Amazing Photography Spots in Amsterdam

During a short but sweet 7-hour layover in Amsterdam, I had the opportunity to photograph some of the city’s most photogenic areas. With such limited time, I didn’t get to visit every single spot on my bucket list. However, it is possible to capture the essence of Amsterdam in a couple of hours.

These beautiful places are some of the best photography spots in Amsterdam. Read on to discover my personal favorite places + how to find each one!

Amsterdam Centraal

You’re most likely arriving in Amsterdam via train. Be sure to photograph the beautiful architecture of the Amsterdam Centraal train station once you exit. It is quite possibly the most extravagant building in the city. Photographing from the middle of a crosswalk was my favorite angle.

Even if you didn’t arrive by train, it is easy to locate Amsterdam Centraal. It is close to many restaurants as well, which is always a bonus.

Address: Stationsplein, 1012 AB Amsterdam, Netherlands

Canals

With over 1,500 bridges in the entire city, you are bound to find a canal that is worthy of photography. Amsterdam’s famous canals made it onto the UNESCO World Heritage List…even more reason to visit and take pictures!

You will cross many, many bridges during your street-exploring. Find the ones that are the prettiest to you and snap away.

Montelbaanstoren Tower (& Nearby Buildings)

You can look up and find this tower from almost anywhere in the city. Montelbaanstoren was historically used for defending Amsterdam from potential attack. Along with its historical relevance, Montelbaanstoren is so pretty to walk around and is worth a few minutes of your time!

Just across the canal from the tower are beautiful Dutch buildings. I love discovering new photogenic places while exploring the streets.

Address: Oudeschans 2, 1011 KX Amsterdam, Netherlands

“Gingerbread” Houses at Damrak

My absolute favorite spot in all of Amsterdam is Damrak. Let me just explain my love for this spot with a little story…

When I first started using Pinterest, I was about 12 years old. This was back when photos were over-edited with harsh filters that made everything look crazy saturated and yellow! Despite this, my 12-year-old self discovered a beautiful *over-edited* image of Amsterdam. I immediately pinned it to my board labeled “Beautiful Things & Places.” Even among thousands other pins, it always remained my favorite photo. Now, flash forward 8 years to where I am planning my itinerary for a quick layover in the famous city. I researched my butt off trying to locate the exact address of this photo I had always dreamed of. I discovered the address, traveled to Amsterdam, captured the photo, and fell in love all over again.

The gingerbread houses at Damrak are a must-see while in Amsterdam. Not only are they stunning, but they’re also conveniently located at just a 5-minute walk from Amsterdam Centraal. If you could only choose a single place to see & photograph, Damrak is my recommendation! It really is one of the most amazing photography spots in Amsterdam

Address: Damrak 28A, 1012 LJ Amsterdam, Netherlands

Corner of Stint Olofssteeg

Looking for an interesting photography spot in Amsterdam? These unique houses have no sidewalks along the canal. We walked around to the other side and found even better angles for photos. There are plenty of local shops and restaurants around the area as well.

Address: Oudezijds Voorburgwal 2A, 1012 GD Amsterdam, Netherlands

Basilica of Saint Nicholas

We stumbled upon the impressive basilica when walking from Amsterdam Centraal to our other stops. I LOVE the unique architecture of Saint Nicholas Basilica. It stands out amongst the tiny gingerbread houses along the canals.

I’m not sure if you can tour the inside or not, but simply taking a photo of the outside is definitely something you should do.

Address: Prins Hendrikkade 73, 1012 AD Amsterdam, Netherlands

Bicycles

If you thought there were too many bridges in the city, wait until you witness the amount of bikes! It was crazy how many bicycles there were in Amsterdam. In fact, bicyclists have the right of way on the roads…I learned that the hard way.

Combine a few cute bikes with the beautiful canals to create a charming photograph. You have plenty to choose from.

More Photography Spots:

If you’re staying in Amsterdam for a longer period of time, check out these places. I didn’t have time to capture them, but the following are still on my bucket list.

• Rijksmuseum
• Anne Frank House
• Dam Square
• Vondelpark
• Royal Palace Amsterdam
• Bloemenmarkt
• The Oude Church
• Streets of Jordaan
• A’Dam Lookout

Even with just a couple hours in the lively city, Amsterdam was truly a unique place to visit. The weather was gloomy and overcast when we visited, but that’s what we get for traveling at the end of December. I can’t wait to visit Amsterdam in the future when all of the tulips in bloom.

Hopefully this guide helps you make the most out of your upcoming trip and find amazing photography spots in Amsterdam!

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