower (the Dutch "Tower of Pisa") for unique city views and go to the Slieker Film Theatre for indie films in a charming setting. Grab coffee or lunch at De Waag, a historic weighing house, or explore Blokhuispoort, a former prison now housing creative shops, cafés, and Proefverlof – a must for cocktails and burgers, served in a former cell!
While you're there
Leeuwarden is as friendly as it gets – ideal for slowing down and soaking in the typical, down-to-earth Frisian lifestyle. Rent a boat and glide through the canals at your own pace, or let a gondolier take you on a Venetian-style tour. Back on land, have a walk through the Prinsentuin, a lush park where locals relax. Enjoy lunch at De Koperen Tuin, the park’s cosy café. Fancy a local drink? Head to the Jenever Museum for a tasting of Dutch gin in a stunning old townhouse.
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About the City
Leeuwarden features the Oldehove leaning tower, Fries Museum showcasing Frisian culture, historic canals, Blokhuispoort cultural center, and Princessehof Ceramics Museum. The city served as European Capital of Culture 2018.
April through September offers optimal weather for exploring Leeuwarden and Friesland. Summer brings Sneekweek sailing event, outdoor festivals, and canal tours. Spring features King's Day celebrations and tulip season throughout the region.
Direct intercity trains run from Amsterdam Centraal to Leeuwarden station every 30 minutes, taking approximately 2 hours 15 minutes. The journey costs around €25-35 for a single ticket.
Leeuwarden offers an excellent weekend destination with its UNESCO World Heritage canals, unique Frisian culture, compact historic center, museums, and proximity to the Wadden Sea coast and Frisian Lakes for water activities.
Try Fryske dúmkes (Frisian thumb cookies), Fryske suikerbrood (sugar bread), Beerenburg herbal liqueur, and traditional Frisian oranjekoek (orange cake). The region's dairy farms produce excellent cheeses available at local markets.
Leeuwarden hosts Explore the North film festival (November), Welcome to the Village cultural festival (August), Jaarmarkt traditional fair (September), and ice skating events during winter. The Sneekweek sailing competition occurs nearby in August.
The Fries Museum explores Frisian history and art including Mata Hari exhibits, the Princessehof displays world-class ceramics, and the Natuurmuseum Fryslân showcases regional nature. The Verzetsmuseum documents WWII resistance history.
The UNESCO Wadden Sea coast is 30 kilometers from Leeuwarden, accessible in 25-30 minutes by car or bus. Wadlopen (mudflat hiking) tours depart from nearby Holwerd and Moddergat during low tide.
Leeuwarden is highly bike-friendly with extensive cycling infrastructure, flat terrain, and bike paths connecting to the Frisian countryside. The LF Waddenzeeroute coastal cycling path starts nearby.
Leonardo Hotels in the City
The hotel is located approximately 100 meters from Leeuwarden train station, directly opposite the station and just a 2-minute walk. Taxis are also available at the station.
The hotel sits in the historic city center, within 5-10 minutes walking distance of the Oldehove tower, Fries Museum, canals, Waag square, and shopping streets. Major attractions are easily accessible on foot.
Take a direct train from Schiphol Airport to Leeuwarden Centraal station (approximately 2 hours 30 minutes), then walk 8 minutes to the hotel. The journey costs around €30-40.
The hotel is located in a safe, well-lit historic center with evening foot traffic from restaurants and cafés. The pedestrianized shopping areas and canal-side location create a secure environment.
The hotel is 3 kilometers from the A31/N31 motorway, providing convenient access to Groningen (50 minutes), the Wadden coast (25 minutes), and the Frisian Lakes (30 minutes).
Yes. The hotel offers a central location near business and government offices, meeting rooms with audiovisual equipment, high-speed Wi-Fi, and excellent train connections to Amsterdam, Groningen, and other Dutch cities.
The hotel's central location provides walking access to museums, parks, canal boat tours, and family restaurants. Family rooms accommodate children comfortably, and the pedestrianized center is safe for families.
The hotel is directly in Leeuwarden's main shopping district with Wirdumerdijk, Nieuwestad shopping streets, and over 200 shops within 3-5 minutes walking distance.
Over 100 restaurants, cafés, and bars are within 5-10 minutes walking distance, offering Frisian cuisine, international dining, traditional Dutch pancake houses, and canal-side terraces.
Hotel Features & Services
The hotel offers Comfort, Superior, and Executive Rooms with modern amenities, including flat-screen TVs, private bathrooms, air conditioning, work desks, and tea and coffee facilities.
A buffet breakfast is available daily featuring hot and cold options including eggs, breads, cereals, fresh fruits, Dutch and Frisian cheeses, meats, yogurt, and regional specialties. Breakfast typically runs 6:30-10:30 AM weekdays and 7:00-11:00 AM weekends.
The hotel features an on-site restaurant serving international and regional Frisian cuisine, with a bar and lounge area for drinks, light meals, and local Beerenburg liqueur throughout the day.
The hotel offers meeting and conference facilities suitable for business meetings, corporate events, and small conferences, equipped with modern audiovisual technology, Wi-Fi, and catering services.
Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel in all guest rooms, public areas, meeting spaces, restaurant, and lounge facilities.
Accessible rooms are available for guests with mobility requirements, featuring adapted bathrooms, wheelchair accessibility, and elevators to all floors. Advance booking is recommended to ensure availability.
Pets are welcome at the hotel for an additional fee per night. Contact the hotel directly to confirm current pet policy details, size restrictions, and associated costs.
Bike rentals can be arranged through the hotel reception, allowing guests to explore Leeuwarden, cycle to the Wadden coast, or follow the extensive Frisian cycling network through countryside and historic towns.
The hotel offers on-site parking for guests at a daily rate. Additional public parking is available at nearby city parking garages including De Klanderij and Ruiterskwartier within 300 meters.
