The Leidseplein is, just like the Rembrandtplein, beloved by the public. It's the place for locals and tourists to catch up with a drink in one of the many bars and pubs. If you like to stay in this area, check our hotelmap for available rooms on the Leidseplein or in the vicinity.
At the Leidseplein or pretty close to the square, you will find the DeLaMar theater, city theater Amsterdam, pop temple Paradiso, pop stage De Melkweg, coffeeshop The Bulldog Palace and several other bars, pubs and hotels in the vicinity. There's a tram stop at the Leidse Square or nearby, depending from which direction you're travelling.
The Bulldog Palace (coffeeshop)
The Bulldog Palace at the Leidseplein is a coffeeshop located in a former police building, build in 1900. The property has been used as a police building for nearly 80 years with living apartments on the upper floors. On the facade you can still read the text: "Politiebureau nr. 14", meaning police office number 14. Since 1985 The Bulldog Palace has opened its doors and has welcomed many tourists, locals and celebrities.
"The Bulldog is actually the first coffeeshop there was. That means, the term ‘coffeeshop’ as we know it today for Amsterdam, was invented by Henk." source: The Bulldog Palace
City theater Amsterdam (stadsschouwburg)
In 1774, a wooden theater was opened on the Leidseplein. This, after the first Amsterdam theater on the Keizersgracht was completely burned down. A century later, a stone outside wall was added to the wooden theater. But finally also this building burned down in 1874.
The current building of the city theater (Stadsschouwburg) dates from 1894 and is seen as the most important theater in the Netherlands. In earlier times the building had even more entrances to allow the different population groups (based on social classes, rich and poor) to enter the building through different entrances. The current building, which is a national monument since 1982, has been thoroughly renovated in the 21st centery and completely modernized on the inside.
Song ♫ Mijn Leidseplein ♫, by Andre Hazes
Did you know that The Leidseplein is described in the song ♫ Mijn Leidseplein from Andre Hazes?
Folk singer Andre Hazes is singing about the Leidse square in his song 'Mijn Leidseplein', meaning My Leidse Square. Andre Hazes, born and raised in Amsterdam, build up a loyal fan base during his lifetime, with his amazing voice and songs from the heart.
In the song Mijn Leidseplein, Andre Hazes is singing about his most beautiful spot in his old city, born a stone's throw away, his Leidse Square. There's no nicer place, than this square in the heart of Amsterdam.
History of the Leidseplein
Four major city expansions took place in Amsterdam between 1578 and 1665. The Leidseplein originated in 1660, during the fourth major city expansion. The square is named after the Leiden gate, one of the eight entrance gates to Amsterdam, build in 1664 and stood there until 1862.
The square was the beginning of the road to Leiden. In the Golden Age Leiden, after Amsterdam, was the second largest city in the Netherlands. The Leidseplein was laid out as a so-called wagon square. Horse and carriage could be parked at the city gate before visitors from outside the city went deeper into Amsterdam.
More than 100 years after its creation, the square was also given a cultural function. In 1774, a new theater was opened on the wagon square Leidseplein. In the meantime this is no longer the only cultural activity on the Leidseplein. The square has become one of the most popular ones of Amsterdam and is a famous nightlife district for both residents and tourists.
In 1875, the Leidseplein was the starting point of the first horse tram line. It was also the place where the first electric tram line departed from in 1900.