Amsterdam without its bridges would be like Paris without its cafés: unthinkable. The city has over 1,500 of them, but only a handful truly capture both the history and the heart of the city. On this walk, you’ll meet four of the most iconic bridges: from hidden prison cells to cinematic love stories. Lace up your walking shoes (heels and cobblestones don’t mix) and let’s cross some history.

Torensluis – From Prison Cells to Poetry Readings

Built in 1648, Torensluis is the widest and one of the oldest bridges in Amsterdam. Its name comes from the Jan Roodenpoortstoren, a medieval defense tower that once stood here until it was demolished in the 19th century. But the real secret lies under the bridge: hidden prison cells that once held debtors and petty criminals. During Open Monumentendag, you can actually descend into the damp vaults and imagine what life must have been like for those unlucky Amsterdammers.

Today, the bridge is a hub of daily life: lined with terraces, book stalls, and the occasional street musician. On the north side you’ll even find a statue of Dutch poet Multatuli, casting his gaze over the Amstel. And just around the corner is one of our favorite haunts, Café Heemelrijck, where locals sip genever the way their grandparents did. From punishment to poetry to pilsners — Torensluis has seen it all.

Blauwbrug – Too Grand for the Neighbors

If Torensluis is understated, Blauwbrug is anything but. This ornate bridge across the Amstel, built in 1883, was inspired by the Parisian Pont Alexandre III — all decorative lanterns, sculpted masks, and maritime symbols. It replaced an earlier wooden “blue bridge,” named after the color of its paint.

But here’s the twist: many Amsterdammers thought it was way too pompous. In a city built on Calvinist modesty, the Blauwbrug looked like it belonged on the Champs-Élysées, not on a working river. Locals grumbled, tourists adored it, and the city shrugged: “Laat maar, it’s pretty.” Over the years, Blauwbrug became the backdrop for parades, protests, and countless wedding photos. Standing here, you’ll feel the pulse of Amsterdam — theater-goers spilling out of Carré, trams rattling across, and canal boats sliding underneath.

Magere Brug – Skinny, Shiny, and Straight Out of Bond

The Magere Brug, or “Skinny Bridge,” is hands-down the most romantic bridge in Amsterdam. The legend goes that two wealthy sisters living on opposite sides of the Amstel built it so they could visit each other more easily. The design was so narrow that two pedestrians could barely pass — hence the nickname.

In reality, the bridge dates back to 1691 and is one of the oldest still standing in the city. Over the centuries it’s been rebuilt and widened, but the name stuck. At night, the Magere Brug glows with over a thousand fairy-like lights, making it a favorite spot for lovers and photographers alike. And yes, you’ve seen it on screen: James Bond cycled past in Diamonds Are Forever. If 007 approves, so do we.

Brug 222 – Seven Bridges in a Row

Tucked away in the quieter Reguliersgracht, Brug 222 may not have a poetic name, but it has one of the city’s most magical views. Stand on this spot and you’ll see seven bridges lined up perfectly, each arch reflected in the water like a string of pearls. By day it’s charming, but by night — with the arches illuminated — it becomes one of Amsterdam’s most breathtaking sights.

Photographers adore it (tip: sunset or just after dark is the golden moment), but locals also know it as a secret romantic spot. In Amsterdam folklore, the number seven often symbolizes luck and eternity. So, if you’re walking here with someone special, don’t be surprised if sparks fly.

Why These Bridges Matter

Together, these four bridges aren’t just crossing points — they’re storylines. From Torensluis’ dark dungeons to the sparkling lights of the Magere Brug, they show Amsterdam’s ability to be pragmatic, playful, and endlessly romantic all at once. A canal walk across them is more than sightseeing: it’s stepping into centuries of history, layered with local quirks and global fame.

So next time you’re wandering the city, pause on a bridge. Look around. Chances are, you’ll be standing not just on stone, but on a piece of Amsterdam’s soul.