Amsterdam Photo Spots

As the most populated city in the Netherlands, Amsterdam is a vibrant destination full of diverse cultural experiences. With its sparkling canals and colourful rows of 17th-century houses, Holland’s capital seems picture-perfect. Explore its charm by bicycle or on foot, and you will become intimately acquainted with all the city has to offer. From tiptoeing through the tulips at Keukenhof, to exploring history and art at Museumplein, to enjoying Dutch delicacies such as stroopwafel at the Albert Cuypmarkt, this European capital boasts endless places to take photos in Amsterdam! 

We easily connect people with trusted photographers for fun photo shoots and have captured over four million memories worldwide. The magic of Flytographer is both the experience and the photos. Explore the city with a fun, talented photographer and get wall-worthy photos to relive your trip, forever. Consider this your travel guide to Amsterdam, featuring the best places to visit, shop, and snap glamour shots. Explore this captivating city with a fun, talented photographer and get wall-worthy photos in the process that will allow you to relive your trip whenever you please! 

TLDR

1. For classic views of Amsterdam, visit the Jordaan.
2. Visit a trendy cafe in De Pijp.
3. Take a day trip through the streets of Haarlem & Adriaan’s Windmill.
4. Explore the world-renowned museums of Leidseplein & Museumplein.
5. Frolic through the Keukenhof Tulip Garden.
6. Adventure on a canal cruise near De Negen Straatjes.
7. Catch the sparkling lights at night on Magere Bridge.
8. Spend the day in the elegant neighbourhood of Oud Zuid.
9. Shop at the farmers’ market in the Nieuwmarkt neighbourhood.
10. Admire panoramic views at Westelijke Eilanden.

Photo: Tania in Amsterdam for Flytographer. Angela and family capture memories in Amsterdam with a family photoshoot at The Jordaan.

1. The Jordaan

Take a moment to picture Amsterdam in your mind. You will likely imagine rowhouses, canals, and cobbled streets. This is the Jordaan in a nutshell. Known for its classic views of Amsterdam, the neighbourhood is seriously Instagrammable. With its winding streets and sparkling canals lined with specialty shops, restaurants, galleries, and boutiques, it’s no wonder the Jordaan has become one of the most visited spots in the city – and the perfect site for an iconic Amsterdam canal photo spot.

For the best of photogenic Amsterdam, head to Brouwersgracht (also known as Brewer’s canal), a beautiful waterway located at the north end of the Jordaan. Unlike Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, and Leidsegracht, Brouwersgracht sees fewer tourists, resulting in a more authentic atmosphere. And you know what smaller crowds means – better photo ops! 📸

Photo: Steven in Amsterdam for Flytographer. Will and partner capture memories in Amsterdam with a proposal photoshoot at The Jordaan.

2. De Pijp

Formerly a working-class neighbourhood, de Pijp is now known as one of the most picturesque locales in Amsterdam and a seriously trendy spot! Filled with cozy cafes, hip restaurants, and upbeat bars and clubs, the bustling energy of this area will charm you immediately upon arrival.

One of the best ways to get to know a new city is by experiencing its market scene. Outside of its vibrant nightlife, de Pijp is home to the Netherlands’ largest open-air market, the Albert Cuypmarkt, which hosts a wide array of vendors showcasing everything from clothing to cheese, produce, and seafood, plus much, much more! Take a stroll through the market to sample some of the local fare, such as herring, stroopwafel, and world-famous Dutch cheese. 🧀

Photo: Tania in Amsterdam for Flytographer. Helena captures memories in Amsterdam with a new chapter photoshoot at De Pijp.

3. Haarlem streets & Adriaan’s Windmill

Looking for experiences off the beaten path? Consider a visit to nearby Haarlem. Located about 30 minutes west of Amsterdam, this charming town is one of the most beautiful places in all of Holland. Surrounding Grote Markt, the bustling square located in Haarlem’s city centre, de Gouden Straatjes (the Golden Streets) of Haarlem are home to a variety of local shops ranging from vintage stores to artisan studios. With narrow streets lined with unique shopping, Haarlem is the place to be if you’re on the hunt for one-of-a-kind finds alongside some of the best places to take pictures in Amsterdam!

If you venture out this far, don’t miss your chance to visit Adriaan’s Windmill. Located on the scenic Spaarne River, this iconic windmill dates back to 1779 and is the only working windmill in the region. Restored to its original grandeur, with all of its machinery still intact, the interior boasts an authentic glimpse into the past – you can even see wheat being ground into flour through a viewing window!! – and makes for a great photoshoot. Climb the windmill to the top for stunning panoramic views of Haarlem city you won’t soon forget! 🌆

Photo: Tania in Amsterdam for Flytographer. Christine and family capture their family trip to Amsterdam in the Haarlem streets & Adriaan’s Windmill with a family photoshoot.

4. Leidseplein & Museumplein

If you’re looking for the best Instagram spots in Amsterdam, this is the place to be! Home to the iconic ‘I Amsterdam’ sign, along with historic city squares and stunning architecture, this is one of the best backdrops for snapping photos in Amsterdam.

Leidseplein, with its numerous options for nightlife, entertainment, and shopping, is one of the busiest destinations in Holland’s capital. Located at the southern end of Amsterdam’s central canal ring, it is a central hub of public transport and a place to take time to enjoy street performances and lush greenery. Only a few footsteps away from the main entrance of the majestic Vondelpark Park, Leidseplein holds its position as one of the most photo-worthy spots in Amsterdam. 🌿

Nearby Museumplein is the cultural hub of Amsterdam and is home to world-renowned museums, including Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. It is also the seat of iconic arts buildings, such as the Concertgebouw, and historical monuments, such as the Anne Frank House.

Pro tip: This area of the city gets incredibly busy, so visit first thing in the morning to beat the crowds for your Amsterdam photoshoot. Then, hop on a canal cruise for a scenic journey through the city. 😍

Photo: Flytographer in Amsterdam. Jil and family capture their family trip in Amsterdam at the Leidseplein & Museumplein with a family photoshoot.

5. Keukenhof Tulip Garden

Perhaps one of the most exquisite places to take photos in Amsterdam is the endless rows of colourful tulips. If floriculture is up your alley, you won’t want to miss a visit to Keukenhof Tulip Gardens! Keukenhof is a nature reserve and botanical garden located between Amsterdam and Haarlem. Known as the ‘Garden of Europe’, Keukenhof is one of the world’s largest flower gardens and one of the most visited tourist attractions in the Netherlands, with over 1 million people visiting every year. Boasting over 7 million tulips of 800 varieties, the photography in Holland is unbeatable here!. 🌷

Photo: Joanna in Amsterdam for Flytographer. Saranya and partner capture memories in Amsterdam with a couples photoshoot at The Keukenhof Tulip Garden.

6. De Negen Straatjes

De Negen Straatjes (the Nine Streets) is a shopping area in Amsterdam located in the middle of the beautiful canal belt at the city center. Herengracht, the most photogenic canal in Amsterdam, can be found here, too! Look no further for your iconic Amsterdam canal photo!

De Negen Straatjes is known for its high-end antique shops selling everything from vintage jewelry to European-sourced art pieces at reasonable prices. 🛍️ It’s also a great place to visit if you are looking for some great photo opportunities. It is a pedestrian-only area, which means you can wander freely while taking photos of the beautiful architecture without worrying about crossing paths with a bike or car.

Photo: Joanna in Amsterdam for Flytographer. Loreen and family capture memories in Amsterdam with a family photoshoot at De Negen Straatjes.

7. Magere Bridge

Arguably the most famous bridge in all of the Netherlands, Magere Brug (or Magere Bridge) is set across the Amstel River that runs through the center of Ameterdam. Known as ‘Skinny Bridge,’ this narrow bridge provides truly unique places to take photos in Amsterdam that you won’t find anywhere else. 

For an ethereal experience, we recommend visiting Magere Brug at night. Illuminated by city lights, the bridge provides the perfect vantage point to take in glittering night views of the city – a truly magical experience! ✨

Nearby, you’ll find the famous flower market, Bloemenmarkt. This one-of-a-kind floating market rests on barges along Amsterdam’s canals. Vendors sell a wide variety of flowers, from tulips to geraniums and everything in between! The vibrant colours and textures of the market make it one of the most Instagrammable spots in the city – a truly delightful and unique experience you don’t want to miss! 💐

Photo: Tania in Amsterdam for Flytographer. Godwin and partner capture their engagement in Amsterdam at the Magere Bridge with a proposal photoshoot.

8. Oud Zuid

Oud Zuid is one of Amsterdam’s most elegant neighbourhoods. Here, in addition to Museumplein and Vondelpark, two of Amsterdam’s most iconic locations, you will find gorgeous homes, lush greenery, and chic boutiques. Start your day early at Musemplien to beat the crowds, then stroll through Vondelpark. Finally, wander along the serene streets of Willemspark for a lovely end to your day. If you’re still not sure where to take pictures in Amsterdam, Oud Zuid should definitely be on your list!

Photo: Tania in Amsterdam for Flytographer. Proud and partner capture memories in Amsterdam with an anniversary photoshoot at Oud Zuid.

9. Nieuwmarkt Neighbourhood

One of the oldest neighbourhoods and most beautiful places to take photos in Amsterdam, the historic district of Nieuwmarkt has been a commercial and social hub since the 17th century. Today, the Nieuwmarkt neighbourhood hosts weekly farmers’ markets, and Nieuwmarkt Square is surrounded by lively bars, cafés, and restaurants. ☕

The Nieuwmarkt district is also a fantastic place to explore Amsterdam’s cultural diversity, as it is home to the old Jewish quarter and the city’s bustling Chinatown, and the infamous Red Light District is just a short walk away. Nieuwmarkt is also located only minutes away from Damrak, Amsterdam’s main street that runs between Amsterdam Centraal Station and Dam Square.

Photo: Elina in Amsterdam for Flytographer. Roy celebrates a trip to Amsterdam in the Nieuwmarkt Neighbourhood with a solo photoshoot.

10. Westelijke Eilanden

You’ve probably never heard of the Westelijke Eilanden, also known as the Western Islands, in Amsterdam. These man-made islands just outside of the city centre hold a gorgeous, off-the-beaten-path neighborhood that rarely sees tourists. Here you’ll find unbeatable views of Amsterdam, including rows of canal houses fronting the sparkling canals. And if you want the absolute best view of Amsterdam, just across the water is A’DAM Lookout, an observation deck with a panoramic, unrivaled view of Amsterdam. 👀

For a unique cultural experience, take the ferry over to NDSM, a unique cultural centre situated in an old shipyard. This area of the city is host to pop-up concerts, open-air cinemas, and trendy outdoor dining. Street art can be glimpsed throughout the entire area, providing the perfect opportunity to sneak a pop of colour in your Amsterdam pics. 🎨

Because fewer tourists gather in this area, we think it makes for one of the best places to take photos in Amsterdam! Plus, what’s more fun than hanging out amongst the locals to get a feel for the city?

Photo: Elina in Amsterdam for Flytographer. Jillian and friend capture memories in Amsterdam with a photoshoot at Westelijke Eilanden.

Capturing memories in Amsterdam

There’s no doubt about it – with its gorgeous views, fascinating history, lively neighbourhoods, and captivating culture, Amsterdam is a vibrant and fun-filled destination that will leave you in awe. From wandering through the markets to cruising along the canals, you will find there are many beautiful places to take photos in Amsterdam and unique opportunities to explore in Holland’s vibrant capital city. Book a Flytographer shoot to capture your memories today! ✨