As a photographer, it’s a hobby of mine finding the best places to take photos in Amsterdam. I’ve been living in Amsterdam for over two years and I’m still finding cute streets with traditional Dutch architecture in Amsterdam to wander down.
Here are the best photo locations in Amsterdam according to one biased resident. Free map of the best Amsterdam instagram locations at bottom.
Contents
- 1 Jordaan
- 2 Prinseneiland Neighborhood
- 3 NDSM
- 4 Spui
- 5 Westerpark
- 6 Begijnhof
- 7 Rijksmuseum / Museumplein
- 8 (Seasonal) Amsterdam Lights Festival
- 9 9. Brouwersgracht & Herengracht Canals
- 10 10. Oost
- 11 11. Museum van Loon
- 12 12. Wake me up when I’m famous bench / De Pijp
- 13 Blue Amsterdam
- 14 Museum Willet-Holthuysen
- 15 The Flower Market
- 16 Where is your favorite Amsterdam photography spot?
- 17 Your map of Amsterdam’s best photography spots
Jordaan
My go-to place for gorgeous Amsterdam photos is in my favorite neighborhood, the Jordaan. My favorite spot is the intersection of Prinseneiland and Brouwersgracht in front of the historic Papeneiland cafe.
It’s easy to get lost in the nearby streets, especially Palmstraat, before stepping into a historic brown cafe to enjoy the moodiness. You can follow my self-guided walking tour of the Jordaan to see my favorite buildings.
Brown bars are cozy Dutch bars with an older wooden interior where you can stop off for a beer in an atmospheric location. They’re definitely something to put on your Dutch bucket list! I recommend stopping into Cafe Chris, a cozy brown bar.
Prinseneiland Neighborhood
This small, hidden neighborhood behind Centre is a gem for photographers. A lot of people are terrible by the tunnel that you must pass under in order to get to this neighborhood, however Prinseneiland is truly one of the hidden gems of Amsterdam.
In Prinseneiland (as well as Realeneiland), you’ll find historic Rijksmoment warehouses that are straight out of a picture book. There’s also a number of historic wooden bridges that pass over the canals. Unlike the rest of Amsterdam’s centre, it has a village feeling.
For those with families, you’ll also find a canal-side petting zoo for children complete with friendly goats that truly make the view unique… You can read more about this area on the list of the best secret places in Amsterdam.
NDSM
This modern area across the IJ river is perfect for photographers who want a more modern feel to their photos. There’s plenty of street art/murals around Noord although the best ones are close to the location of the IJhallen. You can click for my guide to Amsterdam Noord & NDSM.
You can also visit the artist studios in NDSM for a modern/funky place to take photos. Otherwise, visit one of the modern cafes with scenic views over the river or explore the beautiful/modern EYE film museum.
Spui
I have a weakness for the gorgeous canal houses in this area. I often come here to browse at the American Book Centre (where you’ll find a great photography book section). Although it’s still quite center, one wrong turn will bring you you to quieter street full of stunning houses and bikers.
You’ll also find the best cookies in Amsterdam close to here! The canal houses towards the Singel canal area always a delight to photograph.
Westerpark
This modern park, slightly outside of the City Center, is my favorite place to take photos outdoors. Although Vondelpark is pretty, it’s hard to get a photo without people. There are also adorable bungalows across a small canal and a pretty windmill that you can visit.
For shopping/hipster vibes, visit the Westergasfabriek complex for cool bars, cute local shops, and tasty food. I strongly recommend bringing a picnic blanket here for summer!
Begijnhof
This iconic courtyard is one of Amsterdam’s many gorgeous hidden courtyards. You need to enter a hidden door, but once you do, it gets quiet. This gorgeous complex was shared by single Catholic women who lived in something similar to a convent.
You’re limited to the non-resident’s viewpoint, but it’s a great place to shoot photos. You’ll see a lot of Amsterdam photographers here with their tripods! There are far less touristy hofjes, however this one is open the most regularly. (Click to read about more secret places in Amsterdam.)
Rijksmuseum / Museumplein
The classic Amsterdam photo that everyone wants to have. The Rijksmuseum is incredible ornate inside and outside, so many photographers enjoy shooting this scene around sunset. I particularly love shooting in the Rijksmuseum library, which you can peek into while touring the museum. The main entry hall is stunning too…
You can easily walk a bit further to enjoy Vondelpark’s lush landscape/lakes (best in spring/summer/fall). One of my favorite off the beaten gems to shoot is the Blauwe Theehuis, soon to be part of Brouwerij ‘T IJ. This round cafe in the middle of Vondelpark is just a cool piece of architecture.
(Seasonal) Amsterdam Lights Festival
Between mid December and mid January, the Herengracht canal is lit up with sculptures during the Amsterdam Light Festival. You’ll see two parts in late December: the main part along Herengracht and the other part intended for walking tours.
To be clear, the sculptures change every year, so you will not see the same ones next year.) The sculptures are usually still there in early January, but it’s not guaranteed. I love walking along the canals with a cup of hot chocolate in hand!
The light sculptures along the walking tour can be easily seen for free without a guide and you can simply follow the crowds once arriving close to the Hortus Botanicus, another great photo spot, close to sunset. Many of these are also interactive, which makes it fun. Expect crowds although it’s still not that well known.
For the main part of the lights festival, you will have the best view from an open top boat (rather than a closed top boat) due to the glass reflection.
It will be colder, but I was pleased with my boat trip, which included 3 glasses of gluhwein (mulled wine) and blankets. It’s easy to capture the lights without a tour. I now have a full post on the Amsterdam Light Festival, so please click for tips for visiting the Amsterdam Light Festival.
9. Brouwersgracht & Herengracht Canals
Although Prinsengracht is the most famous canal, I love shooting along the Herengracht and Brouwersgracht canals. Even if you’re on foot, it’s possible to get some gorgeous shots by the canals! (Biking along Amsterdam is a great way to find your favorite buildings as the city isn’t that large!)
10. Oost
This area is not as well known among Amsterdam instagrammers or visitors, but for those into more industrial photographs, there are some really lovely areas to shoot here, including Brouwerij ‘T IJ.
11. Museum van Loon
This museum is a dream and there’s almost nobody around, besides a gorgeous fluffy cat. (The fluffy cat actually belongs to the neighbors and attempts to break into the house all the time. The cat is super friendly…)
Why go? Gorgeous canal house with a secret garden that connects to the other side of the canal. Is that cool or what? It also has beautiful furniture and paintings if you want to pretend that you’re royalty.
12. Wake me up when I’m famous bench / De Pijp
I’ve seen this funny mural in so many blogger photos, so I had to hunt it down for myself. Depending on whether there’s cars blocking it, you might need to avoid the bikes while taking a photo.
Now, to convince someone to sleep on the bench… De Pijp is one of Amsterdam’s residential gems, full of cute coffee shops and colorful houses. You’ll also find super instagrammable cafes like CT Coffee and Coconuts, a former theatre turned cafe.
Blue Amsterdam
For the best views in Amsterdam, head to Blue Amsterdam. This brunch spot with 360 views of Amsterdam is not as well known as the Amsterdam Swing, however the views are stunning. It’s hidden within a mall in the middle of centre, but this cafe is not to missed!
Museum Willet-Holthuysen
This canal-house museum has a stunning garden that you’ll definitely want to see. The house is a good example of how wealthy residents of Amsterdam lived in the mid-1800s. Photo tip: Have a friend stand in the window upstairs to take photos of you below in the garden!
The Flower Market
If you’re a flower lover, consider stopping into the Bloemenmarkt in Amsterdam. Some of the stalls have decorated their stalls with hanging flowers at the top of the stall although it’s particularly beautiful during tulip season in April.
Where is your favorite Amsterdam photography spot?
If you’re visiting and you’re looking for more local tips, you can check out my Amsterdam Tourist Tips, Guide to Amsterdam’s Neighborhoods, or Cheap Eats Guide to Amsterdam. Click for a list of 25 secret places in Amsterdam and a self-guided walking tour of the Jordaan with my favorite photo spots.
Have extra time? Consider taking a day trip to the gorgeous Muiden Castle, which is only 30 minutes from Amsterdam! Click for more information about how to get there.
Your map of Amsterdam’s best photography spots
I was in Amsterdam a year or so ago and would have loved to see this post first! Alas, haha – I stuck to the west side fo the city more for some reason 🙂 Such great tips!
I’m traveling to Amsterdam at the end of March, so your post couldn’t be more timely for me! I especially love your photo of the bike and flowers on the canal. Gorgeous photos! Will refer to this before, during, & after my trip 🙂
Great idea to share these spots Karen – and it’s so true that many of the best spots are a bit away from the city centre. Personally I love Brouwersgracht too, and the spot on Prins Hendrikkade (forget the name of the canal) where you can look down towards nieuwmarkt. 🙂 Ellie
Great tip! I need to head over there to take a photo of that spot. I’m often forgetful when I’m on my own!
Yes I love this post! Mainly because I love Amsterdam and taking photos when I’m there but there’s no sense or order to them. Great to hear exactly where all these places are from a local.
I did not realize how much I missed Amsterdam until I saw these photos. My favorite neighborhood was Prinseneiland – and you were right! There were not many people there.
Love this! I went to Amsterdam a few years ago, it’s such a photogenic city. Every two minutes I was whipping out my camera to take more snaps of those beautiful canal houses!
I love photography, and it looks like Amsterdam has a bevy of great spots for photographers to play! I especially like the industrial/arsty vibe of NDSM. Can’t wait to check out Amsterdam for myself one day!
So many brilliant spots that I’d never heard of – am due to visit a friend in Amsterdam soon so will definitely be heading to these. The Begjinhof looks particularly cute. Thanks for sharing!
Beautiful photos! I think that a massive reason why I really want to explore Amsterdam more, is because of how visually pleasing it. I really love the architecture and I could easily spend days just wandering around and taking photos. Thanks for sharing! I’ll be saving this for further reference 🙂
Amsterdam is fantastic! Brouwersgracht is my favorite canal as well. I like to stay in the southern section of the city – not too far from rijksmuseum. I think I need to go back to Amsterdam soon, its been too long now…
I think Amsterdam is one of those most Instagrammable cities. Everything you capture just looks magical. Thanks for the great selection of spots. Pinning them for future 🙂
Amsterdam really is a picturesque city! I think my favorite picture though is the engagement one because you really captured the love.
I didn’t know about the lights festival, I think that would be so cool to see during Christmastime!
OMG, your photo near Prinseneiland Neighborhood is MAJESTIC. Miss Amsterdam so much! I try to go at least once a year, but not sure about 2017. Hope you’re enjoying living there! #jealous ha
Ahh loved this post: what a wonderful idea and I’m glad that you’re enjoying Amsterdam! Planning on visiting Amsterdam in the (hopefully near) future! When I think of ‘picturesque’ places in the city, Jordaan is definitely the first one that springs to mind so it’s lovely that you’ve posted some not so well known places as well!
Really nice guide! There are so many instagrammable spots in Amsterdam that it’s nice to have a little bit of direction if you’re looking for the best photo spots. I followed your recommendation (from the neighborhood post) about going to Noord- and it was freeeeezing but I ended up having that warehouse lot all to myself! I think that was probably my favorite thing I did there (well, that and pie after getting gin drunk at foodhallen lol)
Wow Amsterdam is so beautiful, I loved all your pics! I especially loved the one with the cat! I have never been to Europe ..so this is making me pine so bad to go!!
VAlerie
Beautiful photos! I was transiting in Amsterdam for a few hours before flying into Iceland and only managed to see the main shopping area but that was already beautiful. Must really go back for a proper visit and look for the spots you recommended 🙂
Wow, your photos are stunning! I wish I had read your post long time ago before I went to Amsterdam and overlooked all these fun places.
Just spent a little (a lot really) time on your blog.
I’m visiting Amsterdam at the end of Sept and will be making the most of it, one day in the countryside is the plan.
Will be using your tips and advice to make sure I get the most out of it. Your content is of high quality, fun, informative and inspiring.
Keep up the good work.
I was born in Amsterdam. (The Jordaan) I now am maried to an American and live in the USA, and sometimes are homesick, but you brought me lovely memories thank you