Beestenmarkt: what you find here
Cafés and restaurants line the square with large terraces, framed by trees and the water beside the bridge. On sunny days it fills up from lunchtime onwards.
From cloth town to today: Beestenmarkt
Cattle were traded here until the nineteenth century, which is where the name comes from. Its shift from livestock market to nightlife square shows how Leiden reuses its old spaces.
Getting to Beestenmarkt: route and tips
Six minutes on foot from Leiden Centraal, which makes it a natural first stop. Bar Lokaal and the other addresses from our terrace top 5 are all within walking distance.
Combine with nearby places
Things to do nearby
Location, opening hours & tickets
Opening hours
Freely accessible, day and night
Terraces generally open daily 10:00–01:00.
Opening hours and prices are indicative — check the official website before your visit, especially around public holidays.
Frequently asked questions
- When is Beestenmarkt accessible?
- Terraces generally open daily 10:00–01:00.
- How do I get to Beestenmarkt?
- Beestenmarkt is a 6-minute walk from Leiden Centraal.