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, 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 visited to this lovely city over the last few years:
1) Damrak
Amsterdam’s Narrow Buildings by the water
Damrak is in Amsterdam Centrum and you will surely cross it at some point. It is literally just 2 minute walk from the Amsterdam Centraal Station and Dam Square.
Narrow Houses of Amsterdam – top Insta spots
Damrak – top Insta spots in Amsterdam
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 for 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 an 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 a little for them to leave.
Tip: Get yourself a cheap Amsterdam souvenir and hold it in front of the Damrak houses for an interesting photo..
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.
2) Staalmeestersbrug over Groenburgwal with Zuidkerk View
Staalmeestersbrug over Groenburgwal with Zuidkerk – Amsterdam Photo Spots – CCO Unsplash
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.
Amsterdam Staalmeesters Bridge with Zuidkerk
Amsterdam canal bridge with Zuidkerk view
The name of the bridge is Staalmeestersbrug and it goes over the Groenburgwal canal and 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.
Leidsegracht and Keizersgracht Intersections – Amsterdam photo spots (CC0 via Unsplash)
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.
Amsterdam Nightlife Guide – best nightclubs and bars
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.
Leidsegracht and Keizersgracht bridges in Amsterdam – IG spots
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 other 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.
Just look at this picture. Is this the most instagrammable restaurant in Amsterdam? It is just a random restaurant with outdoor seating in a pretty alley and it isn’t even famous. I think it is and it isn’t even featured in any of the top lists. The above is a phone photo but imagine how much more you can do with a slightly better lens.
I think Kapitein Zeppos restaurant is very pretty. I love this particular narrow street that’s fringed with flowering vines and the other building in the background. I actually found this place when I was walking around in Amsterdam in 2014 and then once more by chance in 2017.
Tip: For the best result, arrive here a little early before people start sitting on the chairs so that you can capture this spot without people. The best time would be a rainy day, it was for me!
How to reach Kapitein Zeppos restaurant: You can walk to Kapitein Zeppos from Rokin Metro or tram stations.
Amsterdam Jordaan July 2021 – Weekend in Amsterdam
Jordaan Canals in Autumn
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.
Amsterdam Looks Stunning at Night – the BEST 2 day itinerary for Amsterdam
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, 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 the bridge 160 on Bloemengracht. Many maps mysteriously don’t show the 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.
If you’re looking for a place in Amsterdam to create unique photos that haven’t been overly popularized, then NDSM Werf is the place for you. Seriously everyone posts a picture of Amsterdam’s canals or bridges, but not enough people post something different.
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.
Tip: You can rent a bicycle for free with the I Amsterdam City Card. Make sure you do and visit this part of Amsterdam because it is different from the rest of the city.
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 KMs away and you can reach there on your bicycle.
Canals are a very important part of Amsterdam’s cityscape, so make sure you capture the beauty from the source itself. For the best result, stand on the edge of a narrow boat as it floats on a canal that’s lined with buildings on both the sides.
Canal View of Amsterdam from the edge of a boat under the bridge – September 2017
A typical canal cruise on a boat will take you to most of the scenic spots in Amsterdam, so keep your eyes open and click loads of photos.
For an interesting perspective, wait for the boat to go under the bridge and click as soon as the bridge forms an arch with a view of the narrow buildings on the other side.
It took me 2 boat tours in Amsterdam to get the photos right, because not all boats are fully open. The semi open or fully open private boats are usually more expensive and don’t safeguard you from the rain. And normally you can’t go to the edge of the boat because you have to stay seated, unless you pick a private boat tour.
Tip: The I Amsterdam City Card offers one free canal boat tour. There are many options of different kind of tours, pick one wisely.
8) 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 photoshoot that was going on inside with an entire photography team.
Tropical Forest in Hortus Botanicus
Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam Instagram spots
Head to the tropical forest area and you will have endless photo ideas. The tropical forest area also has massive banana trees, vines, big peace-lilies, waterfalls and bridges. There are benches in some special locations where you can put the camera and click your photos.
I also clicked my favorite Amsterdam photos in Hortus Botanicus’ Butterfly Garden, but it may not always be possible to enter this section because the entry is restricted to maximum 6 people at a time.
Tip: The entry for the Hortus Botanicus is EUR 11,50 but is free with the I Amsterdam City Card, so consider getting the card if you’re visiting at least 2 attractions
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.
The Arch of De Beurs Passage – Amsterdam Photo Spots
De Beurs Passage doesn’t look like it belongs in Amsterdam at all. In fact, it looks like it would fit Istanbul instead. This passage is in the centrum, just 1 minute walk from Damrak so it is usually crowded unless you are patient because you have to wait for people to move away.
I did see a bunch of people at De Beurs Passage who were clicking photos of the ceiling, but for me the end of this passage was way more photogenic because of the arch, and you can see the glimpse of a street behind.
I would have absolutely loved to pose here with a pretty flowy dress but I was traveling alone. I didn’t end up wearing dresses because I was always on a bicycle and ended up clicking all the photos without me in them.
How to reach De Beurs Passage: Walk here from Dam Square, it will just take you a minute to reach.
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.
Tip: The entry for the A’Dam Lookout is EUR 15 per person but is free with the I Amsterdam City Card. Consider getting the card to save money for transport and attractions.
How to Reach A’Dam tower: Get to the the Amstradam 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.
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.
Tip: The Waterlooplein Market is closed on Sundays, so keep that in mind if you’re spending a weekend in Amsterdam. It is just a quick walk from the Hortus Botanicus which is also featured on this list. You can combine both these spots one after another in your Amsterdam itinerary.
How to reach the Waterlooplein Market: Super simple, tt is right outside the Waterlooplein Metro station.
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 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.
Tip: The Rijksmuseum is open every day but the library is closed on Sundays. The entry for the museum tickets cost EUR 20 per person but you can enter for free with the I Amsterdam City Card.Make sure you PREBOOK a time slot not just at the museum but ALSO at the library. This is the new rule because of Covid-19 post June 1, 2021.
How to reach Rijksmuseum: Get to the Museumplein tram stop or the Rijksmuseum tram stop and just walk from there.
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. 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
I love Amsterdam city but sometimes it can get a little too busy and stressful for me. Honestly the hours I spent sipping my beer by the IJ River in Pllek actually felt like a vacation. This place is lively, fun and more than just a pretty photo spot.
How to Reach Pllek: In order to reach Pllek, you have to reach Amsterdam-Noord first. You can catch a free ferry for 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.
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.
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 the bicycles and the one in the corner is for the 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.
Tip: Because you have to get into the middle of the cycling lane, the only way I suggest you click this by arriving here super early before the people reach. If you stand in the middle point of the lanes to capture this tunnel, you can get hurt because there is a blind spot here and approaching cyclists may not be able to see you. So, get this shot before people start arriving or do what I did, create a video while cycling.
How to reach: Get to the Museumplein tram stop or the Rijksmuseum tram stops and just walk or cycle from there.
Bloemstraat with Westerkerk in the background – Jordaan – Amsterdam IG spots – Amsterdam July 2021
There’s a street in Jordaan where you will see the Westerkerk in the background. This makes an interesting photo spot, I realized this because I have this photo from many of my Amsterdam trips.
Jordaan, Amsterdam – travel tips for Amsterdam – July 2017
If you see the first photo has a better perspective, it is because my photography skills became a little better over the years and so did my gear. The first photo here was clicked in 2021 and the second in 2017.
How to reach: You can walk here from the Westermarkt tram station.
Vondelkerk is near Vondelpark and near the museum square. I actually arrived here because it is a peaceful area and I wanted to practice riding my new rented bicycle before heading out to the other parts of the city. This church looks very beautiful from many different directions and I cycled all around it and stopped for a few photos.
How to reach Vondelkerk: The nearest tram stops are 1e Con. Huygensstraat and Overtoom. If you arrive here on a bicycle like I did, then just follow the map coordinates in the next point.
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 in 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 taking about, just walk from Rijksmuseum to Moco museum. After you will cross a few touristy shops on the right, you will arrive here.
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 iconic landmark, so is this particular hotel.
Look how pretty it looks? Honestly I have been eying the photos of this particular hotel on Instagram since 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.
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 “Wake me up when I’m famous” sign. The bench is no longer there, but you can see the spot below in my Instagram Reel.
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 often create the same photos but I change the perspective a little bit. Of course, I am always in a search for 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.
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 articles are definitely my own.
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