Amsterdam is a city literally built on water, and every step you take—from one charming canal to the next—feels like reading a chapter in the city’s endlessly fascinating story. From the very first bridge Amsterdam ever built (way back in its early days) to the jaw-dropping modern masterpieces you see today, each bridge has its own special reason people feel inspired by its engineering and the legends behind it. Now, let us guide you through the most famous bridges of Amsterdam.
Explore Popular Amsterdam Bridges and Canals on a Boat Tour
A well-guided boat tour allows you to discover Amsterdam’s popular bridges and canals. Boat Boys is a private boat tour operator, offering the chance to explore iconic spots such as the Magere Brug, known for its romantic padlocks. You can enjoy the boat ride with food and drinks, including high tea, breakfast tours, brunch tours, and dinner tours, all while appreciating the canals and famous bridges of Amsterdam. Choose your favorite type of boat.
How many bridges in Amsterdam?
There are nearly 1,900 bridges spanning Amsterdam’s canals, 20 of which are popular and feature tourist attractions.
Magere Brug (The Skinny Bridge)
The Magere Brug, which spans the Amstel River, is one of the most famous bridges in Amsterdam. It is also known as the “Skinny Bridge.” This small bridge has become a sign of the city, located at the intersection where Kerkstraat and Rembrandtplein meet. The Skinny Bridge, built in the mid-17th century, offers beautiful views of the Amstel. History tells us that two sisters who lived on opposite sides of the river built the bridge so they could cross to visit each other. The bridge’s history is deeply tied to this charming story, and it is beautifully illuminated at night.
- See Details about the Skinny Bridge
Bridge of 15 Bridges
With its location near the Hermitage Museum, the Bridge of 15 Bridges offers a stunning view of numerous bridges spanning the city’s rivers. It is one of the most beautiful places in Amsterdam, offering a unique view of six bridges at once. From this spot, you can see the beginning of a long line of bridges stretching into the north. These canals are part of Amsterdam’s historic waterway system, which was superbly engineered to allow boats to travel through it, earning the city the nickname “Venice of the North.”
- See Details about the Bridge of 15 Bridges
Seven Bridges Amsterdam
The most famous “Seven Bridges” view in Amsterdam can be found on the Reguliersgracht canal. This little gem offers up one of the city’s most recognizable photo ops: standing at the corner of Reguliersgracht and Herengracht, you get a wonderful view of seven bridges lined up in a row that’s almost too surreal for words.
It’s a particularly magical sight at night when the bridges are all lit up—their reflections on the water creating perfect little circles of light. The spot has become one of the photo shoot locations, attracting tourists & photographers all year round.
- See Details about the Seven Bridges Amsterdam
Python Bridge/ High Bridge (Pythonbrug)
The Python Bridge is a modern engineering marvel located near Borneo Island. Its curving style, reminiscent of a python, has earned it an international footbridge award. This extraordinary bridge is designed for pedestrians and cyclists, allowing for a more leisurely bike ride or foot walk while taking in views of the nearby canals. The Python Bridge is part of a larger effort to modernize Amsterdam’s bridges, offering a narrow yet distinctive contrast to the more traditional bridges in the city.
Blauwbrug (Blue Bridge)
Located over the Amstel River, Blauwbrug is another one of the bridges in Amsterdam with blue coloring that stands out against the city’s historic architecture. This bridge has a beautiful view of the surrounding canals and is an integral part of the city’s infrastructure. Initially built in the 19th century and later rebuilt, the blue bridge adds to the city’s charm, reminiscent of the bridges in Paris. Visitors can walk across or take in the sights nearby, making it a perfect spot to enjoy the city’s scenic vistas.
Torensluis
Torensluis, located near the Keizersgracht, spans one of the quieter canals in Amsterdam. This bridge allows boats to pass through, and its historical significance ties back to its original purpose as a lock. The bridge is named after the nearby tower, which was torn down long ago. As visitors cross the bridge, they can appreciate the picturesque landscape surrounding it, blending the city’s modern elements with its historic charm.
Berlagebrug
The Berlagebrug, named after the influential architect Hendrik Berlage, spans one of the many bridges crossing Amsterdam’s canals. Located near the eastern part of the city, this bridge is part of a larger network of canals. The engineering of this bridge reflects Amsterdam’s style of blending modernity with traditional canal-side views. Both form and function inspired the men who designed it.
P.L. Kramerbrug
Located in the Jordaan district, the P.L. Kramerbrug spans one of the smaller canals in Amsterdam. Boats can pass underneath, making it an integral part of the city’s canal system. Named after P.L. Kramer, a local figure, this bridge has a history that reflects the charm of the Jordaan. The narrow bridge offers a quiet escape from the busier parts of the city.
Nescio Bridge (Nesciobrug)
The Nescio Bridge, located near the Amsterdam Science Park, spans the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal. This modern bridge is part of Amsterdam’s efforts to blend cutting-edge engineering with its historic canal network. Named after the Dutch writer Nescio, the bridge offers an impressive view of the surrounding landscape. It can be found near the city’s eastern districts.
Vier Heemskinderenbrug
The Vier Heemskinderenbrug is located near Vondelpark, crossing a picturesque canal. The bridge provides beautiful views of the surrounding historic buildings. The bridge is named after the Heemskinderen family, known for their prominence in Amsterdam’s history. It was found that the family had lived in this area for generations.
Haarlemmersluis
Haarlemmersluis is a key canal lock near Haarlemmerstraat. This historic bridge allows boats to pass through and has long been an essential part of Amsterdam’s canal system. As one of the older bridges in Amsterdam, Haarlemmersluis is a place to appreciate the history of the city’s extensive network of canals, which has lived on for centuries.
Oude Kinkerbrug
Oude Kinkerbrug spans one of the smaller canals in Amsterdam. This bridge, located near Kinkerstraat, offers a quieter experience. It is a great spot to appreciate the city’s landscape and architecture, offering a more relaxed experience of Amsterdam’s historic canals, especially in the middle of the day.
Enneüs Heerma Bridge
Spanning the IJ River, the Enneüs Heerma Bridge is an essential connection between Amsterdam’s central station and the northern districts. Named after the Dutch politician Enneüs Heerma, this bridge is a modern addition to the city’s infrastructure. The design of the bridge is an excellent example of modern engineering, and it offers outstanding views.
Jan Wils Bridge (Jan Wilsbrug)
Jan Wils Bridge, located near Amsterdam’s city center, is named after the architect Jan Wils. The bridge spans one of the many canals in the city and offers an excellent place for visitors to take in views of the city’s architecture. The design reflects Amsterdam’s rich history of combining modern functionality with aesthetic appeal.
Staalmeestersbrug
Located near Staalmeestersplein, Staalmeestersbrug is an integral part of Amsterdam’s canal system, providing boat access. The quiet and picturesque area around the bridge offers a relaxing experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of the city, which has lived in the hearts of many.
Aluminiumbrug
The Aluminiumbrug is a modern pedestrian bridge located in southern Amsterdam. Known for its aluminum structure, this bridge offers a sleek, contemporary contrast to the historic architecture that surrounds it.
Melkmeisjesbrug
Melkmeisjesbrug is located in Amsterdam’s western district and is named after the milkmaids who once used it to cross the canal. The bridge offers views of the city’s waterways and is part of the charm that makes Amsterdam’s canals so famous.
Walter Süskind Bridge
Named after Walter Süskind, a Dutch Holocaust hero, the Walter Süskind Bridge spans one of Amsterdam’s quieter canals. This bridge allows boats to pass through, providing a peaceful and scenic view of the surrounding areas. Süskind lived a life of courage, helping many people during a dark time in history.
Rachel Ruyschbrug
Rachel Ruyschbrug crosses a canal in the heart of Amsterdam, providing beautiful views of the surrounding areas. The bridge is named after the renowned Dutch painter Rachel Ruysch. Her work can be found in museums around the world, but her legacy is honored here in Amsterdam.
Anton Jolingbrug
Located in the southeastern part of the city, Anton Jolingbrug crosses a local canal and allows boats to pass beneath it. The bridge is named after Anton Joling, a local figure in Amsterdam’s history. The bridge provides a scenic view of the city’s northern districts and is a quiet spot to enjoy the peaceful surroundings, especially at the beginning of a new day.
