Sneek is a city located in the province of Friesland in the Netherlands, situated southwest of Leeuwarden near the Sneekermeer. It serves as the seat of the municipality of Súdwest-Fryslân, having previously been the seat of the former independent municipality of Sneek before 2011. The city lies within the southwestern part of Friesland, known locally as the Zuidwesthoek or Southwest Corner, and is recognized as one of the Friese elf steden, or Eleven Cities of Friesland.

Founded in the 10th century on a sandy peninsula at the crossing of a dike and the Magna Fossa waterway, Sneek developed from the silting up of the former Middelzee. It received city rights in the 13th century, which became official in 1456, marking the start of a period of blooming trade that lasted until approximately 1550. In 1492, construction began on a moat and wall around the city, making Sneek the only walled city in Friesland at that time.

The city is defined by its canals, historic inner city, and monumental architecture from its golden age in the 15th and 16th centuries. Key landmarks include the Waterpoort, a Manierist water gate built in 1613 that serves as the city's symbol, and the Sneek Town Hall from 1550. The Grote of Martinikerk, a Protestant church dating to 1498, features a carillon of 50 bells, while the Bolwerk remains as one of the few surviving parts of the original town walls.

Sneek is well known for its watersports industry and hosts the annual Sneekweek, the largest sailing event on inland European waterways. Cultural attractions include the Fries Scheepvaart Museum and the National Model Train Museum, alongside the historic Silver Ball culture award. The city also features a walker-friendly shopping center with high-end clothing stores, restaurants, and cafes, drawing visitors interested in boating, ice skating, and local heritage.

The population of Sneek was 33,855 as of 2017, with approximately 34,850 inhabitants recorded in January 2024. The economy includes steel, machinery, and rope factories, as well as the origins of brands like C&A and Leaf candy. Transport access is provided by the A7 motorway, N354 provincial road, Arriva rail services, and four main waterways connecting to Leeuwarden, Franeker, and IJlst.