Magere Brug in Amsterdam: 5 Things to Do at the Skinny Bridge
The Magere Brug, also known as the “Skinny Bridge,” is a beautiful piece of history on the Amstel River in Amsterdam. This iconic bridge has been a symbol of the town for ages, both as a practical connection and a pretty spot for visitors. Whether you’re a resident or a tourist, there’s no shortage of things to do around this lovely pedestrian and cyclist bridge. In this article, we’ll explore five things to do at the Magere Brug.
The Magere Brug is one of the most beautiful bridges in Amsterdam, and the best way to admire its beauty is from the water. Our canal cruise along the Amstel River gives you a great view of the original bridge and the surroundings. We offer romantic boat tours to make your day memorable.
We can set a customized tour for you if you plan a wedding proposal tour. You will pass underneath the beautiful bridges while enjoying the popular spots and love bridges. You can check out our specialized tour with food and drinks to make your moments memorable.
Sunset or evening canal cruise
Each of our tour times starts from 1 hour; you explore the Skinny Bridge and other bridges in Amsterdam, museums, and historical sites. Choose a suitable boat to begin your Amsterdam Magere Brug journey.
TZAR
- Perfect for an open boat tour
- Capacity: Maximum 12 persons
- Food cruises: Up to 6 persons
- Onboard minibar
- Sundeck and cabin
uNDINE
- Perfect for an open boat tour
- Capacity: Maximum 8 persons
- Food cruises: Up to 5 persons
- Onboard minibar
- Sundeck and cabin
RITZ
Privacy First: Ideal choice for couples or groups seeking a private experience
Capacity: Up to 12 persons – perfect for small groups or private tours
Luxury Design: Elegant mahogany wood interior for a classic feel
Convenience: On-board restroom for comfort during longer cruises
Relaxation Space: Open rear area with scenic canal views
Premium Touch: Marble stone countertop minibar for drinks & refreshments
Why Couples Love the Magere Brug in Amsterdam
The Magere Brug is often seen as a romantic hotspot, and couples can’t get enough of it. Originally a narrow bridge, the bridge has evolved over time into a wider one that connects pedestrians and cyclists to opposite sides of the River Amstel. Despite the changes, the charm of the bridge hasn’t faded.
Visitors worldwide come to the Magere Brug to take pictures or to soak up the romantic atmosphere. The fact that the bridge has been in several films adds to its appeal, making it a must-see for anyone visiting the Netherlands. Residents of Amsterdam know the bridge as a Romantic place where love forever blooms, and many couples visit to celebrate their love.
Houseboat Museum in Amsterdam—Top Nearby Place of Skinny Bridge
The Houseboat Museum Amsterdam is near the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum. This historical cruise is in the central location of Prinsengracht, in the famous Jordaan district of Amsterdam. You will explore how people used to live in the houseboat in the golden age. It is a former cargo ship, and it was built in 1914. You can buy maritime gifts from the souvenir shop, and to make your tour easy, there is a multilingual self-guided audio tour and interactive video walls.
5 Reasons Why the Magere Brug is the Most Romantic Bridge in Amsterdam
The Magere Brug is often called Amsterbridge by locals, the Over Bridge, and it’s easy to see why. Here are five reasons why couples love this bridge:
Magical Ambiance
The bridge is illuminated in the evening, creating a romantic atmosphere that couples adore. As residents call it “Skinny,” the bridge isn’t “skinny” anymore after a wider bridge was built to accommodate modern traffic. But the charm is still there, especially under the glowing illumination, and gives visitors a glimpse of Amsterdam’s romantic side.
Historical Significance
The Magere Brug has been in several movies and is part of Amsterdam’s history. Initially built in the 17th century, residents say that two sisters built the bridge to visit each other daily. Moreover, the city decided to make a bridge for pedestrian traffic across the Amstel River. The bridge still looks like that original bridge; that’s why it’s one of Amsterdam’s most photographed and loved bridges.
Romantic Strolls
A romantic stroll across the most beautiful bridge is an experience you won’t forget. Its location on the Amstel River and the nearby canals make it a perfect spot for quiet lovers’ strolls at sunset. Couples love the peace and often stop to take pictures or enjoy the view.
The Name
The name “Magere Brug” (Skinny Bridge) comes from its narrow width in the past. Although it’s been widened since then, the name stuck, and many locals regard it as a beloved landmark with sentimental value.
Lights Illuminate
The beautiful light display at night makes the bridge romantic and one of the most magical spots in the town. As the lights go on, the bridge is one of the best places in Amsterdam to kiss, with the river Amstel flowing underneath.
Take pictures at the iconic Amsterdam Magere Brug
Photography enthusiasts flock to the Magere Brug to capture its timeless beauty. Whether you visit during the day when the sun reflects off the River Amstel or in the evening when the lights illuminate the bridge, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for great pictures. The bridge’s elegant design makes it an excellent subject for photography, and many visitors search for the best angles to get the perfect shot.
The Magere Brug has been in several movies, so it’s an iconic spot. Photographers take shots of the skinny bridge from far away to show its narrowness, though they are not skinny anymore; others prefer the more dramatic photos with the lights casting a magical glow over the water.
Find The Narrow Bridge on the Amstel River
The Magere Brug is situated on the Amstel River and connects two opposite sides of the town. Although it’s been upgraded recently with a slightly wider bridge for pedestrians and cyclists, it’s still a narrow bridge by modern standards.
The original bridge from the 17th century has undergone several incarnations to adapt to the growing river traffic and the town’s evolving needs because many boats pass underneath the bridge daily.
The Magere Brug is easy to reach from several other bridges nearby, so you can explore the Amsterdam canals and see Amsterdam’s iconic waterways. The bridge is central and a popular spot for residents and tourists. It’s also a great starting point to visit nearby attractions like Rembrandtplein, the Rijksmuseum, and the Vondelpark.
Amsterdam's Most Romantic Bridge and Nearby Attractions
The Magere Brug (skinny bridge) is not just about the bridge itself; it’s surrounded by other popular attractions that make it a must-see on any Amsterdam itinerary. The city decided to preserve the historical integrity of the central section of the Amstel River bridge while making it functional for the increased traffic on the Amstel River.
Nearby attractions and several other bridges
Rembrandtplein: A short walk from the Skinny Bridge, Rembrandtplein is a lively square with restaurants, bars, and shops.
Rijksmuseum: A cultural hotspot near the skinny bridge, perfect for art lovers.
Vondelpark: A peaceful green space to relax or take a stroll.
Public Transport: The bridge is easily accessible by public transport, so it’s a convenient location. Several buses and trams stop nearby, so you can easily explore the area.
Love Lock Bridge: The Love Lock Bridge in Amsterdam symbolizes eternal romance. Discover more romantic places in Amsterdam by exploring our Love Lock Bridge guide here.
A guide to the Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge): History, Opening Hours
The Magere Brug has had several lives throughout its history. Originally a wooden skinny bridge, it was replaced by a new bridge in the 19th century. Although slightly bigger than the original, today’s version still has the charm. It’s no longer the “skinny” bridge it used to be, but it’s still a symbol of the town’s rich history.
Recent research shows that the town’s decision to widen the skinny bridge was necessary to accommodate the growing river traffic and the increasing number of pedestrians and cyclists. The Skinny Bridge is open 24/7, so you can visit anytime.
If you want to spend time and take memorable photos, try to avoid the peak hours. The Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge) has exceptional scenery and views, whether you visit during the day or late at night. The dazzles turn on at night, and it’s a perfect romantic spot for couples.
Night view with lights illuminating the canal: A romantic spot for couples
The best time to visit the Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge) is at night. The skinny bridge is beautiful and fully lit, and the Amstel River shines. The Magere Brug is the perfect romantic ambiance for couples to take a romantic walk or share a quiet moment by the river.
With the twinkling lights and the peaceful river below, it’s like a fairytale. Whether you want to propose, kiss, or enjoy the nighttime view of the most beautiful bridge in Amsterdam, the Magere Brug is the perfect romantic place for couples.
The charm of the Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge)
The Magere Brug is a symbol of Amsterdam’s history and romance. From its original version to the current, wider bridge, it still charms visitors with its views and design. Easy to reach and near other attractions, it’s a good spot for a romantic walk, a photo opportunity, or a quiet moment by the water.
Whether you visit during the day, evening, or night, the Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge) is a beloved landmark connecting locals and tourists to the heart of Amsterdam’s canals and the Amstel River.