Leidseplein Amsterdam

Leidseplein ("Leiden Place" in Dutch) is the main city of Amsterdam, located in the South-West of the historical center. it is located in the immediate vicinity of the Singelgracht, at the intersection of the Weteringschans (which is separated by the Kleine-Gartmanplantsoen), the Marnixstraat and the Leidsestraat. The Leidsestraat and the square derive their name from the Leidsepoort, the ancient medieval city gate located on the road leading to Leiden ("Leiden"). A few streets in the neighborhood take their name from this city, like the Leidsedwarsstraat, the Leidsekade and the Korte Leidsedwarsstraat. The place was built as part of the 'third expansion Plan of the city"(Derde Uitleg) during which the western part of the canal belt of the Grachtengordel was excavated. It is also in the middle of a part of the Lijnbaansgracht which was filled.

The proximity of the shopping street of Leidsestraat, the main pedestrian crossing between Leidseplein, the Singel and the Spui , makesthe square one of the liveliest places in the city during the day, but the latter is also one of the city’s most vibrant nightlife centers. One of the most famous theatres of the city, the Stadsschouwburg is located there. The same building also houses a tourist office. The square and the surrounding streets are lined with restaurants, bars, dance halls, cinema theaters and other venues. Many street artists perform on the square and its surroundings. Each year, since 1988, it has been the center of the Amsterdam international documentary film Festival. In the winter, an ice-skating rink was installed instead of the terraces of the cafés and bars located around the square.

The square is also an important node in the city’s transport network, because of its strategic location at the confluence of the boroughs of Centrum, West and Zuid. Five tram lines, as well as several bus lines of GVB, arrivers of Companies and connections stopped there.

Source: https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leidseplein