Post-Plaza Hotel & Grand Café

In the heart of the historic city of Leeuwarden lies a remarkable place where the spirit of the past meets modern comfort. Grand Café Post-Plaza is not just a restaurant, but a living architectural monument located in the magnificent former post and telegraph office building. The Netherlands treats its heritage with great care, and this establishment, which holds the status of a national monument (Rijksmonument), is an excellent example.

Post-Plaza Grand Café. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Built at the beginning of the 20th century, the building is striking in its stature: high ceilings with historic vaults, massive columns, and elegant pilasters create an atmosphere of solemnity and coziness at the same time. Today, it houses a popular grand café with an open kitchen, which has become a true magnet for both locals and travelers seeking authentic experiences.

The interiors masterfully combine industrial elements of postal aesthetics with soft lighting and stylish furniture. Grand Café Post-Plaza is part of the hotel of the same name, which connects two historic buildings—the old post office and the former bank building—via elegant glass walkways. This place is perfect for those who want to feel the city's history while enjoying exquisite cuisine.

To book a table or for more information, you can contact the establishment directly. The Grand Café and hotel staff are always happy to assist guests with organizing their visit to the capital of Friesland.

A visit to Grand Café Post-Plaza is primarily a gastronomic pleasure. At the center of the hall is an open kitchen where chefs prepare dishes inspired by a classic French brasserie. You can start your morning here with traditional Frisian wentelteefjes (French toast), order a fresh salad or Alsatian flammkuchen for lunch, and spend the evening tasting juicy steaks or fresh oysters served on large platters.

Be sure to pay attention to the architectural details while waiting for your order. The central bar follows the curves of the magnificent hall, and if you look up, you can see the complex tracery of the historic roof construction. This is the perfect space to take some atmospheric "Postal Gothic" style photos or simply watch the city life through the enormous windows.

If you decide to stay longer, you can book one of the hotel's 82 unique rooms. Each has its own character: some have preserved elements of an old mail vault, while others feature banking details. Even if you aren't a guest, it’s worth walking across the glass bridges connecting different parts of the complex to appreciate the scale of the restoration. In summer, it is especially pleasant to spend time on the outdoor terrace, enjoying light snacks and the rhythm of Leeuwarden.

Finding Grand Café Post-Plaza is easy, as it is located in the very heart of the city at Tweebaksmarkt 27. This is one of the city's most beautiful and prestigious streets, situated within walking distance of most central attractions.

If you are arriving by train, the walk from Leeuwarden Central Station takes only 10–15 minutes. It’s a great opportunity to immediately immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Frisian capital. Direct trains run regularly from other cities across the country, such as Amsterdam or Groningen (the journey from the capital takes about two hours).

For those who prefer to drive, there are paid parking zones and city garages in the vicinity of the hotel. However, it’s worth remembering that the city center is quite compact, and the best way to get around is on foot or by bicycle, which can be rented nearby. Taxis are also available and can drop you off right at the main entrance of this historic building.

The building that today buzzes with life as Grand Café Post-Plaza was erected in 1904. It was designed by the prominent architect Cornelis Hendrik Peters, who served as the Government Architect at the time and specialized in the construction of post offices and financial institutions. Peters designed the project in his unique style, which later became known as "Postal Gothic."

The building's architecture is inspired by North German and Frisian Romanesque Gothic: here we see characteristic red brick, the use of natural stone in the finishes, segmental arches over the windows, and elegant pointed friezes. Before the post office was built, an ancient monastery occupied this site. Interestingly, during construction in the early 20th century, the architects managed to preserve and integrate a 17th-century gate into the new facade, which still serves as a reminder of the site's distant past.

For a long time, this was the city’s main post and telegraph office, but between 2015 and 2016, the building underwent a massive transformation. During a meticulous restoration supported by government subsidies, the interiors were adapted for the needs of a modern grand café and hotel. In the process, restorers preserved the trough vaults, majestic columns, and original plasterwork, turning a former government institution into one of the most atmospheric venues in Leeuwarden.

To simply enjoy a cup of coffee and admire the majestic architecture of the main hall, you will need about one hour. However, most guests prefer to stay longer for a full lunch or dinner, immersing themselves in the establishment's historic atmosphere.

If you plan not only to visit the café but also to explore the building itself (including the glass bridges and the details of the old post office), you should set aside 2–3 hours. For those who choose to stay at the hotel, the experience of this unique space will span their entire stay, allowing them to notice new small details from the past at every turn.

The doors of Grand Café Post-Plaza are hospitably open to visitors daily from early morning until late evening, making it an excellent choice for both an early breakfast and a late-night glass of wine.

Opening Hours:

• Monday — Friday: 7:00 AM to 11:30 PM
• Saturday — Sunday: 8:00 AM to 11:30 PM

Its central location makes Post-Plaza an ideal starting point for walks. Exploring the nearby streets will allow you to delve deeper into the history and culture of the region, discovering both monumental landmarks and cozy corners of the old town.