How long does it take to walk the Amstel river bridges?

The walk typically takes between 60 and 90 minutes. This includes time to stop at each bridge for photos and to admire the historic architecture of the H'ART Museum.

Is the Skinny Bridge worth visiting in Amsterdam?

Yes, it is one of the city's most iconic landmarks. The bridge is famous for its traditional wooden drawbridge design and is especially beautiful when lit up at night with over 1,200 lights.

Where is the best place to see the seven bridges in Amsterdam?

The best viewpoint is at the intersection of the Reguliersgracht and the Herengracht. When standing on the bridge at this junction, you can look through the arches of multiple bridges lined up in a row.

Can I do this self-guided walk at night?

Absolutely, and it is highly recommended for night photography. The bridges, especially the Skinny Bridge, are beautifully illuminated after dark, offering a different but equally stunning perspective of the city.

Is this walking route accessible for strollers?

Yes, the route is very accessible. Amsterdam's Canal Belt is mostly flat, and while there are some cobblestones, the sidewalks and bridge paths are manageable for strollers and wheelchairs.

What are the highlights of the Plantage district nearby?

The Plantage district features the Hortus Botanicus and Artis Zoo. This route ends at the botanical garden, which is one of the oldest in the world and offers a lush, green contrast to the city's stone bridges.

Do I need to pay for a guided tour Amsterdam to see these bridges?

No, these bridges are public structures and can be enjoyed for free. A self-guided audio walk allows you to learn the history and find the best photo spots at your own pace without the cost of a group tour.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Amsterdam is a city defined by its relationship with water, and nowhere is this more evident than along the banks of the Amstel River. This neighborhood stroll offers a visual feast for anyone with a camera or an appreciation for historic architecture. As you begin your self-guided adventure, you will encounter a landscape where the Golden Age meets modern Dutch design, creating a series of iconic viewpoints that have inspired artists for centuries. This walking route is specifically curated to highlight the most photogenic structures and vistas in the Canal Belt and the Plantage district. The journey begins at the H'ART Museum, a grand example of Dutch Classicism that sets a regal tone for the walk. From here, the route leads you across some of the city's most famous bridges. You will cross the ornate Blauwbrug, which feels more like a Parisian monument than a Dutch crossing, and the legendary Skinny Bridge, perhaps the most romantic spot in all of Amsterdam. These locations provide the perfect backdrop for photography, especially during the golden hour when the light bounces off the ripples of the Amstel. Beyond the grand river, this walking tour Amsterdam explores the intimate charm of the Reguliersgracht, where the alignment of several stone bridges creates a unique optical illusion of infinite arches. The route concludes near the lush greenery of the Hortus Botanicus, offering a peaceful transition from the stone and water of the canals to the vibrant life of one of the world's oldest botanical gardens. Whether you are a professional photographer or a traveler looking for the perfect shot, this self-guided walk ensures you don't miss the essential sights of the Amstel. By exploring independently, you can wait for the perfect light to hit the brickwork or pause for a coffee at a riverside terrace without following a rigid schedule. This walking route provides a comprehensive look at the engineering and aesthetic beauty that makes Amsterdam a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Highlights

The grand Dutch Classicist facade of the H'ART Museum

Imperial architecture and ornate statues of the Blauwbrug

Panoramic river views from the Stopera and Stadsloket area

The legendary and romantic Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge)

The famous 'Seven Bridges' perspective at Reguliersgracht

Historic greenery at one of the world's oldest botanical gardens

Tour Stops (6)

H'ART Museum (Hermitage Amsterdam)

Start exploring with Zigway at the H'ART Museum, formerly known as the Hermitage Amsterdam. This massive building, known as the Amstelhof, was constructed in 1681 as a home for the elderly and served that purpose for over 300 years. Its Dutch Classicist style is characterized by symmetry and a lack of excessive ornamentation, creating a sense of quiet dignity along the river. As you stand before its long facade, notice how the building seems to stretch endlessly along the Amstel. For photographers, the reflection of this historic brickwork in the river during a calm morning offers a perfect symmetrical composition that captures the essence of 17th-century Amsterdam.

Blauwbrug

The Blauwbrug, or Blue Bridge, is arguably the most decorative bridge in the city. Despite its name, you will notice it is mostly made of grey stone. The name survives from a previous wooden bridge that was painted a bright blue—one of the colors of the Dutch flag. The current design, completed in 1883, was inspired by the bridges over the Seine in Paris, specifically the Pont Alexandre III. Look closely at the pillars to find ornate carvings of ships and the imperial crown of Emperor Maximilian I of Austria. This spot offers a fantastic viewpoint looking down the river toward the Skinny Bridge, making it a favorite for those seeking a grand, European city aesthetic.

Stadsloket Centre

As you move toward the Stadsloket, you are standing at the intersection of history and modern governance. This area is part of the 'Stopera' complex, a portmanteau of Stadhuis (City Hall) and Opera. While the building itself was controversial when built in the 1980s due to its modern design in a historic area, the plaza outside offers some of the widest, most unobstructed views of the Amstel. From this vantage point, you can watch the canal boats navigate the wide bend of the river. It is an excellent place to capture the contrast between the sleek, curved glass of the modern city offices and the traditional gabled houses across the water.

Skinny Bridge (Magere Brug)

No photography walk in Amsterdam is complete without the Magere Brug, or Skinny Bridge. Legend tells of two wealthy sisters who lived on opposite sides of the river and built the bridge to visit each other, though the name likely refers to the original bridge's narrow design. This traditional Dutch wooden drawbridge is a masterpiece of engineering and aesthetics. It is particularly stunning after dark when it is illuminated by over 1,200 tiny light bulbs, reflecting in the dark water of the Amstel. If you are lucky, you might even see the bridge open to let a tall ship pass through—a sight that feels like stepping back into the 18th century.

Reguliersgracht

A short walk from the river brings you to the Reguliersgracht, home to one of the most famous photography spots in the world. If you stand at the intersection with the Herengracht, you can look through the arches of several bridges in a straight line. This 'Seven Bridges' view is a testament to the meticulous planning of Amsterdam's canal belt. The symmetry of the brick arches and the way they frame the water creates a depth of field that is a dream for any photographer. It is a quieter, more intimate scene compared to the wide Amstel, showcasing the domestic charm of the city’s historic residential architecture.

Hortus Botanicus

Conclude your self-guided adventure at the Hortus Botanicus, one of the oldest botanical gardens in existence, founded in 1638. Originally a medicinal herb garden for doctors and pharmacists, it grew into a massive collection as Dutch East India Company ships brought back exotic plants from around the globe. The architecture here is as impressive as the flora; the 19th-century Palm House and the modern three-climate greenhouse offer striking glass-and-steel backdrops for photos. It is a peaceful, green oasis that provides a sharp visual contrast to the brick and stone of the canal district you have just explored.

Frequently Asked Questions

This Amstel bridge route is highly recommended for photographers. It covers iconic landmarks like the Skinny Bridge and the 'Seven Bridges' view, providing diverse visual subjects from grand river vistas to intimate canal scenes.