The Most Instagrammable Places in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is one of the most picturesque cities in Europe and in the world! You will fall in love with the canals and the charming houses with their unique architecture. If you are looking for the best photos spots in Amsterdam, you will find this guide useful! I have listed the most instagrammable places in Amsterdam, from the most famous Amsterdam photography spots to the hidden gems. This city will surprise you! With my local photo tips (I lived here for 2 years) you will have all the info you need to capture the best pictures of Amsterdam!

As a local, I also gathered for you some of the best things to do in Amsterdam on your first visit. And if it’s not your first visit and/or you want to see something different, check out all my recommendations for Amsterdam off the beaten path!

Canal Houses in Damrak

Damrak is one of the first places you will see if you arrive in Amsterdam with the train and one of the most instagrammable places in Amsterdam. Everyone wants to take a photo here because of the beautiful canal houses lining on the waterfront! It’s located not far from Amsterdam central station so it’s easy to find. And you can even book a boat tour here as a few companies have their departure in Damrak.

Location: Damrak waterfront

My secret tip: I recommend to come here at sunrise. Not only you will have the place to yourself, but you will also be able to capture the perfect reflection of the houses mirrored in the canal. If you come later during the day, the water is troubled because the boats coming and going.  But be aware that you might encounter some drunk guys: a few of them passed by as I was taking some photos with my friend. Try to ignore them and pay attention to your belongings. 

Papiermolensluis

Papiermolensluis bridge offer a stunning view of the typical canal houses, lovely canals and boats mooring on the side! That’s what makes it one of the most famous photo spots in Amsterdam! It’s located in the Jordaan area at the intersection of the canals Prinsengracht and Brouwersgracht. Do not miss an occasion to take a shot here!

Location: Papiermolensluis

My secret tip: You can come here at any time of the day to take your photos, it’s rarely crowded. But I recommend sunrise or sunset to get the best light! (this one was taken at sunset)

The Rijskmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands and the most visited in the country. It features Dutch Art and will teach you a lot about Dutch History. The building is stunning outside and inside and one of the most beautiful museums in the world! Therefore visiting it is one of the best things to do in Amsterdam. It will take you a few hours if you want to see everything but it’s worth it. And that’s also the reason why the Rijksmuseum is one of the best photo spots in Amsterdam!

Location: Rijksmuseum

My secret tips: There are a few Instagrammable places in Amsterdam around the Rijksmuseum. You can take photos in front of it or behind it. If you visit the museum, do not miss the library: it’s magnificent! Additionally, you can take some great photos with a view of the Rijksmuseum from the garden De Kruidenpluktuin van de Weteringbuurt.

Amsterdam has no shortage of pretty views, but you will especially love this one! From the bridge Staalmeestersbrug you can admire the small Groenburgwal canal with the beautiful tower of the church Zuiderkerk in the background! It’s a hidden gem (not many people are passing by), but also one of the most instagrammable places in Amsterdam!

Location: Staalmeestersbrug

My secret tip: you can come here at any time of the day as this place is located a bit off the beaten track. 

The 7 Houses: Zevenlandenhuizen

The Zevenlandenhuizen, the Houses of Seven Countries in English, is a row of seven residential houses featuring the architectural style of a different European country (England, France, Germany, Russia, Spain, Italy and Holland). Located close to Vondelpark and Museumplein, they were built by the architect Tjeerd Kuipers at the end of the 19th century. These houses are very picturesque: hidden gems and most instagrammable places in Amsterdam at the same time!

I have detailed the style of each houses in my article about Amsterdam off the beaten tracks.

Location: Zevenlandenhuizen

My secret tip: this street is rather quiet so you can come here at any time of the day. Take the time to pass by if you are visiting the Rijksmuseum or walking around in the Vondelpark.

Magere Brug

Amsterdam has more than 1280 bridges! But some of them are more special than others. Magere Brug on the Amstel River is one of them. This beautiful wooden drawbridge was built in 1871. It was featured in many movies! Do not miss it, it’s one of the best Instagram photo spots in Amsterdam! 

Location: Magere Brug

My secret tip: Come here at sunset to enjoy an enchanting light like in my photos, or at night to see it illuminated with hundreds of lights: so magical!

Mama Kelly

If you are obsessed with pink places like me, you will love the restaurant Mama Kelly in Amsterdam! Mama Kelly was designed to be one of the most instagrammable places in Amsterdam and it didn’t disappoint! The restaurant is all pink, with a stylish design and comfy pink velvet chairs. Their menu is based on chicken and lobster, and pink dishes from starters to dessert, cocktails included. It’s rather expensive (count 49,50€ for their 3 course menu) but it’s worth the hype if you are into this kind of pink cafes 🙂 .

Location: Mama Kelly

My secret tip: the ground floor of the restaurant, the most photogenic part, is totally dedicated for photos. You cannot sit here. So you don’t need to book a table early to be able to take some photos with no one around: so smart right?! You will have your meals on the top floor or on the terrace.

Cafe de Regent

The terrace of the cafe de Regent van Amsterdam offers tables with perfect views on the canal and some beautiful houses. It’s one of the rare ones located perpendicularly to the canal and not parallel, allowing to take more interesting photos and videos. That’s what makes it one of the most instagrammable places in Amsterdam!

Location: Cafe de Regent van Amsterdam

My secret tip: Be there before noon to get a good table near the canal.

The train station of Amsterdam – Amsterdam central station – was built at the end of the 19th century. The building located in the heart of Amsterdam downtown is remarkable! It should be part of your Amsterdam photography list!

Location: Amsterdam Centraal

My secret tip: As it’s the main train station in Amsterdam, it’s rather crowded all day long. Therefore, you should come here early in the morning if you want to see less people in the background. 

Hortus is one of the oldest botanical gardens in Europe! This amazing greenhouse provides some beautiful leafy background and tropical vibes. It can be surprising, but it’s really one of the most instagrammable places in Amsterdam! If you explore Hortus, you will discover 4,000 types of plants from all over the world. Walking around here will make you forget that you are in Amsterdam! A visit at Hortus is a great way to discover Amsterdam off the beaten path and escape the cold and the rain if the weather is bad during your trip.

Location: Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam

My secret tip: Come at 10am at the opening for less people. And do not miss Dignita Hoftuin: this cafe is one of the best places for brunch in Amsterdam!