Leidseplein Amsterdam
One of the cultural and nightlife hearts of Amsterdam
Leidseplein (Leiden Square) is one of the most vibrant and bustling squares located in the heart of Amsterdam. It is well known for its nightlife, entertainment and culture, Leidseplein Amsterdam proves to be a very popular location for locals and visitors alike.
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Why visit Leidseplein Amsterdam
Leidseplein is a hub for entertainment, culture and dining. It has numerous cafes, restaurants, bars, and clubs to enjoy, so is a perfect location if you are looking for a quiet coffee and some people watching, or if you want to let your hair down and enjoy a great night out.
The square is also home to several cultural attractions, including the Stadsschouwburg, a historic theatre that has hosted performances by greats such as Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró.
One of the most iconic features of Leidseplein is the large open-air stage in the centre of the square, which hosts live performances and concerts throughout the year. In the summer months, the square is transformed into a lively outdoor venue, where you can enjoy music, theatre, and dance performances under the stars.
The stage is surrounded by outdoor cafes and restaurants which makes it a magnet for people throughout the day and night.
Where to stay in Leidseplein
Clayton Hotel Amsterdam American located on the edge of Leidseplein is a fabulous place to stay, with stunning art deco architecture reflecting its role in the city’s cultural history. The hotel is only a 5-minute walk from Vondelpark and is also close to the major museums on Museumplein notably:
If you are looking for cheaper accommodation close to this busy and exciting area of Amsterdam, then use our Amsterdam hostels page.
Canal boats from Leidseplein
Leidseplein is a popular starting point for many of Amsterdam’s canal boat tours. The other popular starting point for canal boat tours is Central Station. But if you are staying in this part of Amsterdam, getting a canal boat from Leidseplein is ideal as you will be passing some of the most beautiful architecture straight away and are near many of the museums already.
Best time to visit Leidseplein
You can visit Leidseplein at anytime of the day or night and enjoy the variety it offers.
As well as being a culture and entertainment hub of Amsterdam, Leidseplein is a popular shopping destination. The square is home to a number of shops selling a wide range of items, including souvenirs, clothing, and jewellery. The nearby Kalverstraat is one of the most popular shopping streets in Amsterdam, and is a must-visit for those looking to shop and explore the city.
We would suggest it is worth visiting during the day to enjoy the cafes, people watching and shopping and then come back in the evening for a meal, a drink in one of the many bars and to enjoy the bustling atmosphere.
How to get to Leidseplein from Central Station
From Amsterdam Central Station, you can get to Leidseplein using the excellent public transport network of Amsterdam or under your own steam:
- Tram: Take tram line 1, 2, 5, or 13 from the tram stop outside the main entrance of Central Station and get off at the “Leidseplein” stop. The journey takes about 10 minutes.
- Bus: Take the bus line 170 or 197 from the bus stop outside Central Station and get off at the “Leidseplein” stop.
- Bike: Amsterdam is a very bicycle-friendly city and you can rent a bicycle from one of the many bike rental shops around the city. The journey from Central Station to Leidseplein by bike takes about 20 minutes.
- Walk: If you are feeling energetic and enjoy walking as much as we do then you can also walk from Amsterdam Central Station to Leidseplein, this will take about 30 minutes.
Use our specialist pages for details about the public transport in Amsterdam and ticket options
