Amsterdam is one of the most visited cities in Europe, with almost 7 million tourists arriving in the city every year. The old streets, the canals, the bikes, the incredible museums, and the amazing parks are very appealing to everyone interested in doing a Eurotrip. But why do we all see the same photos of Amsterdam for all the people we know? Why?
The answer is that most tourists have little to zero knowledge of where are the best photo spots in the Netherlands’ main city. In this post I will give you some of the best options when it comes to here to take pictures in Amsterdam.
Where to take pictures in Amsterdam
I’ll start with some of the basics spots and by the end of the list, you’ll have some very unique suggestions for getting your travel photography to the next level.
Around the Amsterdam Central Station
The Amsterdam Central Station is best places to take pictures in Amsterdam. Yes, I know – super obvious. But have you seen lots of photos of this building’s details? I bet you didn’t!
Travel photographers usually arrive in the Amsterdam Central Station and click the incredible view of the city you can have it from there, but rarely they look back and pay attention to the outstanding building behind them.
Please, next time you’re there, look up – we’ve showed you this cool tip on our Instagram mission a few months ago, remember?
A Walk Around the Red light district
The red light district in Amsterdam is world famous for not allowing photos of its workers, but we’re here to tell you that there’s so much more to capture when you’re walking around its tiny and old streets. De Wallen or De Walletjes, the actual name of this part of town, is the largest and best known red-light district in Amsterdam.
Try to catch the uniqueness of Amsterdam style houses reflecting on its canals or use the water as a mirror to photograph details on the street. Or if you’re lucky, try to get a shot of one of those doors that open direct facing the water when they are open. Try going for the Oudezijds Achterburgwal next to the Spooksteeg.
The canals and streets are more narrow and curvier on this part of town, and because of that, you can have super cool shots!
A Visit to the Science Center Nemo
Science Center Nemo is a science center in Amsterdam. It might sound boring to you but the place is amazing and suited for the entire family. The cool ship-like architecture of this building can be used in your advantage.
Nemo has a cafe outside with tons of places to sit outside and even some cool fountains. You can go there for free and have the perfect overview of this incredible city.
Magere Brug, the drawbridge over Amstel
The Magere Brug or Skinny Bridge is a bridge over the river Amstel in the city centre of Amsterdam. This bridge connects the banks of the river at Kerkstraat between Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht and it is the perfect spot take amazing pictures in Amsterdam!
The bridge is very charming. Its old style and white colors can give your shots a fresh look. Besides, it is located over the Amstel River, so the view is quite good from both sides.
The Garden on Hermitage
The Hermitage museum is by itself a must-see place in Amsterdam. But do you know that you can find there an I AMSTERDAM sign without 1000 people sitting, jumping, posing and walking in front of your camera?
I know, it is smaller but still, for the amount of peace you can have, totally worth it! Way better to go there than to wait for a long time to take the perfect picture in front of the IAmsterdam sign. I could only achieve that at 6 am on a weekday. And at 6:02 people were arriving. #JustSaying
Another pro side of it is the garden behind the sign; it is a peaceful oasis in the middle of Amsterdam.
So now you know the answer to the question “Where to take pictures of Amsterdam’s famous letters without the annoying people?“. Just visit the Hermitage museum!
The fantastic view from the top at Volkshotel
One of the best places to take panoramic pictures from Amsterdam is at the fantastic Volkshotel. Volkshotel is a brand new hotel in Amsterdam that doubles as a co-working space, bar, nightclub and much more.
This particular hotel has one of the best views of Amsterdam if you go to its main terrace. It is open to the public every afternoon for drinks and food.
Pro tip: try to get the sunset from there and click Amsterdam on its most pink/orange hour. I guarantee a super shot from there!
If you want to try to get something even more refreshing, wake up early, book a room there and try to get the sunrise. 100% approved by Fotostrasse.
The 2nd pro tip goes for the people booking the room: they have rooms on the corner with 50% or the room’s walls being windows. Fantastic for all the travel photographers out there!
Restaurant De Kas on Frankendael park
Another one of those places that make Amsterdam a unique city. This restaurant located in the most charming park in East Amsterdam is a greenhouse.
Go for the photos and stay for the organic food, ok? And ask the staff if you can see the greenhouse where they grow most of the food served in the place, it is outstanding.
The best Chef in Amsterdam inside his restaurant’s greenhouse
Outside there are many other kinds of eatable plants like artichokes and berries so you can have a lot to compose your shot.
The park where this restaurant is located has bridges, water, and a family of grey herons living there. Be the next NetGeo photographer after your travels.
You have to vo for the Canal tours
Our final tip here is the incredible view you can only get if you’ve seen this city from the water. Amsterdam has a whole new face when you experience it from its canals. After all, this is why the city is famous, right?
Pay attention to all the sides of the boat, choose a weekday and get away from high seasons. And you want to aim for the emptiest ship you can find, ok? There is so much to see and photograph that will make you go from left to right at least 100x during the ride.
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