-
The mystery of the “missing” bridge 33 in Amsterdam
Title The Haarlemmerweg and the Haarlemmervaart near Sloterdijk seen from the top floor of the Sloterdijkschool (Dorpstraat B71, from 1938 Velserweg 2) Description With Bridge 33 in the foreground. On the left the entrance to the Sloterdijkermeerweg. Why was it removed? The “death” of Bridge 33 occurred during the late 19th and early 20th centuries,…
-
The Bridge That Refused to Be Flattened: Brug 74 and the Circle of Reflection
In a city where most historic bridges were brutally “flattened” (verlaagd) at the turn of the 20th century to make way for trams and automobiles, one small crossing refused to conform. Tucked away in the quiet Kerkstraat, where it spans the peaceful Reguliersgracht, Brug 74 stands as it has for over 240 years, its graceful…
-
Bridge 73 | Amsterdam
Bridge of the Week: Brug 74, the Kerksluis In our series on the Reguliersgracht’s famous seven-bridge alignment, we have so far visited the reconstructed brick arches of Bridges 71, 72, and 73 at the Prinsengracht junction. This week we move to the bridge that, more than any other in the alignment, earns the right to…
-
Bridge 72 | Amsterdam
Bridge of the Week: Brug 72, Prinsengracht over de Reguliersgracht Last week we introduced De Duifbrug, Brug 71, named for the Catholic church of the dove just steps along the Prinsengracht quay. This week we move to its closest companion: Brug 72, the bridge on the southern (even-numbered) side of the Reguliersgracht where it crosses…
-
De Duifbrug – Bridge 71 | Amsterdam
Bridge of the Week: De Duifbrug, Brug 71 Welcome to the first instalment of our “Bridge of the Week” feature. Each week we pick one of Amsterdam’s more than 1,200 numbered bridges, slow down, and ask: who built this, what came before it, and what does it tell us about the city? This week we…
-
7 Best Festive Photo Locations in Amsterdam for December 2025 Holidays
From twinkling lights to charming winter markets, get ready to discover the must-visit spots in Amsterdam for festive photos this December 2025. Introduction Amsterdam’s festive charm is utterly captivating during the holiday season. As winter approaches and the city prepares to transform into a wonderland of dazzling lights, inviting Christmas markets, and often, snow-dusted canals,…
-
Amsterdam Light Festival Edition 14 (2025-2026): Your Guide to Illuminated Magic!
The crisp air of an Amsterdam winter holds a special kind of magic, and for fourteen incredible years, much of that enchantment has stemmed from one spectacular event: the Amsterdam Light Festival. As the days shorten and the city prepares for the festive season, visitors and locals alike eagerly anticipate the return of this renowned…
-
Amsterdam Light Festival 2025: Work in Progress
The Amsterdam Light Festival has consistently brought innovative light art to the city with a new theme for each edition. WORK IN PROGRESS The buzz for Amsterdam Light Festival Edition 14 is building! Behind the scenes, international artists are immersed in bringing their groundbreaking light art concepts to life, meticulously selecting prime spots across Amsterdam’s…
-
Wooden and Metal Drawbridges in Amsterdam
The first bridges in Amsterdam were all made of wood. Amsterdam has a number of drawbridges made of wood. The most famous example of this is the Magere Brug (aka the skinny bridge) over the Amstel. Very close by is a copy of that famous bridge, the the Walter Süskindbrug (237) is a bridge over…
-
Titans of Power: How Three Cities Ruled the World
Magnificent Three: Cities that Shaped History Alright, history buffs and urban explorers, listen up! You’re about to embark on a journey through time, a rollercoaster ride through the very foundations of our modern world. We’re diving deep into the epic, centuries-long saga of how Amsterdam, London, and New York became the global powerhouses they are…
-
Oosterdoksdraaibrug – Bridge 2270
The Oosterdoksdraaibrug: A Tale of Two Swing Bridges Amsterdam’s Oosterdok Island is served by the Oosterdoksdraaibrug, a name that refers to two distinct swing bridges connecting the island’s eastern side to Dijksgracht (officially named in 1957). The First Bridge: From Harbor Master’s to Replacement The original bridge, known as the Havenmeestersbrug (Harbor Master’s Bridge, bridge…
-
Amsterdam Light Festival 2024: A Dazzling Celebration of Art and Light
Explore the Amsterdam Light Festival 2024, where art, light, and creativity come together in spectacular installations across the city. From December through January, the festival transforms Amsterdam into a luminous wonderland with canal-side art displays, illuminated sculptures, and interactive experiences. A must-see winter event in Amsterdam!
-
The Best Festive Photo Locations in Amsterdam 2024: Capture the Magic of the Holidays
Discover the best festive photo locations in Amsterdam for 2024. From enchanting Christmas lights to iconic winter scenes, these holiday hotspots offer plenty of Instagrammable moments for your winter vacation. Perfect for travelers and photography lovers alike, find the most beautiful spots to capture Amsterdam’s holiday spirit.
-
Walenweeshuissluis – Bridge 70 | Amsterdam
The Walenweeshuissluis (Walen Orphanage Lock – Amsterdam bridge 70) is a fixed bridge in Amsterdam Center. Despite the name Sluis here there is a stone bridge. The bridge’s name, Walenweeshuissluis, is derived from the “Weeshuys” (an orphanage) located near the bridge in the 17th century, and Walen refers to the old central district of the city, which had a connection…
-
Brug 69 – Bridge 69 | Amsterdam
The Bridge to the Antique Quarter, Rebuilt in 1951 With Kramer’s Fingerprints on Its Piers Bridge 69 connects the Spiegelgracht with the Nieuwe Spiegelstraat, spanning the Prinsengracht between them. It is unnamed, and it is the gateway to one of the most specialised streets in Amsterdam: the Spiegelkwartier, the city’s antiques and art-dealing quarter, which…