Top 5 bridges to see in Amsterdam

Photo by Cody Hiscox on Unsplash

Top 5 bridges to see in Amsterdam

The city of Amsterdam is one of the most picturesque places in the world. Every aspect of this city is beautiful.  The canals, the tulip fields, historical museums, hipster cafés are just some attractions in Amsterdam.

Today, I will be talking about something else that is stunning about this city, the bridges. There are more than 2000 bridges in the city of Amsterdam alone.

They are not only beautiful and postcard-worthy but add to the aesthetics of the canals.

These bridges have been in use for centuries and most certainly have a tale of their own if only they could tell. Some of the bridges were built as monuments to mark significant historical events of the country. There are also modern bridges that were constructed to provide more crossings to and from either side of the canal.

In no particular order here are the top 5 bridges to see in Amsterdam.

1. Magere Brug- Amsterdam’s skinny bridge

Magerebrug (Skinny bridge) By S Sepp – Wikimedia

The first bridge is the Magere bridge that is also known as a skinny bridge although it is just by name. It is among Amsterdam’s famous bridges and one of the most beautiful in the city. This bridge is mostly used when crossing over to Amstel.

Magere bridge is a type of draw bridge commonly referred to as bascule bridge. It has two extensions that open up and closes to allow ships on the water to pass through similar to Tower Bridge in London.

There are several other bascule bridges in Amsterdam. This bridge has undergone several renovations for more than 3 centuries, one thing that has remained constant is its name.

So how it got named skinny was that before the numerous renovations, the bridge was wooden and very narrow that two pedestrians could not walk side by side. In 1871 a wider bridge was built to cater for the increasing number of pedestrians on the Amstel.

The bridge gets illuminated by beautiful lights at night and is a favourite spot for couples and photographers in the evenings. It is without a doubt that this is the most charming and romantic bridge in the city.

2. Torensluis Brug

A distant photo of Torensluis Bridge By Dietmar Rabich – Wikimedia

Next on the list is Torensluis bridge or Tower bridge. It is the oldest and widest bridge in the city. This bridge got its name from the watchtower that once stood in the middle of the bridge although it is no longer there.

This bridge is popular during the summer when Amsterdamers gather to have a good time enjoying their drinks and the beautiful weather.

The bridge is characterized by arches towering above it to give it maximum support. It is also wider than three regular bridges combined. There are holding cells below the bridge that were used to lock up criminals in the past.

The cells are now open to the public and are used for exhibitions and other fun events. This bridge was built in the 17^th century and with little renovations is still standing sturdy as ever.

Its length and width attracted trades in the past who would sell their wares there. The statue of Multatuli, a Dutch author was erected in the centre of the bridge. There are also two large terraces on the bridge; Villa Zeezicht and Café van Zuylen.

3. Python Bridge

Python Bridge Amsterdam By Alain Rouiller – Wikimedia

One look at this bridge and you will understand why it is called the Python Bridge, although it is formally known as the high bridge (Hoge Brug). It was built in 2001 and was awarded the International Footbridge Award in 2002. It was designed by architect Adriaan Gueuze.

Python Bridge is 93 metres long. It grabs the attention of anyone visiting the city not only because of its bright red colour but also its design. It is also centrally located in the city near major historical monuments.

Python Bridge links Sporenburg and Borneo Island in Eastern Docklands in Amsterdam. There are stairs for pedestrians and ramps for cyclists to push their bikes.

This sturdy bridge attracts not only tourists and locals but also curious architects that marvel at the wonder of the winding bridge.

4. Blauwburg

Blawbrug in Amsterdam By DeeMusil – Wikimedia

The name of this bridge translates to Blue Bridge in English although the colour cannot be traced on the bridge. Blue used to be the common colour on most bridges in the Netherlands in the past, especially on the railings.

The name belonged to a bridge that once stood at that very spot but was demolished in 1883 and the current one was erected. The lamps on the bridge have shades of blue on them.

The unique design of this bridge makes it stand out and that is how it ended on our list.

This bridge connects the opposite sides of the Amstel river. Its design is more French than it is Dutch compared to the rest of the bridges in the city.

The architects of this bridge were inspired by the bridges in Paris and they did not disappoint by delivering one of the most decorated bridges in the city.

The Blue Bridge connects the Rembrandtplein area with the Waterlooplein area and many consider it to be one of the romantic and beautiful bridges in Amsterdam.

5. Nesciobrug

Nesciobrug By Steven Lek – Wikimedia

Nescio Bridge in Amsterdam is an award-winning bike and footbridge. It is the first suspension bridge in the Netherlands that allows only bicycles and pedestrians.

This bridge is 780 metres long, this makes it the longest walking bridge in the Netherlands. This bridge connects Amsterdam-Oost with Ijburg. The bridge was named in honour of Nesico. He was a Dutch author who habitually took long walks along the clay banks of the river.

Nescio Bridge is award-winning cycling and footbridge in the whole of Netherlands. It is one of the longest suspension bridges made of steel and has openings that allow for large ships to cross below.