Leidseplein (English: Leiden Square) is a square in central
Amsterdam, Netherlands. It lies in the
Weteringschans neighborhood (
Centrum borough
A borough is an administrative division in various English language, English-speaking countries. In principle, the term ''borough'' designates a self-governing walled town, although in practice, official use of the term varies widely.
History
...
), immediately northeast of the
Singelgracht. It is located on the crossroads of the
Weteringschans,
Marnixstraat and
Leidsestraat.
Leiden Square
Leidseplein is one of the busiest centres for nightlife in the city. Historically, the square was the end of the road from
Leiden
Leiden ( ; ; in English language, English and Archaism, archaic Dutch language, Dutch also Leyden) is a List of cities in the Netherlands by province, city and List of municipalities of the Netherlands, municipality in the Provinces of the Nethe ...
; it served as a
parking lot for horse-drawn traffic. Today, modern traffic travels through the square and side streets are packed with restaurants and nightclubs. The
Stadsschouwburg, a national-renowned theatre, is the most notable architectural landmark on the square; the
American Hotel is close by.
2022 hostage crisis
On February 22, 2022, a 27 year old man took at least one person hostage inside of an
Apple Store in Leidse Square. After a forced breach of the store by
Dutch Police, all hostages were safely rescued. However, as a result of the breach, the hostage taker was killed. The 2025 Dutch film ''
iHostage'' dramatises the incident.
It is approximately 150 meters from where well known crime reporter
Peter R. de Vries, a key figure in the
Marengo trial, was
murdered
Murder is the unlawful killing of another human without justification or valid excuse committed with the necessary intention as defined by the law in a specific jurisdiction. ("The killing of another person without justification or excu ...
.
Panorama
See also
*
List of tourist attractions in Amsterdam
References
{{Parks and squares in Amsterdam
Squares in Amsterdam