The epicenter of Amsterdam's nightlife, where residents and visitors to the capital flock every evening, Leidseplein Square is located in the beautiful historic district of the Grachtengordel canals. Previously, this square was the equivalent of a modern freight parking lot - peasants and craftsmen arriving from Leiden would leave their carts there in order to sell their goods at the market.
Now, however, it is the liveliest place in the city, a haven for partying tourists and a gathering point for the artistic bohemia. In the square itself, you will meet many people watching the performances of street artists - musicians, actors, mimes, clowns, magicians, and fire-eaters.
In the buildings around the perimeter of Leidseplein and on the adjacent streets, there are hundreds of restaurants, pubs, cafes, nightclubs, and, of course, coffeeshops, in particular Amsterdam's most popular coffeeshop, Bulldog Palace. The largest casino, Holland Casino Amsterdam, is also located here.
The architecture of the square deserves a special mention. For example, Leidseplein is home to the Municipal Theatre - a magnificent palace in the Neo-Gothic style, which was built in 1894. Locals tell legends about the American Hotel, built at the beginning of the 20th century, calling it the place where the mysterious spy Mata Hari was married.
Music lovers and theatergoers are also bound to head straight to Leidseplein Square: here are the box offices selling tickets to all the more or less decent concerts and performances in Amsterdam. The legendary clubs Paradiso and Melkweg are also located here, where rock concerts and festivals are regularly held.
