The best photography spots & tips in Amsterdam
Amsterdam really is a photogenic city. Each and every corner seems to be even more picturesque than the previous one and it is hard to not put your camera out all the time. The beautiful houses, the unique architecture and the romantic atmosphere in the city make Amsterdam the ideal photo location. But what are the best photography spots in Amsterdam? Where can you get your best shots for the gram and which are some secret places you and your camera need to know about?
This guide is not only about photo spots where you should go to pose and get a shot of yourself, but as well about great places for some urban photography. But see for yourself!
The best time for photographers in Amsterdam
You will see, that Amsterdam really is a photographer´s paradise. Why? Not only because of the unique and beautiful locations, btu as well because it is an all-year-round place to shoot. There really is no time during the year where photographers in Amsterdam will not be able to capture a unique shot.
During every season of the year, Amsterdam looks stunning on pictures. The warm light during spring and summer, the golden trees during the fall time and the frozen canals during winter – whenever you visit Amsterdam, you will have a blast with your camera.
Some photographers and travellers do decide to visit the city multiple times to get the different perspectives of the seasons.
The best tips for the photography spots in Amsterdam
Apart from the best photography spots in Amsterdam, there are a few more things you need to know before getting out into the city with your camera. How do you ensure you get a unique capture of Amsterdam and what should you know in advance?
For the best shots, get out early in the morning or during the late afternoon
Of course, if you want to have some captures without any people in it, you should start your photography tour early in the morning. During this time, you can avoid most of the crowds and get some quiet and calm pictures. The best light is usually during the late afternoon when the sun slowly fades over the roofs. If you love to play with the light and the sunrays, this is the best time to capture this beautiful city.
Do not forget to capture the city by night
Amsterdam is not only photogenic during the day but as well during the night. The lights of the city reflecting in the canals is a unique atmosphere you should not miss out on.
Focus on some urban photography
Surely, it is often fun to shoot people in the cities. But Amsterdam is a great chance to focus on urban photography as well. Check out the beautiful houses and their architecture and you will be surprised about what you can create.
One of the most popular photography spots: The Damrak
When it comes to photographing in Amsterdam, the Damrak is mostly on top of the list of the best spots. It is seen on almost every post card and all over Social Media. And yes, even if it is a famous place, you should still get your own shot at it.
The Damrak is actually a row of houses directly at one of the canals. The Name Damrak refers to the main canal which leads to the center of Amsterdam and the main station. The photography highlight are the houses which are build directly into the water. If you are lucky and the water is calm, the houses are reflecting – a perfect location for a shoot that you should definitely not miss out on!
Find some of the best photography spots in Amsterdam in the Red Light District
Travellers and photographers in Amsterdam love to stroll through the Red Light District. Even though it does show a different side of the city, it is still filled with beautiful and picturesque corners. The tiny and detailed bridges, the stunning houses and the unique views – in the Red Light District you will find some of the best photography spots in Amsterdam.
The area is perfect if you want to capture one of the typical Amsterdam scenes. A biker driving by or the cute bridges leading over the canals. In the Red Light District you can get the best out of the Amsterdam photography. The area is both worth a visit during the day and as well during the night with the lights on.
The balconies in the De Pijp District
One of the best districts for photographers in Amsterdam is the De Pijp. It is located a little out of the city center but can still be reached by foot or by bike. De Pijp is known for cute cafés and the Albert Cuyp Market. And, the cute balconies.
Yes, the De Pijp District is ideal if you want to capture the beautiful homes of the locals in Amsterdam and the picturesque streets. The area is full of narrow streets with stunning houses and flats. The best way to explore the district and to find some good photography spots is to stroll around the streets.
The De Pijp District is the best proof that Amsterdam has even more beautiful sides than just the canals. If you are looking for some more unique shots of the city and a more local area, this is a great choice. Plus, you can get some good shots for Instagram by posing in the streets. Especially during spring and summer, De Pijp is filled with flowers in the gardens.
Watch out, this might make you fall in love with Amsterdam. Or rather: this will definitely make you fall in love with Amsterdam.
The picturesque Prinsengracht Canal
This canal needs to be on any list of the best photography spots in Amsterdam. The Prinsengracht Canal offers some of the best views on the city and is a highlight for you and your camera. During any time of the day, and as well as soon as it gets dark, you can capture the views.
Make sure to get a photo with the Westerkerk Tower in the background, at the end of the canal. There are some bridges leading over the Prinsengracht Canal which offer some of the best perspectives. With the beautiful narrow houses on the right and the left of the canal and the houseboats, this could not be any more of an Amsterdam photo.
The blossom and narrow streets in the ` 9 Straatjes ´ (the 9 Streets) – the photogenic district of Amsterdam
Another area you need to check out if you cannot get enough of photographing in Amsterdam are the 9 Straatjes. This is close to the beautiful Jordaan District.
In the 9 Streets you can capture a little of the everyday life in Amsterdam. The locals and tourists sitting in the cute cafés, the bikes along the bridges and the boats driving slowly through the canals. Espeically during the summer time and the spring, you can get the best out of the area. The flowers on the bridges and along the streets make the district one of the most colorful parts of Amsterdam.
This photography spot in Amsterdam is famous among photographers and on Social Media. The area offers multiple spots where you can get your camera out and capture the beauty of this city.
The most popular photo motive in Amsterdam: the bikes
Yes, this is not one particular spot you need to know about but rather a photo idea that needs to be on your list. Amsterdam is known as the city of bikes. Millions and millions of bikes can be seen in the streets. To get one of the typical Amsterdam shots, you should search for a beautiful bike on a bridge with the water in the background.
Could it even be more Amsterdam-like? Probably not.
Antoher unique photography spot: capturing Amsterdam from the canals
To get a different perspective and a new photography spot in Amsterdam, you should get on a boat. Driving through the canals offers you some new possibilities to capture the city. Especially during the sunset hour, this can be a great thing to do with your camera.
The houses from the water, the bridges from below and the vibe on the boat are some more photography motives in Amsterdam you should know about. Again, the creativity has no boundaries and you can create your very own Amsterdam moment on camera.
For even more travel photography tips, check out The best photography spots in Bali and The 9 most unique photography spots in Hong Kong.
