Torensluis

The basics

Cross the Torensluis while seeing the sights independently, or on a walking or cycling tour of the city. It's also worth seeing the historic bridge from the water, and many boat tours pass right underneath it. Options include hop-on, hop-off boat tours, which provide a particularly convenient way to get around town, and sightseeing cruises, some of which include Dutch snacks and drinks.

Things to know before you go

• The Torensluis is a must-see for architecture fans and first-time visitors to Amsterdam.

• Many Amsterdam boat tours are wheelchair accessible, but not all docks are wheelchair-friendly, so check at the time of booking.

• There are old prison cells below the bridge that are sometimes open to the public. If you’re on a city tour, ask your guide for up-to-date details.

How to get there

A great way to reach the Torensluis is on a canal cruise or hop-on, hop-off boat tour. Not all tours pass under the bridge, so check when you’re buying tickets. You can also take a tram to the Dam stop, a 2-minute walk away, or to the Westermarkt stop, about a 10-minute walk from the bridge.

When to get there

The Torensluis is a year-round attraction, but if you want warmer weather and less chance of rain, it’s best if you visit in July or August. Evening cruises are particularly atmospheric, and if you come after dark you’ll get to see the bridge’s three arches beautifully illuminated with warm white light.

Visiting the Anne Frank House (Anne Frank Huis)

Less than a 10-minute walk west of the Torensluis, the Anne Frank House is one of the most important—if difficult—landmarks to visit in Amsterdam, particularly for those interested in history. It was here where Anne Frank and her family hid during the Nazi invasion of Amsterdam, and you can still see the small rooms where young Frank wrote her famous diary.