You asked and I answered, here are the exact locations of some of my Instagram posts from Amsterdam. It took me five visits to find some of the most amazing photo spots and to compile this list of my favorite Amsterdam Instagram spots.
I have said it before and I will again – Amsterdam is a beautiful city and every spot is picture-perfect. There are canals, rivers, bridges, and narrow streets – Amsterdam has everything it takes to make a city pretty.
Ok, so a lot of European cities already have all this, so what makes Amsterdam special?
Amsterdam has something that’s unique to it – super narrow old buildings that look insanely beautiful along the water. Not all the buildings look symmetrical and some appear to be leaning. And that’s exactly what makes them even more interesting because they all seem to fit well together for an insanely beautiful photo.
So where should you go in Amsterdam to capture the best of all? I will let you all know my favorite spots which I discovered during my 5 visits to this lovely city over the last few years:
Top Amsterdam Instagram Spots
1) Damrak, Near Amsterdam Centraal
Damrak is in Amsterdam Centrum and you will surely cross it at some point. It is literally just a 2-minute walk from the Amsterdam Central Station and Dam Square.
Damrak is the most popular photo spot in Amsterdam and it is for a reason – it is easy to click a good photo here and the results are always good.
If you have a little more time on your hands then you can play with the reflection and create something unique. I didn’t because I was alone on a weekend trip in Amsterdam and I did not have a lot of time. If you have a tripod then this spot is excellent for capturing a night photo of Amsterdam with long exposure.I’d also like to mention that Damrak is excellent for creating Instagram Reels because it fits a vertical frame really well.
You don’t need to arrive here at a particular time to avoid the crowd because this part of Amsterdam is always crowded. Still, it isn’t difficult to capture this place without people if you can wait for 2-5 minutes. But sometimes there are too many boats parked so you may need to wait for a little for them to leave.
- How to reach Damrak: Just walk here from Dam Square station or Amsterdam Centraal train or tram stations. There’s another tram station that’s just 200 meters away – Nieuwezijds Kolk.
- Click here for map coordinates.
2) Staalmeestersbrug over Groenburgwal with Zuidkerk View
Yes, I can’t get enough of canal photo spots. This post does contain many different types of photo spots but my best-performing Amsterdam photos on Instagram are the ones that show canals, narrow houses, and bridges.
Bonus points if you can capture bicycles or an iconic building in the background. In this particular location, it is the Zuiderkerk Church tower.
The name of the bridge is Staalmeestersbrug and it goes over the Groenburgwal canal on one side you can see the Zuidkerk. There’s a painting by Claude Monet that depicts this exact setting. This is why this view is sometimes called “the million-dollar view”.
- How to reach Staalmeestersbrug: It is a quick walk from the Waterlooplein Metro station.
- Click here for location coordinates.
3) Leidsegracht and Keizersgracht Intersections
Just like the Damrak Buildings, this particular spot is also a super famous photo point that’s usually featured in many famous magazines. This is the point where two canals intersect – Leidesgracht and Keizersgracht and the results are interesting.
There It is also a very good spot for night photography if you have a tripod. You can catch the trailing boat nights on long exposure and the results can be breathtaking.
- How to reach: Look for Pastini restaurant. From there, walk to the nearest bridge and don’t climb it. Just stand at the end of the bridge and see another bridge that’s going diagonal with arches under it. Capture the photo with water, the arches of the bridge, and those 3-4 buildings behind it.
- Click here for the Location Coordinates.
4) Kapitein Zeppos Restaurant
- How to reach Kapitein Zeppos restaurant: You can walk to Kapitein Zeppos from Rokin Metro or tram stations.
- Click here for location coordinates.
5) The Bridges on Princengracht or Bloemengracht
Jordaan has a lot of narrow canals with small bridges over them. A Gracht is Dutch for canal and Princengracht or Bloemengracht are the names of two of the canals that are in Jordaan.
Honestly, all the bridges on Jordaan’s canals are lovely. These bridges are decorated with flowers so you can capture a lovely frame with flowers, the canal, narrow houses on each side, and sometimes even a seagull or the Westerkerk. (Westerkerk is an iconic church building that’s next to the Ann Frank Haus).
I particularly like Bridge 62 on Princengracht and Bridge 160 on Bloemengracht. Many maps mysteriously don’t show Bridge 62, so you have to look for “Kees de Jongen Bridge”.
- How to reach this photo spot: Just arrive near the Ann Frank Haus and walk in the opposite direction where you see narrower canals. Keep walking and you will find many photo spots.
- Location coordinates on Google maps.
6) Oudezijds Achterburgwal, De Wallen
- How to reach this photo spot: Arrive in De Wallen and walk to Cafe Corse and go to the part of this cafe that faces the water. The bridge Bet van Beerenbrug is right there. Go on the bridge or walk along the water for some interesting photos.
- Click here for location coordinates.
7) NDSM Wharf (or werf), Amsterdam-Noord
- NDSM Werf – Amsterdam Instagram Spots
- NDSM Werf in Amsterdam-Noord – my favorite Amsterdam photo spot
NDSM Werf was once a shipyard but now is an open-air space that’s full of art installations. No, this is more than just your typical street art, many of the installations are interactive and you will enjoy playing around there.
I do have a guide about the Amsterdam-Noord neighborhood of Amsterdam, be sure to read it before you go.
- How to Reach NDSM Werf: It is very easy to reach NDSM Werf. Just catch a free ferry from Amsterdam Centrum that goes over the IJ River and will leave you near the A’Dam tower. You can bring your bicycle on the ferry with you. From there, NDSM is 2 km away and you can reach there on your bicycle.
- Location coordinates on Google Maps.
8) From the Edge of a Boat
Canal Cruise in Amsterdam
Canal View of Amsterdam from the edge of a boat under the bridge – September 2017
9) Hortus Botanicus
Butterfly Garden in Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam
You may have not heard of this place in Amsterdam but it took my breath away. Not only it is a must-visit place in every Amsterdam itinerary but also super Instagram worthy.
Guess what, Hortus Botanicus was perhaps the only place that I visited in Amsterdam that had way more locals instead of tourists. That’s always a good sign!
This place is so lovely that people visit it for their wedding photo shoots. The time I visited Hortus Botanicus, there was a wedding photo shoot that was going on inside with an entire photography team.
- Tropical Forest in Hortus Botanicus
- Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam Instagram spots
- How to reach Hortus Botanicus: Get off at Mr. Visserplein or Amsterdam Artis or Plantage tram stations. I was staying in a hostel near Hortus Botanicus so for me, Mr. Visserplein was the most convenient one. You can also arrive here from the Waterlooplein Metro station.
- Location coordinates on Maps
10) De Beurs Passage (+ the Arch)
- De Beurs Passage – Amsterdam Instagram Spots
- The Arch of De Beurs Passage – Amsterdam Photo Spots
- How to reach De Beurs Passage: Walk here from Dam Square, it will just take you a minute to reach.
- Click here for the Location coordinates
11) A’Dam Lookout Tower, Amsterdam-Noord
View of Amsterdam from A’Dam Tower – how to spend 2 days in Amsterdam
If you’re looking for a view of Amsterdam from up above, then A’Dam Lookout is the place to be. The rooftop viewing deck here offers amazing views over Amsterdam in all directions.
Moon Bar on A’Dam Tower – Amsterdam itinerary
Not just the top, but you can visit the Moon Bar and get a place with a breathtaking view of the city. Honestly, I think the Moon Bar makes a better photo spot than the terrace because you can add an interesting perspective.
Extreme Swing on A’Dam Tower – 2 Days in Amsterdam
I’d like to mention that I also tried the Extreme Swing that’s on top of the A’Dam tower and it was an insane experience! Get someone to click your photo when you’re up there and trust me it will be one of the most memorable photos for you.
Moreover, the extreme swing will also give you an amazing Instagram reel opportunity. I do have a video of it on my YouTube channel, and honestly, it was just a super quick edit and I’m surprised that it has so many views.
- How to Reach A’Dam tower: Get to the Amsterdam Centraal station and go on the opposite side. There’s one side that goes into the main city but the other side is towards the IJ river, reach there and you will see a few ferries. These are free public ferries that will take you to Noord. Get on the next ferry, it will leave you just next to the A’Dam tower in Noord.
- Click here for location coordinates.
12) Waterlooplein Market
Waterloo Square Flea Market in Amsterdam
I have a thing for flea markets. No, not for shipping but I find them very interesting because of the casual set of shops and hanging merchandise. More than that, you can also see some interesting faces and lots of photo opportunities.
Amsterdam’s Waterlooplein market actually reminds me of Goa’s hippie flea markets. There are usually 300 stalls and they are lined up next to the Amstel river, so the backdrop is lovely.
- How to reach the Waterlooplein Market: Super simple, it is right outside the Waterlooplein Metro station.
- Click here for Location coordinates.
13) Rijksmuseum Library
Rijksmuseum Research Library – Amsterdam museums
Rijksmuseum is legendary and it is Amsterdam’s most famous museum. You can’t click a photo anywhere in this museum except in the library. The Rijksmuseum research library is the largest public art history research library in the Netherlands.
I think the Rijksmuseum library is stunning with its high arched ceiling and wooden pillars. I’d actually love to go back to Amsterdam for my 6th visit to click a photo in a dress here.
- How to reach Rijksmuseum: Get to the Museumplein tram stop or the Rijksmuseum tram stop and just walk from there.
- Click here for the location coordinates.
14) Pllek Restaurant and Beach Bar
Sipping Beer on the beach in Pllek, Amsterdam-Noord
Did you know it was possible to visit a beach bar in Amsterdam? I didn’t till the time I visited Amsterdam-Noord in 2017. From that time I made sure to include Noord in my itinerary to visit this particular bar and restaurant. I was so happy when I noticed that my favorite bloggers mentioned Pllek as the best sunset spot in Amsterdam.
Visiting Pllek is an experience because it is more than just a normal restaurant or bar, it was once a shipyard (the entire NDSM wharf was). Everything inside and also outside looks insanely interesting and unusual. It overlooks the IJ river and Amsterdam Centrum from the other side.
Beach bar at Pllek, Amsterdam-Noord
- How to Reach Pllek: In order to reach Pllek, you have to reach Amsterdam-Noord first. You can catch a free ferry to Noord from Amsterdam Centrum. Bring your bicycle on the ferry because you will need to ride it to reach here from the pier. And yes, you can rent your bicycle for free with your I Amsterdam City Card.
- Click here for Pllek Coordinates on Google Maps.
15) Museumplein Entry Tunnel Arch
Amsterdam Museumplein entry tunnel copy
I have never seen this tunnel ever mentioned in any travel article or blog but I really wonder why. When you enter the Museumplein (museum square) on a bicycle or by walking, you get to see the most amazing entry tunnel with arches and lamps.
- Rijksmuseum Entry tunnel – Amsterdam instagram spots
- Rijksmuseum Entry path – Amsterdam instagram spots
Museumplein isn’t exactly small so if you’re looking for this spot, this is the entry tunnel is towards the Rijksmuseum.
The thing is, the middle area is for bicycles and the one in the corner is for pedestrians. This isn’t a safe photo spot because you’re going to be standing right in the middle of the cyclists. Amsterdam’s cyclists literally rule the city and they will run over you if you stand in their way (as I mentioned in my travel tips post).
I actually shot a video here while I was cycling and made pictures from the screenshots of the video. Haha. Yes, I cycled here 4-5 times in this tunnel for the best photos.
- How to reach: Get to the Museumplein tram stop or the Rijksmuseum tram stops and just walk or cycle from there.
- Click here for the location coordinates.
16) Bloemstraat with Westerkerk
Bloemstraat with Westerkerk in the background – Jordaan – Amsterdam IG spots – Amsterdam July 2021
Jordaan, Amsterdam – travel tips for Amsterdam – July 2017
- How to reach: You can walk here from the Westermarkt tram station.
- Click here for Google Coordinates
17) Vondelkerk
Vondelkerk – Amsterdam photo spots
- How to reach Vondelkerk: The nearest tram stops are 1e Con. Huygensstraat and Overtoom. If you arrive here on a bicycle as I did, then just follow the map coordinates in the next point.
- Click here for map coordinates.
18) Outside Moco Museum
Moco Museum – visiting Museumplein on my rented bicycle
Moco isn’t the most famous museum in Amsterdam, but I found the building very cute. It is small and there is a lot of empty space on one side. This is in the direction that goes from Rijksmuseum to Moco.
So, one can stand next to it and make a pretty picture. In my case, I was alone so I just parked my rented bicycle where I would have liked to stand and clicked a picture.
- How to reach: Get to the Museumplein tram stop and just walk or cycle from there to Moco Museum. To reach the location that I’m talking about, just walk from Rijksmuseum to Moco museum. After you will cross a few touristy shops on the right, you will arrive here.
- Click here for the location coordinates.
BONUS: Intel Hotel Zaandam
There’s a reason why this place didn’t make it into the final list, that’s because the Intel Hotel is in Zaandam (and not in Amsterdam), it is right outside Amsterdam. Nevertheless, it is perhaps the most interesting hotel building that you will ever see. Just like Prague’s dancing house hotel building is now an icon.
Look how pretty it looks. Honestly, I have been eying the photos of this particular hotel on Instagram for ages but I didn’t get an opportunity to visit.
I’d still like to mention this place because I’d not want you to miss out on photographing it just because I didn’t.
Map of Amsterdam Instagram Spots
Here’s a map that I have made of all these Instagram locations in Amsterdam. This will help you plan your time and know where to go first and which places you can photograph together. If you like my list of photo spots in Amsterdam then please share it with a friend who’s going there.
What About the “Wake me up when I’m famous” Bench? It No Longer Exists
There used to be a super popular Instagram photo spot in Amsterdam with a bench right next to the “Wake me up when I’m famous” sign. People took some very interesting pictures pretending to sleep on the bench and some of them even carried their rugs and pillows for an elaborate photo shoot.
Sadly the bench is no longer there, but you can see the spot below. It is in a neighborhood called De Pijp, which is an excellent spot for eating and drinking.
Click here for the location coordinates for the “Wake me up when I’m famous” sign.
Wake me up when I’m famous sign in Amsterdam
Final Thoughts about Amsterdam Instagram Spots
I hope you enjoyed my list of Instagram spots in Amsterdam. Over the years I have added more spots to my list because I visit Amsterdam pretty often.
I love photographing the same spots but I change the perspective a little bit. Of course, I am always in search of more photo spots. If you come to know of any more interesting Insta spots in Amsterdam then please leave a comment and let me know.
Amsterdam Instagram Spots – 18 Photo Spots in Amsterdam
Disclosure: I collaborated with the I Amsterdam (Amsterdam city tourism board) for a part of my trip in 2017 and 2021. However, all opinions expressed in this article are definitely my own.
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This is a great list of Instagram spots in Amsterdam! I’m definitely going to check out a few of them!
Do it and let us know if you find some new photo spots in Amsterdam 😉