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
- How much is a ticket for Beestenmarkt?
- No fixed admission price is listed for Beestenmarkt; check the official website for current rates.
- Can you buy tickets for Beestenmarkt online?
- Tickets for Beestenmarkt are sold at the desk or via the official website. Our tickets page does offer combination tickets for other Leiden attractions.
- How do I get to Beestenmarkt?
- Beestenmarkt is a 6-minute walk from Leiden Centraal. Arriving by car? Use a city-centre car park and walk the last stretch.
- When is Beestenmarkt least busy?
- Weekday mornings just after opening and the final hour before closing are the quietest times at Beestenmarkt. School holidays, Sundays and public holidays are busiest.