Magere Brug Amsterdam
Amsterdam's iconic 'Skinny Bridge,' famous for its romantic nighttime illumination and picturesque canal setting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Magical light display
Magere Brug Amsterdam
Best Time
Magical light display
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Amsterdam's iconic 'Skinny Bridge,' famous for its romantic nighttime illumination and picturesque canal setting.
"The Magere Brug truly shines at night, offering a magical and romantic experience over the Amstel River."
✨ Romantic Evening Views
Visit at night to see the bridge beautifully illuminated. Perfect for romantic strolls and photos.
🚫 Skip the Love Locks
Unlike other bridges, Magere Brug isn't known for love locks. Focus on the romantic atmosphere instead.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Illuminated Nighttime Spectacle
Amstel River
Witness the bridge come alive with hundreds of lights, creating a magical and romantic atmosphere over the Amstel River.
Romantic Stroll & Proposal Spot
Connects Kerkstraat and Reguliersgracht
Experience the charm of this iconic pedestrian bridge, a favored location for couples and romantic moments.
Architectural Elegance
Amstel River
Admire the classic Dutch drawbridge design, a picturesque landmark connecting the city's historic canal districts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Romantic Evenings & Nighttime Views
Bridge Legends & Local Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
✨ Romantic Evening Views
Visit at night to see the bridge beautifully illuminated. Perfect for romantic strolls and photos.
🚫 Skip the Love Locks
Unlike other bridges, Magere Brug isn't known for love locks. Focus on the romantic atmosphere instead.
📸 Capture the Magic
The bridge is a popular spot for proposals and romantic moments, great for photography.
🚢 Canal Cruise Underneath
Consider a canal tour that passes under the bridge for a unique perspective.
Tips
from all over the internet
✨ Romantic Evening Views
Visit at night to see the bridge beautifully illuminated. Perfect for romantic strolls and photos.
🚫 Skip the Love Locks
Unlike other bridges, Magere Brug isn't known for love locks. Focus on the romantic atmosphere instead.
📸 Capture the Magic
The bridge is a popular spot for proposals and romantic moments, great for photography.
🚢 Canal Cruise Underneath
Consider a canal tour that passes under the bridge for a unique perspective.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Magere Brug for its stunning beauty, especially when illuminated at night, calling it a truly romantic spot. While some note it's not the place for love locks, the magical ambiance and picturesque canal views make it a highly recommended landmark for couples and photographers alike.
"It's a picturesque bridge that will get you across a wide canal, and it sometimes opens up. People love to watch the action and take a lot of photos and movies. Couples
Of the many bridges that cross the canals in Amsterdam, the Magere Brug is probably its most famous, even featuring in the 1971 James Bond film, Diamonds Are Forever. Literally translated as "Skinny Bridge", this wooden drawbridge was once so narrow that it was challenging for 2 pedestrians coming from opposite directions to pass each other (which probably explains its name), but it was replaced by a wider bridge in 1871 to cope with the increasing traffic across the River Amstel. Though claimed by some as the most beautiful bridge in Amsterdam, I frankly do not find much attractiveness nor elegance in this pedestrian-and-cyclist-only bridge, notwithstanding that the locals regard it as the most romantic bridge in Amsterdam, where a kiss while on the bridge (or underneath the bridge on a boat) will seal their love forever. If it's not for the hype over this bridge, visitors like me would probably not accord a second glance on this bridge, especially in a city where the sight of bridges are fairly common. So, have a quick photo taken on the bridge while kissing your partner to cement your love, then move on to the next attraction."
M/s Super Hardware
"The Magere Brug, or “Skinny Bridge,” is one of those landmarks that completely lives up to the charm of its name. With its white wooden arms gracefully stretched across the Amstel, felt like slipping into an old Dutch painting. The original version from the 17th century was so narrow that two people couldn’t pass at once, hence the nickname, and today’s wider 1934 replacement still keeps that slender spirit alive. It’s an elegant piece of infrastructure with a cinematic past too, featured in the James Bond film Diamonds Are Forever. Quietly iconic."
E Scott Parks
"We stopped on this bridge as part of a bike tour. Cute bridge, and definitely had some good views (including a windmill!) We even got lucky enough to see it open for a boat while we were there."
Barbara Hinderer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Magere Brug is easily accessible by foot from the city center. You can also take trams 4, 14, or 24 to the 'Rembrandtsplein' stop, which is a short walk away. Many canal cruises also pass directly under the bridge, offering a scenic arrival.
Yes, several tram lines stop near Magere Brug, including trams 4, 14, and 24 at the Rembrandtsplein stop. It's also a pleasant walk from many central Amsterdam locations.
Yes, Magere Brug is a pedestrian and cyclist bridge. You can cycle across it as part of exploring Amsterdam's extensive bike paths.
Parking directly at Magere Brug is not recommended due to its central canal location. It's best to use public transport or walk. If driving, consider parking garages like 'Q-Park Byzantium' or 'Stadshart' and walking or taking public transport from there.
For a truly magical experience, visit at night when the bridge is illuminated. A romantic canal cruise passing under it is also highly recommended. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Magere Brug is a public bridge and is free to access at any time. You can walk or cycle across it without any charge.
Magere Brug is always open as it's a public bridge. However, the most enchanting time to visit is in the evening when it's beautifully lit up.
There is no entrance fee for Magere Brug. It's a free public landmark for everyone to enjoy.
Yes, the bridge is accessible 24/7. For the best views and atmosphere, visiting during the evening or night is highly recommended due to its illumination.
As a public bridge, there are no specific restrictions for general visitors. However, it's a popular spot, so be mindful of other visitors, especially during peak times.
📸 📸 Photography
The most stunning photos are taken at night when the bridge is illuminated with hundreds of lights. Golden hour just before sunset can also offer beautiful light.
Try capturing the bridge from the canal banks, especially from the sides. A canal cruise offers a unique perspective looking up at the bridge.
Drone usage in central Amsterdam is highly restricted and often prohibited due to privacy and safety regulations. It's best to avoid using drones in this area.
For night shots, use a tripod to keep your camera steady, a longer exposure time, and a lower ISO to minimize noise. Experiment with aperture for depth of field.
The bridge is a popular spot for romantic photos and even proposals. Capturing couples or the illuminated bridge at night are classic shots.
🎫 ❤️ Romance & Legends
Absolutely! Magere Brug is widely considered one of Amsterdam's most romantic spots, especially when lit up at night. It's a popular place for couples and even proposals. +1
The legend says two sisters lived on opposite sides of the Amstel River and built the bridge so they could visit each other more easily.
Yes, it's often referred to as the 'kissing bridge.' The tradition suggests that couples should kiss while sailing underneath it for their love to last forever.
While it's called the 'kissing bridge,' Magere Brug doesn't typically have many love locks. Other bridges in Amsterdam are more known for this tradition.
Many couples choose Magere Brug for proposals due to its romantic ambiance, especially at night. The picturesque setting makes it a memorable spot. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Walking across the bridge is easy and safe, and it connects to interesting parts of the city. It's a good spot to point out the unique architecture and talk about the legends. Just be mindful that it can get crowded, so keeping a close eye on little ones is important, especially during peak hours.
💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Take a leisurely stroll across the bridge, hand-in-hand, and soak in the picturesque canal views. While it's not a place for love locks, the shared experience of its beauty and the romantic legends associated with it are more than enough to create lasting memories.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Experiment with long exposures to capture the light trails of boats on the canal and the reflections on the water. The bridge's elegant architecture also makes for beautiful shots during the day, though the nighttime illumination is its most celebrated feature. Consider shooting from the canal banks for classic perspectives or book a spot on a canal cruise for unique angles looking up at the bridge. Be prepared for crowds, as it's a popular spot, especially in the evenings. Early mornings or late nights might offer a more serene shooting experience, but the magic of the illuminated bridge is hard to beat.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enchantment of Magere Brug at Night
This nightly display has cemented its reputation as one of Amsterdam's most romantic landmarks. It’s a place where couples often pause, soak in the atmosphere, and create lasting memories. The gentle lapping of the water against the boat and the soft glow of the lights create an intimate setting, even amidst the city's buzz.
While the bridge itself is a beautiful structure, its true magic unfolds when darkness falls. The contrast between the dark water and the bright lights is striking, making it a must-see for anyone seeking a touch of romance in Amsterdam. Don't miss the chance to witness this enchanting transformation.
Legends and Local Lore of the Skinny Bridge
Another popular anecdote associated with the bridge is its nickname, the 'kissing bridge.' The tradition suggests that couples should share a kiss while sailing beneath its arches, symbolizing a love that will endure forever. While this romantic notion is widely shared, it's worth noting that the bridge itself doesn't typically accumulate many love locks, unlike some other famous bridges in European cities.
Despite the lack of locks, the romantic spirit of the Magere Brug is undeniable. Its elegant design and picturesque setting continue to draw couples seeking a special moment. Whether you believe the legends or simply appreciate its beauty, the bridge offers a glimpse into Amsterdam's rich history and romantic folklore.
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