Leidsekade, Amsterdam – © Anton Hein
I like this spot, the Leidsekade. It’s an oasis of rest just a block away from ultra-busy Leidseplein (Leiden square) and Leidsebosje.
In the 17th century, the square was just inside the Leidespoort (Leiden gate), which marked the end of the highway between Leiden and Amsterdam.
Farmers, businessmen and gentry traveled between the two cities, arriving or departing from Leidseplein, which at the time was kind of a parking spot for carts and horses.