Amsterdam’s Leidseplein – Heart of the City
You could spend a whole weekend at Amsterdam’s bustling Leidseplein. This seems to be the true heart of the city and it pulses with bars, restaurants, clubs and theatres. Most visitors to Amsterdam will find themselves at Leidseplein at some point of their stay – but here are a few things you might not know about.
Leidseplein square was developed in the 17th century as a wagon park for farmers to leave their carts and horses before entering the city centre. The name comes from the fact that this used to be where the road from Amsterdam to Leiden started. It still attracts visitors to the city today and is Amsterdam’s answer to New York’s Time Square. In addition to the year-long entertainment on offer, there is also an outdoor ice rink on the square from mid-November until Christmas.
Art Deco Decadence
You certainly will notice Amsterdam’s American Hotel which anchors down one corner of Leidseplein with grandeur. This impressive building dates back to 1900 and is officially listed as a historic monument. The hotel was named after an earlier structure designed by an architect who studied in the United States, although that structure was replaced in 1902. A carved stone plaque on the Leidseplein side of the hotel shows the original building. Café Americain, the American Hotel's grand café, is beautifully decorated in Art-Deco style and is definitely worth visiting for coffee or dinner.
Intellectual Entertainment
Just off the main square in the Kleine Gartmanplantsoen is an intellectual’s dream hang-out: De Balie. This combination of café and cultural centre always has stimulating and thought-provoking events calendar on offer and is a great place to get into conversation with other interesting souls. Events are often planned around a series with intriguing titles like “Crash Course Congo” or “And Justice for All” and feature topical debates, films, role-plays and lectures. The café also offers “rush dinners” for theatre-goers and free wireless internet.
Chess Museum
Not many cities boast a chess museum. And Amsterdam’s chess museum, the Max Euwe Centre is free and gives visitors a fascinating insight to the historical, cultural and technological aspects of chess. Challenge yourself to a game of computer chess, read up about chess in the library or learn all about the only Dutch chess champion, Max Euwe in a permanent exhibition dedicated to his life and work. The Max Euwe Plein is located between Leidseplein and the Vondelpark. Regulars play on a giant outdoor chessboard in the square.
Great Value Tickets and Great Value Information
For the latest information about what’s on in Amsterdam or for concert or museum tickets, visit Amsterdam Uitburo’s Ticketshop in the Stadsschouwburg Theatre building. Fancy trying something new and saving cash at the same time? Then head to the Last Minute Ticket Shop (same location) after 12:00 noon for selected same-day performance tickets at just 50% of the original price! You will also find a VVV Tourist Information Desk here to help you enjoy your visit to Amsterdam to the fullest (opened 7 days a week).
Discover the hidden gems of Amsterdam’s Leidseplein – go off the beaten track in the heart of the city!
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