Leidseplein Tours and Activities

Leidseplein
Leidseplein
Leidseplein
Leidseplein
Leidseplein


This lively square in the heart of Amsterdam’s cultural district offers dining and entertainment, with an array of theater, movie, music, comedy and street performances.

Delve into the many delights of buzzing Leidseplein to people-watch while enjoying a meal or just a drink after a day of sightseeing. In the warmer months, the area is packed with people gathered on the terraces of the restaurants and bars. Order a local beer and watch the street performers. In the winter, visit one of the many restaurants or clubs, or head to the ice rink surrounded by hot food and drink stalls for an atmospheric outdoor experience. If you love architecture, 17th-century Leidseplein has some interesting buildings for a walking tour.

There’s plenty to do at night at Leidseplein. Enjoy a typical Dutch meal or order American-style fast food before taking in a movie or a concert. Art lovers can meet up at De Balie, a cultural center for film screenings, theater and debate. De Balie’s buzzing café faces Leidseplein. For a laugh, watch the street performers or book a comedy show (in English) in one of the nearby theaters. Music lovers should check out popular nightclubs Paradiso and Melkweg. These local institutions also host concerts and cultural events. Check their websites for a current schedule of shows and to buy tickets in advance.

In the redbrick neo-Gothic Stadsschouwburg that dominates the square, many of the performances are suitable for an international audience. Dutch plays often have surtitles, which are digital displays with English translations. Next door are the ornate fountain, bar and restaurant of the Amsterdam American Hotel, a National Monument in art deco–style. A two-minute walk away is Max Euweplein, an arty square with a life-sized chess board. Here you will find the Hard Rock Café, with a lovely terrace facing the canal, and the Holland Casino.

Leidseplein is in the southwest of the Canal Ring and easy to get to by public transport, even late at night. It’s a short walk from the Vondelpark. If you are driving, consider leaving your car at one of the park-and-ride lots at the edge of the city and then use public transport to get around. There are parking lots in the city center, but spaces are limited.

Many pubs close just after midnight, but clubs stay open almost all night.

Plan a trip to see Leidseplein

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Best Lodging Options Near Leidseplein

Clayton Hotel Amsterdam American

Clayton Hotel Amsterdam American

4.5 out of 5
Leidsekade, 97, Amsterdam, North Holland
Clayton Hotel Amsterdam American
Amsterdam Marriott Hotel

Amsterdam Marriott Hotel

5 out of 5
Stadhouderskade 12, Amsterdam
Amsterdam Marriott Hotel
Park Centraal Amsterdam, part of Sircle Collection

Park Centraal Amsterdam, part of Sircle Collection

4.5 out of 5
Stadhouderskade 25, Amsterdam
Park Centraal Amsterdam, part of Sircle Collection
Leonardo Boutique Museumhotel

Leonardo Boutique Museumhotel

4 out of 5
Pieter Cornelisz. Hooftstraat 2, Amsterdam
Leonardo Boutique Museumhotel
THE FRITZ HOTEL Amsterdam

THE FRITZ HOTEL Amsterdam

2 out of 5
Weteringschans 67, Amsterdam, Noord Holland
THE FRITZ HOTEL Amsterdam
Radisson Blu Hotel, Amsterdam City Center

Radisson Blu Hotel, Amsterdam City Center

4.5 out of 5
Rusland 17, Amsterdam
Radisson Blu Hotel, Amsterdam City Center
Rosewood Amsterdam

Rosewood Amsterdam

5 out of 5
Prinsengracht 432-436, Amsterdam
Rosewood Amsterdam
BackStage Hotel Amsterdam

BackStage Hotel Amsterdam

2 out of 5
Leidsegracht 114, Amsterdam
BackStage Hotel Amsterdam
NH City Centre Amsterdam

NH City Centre Amsterdam

4 out of 5
Spuistraat 288-292, Amsterdam
NH City Centre Amsterdam
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Leidseplein

Leidseplein offers a vibrant mix of activities for tourists, including biking through the scenic streets, enjoying hilarious evening shows at local theatres, and leisurely boating on the canals. Embrace the fun in Amsterdam as you explore the lively atmosphere filled with entertainment, dining, and nightlife, making it a perfect spot to unwind and experience the city's charm.

Shopping

In Leidseplein, you can explore the Kalvertoren Shopping Center, just 644m away, for a mix of family-friendly stores and entertainment. The Flower Market, also 644m away, offers a vibrant local atmosphere, while Gouden Bocht is a charming store only 483m away.

Recreation

Experience live performances at Paradiso and Melkweg, both offering vibrant entertainment vibes just 161m from Leidseplein. For sports enthusiasts, the Olympic Stadium, located 3.2km away, provides a thrilling atmosphere with various sporting events to enjoy.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at Circuit Park Zandvoort, located 24.1km from Leidseplein, where adrenaline and speed collide. For karting enthusiasts, Bleekemolens Race Planet Amsterdam, only 8.0km away, offers an exciting racing experience. Enjoy outdoor adventures at Recreation Mijnden campground, situated 20.9km from Leidseplein.

Nightlife

In Leidseplein, the nightlife buzzes with excitement. Visit Holland Casino for a thrilling gaming experience, or catch a show at the Royal Theater Carre for a touch of culture. For a romantic movie night, head to Theater Tuschinski, where family-friendly entertainment awaits.

Find the best attractions near Leidseplein

Leidseplein in Amsterdam is a vibrant hub offering a rich cultural experience, with attractions like museums and art galleries, as well as the lively atmosphere of the piazza. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture while exploring nearby highlights such as Amstel and Leiden Square, making it an ideal spot for families and city lovers alike. Don't miss the chance to experience the unique blend of art and community in this bustling area.

  • Van Gogh Museum: This extraordinary museum houses the world's largest collection of Vincent van Gogh's masterpieces, offering a profound insight into the artist's life and work. The vibrant atmosphere and well-curated exhibits create a unique cultural experience that captivates art enthusiasts.
  • Dam Square: As the heart of Amsterdam, Dam Square is a lively piazza surrounded by historic buildings and street performers. The blend of cultural significance and urban energy makes it an ideal spot for people-watching and soaking in the city's vibrant atmosphere.
  • Anne Frank House: This poignant museum is dedicated to the life of Anne Frank, offering a deeply moving experience as you explore the secret annex where she wrote her diary during World War II. The historical context and emotional resonance make it a must-visit.

Best time to go to Leidseplein

Visitor numbers around Leidseplein is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Leidseplein can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Leidseplein falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Leidseplein falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January39.2°F (4.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February39.6°F (4.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March43.5°F (6.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
April49.1°F (9.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May54.9°F (12.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
September60.1°F (15.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October53.8°F (12.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
November46.6°F (8.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December41.7°F (5.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Leidseplein

Leidseplein is a budget-friendly destination with free attractions like Dam Square, Vondelpark, and The 9 Streets. To save on accommodation, visit during the off-peak season from December to February, and consider booking one month in advance for the best rates. Tuesdays are generally the cheapest days to stay. Use Expedia to compare room rates and find special deals, including eco-certified options. Lastly, look for package deals that combine hotels with flights and activities for added savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Leidseplein are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to June, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Leidseplein about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Leidseplein is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Leidseplein is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel category. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodations currently available. To discover the best prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel stay near Leidseplein with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.