Amsterdam is a destination that has some of the most photogenic architecture I’ve ever seen. And it’s not just the landmarks, it’s pretty much every building that you walk past. Amsterdam is also the kind of city where you’ll be guaranteed to capture some good shots, whether it’s a unique perspective or something classic. Below you will find some of my top suggestions for Instagrammable photo spots you shouldn’t miss during your visit. You’ll also find a link to the spot on Google Maps, the best time to take pictures and if the location is free or not.
Here are the best and must-visit spots in Amsterdam for Instagram and Photography.
1. Corner of Sint Olofssteeg
The corner of Sint Olofssteeg provides a unique perspective of the canals and typical Amsterdam architecture. This spot is a bit different from most around the city as there is no sidewalk around the buildings.
Best time for pics: Anytime
Cost: Free
Location: View on Google Maps
2. Bridges at Leidsegracht and Keizersgracht Intersections
Probably my favourite spot in Amsterdam to take photographs is the bridges where Leidsegracht and Keizersgracht meet. It makes for a great spot to capture light trails of boats going past, such as seen below and in the first photograph above. The bridges also have a ring of lights around them which looks great at night.
Best time for pics: Blue hour
Cost: Free
Location: View on Google Maps
3. Groenburgwal towards Zuiderkerk Church
Along the Groenburgwal canal, you’ll get a great perspective towards the Zuiderkerk Church. My picture below isn’t the best as it was a little late, so I would recommend checking this spot during the day too.
Best time for pics: Sunrise-blue hour
Cost: Free
Location: View on Google Maps
4. Corner of Kalkmarkt and Binnenkant
For perfect Amsterdam architecture and potential reflections head to the corner of Kalkmarkt and Binnenkant. I felt this corner is a great representation of the city.
Best time for pics: Morning
Cost: Free
Location: View on Google Maps
5. Damrak
The Damrak is the most famous spot in Amsterdam for taking pictures and has some of the funkiest looking buildings such as seen below. You can come here anytime to take photographs, but I did find it looked a lot better during the blue hour/night.
Best time for pics: Blue hour
Cost: Free
Location: View on Google Maps
6. Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is a classic spot and in the winter you’ll find a skating rink, perfect for capturing wintery images. There also used to be a sign that was very popular for selfies but has since been removed. If there’s no wind you may also get perfect reflections in the water feature.
Best time for pics: Anytime
Cost: Free
Location: View on Google Maps
Recommended Read
10 Top Tours, Activities and Experiences in Amsterdam
7. Carpark near Bloemenmarkt
One of the best high vantage points of the city is from a car park that you’ll find near the Bloemenmarkt. You’ll find the exact location via the link below. I came here at night but it would probably be a good spot for sunset, the blue hour and maybe even sunrise if it’s open.
Best time for pics: Sunset/night
Cost: Free
Location: View on Google Maps
8. Bridges at Binnenkant
From the bridge at Binnenkant you’ll get views across the Waalseilandgracht (canal). This canal is quite nice as you have docked boats and it also curves a little. I came here both in the morning and at blue hour and I found the reflections particularly good.
Best time for pics: Morning/blue hour
Cost: Free
Location: View on Google Maps
9. Bushuissluis Bridge
From the Bushuissluis (bridge) you can capture views towards the historic De Waag. This building lights up at night in a bright yellow, but if you come too late it’ll make balancing your exposure for that and the surroundings quite difficult.
Best time for pics: Morning/blue hour
Cost: Free
Location: View on Google Maps
Photography tips for Amsterdam
Here are some photography tips for the city.
- Head out early to capture the canals while they are still and without any boats moving, and you may get perfect reflections.
- Try and include local elements in your photographs such as the bikes and also docked boats.
- Definitely take pictures at night throughout the city. Use a decent tripod and my recommended techniques for night photography.
- Try and take pictures of the trams at night/the blue hour to capture light trails.
- Take pictures around sunrise and sunset when you might get beautiful colours in the sky and reflecting in the water.
- Make or buy presets and actions for Photoshop and Lightroom to speed up your editing, or to create a cool effect.
Head to my page Travel Photography for lots more tips and techniques.
Here are some tours and activities that you may like during your visit. Click the blue-button to see even more.
Summary
It’s pretty hard to take bad photographs in Amsterdam and I’m sure you will leave with full memory cards and have had a great trip.
You may also want to read about some of the other wonderful cities to visit in the Netherlands.
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