Leidseplein

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Besides the square itself, several streets around it, such as the Korte Leidsedwarsstraat (pictured) are named after the city of Leiden.

The Leidseplein is a large square in central Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Lying in the southwest of the central (canal) district of Amsterdam, the Leidseplein is immediately northeast of the Singelgracht canal. It is situated on the crossroads of the Weteringschans, the Marnixstraat, and the Leidsestraat. The Leidsestraat was originally named for being the road to Leiden. (Compare: Oxford Street, London) Several other streets in the vicinity of the square have been named after the city of Leiden, such as the Lange (Long) and the Korte (Short) Leidsedwarsstraat (Leiden Side Street) .

The Leidseplein is one of the busiest centres for nightlife in the city. The square and the surrounding streets are full of bars, restaurants, outdoor cafes, theaters, dance clubs and the like. Street performers are often found on the square.

Either on the square or close by are:

• City movie theater, around the corner at the Kleine Gartmanplantsoen
• the Stadsschouwburg (municipal theatre), which features plays, musicals, and cabaret.
• the Leidsepleintheater, home of the English-language comedy group Boom Chicago.
• the "Uitburo" (going-out office), which provides information on and tickets for Amsterdam theater and music performances
• the rock music venues Paradiso and Melkweg
• Amsterdam's largest municipal park, Vondelpark
• Holland Casino

Panorama of the Leidseplein at night. The building at the far left of the image is the Stadsschouwburg.

[edit] See also

• Amsterdam Tourist Attractions

[edit] External links

• Leidseplein is at coordinates 52°21′51″N 4°52′59″E / 52.364242, 4.882978 (Leidseplein)Coordinates: 52°21′51″N 4°52′59″E / 52.364242, 4.882978 (Leidseplein)