The Heart of Nightlife in Amsterdam! (2024)

Leidseplein – The Throbbing Heart of Amsterdam

Every city has a square where everyone meets. In Amsterdam, it's the Leidseplein. Bars, coffee shops and clubs - the perfect place to start the night. Here you can find out how to get there and where to get the best beer.

The Leidseplein in Amsterdam

If the canals are the veins, the Leidseplein is the throbbing heart of Amsterdam. Every evening masses of tourists and locals meet to pre-game and celebrate.

Amsterdam Nightlife - The Leidseplein is packed every evening

The atmosphere is really unique, especially in spring and summer. The perfect location, between the main station and the museum district, draws visitors directly over to the Leidseplein.

It's rather common that the Leidseplein is only mentioned in the "Nightlife" chapter of the travel guide. But in reality the square is also worth a visit during the day.

There is a lot of traffic at the Leidseplein

Ring-a-ding - Careful! There are two important tram lines crossing here. Around the turbid square, you will find street artists, cafés and fast-food chains. The Leidseplein is the second center of Amsterdam after the station district.

Read on and learn how to get there and where to get the best food and drinks.

How do I get to the Leidseplein?

It is about a 30-minute walk from the main station. The route takes you via Dam Square and Rokin to the south of Amsterdam. On the last section of the trail, you cross all three main canals - a beautiful walk.

Route to the Leidseplein - Click on the image to activate the map

Of course, you'll get there by tram. Lines 1, 2 and 5 depart from the main station every 2-3 minutes. The journey to Leiden Square takes about 15 minutes.

Exciting sights in the surrounding area

If you are already here anyway and still have some time, have a look around - the area around Leidseplein is full of exciting sights: Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Vondelpark - read more on our free city map.

Your Tour Recommendations

The best restaurants, pubs and bars near Leidseplein

Directly at Leidseplein, you will find many bars and pubs. Most of them have outdoor seating. When it gets cold outside, it gets even hotter inside. Because it is better to party with a good base in your stomach, we have some restaurant tips for you below.

Around the Leidseplein you will find many excellent restaurants

Because it's better to party with a good foundation in your stomach, we have some Restaurrant tips for you below.

Show all restaurants, bars and pubs on the map.

Bars and Pubs

The Waterhole:Do you like live music, co*cktails and cold beer? At the Waterhole, you get the full program. Different bands play every day. In the evening it gets crowded and very amusing. Beer happy hour from 2 pm - 9 pmOpening hours: 12 pm to 4 am, Address: Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 49, 1017 PW Amsterdam, Show on map

Hoopman Irish Pub:A real Irish Pub and a great place to sit outside and watch life on the square. On the Hoopmann menu, you will find typical Irish bar food such as fish and chips and Shepherd's Pie. Inside, everything is lined with dark wood - the freshly tapped Guinness tastes twice as delicious in such a cozy environment.Opening hours: 9 am to 2 am, Address: Leidseplein 4, 1017 PT Amsterdam, Show on map

NJOY co*cktailbar:For us one of the best co*cktail bars in Amsterdam. The bartenders are real professionals, and the list of fantastic co*cktails is endless. You have to ring the doorbell to get in. Unless you're a roaring tourist with jogging pants and a fanny pack, the chances are good that someone will open the door. The NJOY co*cktailbar is our tip for couples who want to enjoy the evening in a relaxed atmosphere.Opening hours: 5 pm to 3 am, Address: Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 93, 1017 PX Amsterdam, Show on map

Great for Dinner - Snack Bars and Restaurants

The area around Leidseplein is a true food paradise. Especially the crossroads "Lange Leidsedwarsstraat" and "Korte Leidsedwarsstraat" are packed with excellent restaurants: steaks, burgers, pasta, Indian curries and authentic Asian cuisine at fair prices.

Wok To Walk:Fresh, authentic and delicious - watch the chefs sizzle your food live in the wok. Spring rolls, fried noodles and rice with delicious sauces - Wok To Walk serves excellent wok creations for every taste.Opening hours: 11 pm to 3 am, Address: Leidsestraat 96, 1017 PE Amsterdam, Show on map

Alberto's la Forge - The best steaks on Leidseplein:Steak and ribs, masterfully grilled and served. Among the countless steak houses on Leidseplein, Alberto's la Forge is the best. Since 1985, the team has been delivering outstanding quality at reasonable prices. Many locals love the cozy atmosphere. Our tip: The hearty grill platter with different kinds of meat and many side dishes.Opening hours: 5 pm to 11 pm, Address: Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 26, 1017 RC Amsterdam, Show on map

Sherpa Restaurant – perfect for veggies:Here you can expect delicacies of Indian, Tibetan and Nepalese cuisine. Our favorite meal at the Sherpa is the Nepalese "Dal Bhat Tarkari" - an ingenious vegetable curry with lentils. The prices are not too expensive, and the service is great. Our tip for vegetarian and vegan food in Amsterdam.Opening hours: 5 pm to 11 pm, Address: Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 58, 1017 RD Amsterdam, Show on map

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