 | Amsterdam Canals, Bridges and Houseboats Reviews | Tips 1 - 10 of 208 |  |
Everyday Amsterdam's water canals are lively with boats, barges, sailing and rowing boats, motor boats and tour boats.
Not all of them are used for transport, some of them are real house-boats, used both by those who enjoy an original type of accomodation and those who have difficulty in finding an apartment.
There is a limited number of house-boats that are allowed to stay on the canals, so it is not possible for anyone to just anchor and live there. Leave a Comment
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Some local people say that the bridge was named after the Mager Sisters (mager is Dutch for skinny). These two well-to-do sisters lived on opposite sides of the river. They are said to have had the wooden bridge built to make it easier to visit one another.
The real explanation is more down to earth, however. The bridge used to be so narrow that it was hard for two pedestrians to pass one another. When traffic along the Amstel increased, a wider one replaced the narrow bridge in 1871. Since that time, the word skinny no longer really applies.
It is one of the most beautiful bridges of Holland's capital city. Thousands of fairy lights romantically illuminate the Skinny Bridge at night. It is very popular with lovers and photographers. Leave a Comment Directions: Amstel, between Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht
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The bridge is called “Blue Bridge” by the people of Amsterdam most probably after the wooden bridge, which crossed the Amstel River and was painted blue by beginning of 17th century.
The present brick bridge (which replaced the old wooden bridge) was made in preparation for the 1883 World Exhibition in Amsterdam and designed by W.H. Springer and B. de Greef (they were influenced by the Parisian bridge Pont Alexandre III).
Note the splendid pillars which combine brick and sandstone ornaments in the shape of ships’ bows; marble pillars with masks and crowns; sandstone vases, lampposts in the shape of ships’ bows, Ionic capitals. The matching lanterns are decorated with crowns. Leave a Comment Address: WaterloopleinDirections: Near Rembrandtplein and/or Waterlooplein
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With Amsterdam having 165 canals we went to the spot where on a clear day you can see 14 of these.
When standing on this bridge with your back towards Thorbeckplein square you will see 6 arched bridges in a row. On the left hand side across Herengracht another 6. On the right an additional 2. The 15th bridge is the one you're standing on.
At night these are lit up with fairy lights very romantic. Leave a Comment Address: corner of Reguliersgracht & Herengracht
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The Magere brug (skinny bridge) is one of the most famous bridges in Amsterdam. It is a wooden double liftbridge with 9 passages with 20th century origin. The name refers to an older bridge here that was narrow, or skinny. This bridge dated back to 1691. In 1871 this bridge was demolished because it was a ruin. The next bridge was a wooden bridge that hold for 50 years. It was then thought there should be a modern stone bridge here, but government made other decissions. The bridge was rebuilt to look like the old one. Untill 1994 it was manually opened, but legislation made an end to this. The manual labour was too heavy. Leave a Comment Address: Kerkstraat over the river Amstel
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Amsterdam is called Venice of the north because of its many canals. The most beautiful canals are Keizersgracht, Prinsengracht and Herengracht. Along these canals you can find the most beautiful houses once belonging to doctors, lawyers, bankers and shipowners. The canals are lined by many trees, giving it a lovely touch.
Did you know that the names of these canals refer to important political people of that time.
Keizersgracht = German Emperor Maximilian I
Prinsengracht = Prince of Orange
Herengracht = noblemen Leave a Comment
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One of the great walking cities of the world, everywhere you look is a new scene that is just as interesting as the last. The old town section of Amsterdam is quite large and takes a couple of days to just walk and see all of these different scenes. During the week, Amsterdam is a busy city. Everyone walks fast, drives fast, bicycles fast. Everything is purposeful. In the evening, everything slows down (except for the young people). The apartments, homes, and houseboats light up (well, that too), the restaurants and pubs fill with tourists and locals. The city relaxes. The beauty of dusk with both daylight and artificial light brings about scenes of tranquility everywhere. Windows are open wide, with people sharing glasses of wine and beer. Couples and small groups gather on the rooftop gardens of the houseboats along the canals. Parks fill with walkers, joggers, bikers, senior couples, young lovers. Sidewalk cafes and pubs ring with shared laughter and there is a peace that settles in before bed and the next days return to work. Unlike many cities, one does not have to look far serenity in this marvelous city.
Photo 1 One of the countless small parks located all over the city.
Photo 2 Oude Kerk (Old Church). Notice the hook at the top of the building opposite.
Photo 3 Moving day. The hook is used to get the furniture in/out of the apartment.
Photo 4. Traffic Jam on the canals. Sometimes these are funny. Not usually though.
Photo 5 Low bridge. One of the best parts of the boat trip is the skill of the driver. Address: AmsterdamDirections: The old city of AmsterdamWebsite: www.amsterdam.nl
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Part of what makes Amsterdam such a charming city are the many canals. While touring the city you will come across at least 4 or 5 of them.
Along these canals you will find some of the most beautiful homes lined with trees making it very picturesque. Leave a Comment
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As part of the canal tour, you will pass by this area where you could get a glimpse of several bridges in succession.
You won't miss this as the boat driver will announce it and the boat will slow down. However, you have to be quick with your camera as it is quite difficult to get the right angle. I was fortunate to be seated at the left side of the boat.
Even after 2 canal rides, I never get tired of waiting for the tour to pass by this part. It felt like looking at an infinite tunnel that gets narrower the farther it is from you. Leave a Comment Address: Amsterdam canals
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A friend of mine just recently was asking for help to go visit the sights of Amsterdam - had been living in London for a number of years and not been to Amsterdam and mentioned that she wanted to walk around and see the canals - and in the end she didnt! She said her family had said they were too tired to walk!
and what a shame to miss how beautiful the sights are - at various times of the day and night!
Ive been up early to head to the Aalsmeer flower auctions and thats a beautiful time to see the canals before the glare of the sun - when i walked from where i stayed in a hostel in the Red light district and walked up to catch a bus from Leidesplein, but it is beautiful at any time of the day - even if its raining!
So heres some pics for encouragement?! Leave a Comment
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