The Ultimate Guide to the Best Photo Spots in Amsterdam
Looking for the best photo spots in Amsterdam? Well, you’re in luck because Amsterdam is one of the most photogenic places in Europe. From the endless canals (60 miles to be exact) to the 17th-century row homes, and tulip fields for days – anyone will leave this city with beautiful memories captured on film. Amsterdam made me fall in love with traveling it’s so charming and quaint and can easily be visited in a few days. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy your time if you plan to visit for longer. In this guide, I’ll be sharing the best photo spots to make your Amsterdam photography trip picture-perfect.
Best Photo Spots in Amsterdam
While all opinions and recommendations are always my own, my content in this best photo spots in Amsterdam blog post may contain affiliate links for hotels I’ve traveled to, tours I’ve completed, and products I recommend. This means I get a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you purchase a product after clicking one of these links. As always, I am so thankful for your support so I can continue to offer free resources.
The Canals
Amsterdam’s canals are a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the city, offering a glimpse into its rich history and culture. As well as stunning views and unique experiences. It would be hard to visit Amsterdam and not enjoy views over the canals. Since the most iconic feature of the city is its canals.
There are three main canals which are the Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and Keizersgracht. Lining the canal are rows of canal houses built by wealthy merchants during the Golden Age which are characterized by their narrow houses and charming facades. The houses are narrow because back in the day you paid taxes on the width of your house. Furthermore, many of the houses have been converted into museums, shops, restaurants, and private residences.
One of the best ways to experience Amsterdam’s canals is by taking a canal cruise, which allows you to see the city from a unique perspective. Canal tours are available throughout the day and evening and can be done by boat, waterbike, or even stand-up paddleboard. Finally, it’s a great place for locals and visitors to relax, with many cafes and restaurants offering canal-side seating. Book your canal tour here!
Dam Square
Dam Square is located in the heart of the city. It received its name from the Dam that was built across the Amstel River in the 13th century. It is a popular tourist spot with a lot of historical buildings and statues. It’s also home to the Royal Palace, which is a great photo subject due to its grand facade. When visiting Dam Square you can enjoy lots of street food, live-performers, and it’s a main hub for transportation.
Throughout the year, Dam Square hosts many events and festivals, including the famous Koningsdag (King’s Day) celebration on April 27th, when the entire city turns orange to celebrate the Dutch monarchy. Dam Square is a vibrant and bustling part of Amsterdam that offers a unique glimpse into the city’s rich history and culture, as well as many opportunities for photos.
Damrak – The Dancing Houses
Damrak is a street that starts at Amsterdam Central Station and goes all the way to Dam Square. You could say it’s the most popular street in all of Amsterdam and a hub for public transportation. Along the street is the most famous Amsterdam photo spot, the dancing houses. The Dancing Houses consist of three narrow buildings, each with a distinct and quirky shape. The buildings were designed by the Dutch architect Winy Maas and completed in 2002.
The buildings are characterized by their curved and tilted facades, which give them the appearance of dancing or swaying in the wind. The facades are covered in glass and stainless steel panels, giving the buildings a modern and futuristic look. It’s best to photograph across the canal on Damrak. Furthermore, near Damrak is the Red Light District, and while it’s popular, it’s not really the place to photograph.
Best Photo Spots in Amsterdam: MOCO Museum
The MOCO Museum is a contemporary art museum located in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The museum is known for its unique and exciting exhibitions featuring works from some of the world’s most famous modern and contemporary artists.
Some of the most notable artists whose works are on display at the MOCO Museum include the elusive street artist Banksy, Salvador Dalí, Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, and Roy Lichtenstein. The museum features a variety of media, including paintings, sculptures, installations, and street art.
The most popular exhibition at the MOCO Museum is the Banksy: Laugh Now exhibit, It features over 50 works from Banksy’s career, including many of his most famous pieces. Overall, the MOCO Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in contemporary art, and it offers a unique and engaging perspective on some of the most important artistic movements of our time. Book your tickets here!
Vondelpark
This is Amsterdam’s largest park, and it’s a great spot for taking photos of nature and people enjoying the outdoors. It’s located in the heart of Amsterdam and spans 120 acres. It was named after the famous Dutch poet and playwright Joost van den Vondel. The park offers a peaceful escape from the busy city streets. It features winding paths, beautiful gardens, and numerous water features, including ponds and streams.
Vondelpark is also home to many statues, sculptures, and monuments, including a monument dedicated to the park’s namesake, Joost van den Vondel. Throughout the year, Vondelpark hosts many events and festivals, including concerts, theater performances, and open-air film screenings. The park is also a popular spot for sports and recreation, with facilities for cycling, running, and skating. Finally, it’s a great place to relax, enjoy nature, and experience the vibrant cultural scene of the city.
The Rijksmuseum
This is one of the most famous museums in Amsterdam and notably the world. The museum’s collection consists of over 1 million objects, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. The most famous works in the collection include masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh.
The Rijksmuseum’s most notable work is Rembrandt’s “Night Watch,” a large-scale painting that depicts a group of civic guards from Amsterdam. The painting is considered a masterpiece of the Dutch Golden Age and is a must-see for visitors to the museum. In addition to its collections, the Rijksmuseum also features a number of exhibitions and events throughout the year, including lectures, concerts, and film screenings.
Furthermore, the library located inside is what dreams are made of. The library is considered one of the most important art libraries in the world, with a collection of over 400,000 volumes, including books, journals, manuscripts, and maps. It’s a valuable resource for scholars and researchers interested in Dutch art and history and is one of the most stunning libraries in the world.
The Jordaan neighborhood
The Jordaan neighborhood is known for its charming streets, cozy cafes, and quirky shops. It’s a great place to take photos of architecture, houseboats, and people. Originally a working-class neighborhood, the Jordaan has undergone significant gentrification in recent years and is now a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Despite these changes, the area has managed to maintain its character and charm.
The area also boasts a number of art galleries, boutiques, and vintage stores, making it a popular destination for shoppers. The famous Negen Straatjes are located in Jordaan the best shopping in all of Amsterdam. It is also known for its lively nightlife, with many bars and music venues located in the area. During the summer months, the neighborhood comes alive with outdoor concerts, festivals, and other events. Finally, a few of our favorite places to eat in Jordaan are Pancakes Amsterdam, Fabel Freits, Pluk, Ree7, and Jansz.
The Anne Frank House
This is a historic house and the museum is dedicated to the life and legacy of Anne Frank. A Jewish girl who became famous for her diary during World War II. The museum is located in the actual house where Anne and her family hid from the Nazis during the war. The house was originally built in the 17th century and was used as a warehouse and office space before the Frank family moved in.
In July 1942, the Frank family went into hiding in a concealed area of the house, along with four other people. They remained in hiding for two years until they were discovered by the Nazis in August 1944. The museum offers an audio guide while you journey through the rooms of the house where the Frank family hid.
It is a powerful and moving testament to the resilience and courage of Anne Frank and her family, as well as to the countless victims of the Holocaust. It is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Amsterdam and interested in the history of the Holocaust.
The Bloemenmarkt
The Bloemenmarkt is the world’s only floating flower market. It is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions, drawing millions of visitors every year. The market is located along the Singel Canal, near the Koningsplein square, and consists of a series of houseboats that have been converted into flower stalls.
The market sells a variety of flowers and plants, including tulips, daffodils, roses, and more. The Bloemenmarkt has a long history, dating back to the early 19th century when flower sellers would come to Amsterdam to sell their wares. Over time, the market became a permanent fixture, and the floating flower stalls were introduced in the 20th century. Finally, you can walk around and shop as they have tons of plants, flowers, and souvenirs to choose from.
Tulip Fields (seasonal)
The Netherlands is famous for its beautiful tulip fields, and there are several locations near Amsterdam where you can experience these colorful displays of flowers. These fields are a photographer’s dream and the season takes place in the month of April. Here are some of the best tulip fields in and around Amsterdam:
- Keukenhof Gardens – Located in Lisse, about a 30-minute drive from Amsterdam.
- Noordoostpolder – This area is located about an hour’s drive from Amsterdam and is one of the largest tulip-growing regions in the Netherlands.
- Haarlemmermeer – Located just outside of Amsterdam and is known for its tulip fields and flower farms.
- Amsterdamse Bos – This large park on the outskirts of Amsterdam is home to several tulip gardens and features over 400,000 tulips.
- Bloemendaal aan Zee – This coastal town near Amsterdam is known for its sandy beaches and beautiful tulip fields. Visitors can take a bike ride through the fields. As well as dine at one of the many beachfront cafes.
Thank you for reading my Ultimate Guide to Taking the Best Photos in Amsterdam. For more information on visiting you can’t miss my “2 Day Amsterdam Itinerary“. Finally, check out more of my European travel guides.
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XX,
Courtney
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