My first trip out of the United States was to Amsterdam in the Netherlands. We visited a handful of cities in the Netherlands including Haarlem, Leiden, The Hague, Gouda, and Delft. If you visit Amsterdam I recommend getting on a train and visiting smaller towns as well.
After exploring Amsterdam I can safely say just about every street and canal is stunning. You’ll have no problem finding places to photograph in Amsterdam.
If you’re looking for some of the more popular canals here is my list of the best places to take pictures in Amsterdam:
Table of contents
1. 7 Bridges (Reguliersgracht/Keizersgracht)
This was by far my favorite place to shoot from my short time in Amsterdam. The canals, bridges, and houses all are just classic Amsterdam. I could have spent all night here if I didn’t have time restraints. You’ll get moments without boats passing through but I liked the streaks the lights made.
The ideal place to shoot here is where Reguliersgracht and Keizersgracht intersect. Arrive about an hour early if you plan on shooting sunset. While I was shooting a lot of photographers started showing up for sunset.
7 Bridges on Google Maps2. Torensluis (Brug 9)
Another classic looking Amsterdam spot Torensluis showcases a slanted building with canals underneath.
Torensluis (Brug 9) on Google Maps3. Damrak Canal Houses
Right when you leave the train station in Amsterdam you’ll be greeted by a group of houses that overlook a small canal. Unfortunately on my visit many of the houses were under construction so I wasn’t able to get my ideal shot.
To get the perfect shot I’d recommend stopping by whenever you head in/out of the city via central station. There are also tour boat companies that have boats blocking much of the reflection so getting those out of your photo is ideal.
Damrak Canal Houses on Google Maps4. Hortus Botanicus
The Hortus Botanicus is the botanical garden of Amsterdam and is one of the oldest in the world. Founded in 1638 the garden was originally made for doctors and apothecaries. It cost a few euro to get in but it’s well worth it if you have a green thumb.
Hortus Botanicus on Google Maps5. Lekkeresluis (Brug 59)
Closer to the train station you’ll find Lekkeresluis which is a popular place to photograph in Amsterdam. The way the townhouse lines up with the bridge and docks is a classic Amsterdam sight.
Lekkeresluis (Brug 59) on Google Maps6. Leidsegracht
If I had more time in Amsterdam I would have tried to visit Leidsegracht at night since it has light up canals. But you can see the Leidsegracht canal is one of those iconic looking Amsterdam spots.
Leidsegracht on Google Maps7. Inntel Hotels Amsterdam
The Inntel Hotel in Amsterdam is stunning, with Dutch-style stacked-house architecture on every side. The hotel is actually in Zaandam (about 15 minutes by train from Amsterdam Centraal) and is designed by architect Wilfried van Winden as a vertically stacked composition of 70 traditional Zaanstreek house facades.
Inntel Hotels Amsterdam-Zaandam on Google Maps8. Rijksmuseum
The grass area in front of the Rijksmuseum used to be home to the giant “I amsterdam” letters, but the city removed them in December 2018 over concerns about overcrowding and tourism messaging. A separate set of the letters is permanently installed at Schiphol Airport, and other copies travel around the country for events. You can still get a stunning shot of the museum reflected in the water feature behind it.
Rijksmuseum on Google MapsNetherlands Travel Vlog
In addition to my photos I also created a video of my trip to the Netherlands. By far the best time to visit the Netherlands is when the tulips are blooming.
Final Thoughts on Photographing Amsterdam
Amsterdam rewards photographers who plan a route and start early. The canal ring is compact enough to hit most of these spots on foot in a single morning, and the soft light before the cafes open is when the bridges and gables look their best. If you only have one window, prioritize the 7 Bridges viewpoint and Torensluis at golden hour and save Hortus Botanicus and the Rijksmuseum for midday when light through the windows comes alive.
Bring a wide lens for the canal compositions, a polarizer if you can to cut reflections off the water, and patience for foot traffic on the bridges. Save the map links above to your phone, pack light, and the city will do the rest.
Amsterdam Photography FAQ
What is the best time of day to photograph Amsterdam?
Just after sunrise (for empty canals and soft light) and during blue hour after sunset (for warm lights on the houses with deep blue sky and reflections). The canal-and-bridge shots especially benefit from blue hour because the streetlamps and house lights reflect dramatically on the water.
When is the best time of year to visit Amsterdam for photography?
Mid-April through early May, when the tulips are blooming in the Netherlands (Keukenhof opens roughly late March to mid-May). The light is also pleasant in September and October, with fewer tourists. Avoid July and August unless you want crowds; it is the peak tourist window.
Is the “I amsterdam” sign still at the Rijksmuseum?
No. The original letters were removed from Museumplein (in front of the Rijksmuseum) in December 2018 over concerns about overcrowding. A separate, permanently installed set is at Schiphol Airport, and other copies travel around the country for events and festivals.
Are drones allowed for photography in Amsterdam?
Effectively no. The Amsterdam city center sits inside Schiphol Airport’s controlled airspace, where recreational drone flying is prohibited without specific authorization from the LVNL (Dutch air traffic control). Most casual visitors should leave the drone at home and stick with ground photography.
How do you get around between the photo spots?
On foot. All of the spots in this post are within the canal ring (Grachtengordel) and walking is faster than transit between most of them. For Inntel Hotels (which is actually in Zaandam), take a 15-minute train from Amsterdam Centraal. Renting a bike is also a great way to cover ground if you’re comfortable cycling in busy bike traffic.
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