Amsterdam Photo Diary – 20 Stunning pictures of Amsterdam
Last Updated on 04/07/2026 by Mayi
After a long weekend in Amsterdam, I have a few beautiful pictures to share with you. Although I was there for only a short time, I have managed to somewhat take about 300 photos. I’m sharing with you in the “Amsterdam Photo Diary” 20 of my favourite shots.
The weather was a little hit & miss much, but armed with our umbrellas and tick scarfs, we were determined to walk along the stunning canals see the historic neighbourhoods. Amsterdam is an amazing and intriguing city: on one side you have the stag parties, red light district and coffeeshops. On the other side, you have beautiful canals, architecture and cool vibe.
My Favourite Photo Spots in Amsterdam
If you want to recreate these pictures of Amsterdam, these are the places to head for first:
- The canal ring (Grachtengordel) — the UNESCO-listed 17th-century canals; Brouwersgracht and Prinsengracht are endlessly photogenic
- Reguliersgracht — the famous “seven bridges” view, best at dusk when the bridges light up
- The Jordaan — leafy side canals, flower-filled houseboats and crooked gabled houses
- Damrak — the postcard row of wonky “dancing houses” by Centraal Station
- Bloemenmarkt — the floating flower market, a riot of tulips in spring
- Begijnhof — a hushed medieval courtyard hiding minutes from the busy Kalverstraat
Tips for Photographing Amsterdam
Go early: the canals are at their calmest (and emptiest) just after sunrise, when the light is soft and the water gives mirror reflections. Rain is not the enemy either — wet cobbles and canal reflections gave me some of my favourite shots, and there are plenty of things to do in Amsterdam in the rain between showers. One golden rule: watch out for the bikes. Cyclists rule the lanes, and standing in a bike path for the perfect angle is the fastest way to make a Dutch enemy.
When to Visit Amsterdam for Photography
Every season gives the city a different character: tulips and King’s Day madness in spring, café terraces spilling over the canals in summer, moody golden foliage in autumn, and the Amsterdam Light Festival strung along the water in winter. There is honestly no bad time to point a camera at this city.
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