A Day Guide: What to do in Leidseplein

29-01-2018

Leidseplein is one of the most visited areas of Amsterdam, popular with locals and tourists alike. Its popularity is not without reason; the Leidseplein area is centrally located, a hub for cultural events, one of the main shopping districts in Amsterdam, and a hotspot of Amsterdam clubs.

Trams to Leidseplein are frequent and cheap parking at Leidseplein is also possible for those who come by car. With so many things to do in Leidseplein and the surrounding Leidseplein area, it can be overwhelming if you are having a short stay in Amsterdam. This day guide will help you to make the most of your stay and have the perfect day out in Leidseplein!

Morning

Dutch pancakes on Leidseplein: Breakfast at De Carrousel

Start the day with something sweet and savoury. De Carrousel at Leidseplein is one of its most cheerful restaurants, serving authentic Dutch pancakes all day long. The name of the restaurant is based on its shape and interior, a stunning replica of a fairground carousel.

Pancakes at De Carrousel are traditionally made with a wide variety of toppings to choose from. There are toppings such as Nutella, syrup-butter and ice cream for if you have a sweet tooth, or you can choose the more traditional savoury options such as bacon, cheese, ham, mushrooms and more.

Visit an Amsterdam Museum

Leidseplein is a few minutes walk from Museumplein, a vast open area surrounded by museums and galleries. The main attractions in Museumplein include the famous, grand Rijksmuseum, the Iamsterdam letters, the world-renowned Van Gogh Museum, and Het Concertgebouw. The Museumplein itself is fantastic to be at. During the Winter time it features the Ice Amsterdam village, for example, a wonderful day out for the whole family. See more about the Museumplein Ice Village in this Your Little Black Book post.

If you are a big Amsterdam Museum fan, you should purchase a Museum card (grants free entrance to most museums in the Netherlands) or an Iamsterdam city card.

If you are more interested in classical art and would like to see some of the greatest works from Dutch masters such as Rembrandt van Rijn, Johannes Vermeer and Jan Asselijn, then the Rijksmuseum is the best option. The museum is also very interesting from anthropological and historical perspectives, as it features antique furniture, fashions and other snippets of life from the Dutch Golden Ages. Finally, the Rijksmuseum is home to one of Amsterdam’s most beautiful libraries, an elegant, multi-storied affair.

Modern art lovers should visit the Stedelijk Museum, the huge, bath-shaped museum on the far side of the Museumplein. Its clean, minimalistic interiors accentuate the artworks and sculptures it houses, a great environment to push the boundaries of art. The Stedelijk exhibitions change every few months and provide commentary on contemporary life and future expectations of what society will be like.

The Moco Museum is a good option for art enthusiasts who prefer art which is more focused on social and political commentary. Whatever your preference, there is an Amsterdam Museum near Leidseplein which will suit it!

Explore the Spiegelgracht art studios and antique stores

After your museum visit, a good way to wind down is to wander along the Spiegelgracht, a canal lined with art studios, small galleries, and charming Amsterdam antique stores. An example of one of these antique stores is Salomon Stodel Antique Dealers. Though some of the Spiegelgracht galleries and studios have unconventional hours, the artworks and sculptures are displayed in the large front windows, showcasing a range of styles from surrealism to pop art. In the quiet antique stores manned by old Amsterdammers, you can find all sorts of treasures, from classic portraits to glossed wood grandfather clocks. As an idyllic typical Amsterdam canal, the Spiegelgracht is a highly recommended Amsterdam route addition.

Afternoon

A Mexican lunch in Amsterdam: Lunch at Los Pilones

Run by three charismatic Mexican brothers, Los pilones is one of the most authentic Mexican restaurants in Amsterdam. Serving lunch and dinner, it has a menu with classic Mexican dishes such as different enchiladas, tortillas and choriqueso dishes. Cheese lovers should order the Choriqueso starter, a mouth watering dish of melted cheese mixed with pieces of chorizo in a cast iron bowl. There are delicious vegetarian options too.

Though the food at Los Pilones is good, the drinks is where this Amsterdam restaurant really shines. Los Pilones has one of the largest selections of tequila and mezcal in Amsterdam, all of which are proudly Mexican. In fact, Los pilones even brews its own Los Pilones tequila, which is used in many of its delicious cocktails. The name ‘Los Pilones’ comes from the Mexican term ‘a little extra’, which is exactly what you can expect from this Leidseplein restaurant.

Visit Vondelpark, Amsterdam’s central park

The best way to digest your food after a big meal is to take a walk. The Amsterdam Vondelpark is the biggest and one of the most beautiful parks in Amsterdam. It is fantastic to visit in any season and is the perfect way to escape the noise and chaos of the city.

There are a few small lakes with a surprising variety of birdlife on the shores or in the branches above. If you are lucky enough, you will spot a few of Amsterdam’s bright green rose-ringed parakeets, an exotic species of bird whose populations have mysteriously flourished in Amsterdam parks and gardens. You can read more about the parakeets in this Culture trip article.

Cycling through Vondelpark is also an option; A-Bike Rental and Tours is beside the Vondelpark and can rent you a bicycle for a good price. If you would like to stop for a coffee break during your walk through Vondelpark, there are three cafes to choose from located inside the park itself: De Vondeltuin, and Groot Melkhuis. All of these Vondelpark cafes have big terraces to take in the beautiful views and fresh air. They are also great spots to stop for a drink after watching a performance at the Vondelpark Openluchttheater (Vondelpark open-air theatre) during long Summer days.

Evening

Dine at a top Amsterdam Restaurant: Dinner at The Seafood Bar

With a focus on fresh fish and fine wines, The Seafood Bar is a highly recommended Amsterdam restaurant near Leidseplein. Open displays of fresh ocean produce on ice gives a sense of traditional fish markets while waitstaff bustle around the bright, sophisticated interior. The menu is a fish lover’s dream, with a variety of platters, finger foods and main dishes available.

Having been opened by an experienced Dutch fishmonger, The Seafood Bar is also focused on sustainable fishing and unprocessed and additive-free seafood. Eating happily and healthily is therefore guaranteed at The Seafood Bar, one of the best restaurants near Leidseplein.

Watch a show at De La Mar Theatre

Diving into Amsterdam’s cultural scene is as simple as attending a De La Mar show. The Leidseplein theatre hosts many different kinds of shows from local and international talents. Musicals, plays, orchestras and more reach their full potential in this theatre before an enthusiastic, cosmopolitan crowd. The tickets can be bought on the De La Mar theater site and are certainly value for money. Check out the De La Mar agenda for upcoming shows!

If you are less of a theatre-goer and more of a comedy fan, then Boom Chicago is the best option for you. Boom Chicago is all about the laughs, hosting a variety of comedy events such as a Sunday Night Live improv. Boom Chicago knows how to showcase the best comedy in Amsterdam and is also simply a great Leidseplein bar.

Discover Leidseplein bars: Visit Bar Broker

The task of getting into Amsterdam’s nightlife is always best begun in a bar. While there are many bars in Leidseplein to choose from, there is something special about Bar Broker, a bar on the bustling Reguliersdwarsstraat. Its colourful interior and slightly bohemian decor gives one the sense of being in a bar somewhere far from chilly Amsterdam.

Bar Broker has a good selection of drinks and cocktails, but the pricing concept is what really sets this bar apart from other Amsterdam bars. The drink prices fluctuate throughout the night, something you can keep track of on the screens above the bar. This reflects the fluctuation of financial markets and is the origin of the name ‘Bar Broker’. If the Bar Broker odds swing your way, you may find yourself drinking a superb cocktail for the price of a glass of wine!

Amsterdam nightlife: Choose from a range of Leidseplein clubs

Amsterdam nightlife is world-renowned and Leidseplein is home to some of the best Amsterdam clubs. Many Leidseplein bars transform into clubs, and there are plenty of live music places to choose from. Bourbon Street often has a live band which covers all the greatest hits, while The Waterhole is slightly grungier, hosting regular live music rock nights.

Melkweg is an Amsterdam club which often hosts huge international names in electronic music, hip-hop, R&B, and house music, while Paradiso is famous for featuring major Indie artists. Read more about Leidseplein clubs to browse some of the best options.