Torensluis (Torensluis Bridge), Amsterdam
If bridges had egos, the Torensluis would be the show-off of Amsterdam. Spanning a hefty 42 meters, it proudly holds the title of the widest bridge in the city鈥攁nd one of its oldest. Built in the mid-17th century, it owes its name (which means 鈥渢ower lock鈥�) to the rather dramatic tower that once stood here, before it was unceremoniously demolished in the 19th century. But history leaves its fingerprints鈥攖races of the old tower linger in the bridge鈥檚 pavement and, more intriguingly, in the dungeon lurking beneath. Yes, you heard that right. Beneath your feet, actual prison cells remain, complete with barred windows and an arched entrance. Today, they鈥檙e less about captives and more about culture, hosting exhibitions and events.
The surrounding area has barely aged a day since the Dutch Golden Age of the 1600s. Back when Amsterdam鈥檚 merchants were busy conquering the seas and establishing far-flung trading posts, they also had another pressing priority: outshining their neighbors with lavish homes. The result is a skyline that is as much a victory lap as it is a work of art. Take a slow spin; you鈥檒l find yourself immersed in centuries of architectural bravado.
But the bridge itself isn鈥檛 just about old stones and bygone towers. It also has a statue of Multatuli, the outspoken writer and anti-colonialist who ruffled more than a few feathers in his time. And for those who prefer their history with a side of Dutch hospitality, you鈥檙e in luck! The sun-drenched terraces of Caf茅 van Zuylen is known for its impressive beer selection.
The surrounding area has barely aged a day since the Dutch Golden Age of the 1600s. Back when Amsterdam鈥檚 merchants were busy conquering the seas and establishing far-flung trading posts, they also had another pressing priority: outshining their neighbors with lavish homes. The result is a skyline that is as much a victory lap as it is a work of art. Take a slow spin; you鈥檒l find yourself immersed in centuries of architectural bravado.
But the bridge itself isn鈥檛 just about old stones and bygone towers. It also has a statue of Multatuli, the outspoken writer and anti-colonialist who ruffled more than a few feathers in his time. And for those who prefer their history with a side of Dutch hospitality, you鈥檙e in luck! The sun-drenched terraces of Caf茅 van Zuylen is known for its impressive beer selection.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Amsterdam. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Torensluis (Torensluis Bridge) on Map
Sight Name: Torensluis (Torensluis Bridge)
Sight Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands (See walking tours in Amsterdam)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands (See walking tours in Amsterdam)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Create Your Own Walk in Amsterdam
Creating your own self-guided walk in Amsterdam is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Southern Canal Belt Walking Tour
The Canal District, known as Grachtengordel in Dutch, is a globally renowned example of urban planning and architectural excellence within Amsterdam. This area has remained remarkably well-preserved for over four centuries, celebrated for its charming small bridges, canal crossings, and 17th-century residences. Encircling the Old City Centre in a horseshoe shape, the Canal Ring encompasses three... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Museum Quarter Walking Tour
The Museum Quarter (Museumkwartier) of Amsterdam gets its name from the major museums located in Museum Square therein, namely: the Rijksmuseum, the Stedelijk Museum and the Van Gogh Museum. In fact, it is the construction of the former that boosted the development of the whole neighborhood. Other than museums, the area is also home to the world-famous IAmsterdam letters, as well as exclusive... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.7 Km or 0.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.7 Km or 0.4 Miles
Amsterdam Food Tour
Amsterdam's food scene is a delightful fusion of local traditions and global influences. Making your way through the interlocking canals, pretty bridges, and a maze of streets laden with diverse eateries and bars may easily render you hankering for a bite to eat and/or a drink to wash it down with.
The diverse culinary landscape of Amsterdam caters to a wide range of tastes and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
The diverse culinary landscape of Amsterdam caters to a wide range of tastes and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Jordaan Walking Tour
The Jordaan district of Amsterdam is a popular neighborhood renowned for its charming, narrow streets, quaint courtyards, and picturesque canals. Replete with beautiful historic houses, many of which have been converted into cozy caf茅s, trendy boutiques, and art galleries, this district has a distinctive atmosphere that sets it apart from other areas in the city.
The Jordaan was originally... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
The Jordaan was originally... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Western Canal Belt Walking Tour
The Western Canal Belt is Amsterdam at its most iconic鈥攑icture-perfect and brimming with history. Part of the city鈥檚 famed Canal Ring, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it鈥檚 a neighborhood that marries beauty and function.
Back in the 17th century, the three major canals鈥攖he Gentlemen鈥檚 Canal, the Emperor鈥檚 Canal, and the Prince鈥檚 Canal鈥攚ere masterfully designed to loop around the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Back in the 17th century, the three major canals鈥攖he Gentlemen鈥檚 Canal, the Emperor鈥檚 Canal, and the Prince鈥檚 Canal鈥攚ere masterfully designed to loop around the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Amsterdam's Historical Churches Walking Tour
The history of Amsterdam is deeply intertwined with its religious heritage. The city is home to several historical churches, each with its own unique charm and significance. These religious sites serve as both spiritual centers and architectural treasures that provide insight into the city's past.
Our walk starts in the Central Station area and leads you to visit the eight most prominent... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Our walk starts in the Central Station area and leads you to visit the eight most prominent... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
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