Amsterdam is one of the most beautiful places in Europe. With scenic canals and the infamous red light district, it’s easy to see why tourists flock here every year. But there’s another reason for this surge in tourist numbers, and that’s because of the Instagram factor.
The main reason Amsterdam is so attractive to social media users compared to other cities is its unique culture and architecture that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. And if you’re visiting Amsterdam for the first time, it’s important to know where to find the best Instagrammable spots!
In this post, we will share with you the key locations in the city that are worth your time and effort, to visit and to photograph. Simply follow our guide to the most instagrammable places in Amsterdam as it’s one of the most fun things to do in Amsterdam!
12 Most Instagrammable Places in Amsterdam
- The Nine Streets
The Nine Streets is a charming neighbourhood in Amsterdam. The area is made up of nine narrow streets that are lined with vintage shops, cafes, and boutique stores.
The neighbourhood’s architecture is characterized by traditional Dutch buildings with ornate facades and colourful window shutters, making it a picturesque spot for Instagram and photography enthusiasts.
One of the best times to capture the beauty of The Nine Streets is during the early morning when the streets are quiet and free from the crowds of visitors. This will allow you to take your time and explore the area’s nooks and crannies, capturing its unique character and charm.
- Bloemenmarkt
Bloemenmarkt, Amsterdam’s famous floating flower market is located on the Singel Canal, and its vibrant displays of tulips, roses, and other flowers make for a beautiful and picturesque scene.
One of the best times to capture the beauty of Bloemenmarkt is in the early morning when the market is less crowded, and the light is softer. You can capture the rows of colourful flowers, the unique stalls, and the vendors arranging their flowers. The reflections of the flowers in the water also offer a unique and beautiful perspective. You can zoom in on the flowers, capturing their intricate details and vivid colours.
The market’s traditional Dutch architecture also provides a great backdrop for photos. You can capture the buildings from different angles, highlighting their unique features and capturing the bustling atmosphere of the market.
- Voldenpark
Vondelpark is Amsterdam’s largest park and is a perfect spot for Instagram and photography enthusiasts who want to capture Amsterdam’s natural beauty.
One of the best times to capture the beauty of Vondelpark is during the early morning when the light is soft and the park is quiet. You can capture the park’s natural beauty, including its tree-lined paths, flower beds, and open grass areas. The park also has several ponds and lakes that provide a tranquil setting for capturing the reflections of the trees and the sky.
Another great way to capture the beauty of Vondelpark is by focusing on the park’s landmarks and statues. The park is home to several unique and beautiful sculptures, including the famous statue of the poet Joost van den Vondel, after whom the park is named. You can also capture the park’s beautiful rose garden, which is filled with over 70 varieties of roses.
- Jordaan
Jordaan is a historic neighbourhood in Amsterdam characterized by its narrow streets, charming buildings, and picturesque canals, making it a popular spot for capturing Amsterdam’s old-world charm.
One of the best times to capture the beauty of Jordaan is during the golden hour, which is the hour just before sunset or after sunrise when the light is soft and warm. This will allow you to capture the neighbourhood’s unique character and charm, including the narrow streets, colourful facades, and charming bridges.
Jordaan is also a great spot for capturing Amsterdam’s local culture. The neighbourhood is full of local cafes, bars, and restaurants that offer plenty of opportunities to capture Amsterdam’s cafe culture. You can also focus on the street art and graffiti that adorns many of the neighbourhood’s buildings – It’s certainly one of the most fun things to do in Amsterdam!
- Red Light District
The Red Light District is a famous neighbourhood in Amsterdam that offers plenty of photographic opportunities, but it’s important to approach this place with sensitivity and respect. This area is known for its sex work industry and it’s crucial to keep in mind that some areas may be off-limits for photography.
One way to approach photography in the Red Light District is by focusing on the architecture and the unique atmosphere of the neighbourhood. The area is known for its narrow alleys and historic buildings, which make for interesting and unique photographic subjects. You can also capture the vibrant nightlife of the area, including the neon lights and the bustling crowds.
- The Begijnhof
The Begijnhof is a beautiful and tranquil courtyard located in the heart of Amsterdam. This historic location offers a unique and picturesque setting that makes it a great spot for Instagram and photography enthusiasts.
The courtyard is surrounded by historic buildings, many of which date back to the 16th and 17th centuries, and it’s a popular spot for capturing Amsterdam’s old-world charm.
The courtyard is also home to several beautiful gardens that feature blooming flowers, lush greenery, and charming benches. You can capture the peaceful atmosphere of the courtyard, including the sounds of the nearby church bells and the chirping of the birds.
Recommended Tour: Amsterdam Instagram-Worthy Spots Private Tour
- Damrak
Damrak is a bustling street located in the heart of Amsterdam. It’s a popular tourist destination, lined with historic buildings, shops, and restaurants, making it a great spot for capturing the vibrant energy of Amsterdam.
The street is home to several historic buildings, including the Beurs van Berlage, that serves as a venue for cultural events. You can capture the ornate facades, unique doorways, and beautiful windows of these buildings, as well as the colourful murals and street art that adorn the area.
Damrak is also a great spot for capturing the beauty of Amsterdam’s waterways. The street runs along the Amstel River, and you can capture the beautiful reflections of the buildings and the boats in the water. You can also capture the bridges that span the river, including the iconic Magere Brug.
- Canals in Amsterdam
The canals in Amsterdam are an iconic and picturesque feature of the city that makes for a great Instagram and photography spot. Amsterdam has over 100 kilometres of canals, which are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are one of the city’s most famous attractions.
One of the best ways to capture the beauty of Amsterdam’s canals is by taking a boat tour. You can capture stunning photos of the colourful buildings and the unique architecture from a unique vantage point. You can also capture the reflections of the buildings and the boats in the water, which creates a beautiful and calming effect.
Another way to capture the beauty of Amsterdam’s canals is by focusing on the architecture. The canal houses are a defining feature of Amsterdam, and they are characterized by their narrow and tall structure. You can capture the intricate details of the facades, including the ornate gables, the unique doorways, and the beautiful windows. You can also capture the unique charm of the houseboats that are moored along the canals.
The canals are also a great spot for capturing the natural beauty of Amsterdam. You can capture the seasonal changes, including the blooming flowers in the spring and the colourful leaves in the fall. You can also capture the sunrise and sunset, which creates a magical and romantic atmosphere.
- Royal Palace of Amsterdam
The Royal Palace of Amsterdam is a stunning and historic building that makes for a great Instagram and photography spot. The palace is located in the bustling Dam Square in the heart of Amsterdam and is one of the city’s most famous landmarks.
One of the best ways to capture the beauty of the Royal Palace is by focusing on its exterior. The palace was built in the 17th century and features beautiful architectural details, including its grand facade and ornate sculptures. You can capture the intricate details of the palace’s facade, including the beautiful balconies and the impressive columns.
Another way to capture the beauty of the Royal Palace is by exploring its interior. The palace’s grand rooms are open to the public, and you can capture stunning photos of the palace’s luxurious decorations, including its chandeliers, tapestries, and artwork. You can also capture the beautiful architecture of the palace’s rooms, including the grand hall, the council chamber, and the marble gallery.
- Keukenhof Gardens
The Keukenhof Gardens is one of the largest flower gardens in the world. They are only open for a few months each year, typically from late March to mid-May when the tulips are in bloom.
The gardens feature more than 7 million tulips in a variety of colors, including red, pink, yellow, and purple. You can capture stunning photos of the tulips from a variety of angles, including from above, below, and from the side. The beautiful colors and patterns of the tulips create a truly magical and memorable experience.
Another way to capture the beauty of the Keukenhof Gardens is by focusing on the unique landscaping and architecture of the gardens. The gardens feature beautiful sculptures, fountains, and pavilions that provide a beautiful backdrop for photos. You can also capture photos of the garden’s wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and bees – It’s certainly one of the most fun things to do in Amsterdam!
- De Zaanse Schans
De Zaanse Schans is a historic neighbourhood known for its iconic windmills and picturesque Dutch scenery. It’s a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering plenty of Instagram and photographic opportunities.
One of the best ways to capture the beauty of De Zaanse Schans is by taking photos of the windmills. The neighbourhood is home to several historic windmills, including sawmills, oil mills, and dye mills, each with its own unique architecture and history. You can capture stunning photos of the windmills from different angles, including up close and from a distance. The windmills provide a great backdrop for photos, and you can capture the beauty of their intricate details and the unique shadows they cast.
Another way to capture the beauty of De Zaanse Schans is by exploring charming Dutch-style houses and buildings. The neighbourhood features several historic houses, barns, and shops, many of which are still in use today. The area is also known for its beautiful sunrises and sunsets, which provide a stunning backdrop for photos.
12. Hortus Botanicus Hortus Botanicus is a botanical garden in the heart of Amsterdam and one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world. It is a great spot for Instagram and photography enthusiasts, as it offers a wide range of beautiful and unique plants and flowers, as well as stunning architecture and landscapes.
This beautiful glass greenhouse is home to a variety of tropical plants, including palms, ferns, and orchids. The Palm House provides a stunning backdrop for photos, with its soaring glass walls and intricate wrought-iron detailing. Visitors can take photos of the plants and flowers up close, capturing their unique shapes and colours.
Another popular spot for Instagram and photography at Hortus Botanicus is the Butterfly House. This enclosed garden is home to hundreds of exotic butterflies from around the world, including the beautiful Blue Morpho.
Hortus Botanicus is also home to several outdoor gardens, each with its own unique features and plants. The gardens are also home to several ponds and water features, which provide a peaceful and serene backdrop for photos.
Recommended Tour: Amsterdam Instagram-Worthy Spots Private Tour
Best time to visit Amsterdam for Instagram moments
Tulip Season: Amsterdam is famous for its tulips, and the best time to photograph them is during the tulip season which lasts from late March to mid-May. The Keukenhof Gardens are a popular spot for photographing tulips, and the blooming season generally peaks in mid-April.
Autumn Foliage: If you want to capture the beautiful autumn colours, the best time to visit Amsterdam is in October or early November. During this time, the trees in Amsterdam turn golden and red, making for a beautiful backdrop for your photos.
Winter Season: Winter in Amsterdam can be cold, but it can also be very photogenic. The city looks beautiful when it is covered in snow, and the Christmas lights and decorations make it an ideal time to capture festive photos. The canals also freeze over during this time, making it a great opportunity for capturing reflections.
Early Morning and Late Afternoon: The early morning and late afternoon offer the best lighting conditions for photography, especially in Amsterdam. During these times, the light is softer and warmer, and you can capture stunning photos of the city’s architecture and canals.
In summary, the best time to visit Amsterdam for photography can depend on your interests and the type of Instagram you want to capture.
Why you must take a guided Instagram tour in Amsterdam
Taking a guided Instagram tour in Amsterdam with Rosotravel is a great way to explore the city and capture stunning photos while learning from a professional photographer. Here are some reasons :
Access to insider knowledge: A professional photographer who knows Amsterdam well can take you to the best photography spots that are not always easy to find on your own. They can also provide you with valuable insights into the city’s history, culture, and architecture, which can add depth and meaning to your photos.
Personalized attention: A guided photoshoot tour is typically a small group or private tour, which means that you can receive personalized attention from the photographer. They can help you with your camera settings, composition, and lighting, and provide feedback and tips to help you improve your photography skills.
Tailored to your interests: A guided photoshoot tour can be tailored to your interests, whether you’re interested in street photography, architecture, or landscapes. The photographer can also help you capture candid and authentic moments that reflect the city’s unique character.
The memory of your trip: A guided photoshoot tour can provide you with a memorable experience and unique souvenir of your trip to Amsterdam. You can return home with beautiful photos that capture the essence of the city and tell your personal story.
In summary, taking a guided Instagram tour in Amsterdam can provide you with access to insider knowledge, personalized attention, tailored experiences, and lasting memories of your trip. It can be a great way to improve your photography skills and explore the city in a unique way.
Recommended Tour: Amsterdam Instagram-Worthy Spots Private Tour
So, there you have it!!
There are a lot more fun things to do in Amsterdam, but this short post should help you find the most famous spots to document your trip. Let us know which part of Amsterdam you like the most or which place you are most excited to visit.
If you like our recommendations, don’t forget to follow us at @rosotravel on Instagram to learn more about Amsterdam’s most instagrammable places.