Instagrammable places in Amsterdam: the best photo spots

Last Updated on April 23, 2026 by Ioana

Amsterdam is one of the most photogenic cities in Europe and it’s not just because of the canals.

Between the narrow canal houses, charming bridges, flower-covered bikes, and unique experiences, you’ll find incredible photo spots literally everywhere. But if you’re short on time, not every place is worth stopping for.

In this guide, I’m sharing the best Instagrammable places in Amsterdam, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems and unique experiences that are actually worth it.

I’ve also included a few photo tips and experiences that go beyond the usual spots so you can capture something a bit different (not just the same canal photo everyone has). This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Find out more here.

Best Instagram spots in Amsterdam (iconic locations)

Scenic canals (Jordaan & city center)

Amsterdam’s canals are the reason the city is nicknamed the “Venice of the North,” and they’re easily the most iconic photo spots.

That said, not all canals feel the same.

If you want the best photos, head to Jordaan or explore the smaller streets around the city center. These areas tend to be quieter and more aesthetic compared to the busiest tourist zones.

Look for:

• flower-covered bikes
• houseboats
• bridges with canal views

📸 Photo tip: Early morning or golden hour gives you softer light and fewer people in your shots.

Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge)

Magere Brug is one of the most photogenic bridges in Amsterdam.

It’s a classic white wooden drawbridge that looks simple during the day. But at night, it lights up and becomes one of the most beautiful spots in the city.

📸 Photo tip: Visit at sunset or after dark for reflections in the water and a more cinematic look.

Historic canal houses

The narrow canal houses are one of Amsterdam’s most recognizable features.

Built during the 17th century, they were designed this way because taxes were based on the width of the property. So people built tall and narrow instead.

That’s why many of them appear slightly tilted, which actually adds to their charm.

📸 Photo tip: Try to capture them with reflections in the canal or frame them with a bridge for a more dynamic shot.

De 9 Straatjes (The Nine Streets)

De 9 Straatjes is one of the most aesthetic areas in Amsterdam.

It’s a network of small streets connecting the canals, filled with:

• boutique shops
• cozy cafés
• vintage stores

It’s perfect if you want a mix of street photography + lifestyle content.

📸 Photo tip: Look for café corners, storefronts, or bikes parked along the canals. They make great foreground elements.

If you want to bring something meaningful home while in this area, I also put together a guide to the best souvenirs from Amsterdam (what’s actually worth buying vs tourist traps).

Unique & indoor Instagram spots in Amsterdam

MOCO Museum (modern + digital art)

Moco Museum is easily one of the best indoor photo spots in Amsterdam, especially if you’re into modern or digital art.

The museum features works from artists like Banksy, Andy Warhol, and Yayoi Kusama, but the real highlight is the immersive digital art section.

You’ll walk through rooms filled with:

• mirrors
• lights
• projections

It’s incredibly photogenic and feels completely different from traditional museums.

📸 Photo tip: Wear something simple or neutral. This helps you stand out against the colorful installations.

💡 It’s a small museum, so tickets can sell out quickly.

The Upside Down Amsterdam (most fun photo experience)

If you want something more playful and content-focused, The Upside Down Amsterdam is a must.

This is not your typical museum. It’s designed entirely for photos and videos.

You’ll find:

• upside-down rooms
• optical illusions
• colorful themed sets

It’s perfect if you want to create something more unique than just city shots.

📸 Photo tip: Use video mode as well. Some of the illusion rooms look even better in motion.

If you want to see how to fit all of these spots into a well-structured trip, I break it down day by day in my 3-day Amsterdam itinerary.

Best views & skyline photo spots in Amsterdam

A’DAM Lookout (best panoramic view)

A’DAM Lookout is one of the best places to capture panoramic views of Amsterdam.

From the top, you’ll get a full 360° view over the canals, rooftops, and surrounding areas. This is perfect for wide-angle shots.

If you want something more unique, you can also try the over-the-edge swing, which literally sends you swinging above the city.

📸 Photo tip: Golden hour is the best time to visit. You’ll get softer light and a warmer tone across the entire city.

NEMO Science Museum rooftop (hidden gem)

The rooftop of NEMO Science Museum is one of the most underrated photo spots in Amsterdam.

Most people visit the museum for the exhibits (which are more geared toward kids), but very few make it all the way to the top.

From the rooftop, you get:

• open views over the water
• a unique angle of the city
• far fewer crowds compared to other viewpoints

📸 Photo tip: Head here during late afternoon for softer lighting and better contrast between the water and buildings.

💡 You can skip the exhibits and go straight to the elevator to save time.

If you’re planning your trip and want more ideas beyond photo spots, check out my full Amsterdam bucket list with the best things to do in the city.

Canal views from a boat (best angles without crowds)

Seeing Amsterdam from the water gives you a completely different perspective—and some of the best photo opportunities.

Instead of shooting from crowded streets, you’ll get clean angles of:

• bridges
• canal houses
• reflections on the water

This version is especially nice because the boat is more stylish and open, which makes photos look much better.

📸 Photo tip: Sit near the edge of the boat for unobstructed shots and try to shoot slightly downward to capture reflections.

Instagrammable day trips from Amsterdam

Keukenhof Gardens (best spring photo spot)

If you’re visiting in spring, Keukenhof Gardens is easily one of the most beautiful places you can photograph near Amsterdam.

You’ll find:

• endless rows of colorful tulips
• perfectly landscaped gardens
• classic Dutch scenery (including windmills)

It’s one of those places that looks unreal in photos, but it actually looks even better in person.

📸 Photo tip: Go as early as possible in the morning to avoid crowds and get clean shots between the flower rows.

💡 Important: Keukenhof is only open for a limited time each year (usually March to May), so check dates before planning your trip.

Zaanse Schans (windmills + classic Dutch vibes)

Zaanse Schans is one of the most iconic day trips from Amsterdam and one of the most photogenic.

This is where you’ll find:

• traditional windmills
• green wooden houses
• canals and open landscapes

It’s very different from Amsterdam and gives you that classic “Dutch countryside” look.

📸 Photo tip: Try to frame windmills with water reflections for a more dynamic shot.

Giethoorn (the “no roads” village)

Giethoorn is one of the most unique places you can visit in the Netherlands.

There are:

• no roads in the center
• canals instead of streets
• small boats as the main way to get around

It feels peaceful, quiet, and completely different from Amsterdam.

📸 Photo tip: Photos look best from the water, so make sure you take a boat ride. It’s part of the experience.

Traveling solo? I’ve put together a full Amsterdam solo travel guide with tips, safety advice, and exactly how I planned my trip.