Historic architecture, bars, pubs, clubs, theaters and live-music venues – welcome to Leidseplein. The square, and its surrounding streets, is always busy, but after dark it's a major nightlife hub that gets thronged by a mainstream crowd of party lovers (more tourists than locals). Pavement cafes at the northern end are perfect for people-watching.
On the square's eastern side, farmers would once leave their horses and carts at the Leidsepoort (Leiden Gate) before entering town; it was demolished in 1870. The strip of greenery with large chestnut trees on the other side of the Singelgracht is called Leidsebosje (Leiden Wood).
