 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Amsterdam information :attractions
Leidseplein Amsterdam
One of the most vibrant nightlife areas in Amsterdam and the netherlands, which is illuminated by neon lights, while the countless bars, clubs, cafes and restaurants ensure an energetic atmosphere. Venture onto the side streets of the square to find yet more examples of Amsterdam's electric nightlife or take a walk up Leidsestraat to find some of the city's best shoppingoutlets.
Translated into English, Leidseplein means Leiden Square. It owes its name to the Leiden Gate, which stood in the area until the end of the 19th century and this Gate was partly responsible for making it the entertainment area it has become today.
Because the inner city was always unfit to accommodate large carriages ,visitors and traders were always forced to wait for long periods while goods were transferred onto a barge or a sleigh. Consequently, the coffeehouses and bars provided a solution for curing the boredom. One of the most dominant visual highlights of the square is the charming Stadsschouwburg (City Theatre) which was built in 1894 after its predecessor burnt down.
During spring the square comes alive as the terraces reopen and the street entertainers return.
Near Leidseplein: Stadsschouwburg (theatres), Shopping Leidsestreet, PC hooftstreet, Vondelparc, hop on hop of canals cruise, & museum plein.