Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Blauwbrug
Cross the river via the 1884
Blauwbrug
(Blue Bridge). Inspired by Paris' Alexander III
bridge, it features tall, ornate street lamps topped by the imperial crown of Amsterdam,
fish sculptures, and foundations shaped like the prow of a medieval ship.
Reguliersgracht
Walk along the Herengracht to
Reguliersgracht
(
Click here
)
, the 'seven bridges' canal.
Stand with your back to the Thorbeckeplein and the Herengracht flowing directly in front
of you. Lean over the bridge and sigh at the seven humpbacked arches leading down the
canal straight ahead.
Magere Brug
Walk along the Keizergracht and turn right toward the wedding-photo-favourite
Magere
Brug
(Skinny Bridge). According to legend, two sisters built it. They lived on opposite
sides of the river and wanted an easy way to visit each other. Alas, they only had enough
money to construct a narrow bridge.
Amstelsluizen
Continue south to the
Amstelsluizen
. These impressive locks, dating from 1674, allow
the canals to be flushed with fresh water. The sluices on the city's west side are left open
as the stagnant water is pumped out to sea.
De Ysbreeker
Cross the river once more; take Prof Tulpplein past the InterContinental hotel to
De Ys-
breeker
(
Click here
). The building used to be an inn for the tough guys who broke ice on
the Amstel so boats could pass. Take a seat on the enormous waterfront terrace to see
what's gliding by these days.
