The 10 Most Photogenic Places in Amsterdam

There are many reasons why you should visit Amsterdam. One is that it’s one of the most photogenic cities in the world. Whether you’re looking for old or modern, people or architecture, Amsterdam has it all. And because the city is easy to explore on foot, you can see and photograph a lot in just a few days. Don’t know where to start? Here are the most photogenic spots you don’t want to miss. 

Rijksmuseum & I  Amsterdam

Many tourists take a photo sitting on top of the iconic I amsterdam letters in front of the Rijksmuseum. As a photographer you may want to skip climbing on one of the letters. Instead, walk towards the end of the pond in the middle of the Museumplein (Museum square) from where you get a perfect view of the I amsterdam letters combined with that historic Rijksmuseum building. 
Update:  The letters I AMsterdam near the Rijksmuseum have been recently removed.

Sky Lounge at the Hilton hotel

Amsterdam is – just like the rest of the Netherlands – very flat. That’s great for cycling, but the downside is that you don’t have many places to get a nice view of the city. When you arrive by train at Central Station, turn left and go to the 11th floor of the Double Tree Hilton Hotel. From their Sky Lounge bar you can take a photo with this view. 

Papiermolensluis

One of the first things that come to mind when you think about Amsterdam are the canals. The water, the bridges and those old canal houses is how you instantly recognize Amsterdam in a photo. Just spend some time walking along the canals and you’ll find yourself stopping every other second to take another photo. One of the most iconic shots can be taken at the Papiermolensluis bridge.

NDSM wharf

Are you looking for something a bit more modern and industrial to photograph? Then take the free ferry from Central Station to the NDSM Wharf. This area has grown in popularity among locals, but it’s still a great place to find street art and industrial buildings.  

Blauwbrug

Standing on the Blauwbrug (Blue Bridge) you won’t know which side to photograph first. With the Amsterdam Hermitage museum on one side (and the ‘skinny bridge’ – see below- in the distance). And the Stopera (city hall and the Dutch National Opera and Ballet building) on the other side. 

Magere Brug

The Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge) over the river Amstel is the most photographed bridge in Amsterdam. It looks especially pretty when the lights go on at night. 

Hortus Botanicus

Looking to escape the city craziness for a while? Head to the Hortus Botanicus. It’s one of the oldest botanic gardens in Europe with beautiful green houses and plants to photograph. 

Canal Houses at Sint Olafsteeg

This corner with houses along the canals is another image you often see of Amsterdam. It’s right in the city center but still easy to miss. Walk to the Sint Olafsteeg and you’ll find it. 

Begijnhof

Another hidden spot in the city center: the Begijnhof (beguinage). Enter via a gate on the Spuiplein (Spui square) and you’ll find this medieval courtyard with beautiful houses. 

Groenburgwal

 Walking along the canals you often don’t know whether you should look left, right, up or down. It’s all so interesting. Standing on the Staalmeestersbrug (Staalmeesters bridge) at the corner of the Groenburgwal and Staalstraat, you get this perfect view of the canal and the Zuiderkerk (the first Protestant church of Amsterdam), similar to Claude Monet’s painting.