Last Updated on June 13, 2023
Amsterdam is a picturesque European town known for its world-class museums, quaint canals, and cycling-friendly infrastructure. There are amazing photo spots to be found on nearly every street corner in Amsterdam, ranging from historic bridges and churches to modern museums and shops. This guide to the Top 20 Amsterdam Instagram Spots highlights all the best spots in Amsterdam to take some amazing photos for your Instagram feed. This list is the perfect tool for photographers regardless of experience level as well as travelers who want to capture some amazing memories of their time in Amsterdam.
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Table of Contents
Map of the Most Instagrammable Places in Amsterdam
Use this map of the top Amsterdam Instagram spots to plan your trip to this famous city! Amsterdam is a great city to explore through Instagram as all of these amazing Amsterdam Instagram spots are walkable from the city center!
Top 20 Amsterdam Instagram Spots
This list of the most Instagrammable places in Amsterdam consists of some of the most unique and diverse locations throughout the city. Follow this guide and you’ll uncover some of Amsterdam’s best hidden gems, and capture some beautiful photos along the way, of course!
Damrak Waterfront
The first Amsterdam Instagram spot we’re highlighting is Damrak Waterfront. Damrak Waterfront is a very well-known and popular area right in the heart of Amsterdam, at the city’s main train station. This spot is an excellent place to photograph some of Amsterdam’s iconic canal houses that were built along the Damrak canal. If the water in the canal is still enough when you visit, you might even be able to capture the reflection of the houses on the water for a super cool photo effect!
Location: Damrak Waterfront
Best Time for Photos: The best time to visit Damrak Waterfront is early in the morning before crowds begin to gather and when the water is calm. The light and reflection is best at blue hour and just as the sun is rising!
Tips: The houses along Damrak canal are some of the oldest in the entire city! They are sometimes referred to as “Dancing Houses”.
De Beurspassage
This next Instagram spot in Amsterdam can be found in the center of town, tucked between the streets of Damrak and Nieuwendijk. De Beurspassage is an enclosed passageway that connects the two streets and showcases some incredible tilework. Though the passageway is unassuming upon first glance, stepping inside will reveal a jaw-dropping display of artwork. The passageway was first built in the 19th-century, but it wasn’t until 2016 that a group of Dutch artists was enlisted to reimagine the once-barren space. Today, visitors flock to the 165’ passageway to admire its vaulted ceilings and beautiful tiles.
Location: De Beurspassage
Hours: De Beurspassage is open to visitors 24 hours a day.
Best Time for Photos: Since this photo spot is centrally located between two major shopping areas, we recommend visiting early in the morning before it gets too busy.
Tips: To properly capture the tall ceilings of De Beurspassage, use a wide-angle lens and don’t be afraid to get low to the ground to shoot upwards!
Papiermolensluis
One of the most Instagrammable places in Amsterdam that offers amazing views of the city is Papiermolensluis. Papiermolensluis is a stone bridge over one of the city’s numerous canals. From the bridge, you’ll be treated to beautiful views of some of Amsterdam’s most historic and picturesque buildings. Papiermolensluis is one of the city’s most popular Instagram spots because of the beautiful setting and the wide variety of photo opportunities it offers.
Location: Papiermolensluis
Best Time for Photos: One great thing about this Amsterdam photo spot is you can visit it any time of day and get some awesome photos.
Tips: Try shooting photographs of the bridge itself, as well as standing on the bridge looking out onto the canal and buildings beyond.
Bloemgracht
Unsurprisingly, some of the best Instagram spots in Amsterdam can be found along the city’s iconic canals, and Bloemgracht is one of our favorites. Bloemgracht can be found in the Jordaan district of Amsterdam, one of the city’s most famous neighborhoods. The Bloemgracht canal was built in the 17th-century during an era known as the Third Expansion of Amsterdam. Today, the canal is an incredibly picturesque hidden gem of Amsterdam. You’ll be able to capture charming photos of boats in the canal as well as the historic homes that line the waterway.
Location: Bloemgracht
Best Time for Photos: You can visit Bloemgracht any time, but earlier in the day is usually ideal.
Tips: You can walk along Bloemgracht and photograph the canal from several places to get a great variety of photos. Exploring this area of Jordaan with no specific destination in mind is a great way to get a feel for this beautiful city.
View of Westerkerk
The next Amsterdam Instagram spot we’ll be highlighting is a view of Westerkerk, a beautiful church built in the 1600s. Westerkerk is known for its Renaissance-style architecture and large bell tower that can be spotted from quite some distance away. Bloemstraat is a narrow street that offers some of the best views of Westerkerk for taking photos. Visiting this street will give you lots of flexibility for shooting the church from a variety of angles and locations.
Some of Amsterdams Best Brunch and Breakfast Spots are right nearby Westerkerk!
Location: View of Westerkerk
Best Time for Photos: You can capture great photos of Westerkerk from this location any time, but morning is best before the street gets crowded.
Tips: One of our favorite spots to photograph Westerkerk along this street is The Blossom House.
Dam Square
A trip to Amsterdam would be incomplete without paying a visit to Dam Square, one of the city’s main squares and also one of the most Instagrammable places in Amsterdam! Dam Square is home to some of the city’s top attractions, such as the National Monument and the Royal Palace. The square is always bustling with activity and is a great place to take some classic Amsterdam photos. Exploring Dam Square is not only a must-do activity when visiting Amsterdam, but also one of the best spots in the city to snap some amazing photos!
Location: Dam Square
Best Time for Photos: Dam Square can get very popular later in the day, so try to visit early in the morning to avoid crowds.
Tips: Dam Square is pretty large, so take your time wandering around and exploring.
Madame Tussauds Amsterdam
Madame Tussauds may sound like an unconventional addition to this list of the best Instagram spots in Amsterdam, but we promise it’s worth a visit! For those who are unfamiliar, Madame Tussauds is a wax museum featuring all kinds of famous celebrities and historical figures. There are Madame Tussauds locations in major cities all over the world, but the Amsterdam location is especially picturesque. Madame Tussauds Amsterdam is situated on Dam Square, and a round window in the museum offers incredible views of the square below – perfect for taking photos!
Location: Madame Tussauds Amsterdam
Hours: Madame Tussauds Amsterdam is open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Cost: The price to visit Madame Tussauds ranges from €22 to €36.50 ($21 USD to $35 USD) per person.
Best Time for Photos: Plan to visit Madame Tussauds Amsterdam right when the museum opens or just before closing.
Tips: The museum’s iconic round window can be found on the top floor of the building.
W Amsterdam Rooftop
One of the best ways to gain a new perspective on a city is by seeing it from above! The rooftop of the W Amsterdam is one of the best Amsterdam Instagram spots where you can get an overhead view of the city. The W Amsterdam hotel is just a short walk from the Royal Palace, placing it in a great location in Amsterdam’s city center. The rooftop of the hotel is home to W Lounge, a swanky cocktail bar with delicious concoctions and stunning views.
Location: W Amsterdam Rooftop
Hours: The W Lounge is open from 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM Sunday through Thursday, and 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM on Friday and Saturday.
Best Time for Photos: Sunset is an incredible time of day to visit the W Amsterdam rooftop. Arrive around 30 minutes to 1 hour before sunset so that you have time to have a seat, get your drinks, and photograph the amazing sunset.
Tips: If you visit around sunset, make sure to photograph the sun setting behind Westerkerk!
Did you know a W hotel also features in our list of the 30 Best Instagram spots in Barcelona!
Staalmeestersbrug
Another historic bridge that doubles as one of the most Instagrammable places in Amsterdam is Staalmeestersbrug. This is one of the most unique bridges in the entire city, because it’s actually a wooden drawbridge. The bridge was built in 1920 and has since become known as Love Lock Bridge thanks to the tradition of couples placing a padlock on the bridge as a symbol of their eternal love for each other. This romantic spot, which can be found near the University of Amsterdam, also offers beautiful views of Amsterdam that make it an excellent photo spot.
Location: Staalmeestersbrug
Best Time for Photos: You can visit this Amsterdam Instagram spot at any time of the day.
Tips: Make sure to bring a padlock if you’re traveling with a romantic partner!
Rijksmuseum
Rijksmuseum is one of top Instagram spots in Amsterdam and also one of the most popular attractions in the entire city. Rijksmuseum is actually the national museum of the Netherlands and contains a variety of works dedicated to Dutch art and history. The museum was first established in the late 1700s and has grown to become the largest art museum in the country. Millions of people from all over the world visit Rijksmuseum every year, and it’s definitely a must-visit destination during your time in Amsterdam.
Location: Rijksmuseum
Hours: Rijksmuseum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Cost: Admission to Rijksmuseum is €20 ($19 USD) for adults and free for visitors 18 and under.
Best Time for Photos: Try to visit Rijksmuseum right after opening before the museum gets too crowded. It becomes especially popular on weekends.
Tips: Rijksmuseum is huge, so make sure you dedicate a good chunk of time to exploring all that the museum has to offer.
Moco Museum
Another beautiful museum that we consider a top Amsterdam Instagram spot is Moco Museum, located in the heart of the city. Moco Museum is an art museum that mostly features modern and contemporary works. The museum was established to appeal to younger audiences than those who traditionally visit art museums, with the hope of making art more accessible to the general public. The museum is relatively small compared to others in the city, but features an amazing variety of artwork. The museum also features a sculpture garden on the grounds which offers some especially great Instagram photo spots.
Location: Moco Museum
Hours: Moco Museum is open 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM Monday through Thursday, and from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM Friday through Sunday.
Cost: Tickets to Moco Museum are €15.95 ($15 USD) for adults and €12.95 ($12 USD) for kids 7-17 years old and students (children under 7 are free).
Best Times for Photos: Try to plan your visit during an off-peak time, such as shortly before closing.
Tips: The grounds of the museum, which contain the sculpture garden, are actually free to visit! You can enter the grounds of the museum on the opposite of the main ticket entrance to the Moco Museum.
Van Wonderen Stroopwafels
For one of the most Instagrammable places in Amsterdam AND one of the most delicious, you have to visit Van Wonderen Stroopwafels. The bakery is famous for serving up stroopwafels, a classic Dutch dessert that consists of a caramel filling between two thin waffle cookies. These aren’t your average stroopwafels, though, as Van Wonderen offers all kinds of fun twists on the original treat, such as stroopwafels dipped in chocolate and sprinkled with candy toppings! As a bonus, the shop itself is also super cute, making it the perfect location to grab a snack and snap some photos.
Location: Van Wonderen Stroopwafels
Hours: Van Wonderen Stroopwafels is open every day of the week from 8:30 AM to 10:00 PM.
Best Time for Photos: You can score some awesome photos at Van Wonderen Stroopwafels any time of day.
Tips: After grabbing your stroopwafel, make your way outside to a canal to snap some super cute photos of your yummy treat with a canal in the background. It doesn’t get much more Amsterdam than this!
Bloemenmarkt
One of the most unique Instagram spots in Amsterdam is Bloemenmarkt, a flower shop that floats on the Singel canal. Bloemenmarkt is one of the city’s most popular attractions because it’s actually the world’s only floating flower market. Bloemenmarkt was originally founded in 1862, and has a long and rich history closely tied to the city of Amsterdam. In addition to flowers, the market also sells different Dutch souvenirs and goods. At the market you can find all kinds of beautiful flowers such as violets, peonies, and tulips, of course!
Location: Bloemenmarkt
Hours: You can visit Bloemenmarkt from 9:00 AM to 5:30PM Monday through Saturday, and 11:00 AM to 5:30 PM on Sunday.
Best Time for Photos: The best time to take photos at Bloemenmarkt is in the morning when there are plenty of fresh flowers.
Tips: Though there are plenty of spots to photograph in Bloemenmarkt, the best flower stall for photos is the one furthest to the east, near Hotel NH.
Vondelchurch
Vondelchurch is a top Amsterdam Instagram spot that gives off major Harry Potter vibes! The Gothic church was in operation from 1880 to 1977 and today houses a number of offices for local businesses. Vondelchurch has a striking appearance, with dramatic spires that are reminiscent of Hogwarts. The church is a beautiful piece of architecture that is one of the most beloved in the entire city, and also makes for a striking and dramatic addition to your Amsterdam photos.
Location: Vondelchurch
Hours: You can’t go inside Vondelchurch since it contains offices, but you can photograph the exterioir of the building any time of day.
Best Time for Photos: Vondelchurch is one spot you can visit any time and get some great photos.
Tips: Make sure to play around with perspectives to properly capture the church’s towering spires!
Zevenlandenhuizen
The neighborhood of Zevenlandenhuizen is undoubtedly one of the most Instagrammable places in Amsterdam thanks to its beautiful architecture. Zevenlandenhuizen translates to “Houses of Seven Countries” which references the seven houses found in this area. The houses were built in 1894 and each represent a unique architectural style from a different country. This area is really unique and fun to explore, and our favorite section to take photographs is the orange and white striped house. Zevenlandenhuizen is a true hidden gem of Amsterdam that you’ll be happy you took the time to visit!
Location: Zevenlandenhuizen
Best Time for Photos: You can visit Zevenlandenhuizen any time of day and score some awesome photos.
Tips: Zevenlandenhuizen isn’t as popular as some of the other locations on this list, so you won’t have to worry about battling large crowds for photos.
Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam
One of the most beautiful Instagram spots in Amsterdam is Hortus Botanicus, a large botanical garden. Hortus Botanicus was first founded in 1638, making it one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world. There are countless plants to explore at Hortus Botanicus in both the indoor and outdoor areas, and the garden is also home to a butterfly house. The whole property is incredibly beautiful with tons of great photo spots to discover around every corner. One of the most picturesque features of Hortus Botanicus that we recommend taking photos of is the large glass conservatory.
Location: Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam
Hours: You can visit Hortus Botanicus every day of the week from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. During the summer, the garden is open until 9:00 PM on Thursday and Sunday.
Cost: Tickets to Hortus Botanicus are €12 ($12 USD) for adults and €6.50 ($6.50 USD) for kids 5-14 years old.
Best Time for Photos: You can capture beautiful photos at Hortus Botanicus any time of day.
Tips: This is one location you’ll want to take your time exploring, so don’t rush through your visit!
Skinny Bridge
Skinny Bridge is a famous landmark of Amsterdam that we consider one of the best Instagram spots in Amsterdam. The first bridge to be built at this location was constructed in 1691 and became known by locals as Magere Brug, meaning “skinny bridge”, given how narrow it was. By 1871, the bridge had deteriorated so much it was demolished and replaced by a new bridge that was also replaced in 1934. The 1934 bridge is the one that still stands to this day. One unique feature of Skinny Bridge is the fact that its center portion is actually moveable, giving water vessels the opportunity to pass underneath via the canal.
Location: Skinny Bridge
Best Time for Photos: Morning and evening are the best times to visit Skinny Bridge for great natural lighting and fewer crowds.
Tips: At night, the bridge is illuminated for pedestrians and cyclists, giving it a magical quality!
Amsterdam Bike Photo
You can’t pay a visit to the bike capital of the world without taking a photo of yourself with a bicycle! There are tons of bikes all throughout Amsterdam, giving you tons of opportunities to score an awesome Amsterdam bike photo. Many of these bikes are actually permanently parked and decorated so visitors can take photos with them! You’ll probably stumble across some super cool bicycles by just walking around the various neighborhoods of Amsterdam.
Location: For classic bike and canal vibes, try exploring the Jordaan and 9 Streets neighborhoods.
Best Time for Photos: There really isn’t a bad time to take some classic Amsterdam bike photos!
Tips: With so many bicycles to be found throughout the city, you can snap photos of any and all that you come across.
MaMa Kelly
Just on the outskirts of the city you can find MaMa Kelly, a restaurant that also doubles as one of the most Instagrammable places in Amsterdam. Though the outside is somewhat unassuming, stepping inside MaMa Kelly will transport you to a whole other world – a very pink world! The entire restaurant is decked out with pink décor and finishings, making this restaurant a photographer’s dream. Snapping some photos at MaMa Kelly will add a fun and eye-catching pop of color to your Instagram that viewers are sure to love.
Location: MaMa Kelly
Hours: MaMa Kelly is open from 5:00 PM to 12:00 AM Tuesday through Friday, and 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM Saturday and Sunday (closed Mondays).
Best Time for Photos: There’s no bad time to take photos at MaMa Kelly.
Tips: Be sure to make a reservation in advance. Also be aware that while MaMa Kelly has a reputation for being Instagrammable, but the food and service is typically considered average.
I Amsterdam Sign
We’re ending off this list of the top Instagram spots in Amsterdam with a visit to the iconic I Amsterdam sign at the Amsterdam Airport. The sign is a fun play on words, with “I Am” in red letters and the rest of Amsterdam spelled in white letters. Originally, the sign was located just outside of Rijksmuseum, but in 2018 it was moved to the airport to reduce the number of tourists to the square. The sign is a beloved photo spot in Amsterdam that all visitors should make sure to get some pictures with.
Location: I Amsterdam Sign
Best Time for Photos: You can visit the I Amsterdam sign any time and get some great photos, though you can almost always expect there to be other tourists snapping photos as well.
Tips: The sign can be found just outside the airport on the ground level, directly in front of the train station. It’s easy to visit before or after you take the train into the city center.
Top 20 Amsterdam Instagram Spots Summary
Amsterdam is a vibrant and bustling European city that offers a lot of unique sights and experiences. The entire city is a picture-perfect vision with historic buildings, charming canals, and some of the most famous art museums in the world. This guide to the Top 20 Amsterdam Instagram spots is a great resource to ensure you visit all the best photo spots in the city during your visit. Whether you’re a professional or amateur photographer, you’re sure to score some amazing photos during your trip. We hope you find this list of locations helpful as you explore the beautiful city of Amsterdam!
