Although the Dutch town of Leeuwarden lies a little off the usual tourist routes, it can be reached in less than two hours from Amsterdam, making it a viable option for an interesting day trip or overnight excursion. Leeuwarden has an interesting and well-preserved Historic Center where you can go on a walking tour to see some excellent examples of historic Dutch architecture, including the Blokhuispoort and the Oldehove. There are plenty of places to eat and drink as well as some good museums and galleries, including the Fries Museum (showcasing Friesland) and the Het Princessehof National Museum of Ceramics. For shopping, you can head to Klein Kerkstraat, which is voted the best shopping street in the country.

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