Last Updated on July 23, 2023

Amsterdam, the vibrant capital of the Netherlands, is often referred to as the “Venice of the North” due to its extensive network of canals and famous bridges. With over 1,500 bridges throughout the city, these structures not only provide essential connections but also enhance the charm and character of Amsterdam’s urban landscape.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at five of the most famous and beautiful bridges in Amsterdam, each with its unique history and architectural design.

Famous Bridges in Amsterdam

In Amsterdam, the Bridges have numbers!

Many people dont know about this, but every bridge in Amsterdam has its own number, with each one carrying a unique identifier that reflects its position within the city’s intricate canal system. The 1500 bridges in Amsterdam vary in design, materials, and history.

These numbered bridges not only provide an efficient system for navigation and maintenance purposes, but they also embody the city’s rich cultural heritage and architectural charm. The combination of stone, brick, and steel bridges adorned with intricate designs and sculptures make them a must-see attraction for visitors and locals alike.

The Famous Bridges in Amsterdam

1. De Magere Brug (The Skinny Bridge & The Lover’s Bridge) (bridge # 242)

One of Amsterdam’s most iconic bridges, De Magere Brug, or The Skinny Bridge, is a beautiful wooden drawbridge that spans the Amstel River. Originally built in 1670, the bridge has undergone several reconstructions, with the most recent version dating back to 1969.

According to a local legend, the bridge was named after the wealthy sisters who lived on opposite sides of the river and wanted a private connection. The Magere Brug is illuminated at night, creating a romantic and enchanting atmosphere that has made it a favorite spot for couples and photographers.

They say if you kiss your lover under the Skinny Bridge, you and your lover will be together forever. So when you are travelling to Amsterdam with your lover, make sure you kiss each other when standing on the brigde or under when you take a boat trip!

Location: Amstel River, between Kerkstraat and Nieuwe Kerkstraat

2. The Seven Bridges of Amsterdam

The Seven Bridges of Amsterdam (in Dutch: “de 7 bruggen”) can be viewed from the intersection of Reguliersgracht and Herengracht canals. This romantic location allows visitors to see a stunning perspective of seven consecutive bridges in a straight line, each with its distinct design. And this is one of the highlights of many canal cruises in Amsterdam!

The oldest of these bridges, dating back to the 17th century, boasts an ornate balustrade with intricate carvings. This enchanting view is particularly mesmerizing during the evening, when the bridges are illuminated, reflecting on the tranquil waters of the canals.

If you take an evening canal cruise in Amsterdam, you may see this, as many canal cruise operators go through this canal in Amsterdam. Especially the companies that operate on smaller & cozy canal cruise boats such as Amsterdam Boat trips.

Good to know: The 7 bridges can only be seen from water level, so only when you take a canal boat you can see this.

Location: Reguliersgracht and Herengracht canals

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3. Staalmeestersbrug (Bridge #227)

The Staalmeestersbrug, also known as Bridge 227, is a classic drawbridge located in the heart of Amsterdam. Connecting the eastern bank of the Groenburgwal canal to the Staalstraat, this charming bridge offers an exceptional view of the Zuiderkerk, a 17th-century church. The Staalmeestersbrug, with its black lanterns next to the bridge creates an idyllic setting for photographers and artists looking to capture the essence of Amsterdam’s historic ambiance.

Staalmeestersbrug Portrayed by Claude Monet

The Staalmeestersbrug holds a special place in the city’s rich artistic history. Claude Monet, the renowned French Impressionist painter, captured the beauty of this white bridge in his work “The Zuiderkerk, Amsterdam”.

Painted in 1874 during Monet’s brief stay in the city, the masterpiece vividly portrays the bridge’s intricate details and reflects the vibrant atmosphere of Amsterdam’s bustling canals. If you want to see this painting by yourself, it is housed in the Philadelphia Museum of Art where art enthusiasts from around the world come to admire Monet’s interpretation of the Staalmeesterbrug.

Location: Groenburgwal canal, near Staalstraat

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4. De BlauwBrug (The Blue Bridge) (Bridge #236)

The Blauwbrug, or Blue Bridge in English, is another captivating structure that graces the intricate canal system of Amsterdam. Situated over the Amstel River, the bridge connects the Rembrandtplein area to the Waterlooplein. Its name stems from a wooden blue-painted predecessor that once stood in the same location.

The current Blauwbrug, constructed in 1884, is an architectural marvel inspired by the design of the famous Pont Alexandre III in Paris. The bridge showcases elegantly adorned balustrades, ornate lampposts, and exquisite sculptures, making it a prime example of the neo-Renaissance architectural style.

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The Blauwbrug holds historical significance as it was the site of the 1980 Amsterdam Coronation Riots. These riots erupted during the coronation of Queen Beatrix, as protestors demonstrated against the housing shortage.

Location: Amstel River, between Rembrandtplein and Waterlooplein

5. Torensluis Bridge (Bridge 9)

The Torensluis Bridge, also known as Bridge 9, is the widest bridge in Amsterdam and one of the oldest, dating back to 1648. Located over the Singel canal, this historic monument features a unique design that incorporates the remains of the Jan Roodenpoortstoren, a medieval city gate.

The distinctive tower and arched gateways create an atmospheric setting that transports visitors back in time. Today, the brown cafe next to the Torensluis Bridge (called: “Café van Zuylen”) offers a popular gathering space for locals and tourists alike.

Location: Singel

Amsterdam Travel Guide: Best money saving & travel tips for Amsterdam

Every year, Amsterdam is visited by millions and millions of visitors around the world. Without booking your trip in advance, it will be very hard to find the best place to stay in Amsterdam or do the things you want to do.
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Find your Flight
Since airfare costs will be a significant part of your trip expenses, we recommend you to use Skyscanner as it gives you a list with the cheapest flights. You may also want to check out the website of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. KLM is the main airline of the Netherlands and has besides convenient connections (Amsterdam Schiphol Airport), also competitive prizing and good In-flight experience (e.g. extra legroom; we Dutch are tall, that’s why).
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Find your Train Ticket
Amsterdam is well-connected with other European cities. Use NS International to purchase your train ticket to the Netherlands. NS is the main train operator in the Netherlands. Planning to see more than Amsterdam during your stay in Europe? You may want to consider buying an Eurail Interrail Pass which gives you unlimited train travel across Europe for a specific period.
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Book your Accommodation
The best platform to book a hotel room in Amsterdam is Booking.com as nearly every big and small hotel are listed on this platform, making it very easy to find your preferred hotel. All the costs are listed on the site so you won’t need to pay any unexpected costs such as tourist taxes at arrival.

Booking.com’s Genius loyalty program offers attractive discounts, meaning that you will pay less for your accommodation.

HostelWorld is your to-go platform to book a bed in a hostel. Every hostel in Amsterdam can be found on HostelWorld, making it easy to compare prices and availability.
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Buy your museum and attractions tickets in advance!
Amsterdam is a very very popular tourist attractions and if you want to visit certain attraction it is nearly a MUST to reserve and purchase your tickets online. Otherwise you won’t be able to get in. Especially if you want to visit the Anne Frank House, in high seasons the tickets are already sold out 1.5 months in advance (not a joke).

GetyourGuide is the best platform to buy your tickets online, as they offer free cancellation with full refund. Purchase your tickets first is the smartest thing what you can do before coming to Amsterdam.
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