Do’s and Dont’s
In Leeuwarden, you can behave pretty much like you normally do. Though, there are a couple of things you shouldn’t do. First of all, don’t drink at public places.
This means that you can’t drink alcohol anywhere except of places like bars and discotheques. The usage of drugs is also forbidden at public places. Don’t use drugs at all, and if you do, do it in the comfort of your home, or in the coffee shops. Furthermore, you are only allowed to have 5 grams of soft drugs on you. Watch out, drugs might be bit stronger in the Netherlands than in your home country. Do not mix drugs with alcohol.
Since a couple of years it is also prohibited to smoke cigarettes at public places. It’s no problem if you smoke on the streets, but when you enter any kind of building you should inform yourself whether it is allowed or not.
Since last July, it is also prohibited to smoke sigarettes inside of restaurants, bars and clubs. You will have to go outside or into a special smoking area inside the location to smoke. If you do smoke inside, there will be a high fine!
It is also required (by law) to have you passport/ID with you all the time. If you violate this rule you take a pretty high risk of getting fines.
Going out in Leeuwarden
➢ The entrance of pubs, bars and discos closes at 3 o’clock. This does not mean that everything closes at 3 but nobody is allowed to enter after 3 o’clock.
➢ Don’t wear white sport shoes, caps or soccer shirts – you might not be allowed to enter.
➢ You are not allowed to bring drugs, food or drinks to discos or bars. You can get kicked out the bar or discotheque if you are using drugs.
➢ Always take you student card (ESN card) with you when going out. “Student nights” (Monday’s and Thursday’s) you are only allowed to enter if you can prove that you are a student.
➢ With your ESN card you can get discounts at stores and restaurants in Leeuwarden. Check the “Partners” menu on the website to see what places give you a discount.