You may have heard about this famous section of Amsterdam, and quite likely everything you've heard is true! Amsterdam's famous Red Light District covers a large area in the oldest part of the city. It has been servicing the personal needs and desires of locals and visitors for five centuries.

There is a certain charm to the area thanks to the old buildings leaning at odd angles overlooking tree-enshrouded canals, while inviting pubs, cafes and coffee shops tempt you to linger longer. Music of every genre can be heard along the streets from a dozen or more venues late at night. Recently redone streets, revamped façades, new, classier restaurants are now transforming what was once dark and dingy into one of the most attractive parts of town!

The square was developed in the 17-th century as a wagon park for farmers and peasants. to It is named after Leidsepoort, which once marked the end of the main road from Amsterdam to Leiden . Nowadays, Leidseplein is a busy tram intersection and centre of night-time transport.

Leidseplein is one of Amsterdam 's popular centers for nightlife, with theatres, lots of cafes, restaurants, cinemas, the casino, the Lido theatre with live entertainment and music centres Paradiso and Melkweg. Street musicians, jugglers, fire-eaters and other performers make the square a lively place until the early hours.