20 Best Amsterdam Instagram Spots and incredible attractions
It was a sunny day in London and over a beer we decided to book a flight to Amsterdam. Amazing isn’t it? Amsterdam was the only capital left on our Europe map and we couldn’t miss it.
From the moment we stepped inside the city, we were already in love. Thanks to its canals, and gorgeous architecture Amsterdam has a lot to offer. In this guide, we put together a list of the most incredible Amsterdam Instagram spots.
We will highlight Amsterdam’s best canals and hidden spots where you can snap your Instagram pictures. Of course, this is a peculiar characteristic of the city, but besides that, there is a lot to do. Leading by example showing you the best photos of Amsterdam we will take your hand through the red light district, the wonderful windmill brewery, parks and main landmarks.
Let’s fly over and discover the most instagrammable places in Amsterdam.
How to get around Amsterdam
Amsterdam Photo spots Map
Best time to visit Amsterdam
It doesn’t matter if you’re visiting Amsterdam in summer or in winter, you will love it despite the weather. We spent 2 days in Amsterdam in summer and we had the best time ever.
The weather was lovely and warm and allowed us to explore the city with different eyes. In winter, Amsterdam has got its own charm, the frozen canals and the snow make this city even more magical during cold months.
Most instagrammable places in Amsterdam
The best Amsterdam Instagram spots
Damrak | Amsterdam colourful houses
This is for sure one of my favourite Amsterdam Instagram spots. Located a few minutes away from Amsterdam Centraal Station, Damrak is a popular spot ideal if you wish to snap your Instagram pictures. It kind of reminds us of Copenhagen, due to its colourful houses.
It doesn’t matter what time you’re visiting this spot, the place is wonderful at sunrise, but epic at sunset. You might have seen this place on the gram.
As we love waking up early in the morning and getting our photos done without any crowds, we went to the Damrak photo location around 8 AM in the morning. Thanks to its morning light, Damrak was one of the best Amsterdam Instagram Spots.
LOCATION | Demrak 16
Bloemenmarkt
Bloemenmarkt is a gorgeous floating flower market in the heart of Amsterdam. Amsterdam’s most colourful place is an unmissable landmark in the city. This is by far the most inspiring place we have ever been to in Amsterdam. This gorgeous flower market will bring a lot of colours during your stay in the city. We arrived at Bloemenmarkt after a lovely brunch at Blue Amsterdam, don’t worry, we’ll tell you about this place.
For now, step inside the boat on the Singel canal and be inspired by the amazing composition that these flowers can create. This gorgeous flower market has been open since 1862 and it’s open daily to welcome guests from all around the world.
LOCATION | Singel
Herengracht | Amsterdam’s Canals
Considered one of the most important and gorgeous canals in the city, Herengracht is today the perfect Instagram spot in Amsterdam. Many boats are along this canal, in fact, if you’re looking for the ideal time to take your pictures, make sure you’re coming early in the morning, no one will be around and the buildings are perfectly reflected in the water.
Sounds amazing, isn’t it? Well, there are so many Amsterdam Instagram spots but for sure Herengracht needs to be on your list.
LOCATION | Amsterdam canals of Herengracht
Jordaan Quarter | Cool places in Amsterdam
You can’t leave Amsterdam without seeing the famous and trendy Jordaan Quarter. Thanks to its gorgeous photo spots, and cute narrow canals, Jordaan is one of the best Amsterdam Instagram Spots. While walking around and crossing the bridges, you will notice that all of them are decorated with flowers and colourful adornments that will make your Instagram pictures stand out.
Stroll around this beautiful area, snap your pictures with the colourful houses and photogenic bridges and make sure you don’t forget to add Jordaan Quarter to your best photo spots on Amsterdam map! Jordaan Quarter is also a nice place to stay in Amsterdam, but of course will cost you a lot, check the prices.
LOCATION | Bloemgracht 117
Bloemgracht | Beautiful places in Amsterdam
As we just mentioned Jordaan district, Bloemgracht is a canal that connects Prinsengracht and Lijnbaansgracht in the Amsterdam-Centrum district. The name comes after the bulwark “de Bloem ” which later was called “Rijkeroord”.
To be honest, we just love the perspective that you can get from this spot as you have all the colourful houses on one side and the reflection on the water.
This light play is perfect if you’re a photography lover. To not mention, if you’re visiting Amsterdam in summer or in autumn, the light is different and you can get a really nice shot from here.
LOCATION | Bloemgracht
Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam
Talking about the best Instagram spots in Amsterdam, you would never think about the botanic garden. I mean the city is quite famous for its canals and colourful houses but believe us when we say that this place is one of the most instagrammable ones in Amsterdam. This peaceful oasis along with its spiral staircase is today one of the best Amsterdam Instagram spots.
You will be speechless from the moment you step inside the Botanical gardens. You can purchase your ticket here but if you buy an Amsterdam city pass the entrance will be included. Located in the heart of the city center, and open from 10 AM till 5 PM, this gorgeous botanical garden is such a cool place to visit while in Amsterdam.
LOCATION | Plantage Middenlaan
Leliesluis bridge
Amsterdam is known for many things but for sure, one of the top things to do in Amsterdam is to admire its gorgeous canals and traverse the city via its many bridges. Leliesluis bridge is one that you must pass by.
With boats all around, and the canal running on a sunny day, this bridge is perfect if you’re looking to snap the best photo spots in Amsterdam. The city tends to be very busy from 10 AM, depending on the weather of course, but if you’re looking to have your perfect Instagram photos, we suggest you plan your itinerary with a sunrise mission and discover all the best spots before the rush hour. However, also checking out Leliesluis bridge at the blue hour will not disappoint you at all.
LOCATION | Leliesluis Bridge
Instagram spots Amsterdam
Staalmeestersbrug love lock bridge
Again another bridge in Amsterdam (don’t worry you will not get bored). You must check Staalmeestersbrug love lock bridge. If you scroll your Instagram page, you will see how beautiful and iconic this location is.
We really loved this spot for our pictures as you have Zuiderkerk Church tower in the background which you can play with the perspective and snap a really nice picture. If you’re visiting Amsterdam with your partner, this location will be such a romantic one! Even though this bridge is mainly known for the presence of many locks placed by lovely couples, we invite you to don’t do so, as it really takes off the extraordinary beauty of this bridge and, in the future, can cause heavy damage.
This famous love lock bridge goes over Groenburgwal canal and you will be able to see Zuidkerk from one side. Don’t miss this location for your Amsterdam Instagram spots itinerary.
LOCATION | Love Lock Bridge Amsterdam
Papiermolensluis bridge
Another bridge to add to your already long list. We absolutely loved Papiermolensluis bridge thanks to its gorgeous background and colourful houses overlooking Amsterdam canals.
It is maybe one of the least visited in the city, but definitely worth including in the guide to the best photography locations in Amsterdam. The bridge is about 5 minutes away from the Amsterdam Tulip Museum, so it’s possible to pass by in your itinerary.
LOCATION | Papiermolensluis Bridge Amsterdam
Blue Amsterdam | Best view of Amsterdam
This was for sure one of the most beautiful places that we’ve been in Amsterdam. Thanks to its incredible view, and delicious brunch, Blue Amsterdam is the perfect location to start your day in the city.
Located close to Bloemenmarkt, on the top floors of a shopping complex, Blue Amsterdam offers an incredible view of the city and serves tasty food ideal to try while in the city. Check out more on our Amsterdam city guide.
They accept walk-ins but we preferred to book online just to make sure they had a spot for us. You can reserve your place here.
LOCATION | Winkelcentrum Kalverpassage, Singel
Rijksmuseum Library
Rijksmuseum Library is for sure one of the most incredible places to visit in Amsterdam. Considered one of the famous museums, Rijksmuseum is a must-do in Amsterdam and thanks to its gorgeous library, today is one of the best Instagram spots in the city open to visitors.
The museum is open every day except for Sundays and you can purchase the ticket here however if you have an Amsterdam city card the entrance is free.
This beautiful library is considered one of the most incredible Amsterdam Instagram spots for a reason. Thanks to its drawings, books, paintings and gothic arches this place will leave you speechless.
LOCATION | Museumpromenade
The Nine Streets District
With all its incredible Instagram spots, today Amsterdam is a popular European destination that you can reach from anywhere in the world. Walking along the beautiful city, you will reach the Nine Street district which is one of the most instagrammable places in Amsterdam.
With its multitude of restaurants and cute shops, you will love the atmosphere of this area of Amsterdam. Roam around and find the perfect spot for you. Grab a coffee, sit in a nice cafe and enjoy your time in Amsterdam. We spend so much time in this picturesque district of Amsterdam, and definitely, half a day is not enough.
LOCATION | De 9 Straatjes, Amsterdam
The Royal Palace of Amsterdam
Amsterdam is not only canals and coffee shops, there are so many beautiful things to see and visit. If you’re really looking for the best Amsterdam Instagram spots, the Royal Palace is the right location for you.
Thanks to its fascinating history and gorgeous architecture, you won’t regret this visit. This stunning place is open every day from 10 AM to 5 PM and the tickets are only 12.50 euros.
Considered one of the largest and most prestigious Palace from the Golden Age, today is Netherlands’ most important landmark. Don’t miss this opportunity and make sure you add the Royal Palace to your Amsterdam Instagram spots guide.
LOCATION | Koninklijk Paleis Amsterdam
Westerkerk | Picturesque streets of Amsterdam
While walking around Amsterdam we found every corner of the city so fascinating that we had to stop and take pictures. Amsterdam is known for its canals and thanks to its lovely decorations with flowers and particular bikes ornament, you will stop every time to take your Instagram pictures.
Located at a short distance from Ann Frank House, you can find many spots with the beautiful Westerkerk tower at the back. Westerkerk can be classified as a hidden photo spot in Amsterdam. The perfect off the beaten path location we need on our guide to the best Instagram spots in Amsterdam.
Just get lost, follow the flow and you will see how many gorgeous places like this. While touring Amsterdam we haven’t followed any maps or itineraries, we woke up one day at 6 AM to go and shoot around the city and to be honest, it was the best decision ever.
LOCATION | Prinsengracht
Windmill at Brouwerij’t IJ | Windmill Brewery
Imagine yourself walking around Amsterdam and looking for a place where to go and grab a beer and your fantastic friend comes up with the brilliant idea to go to Brouwerij T IJ.
This beautiful windmill brewery in Amsterdam is ideal to snap your Instagram pictures and a couple of beers. Considered Amsterdam’s biggest wooden windmill, you will fall in love as soon as you reach it.
Built in the 16th century, destroyed and being rebuilt again, this beautiful brewery welcomes today locals and tourists from all over the world just to experience being inside a windmill and having a beer or two.
Of course, might be quite obvious to snap photos of windmills in the Netherlands, but, you should consider that this is a fully functional, busy brewery in the middle of the capital. Crazy, isn’t it?
LOCATION | Funenkade
Zevenlandenhuizen
Looking for unique spots in Amsterdam we found Zevenlandenhuizen. This cute little street in the heart of Amsterdam is well worth a visit.
You can spot seven houses aligned within the street, which feature seven different styles. The architecture of this street shows the multicultural side of Amsterdam through the buildings of the 19th century and imagined by the architect Tjeerd Kuipers in 1894.
Each house contrasts with the next to provide a visual feast of pleasingly mismatched styles, ranging from the Renaissance architecture of the Loire Valley recreated in the French house to the Moorish influences of the Spanish home and the neo-classic Italian palazzo.
England Palace is today a hotel, and a few blocks away there is the enormous Kremlin-style representing the Russian home. There is also space for a Holland home, of course, which features Dutch Renaissance architecture. Check the exact location as it is not clearly shown on google. However, you can look online at “Houses of Seven Countries”, nearby Vondelpark.
LOCATION | Houses of seven countries “Zevenlandenhuizen”
Van Gogh Museum
Just a few steps away from Zevenlandenhuizen there is one of the most interesting locations on our Amsterdam photography itinerary. The Van Gogh Museum at Museumplein is an art gallery devoted to the Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh. The place tends to be so crowded, and for sure you will get no photos if arrive at rush hour. The place is inspiring and will get your photos to the next level as the entire location is instagrammable.
The museum hosts some of the most popular paintings of the famous artist, such as sunflowers, almond bloom, irises, the Yellow House, and his own self-portrait.
The Van Gogh museum ticket costs €19 and is free for children under the age of 18. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the museum and purchase the ticket in advance.
The Red light district | Trendy places Amsterdam at night
You must explore the Red Light District at night, the lights, lively atmosphere and canal are just fantastic and inspiring. The best photos of the Red light district of Amsterdam are of course at night. The lights reflecting off the canal are amazing when lit up. As it is mostly known as the infamous district of Amsterdam, the stories about it are true. The “romantic” scene of Amsterdam is all in its red light district, however, we suggest you don’t take photos of the ladies behind the glass as it is strictly forbidden.
Apart from the picturesque culture, Amsterdam’s red-light district is part of the oldest area of the city. The architecture is stunning and appreciable also during the day because magnifying typical dutch architecture.
Instagrammable places outside Amsterdam
De Zaanse Schans
Ideal if you’re looking for a day trip from Amsterdam, De Zaanse Schans, is the perfect location for you. Is not only one of the best places for your Instagram pictures but this picturesque village is known for being home to windmills and traditional Dutch-style houses.
By only mentioning this, you can already imagine how many cute and instagrammable spots you can create while roaming around this village. Depending on when you’re visiting Amsterdam, you might get a different impression, in fact, being in Amsterdam in summer is completely different as you get a diverse atmosphere due to the fact that everything around feels more colourful and beautiful.
Zaandam | Instagrammable places Netherlands
We stayed in Zaandam because was more practical and the accommodation worked out cheaper. Our accommodation was close to the train station. Let’s give you a little background. We were in a pub with our friends and we decided to book a flight to Amsterdam for the following weekend, without realising that it was actually crazy expensive.
Best solution? Try to find accommodation outside the main city centre. When we got out of Zaandam train station, it was love at first sight. Thanks to its particular design, long canal and cute shops on both sides, Zaandam was a surprise for us.
Make sure you plan your day trip from Amsterdam to Zaandam and discover this location. You will find so many cute Instagram spots that will boost your creativity.
Best places to stay in Amsterdam
LUXURY BOUTIQUE HOTEL
W Amsterdam
Located in the heart of the city centre, W Amsterdam is the perfect place to stay. Thanks to its modern and incredible rooms, your stay in Amsterdam will be memorable.
Ah, don’t forget to check out their rooftop pool with an incredible view of Amsterdam.
Amsterdam Travel Insurance
Don’t travel anywhere without travel insurance, no matter your journey. We have learned that at our expense while travelling from Dubrovnik to Hvar, our ferry was cancelled because of rough sea weather.
Even though Amsterdam is safe, the pandemic taught many people that things might go wrong everywhere in the world, and insurance is frequently the only option to mitigate any problems with the least cost or stress to you.
Hey Mondo | COVID-19 coverage, medical expenses and total travel costs. A fantastic app with 24-hour medical care and no extra charges. You can save 5% on your insurance by booking through our link.
SafetyWing | COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel & medical, and insurance can be purchased while travelling for digital nomads.
Q&A Amsterdam Instagram spots
Where can I take photos in Amsterdam?
Here are the most instagrammable places in Amsterdam:
- Damrak
- Bloemenmarkt
- Herengracht
- Jordaan Quarter
- Bloemgracht
- Hortus Botanicus
- Leliesluis Bridge
- Staalmeestersburg love bridge
- Papiermolensluis bridge
- Blue Amsterdam
- Rijksmuseum Library
- The Nine Street District
- Royal Palace of Amsterdam
- Westerkerk
- Windmill at Brouwerij T IJ
- De Zaanse Schans
- Zaandam
Where are the colourful buildings in Amsterdam?
Damrak and Zaandam. Between Dam Square and Amsterdam Centraal Station, you will find the cutest and most colourful houses on the Amsterdam waterfront. The authentic Dutch architecture makes Demrak and the colourful houses one of the best Amsterdam Instagram spots!
Where is the best view in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam offers a lot of viewpoints, from the incredible Blue Amsterdam to the stunning W Hotel Terrace. Here are some other suggestions:
Amsterdam canal views from the Westerkerk tower
A’DAM Lookout Tower views on the river Ij
The secret Bijenkorf mall rooftop view
NEMO rooftop terrace views of Amsterdam
Where Is Love Lock Bridge Amsterdam?
Staalmeestersbrug. Believe it or not, Amsterdam is one of the most romantic cities in Europe thanks to its love locks. You can find the famous Staalmeestersbrug bridge that crosses Grownburgwal with a gorgeous view of the Zuiderkerk tower.
Is Amsterdam expensive to visit?
Yes. Amsterdam is considered one of the top 10 most expensive places in Europe. For a weekend in Amsterdam, we paid £200 for a hotel room outside Amsterdam’s city centre.
So yes, if you’re planning to stay in Amsterdam on a budget, make sure you plan everything in advance to make sure you don’t spend a lot of money.
WHERE TO GO NEXT?
Every time is good to travel and make new experiences. As London-based travel bloggers, it’s easy to find cheap flights and explore new places even just at the weekend. Here is more inspiration about travelling around Europe:
SEASIDE AND BEACHES
Best beaches in Puglia, Italy
Best beaches in Monopoli
Things to do in Positano
What to do in Malaga
Things to do in Barcelona
Best beaches in Amalfi Coast
How to spend one day in Positano
ITINERARIES AND GUIDES
Things to do in Izmir, Turkey
Australia bucket list experiences
Famous landmarks in Europe
How to spend a perfect weekend in Amsterdam
Things to do in Amsterdam with your partner
Do you like this post? Pin it!
