Art and design have always been the driving force behind Holland’s capital. With the rise of coffee culture and a trendy population of tech-savvy millennials, Amsterdam has fast become an Instagrammer’s dream. Venture into the ‘right’ side of town, and you’ll find a photo opportunity around every corner. After my recent visit, I’ve put together my rundown of the most Instagrammable places in Amsterdam.
The Right Side of Town
At the heart of Amsterdam’s centre is the famous Dam Square. With cobbles, pigeons and rabbles of tourists, it could be described as the hectic beating heart of the city. Which direction you go from here can give you two very different experiences of Amsterdam. On one side you’ll find fast food cafes, questionable ‘coffee’ shops and the infamous red light district. On the other you’ll walk into the stylish neighbourhood of Negen Straatjes; this is Amsterdam’s most Instagrammable part of town.
The Negen Straatjes
Translating to English as ‘The 9 Streets’, Negen Straatjes is lined with independent shops, designer boutiques, quirky coffee shops and quaint flower-lined bridges. The crowds of Dam Square become a distant memory and the streets become a catwalk of style, making it one of the most Instagrammable places in Amsterdam.
The Coffee Shops of Hartenstraat
Coffee culture is rife in Negen Straatjes, particularly on Hartenstraat. Grab an outdoor table or cosy up indoors at one of this street’s artisan coffee shops such as Van Harte or Screaming Bean. The baristas are passionate about good coffee, so if you’re hoping to shoot a perfectly poured flat white, this is where to come.
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Reestraat
Also within the Negen Straatjes is Reestraat, a picturesque and stylish street filled with boutiques, jewellery shops and cafes. Head to Ree7 for coffee and cake or a delicious lunch. On the corner of Reestraat you’ll also find upmarket restaurant Jansz (part of the stylish Pulitzer Amsterdam). White marble tables, quirky details and bright rooms make this place the perfect place to shoot your flatlays – and the food is delicious too!
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Bloemenmarkt – The Floating Flower Market
Nestled on the bank of the Singel canal is the iconic floating flower market. In reality, the market is very touristy and probably not as quaint as you might imagine. But the range of flowers is stunning (especially in Spring) and it is still the place to come to get your iconic tulip shots.
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Damrak and Prinsengracht Canal Houses
The canal houses of Amsterdam are world famous and if you’re taking photos, you want to shoot the very best, right? Head to the grand Prinsengracht canal to find one of the most Instagrammable places in Amsterdam. Here you’ll find a grey and pastel stretch of 18th century houses but be sure to check out the unique row of river houses at the top of Damrak too (one of Amsterdam’s busiest streets).
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Vondelpark
To add a pop of green to your photography (or simply for some peace and quiet), head to Amsterdam’s central Vondelpark. The park is a spacious, green and leafy sanctuary in the heart of Amsterdam, which makes it popular with locals and tourists alike. Hire a traditional Dutch bicycle here and explore along the cycle paths.
#vondelpark #amsterdam #holland #night #park #travel
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Pulitzer Amsterdam
The Pulitzer Amsterdam is a boutique design hotel spanning across 25 17th and 18th century restored canal houses in the Negen Straatjes. With plush furnishings, incredible interiors and quirky colours, The Pulitzer is quite literally an Instagrammer’s dream. I stayed here on my recent trip to Amsterdam, but even if you’re staying elsewhere the hotel is definitely worth a visit. Stop for coffee and macaroons at the hotel’s Pause cafe or go to Jansz for lunch. Read my full hotel review of Pulitzer Amsterdam.
Groenburgwal
If you’re dreaming of capturing that perfect canal shot, head to Groenburgwal. With a perfectly placed church in the frame, Groenburgwal is definitely one of the most Instagrammable places in Amsterdam. It’s located east of the Centrum district and connects the Raamgracht to the River Amstel. The Groenburgwal is also Amsterdam’s version of ‘the love lock bridge’ in Paris. Hundereds of colourful padlocks with initials and romantic dittys have been attached to the bridge, making for an even better photo op.
Groenburgwal in Amsterdam, with a view on Zuiderkerkstoren.
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Street Food in Central Amsterdam
Whether it’s waffles, pancakes or Holland’s prized mayonnaise and chips, you won’t have to search long to find some indulgent street food. Look out for cafes selling poffertjes, one of the most iconic Dutch indulgences going. These warm little pancakes are doused in icing sugar and make for a mouth-watering street shot.
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SHOP THE POST
What did you think of my collection of the most Instagrammable places in Amsterdam? Are you planning to visit Amsterdam soon or have you found some of these photography spots for yourself? If you enjoyed this post, or think I’ve missed anything out, please leave me a comment in the box below!
If you enjoyed this post on the most Instagrammable places in Amsterdam, check out my full review of Amsterdam Pulitzer for extra style inspiration
I flew to direct to Amsterdam from Manchester with Flybe. Our schedules ran smoothly and my flight experience was comfortable and stress free. For a low cost European airline, I think they offer great value for money. Fly to from the UK to Amsterdam with Flybe.com from only £24.99 one way.
Thank you for sharing these! They were super helpful in my recent trip to Amsterdam 😀 xx
Such a beautiful city and the Pulitzer sounds and looks dreamy!!
Thanks Angie! It really was xx
I’ve always wanted to go to Amsterdam! Beautiful images, you’ve completely sold me!
X Emma | http://www.missemmacharlotte.com
Aww thanks Emma! So pleased to hear it xx
Oh, oh, oh! I absolutely loved Jordaan and the 9 Streets. Screaming Bean was a favourite coffee shop, too! =) Those leopard booties are love!
Oooh so glad you agree Honey! The coffee at Screaming Bean is great 🙂 xx
Amsterdam is sooooo Instagrammable!
It really is! I think this word needs to get into the dictionary!! 😀 Hope you’re well lovely x x
Love the cafe with the heart balloons! Such a cute round up. I love the vibe in Amsterdam – very casual and carefree 🙂
Thanks for the comment Chloe! It’s such a chilled out city xx
Girl I LOVE this guide – I’m 100% bookmarking it as I’m the biggest fan of Amsterdam and would love to go back! Vondel Park is just the BEST!
Hayley xo
http://www.frockmeimfamous.com
Yayy! Bookmark away! I only discovered Vondel Park on my second trip. It’s such a nice oasis in the city. xx
Amsterdam looks like such a beautiful city – I still can’t believe I haven’t made it here even though it’s so close to the UK! The Pulitzer looks beautiful and I wouldn’t mind owning that pink bicycle either! Maggie xx
Thanks Maggie! I think you’d love the Pulitzer. I wouldn’t stay anywhere else now! x x
What gorgeous photos. Amsterdam looks fine in your pics. 🙂
Thanks Denim Fish! It’s such a photogenic city 🙂
Stunning places and photos! And I spied the roomy black leather backpack in one of the shots, do you mind sharing where you got it from? Seems like a perfect travel size for camera, and essentials.
Hey Nano! Thanks for your comment. I’ve actually just added a ‘shop the post’ widget at the bottom so you can find links to the backpack and the other products, but here is the link straight to the backpack – http://bit.ly/2mDBPKe
It’s from Accessorize for £29. It’s so useful for travel! Fits my laptop perfectly, I use it nearly every day 🙂
Happy Travels x