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 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 also refer back to the city of Leiden, but this is more because these streets cross the area. 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. On busy summer nights, tourists may outnumber locals. Many signs and bar names are in English.

On the square or close by are:

City movie theater, around the corner at the Kleine Gartmanplantsoen ( Closed for refurbishment 2007, reopening 2010 ?)
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