The Amstel River
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Good Place to Relax,
Popular with Locals,
River
Today the river runs through the center of the city, lined with landmark buildings, stately mansions and colorful houseboats. A walk along the riverside pathway takes in a number of key sights: the regal Carré theatre, still a popular performance house; the post-modernist Stopera city hall and opera house, with its contemporary glass facade; and the neo-baroque domes of the St Nicolas church, all face the river front. A number of landmark bridges also cross the river, the most famous of which is the Magere Brug, or the ‘Skinny Bridge’, a white painted bascule bridge, rebuilt in the early 1900s. Don’t miss out on renowned tourist attractions like the Hermitage Museum, the Amsterdam Museum and Waterlooplein, either – all lie along the shores of the Amstel.
Throughout the year a number of festivities center around the Amstel River – the Bevrijdingsdag (liberation day) celebrations are televised from here; the Gay Pride Canal Parade brings a dash of color to the waters and the annual New Year light-show dazzles crowds along the riverbanks.
Latest Reviews
Review by David E, October 2012
Doing what: Amsterdam City Sightseeing Tour
An interesting narrative, intriguing visit to diamond cutting establishment, most acommodating guide and driver.
Review by Nir L, August 2012
Doing what: Amsterdam City Sightseeing Tour
This was an excellent overview of the city with a great driver and a knowledegable tour guide.
Review by Robert R, July 2012
Doing what: Amsterdam City Sightseeing Tour
My husband has difficulty walking, so the tour was a perfect way for us to "get around" Amsterdam. The tour guide was excellent and kept everyone informed in three languages. Quite impressed with the driver, moving the bus around the streets and traffic. Overall it was great!
