Amsterdam might be the most photogenic city in the world, and is regularly described as a living postcard, due to its delightful architecture, picturesque neighbourhoods, and wonderful canal ring. To pay tribute to its amazingly instagrammable charms, Culture Trip has put together a guide to the most eye-catching locales in Amsterdam.
Magere Brug
Magere Brug is just beyond Amsterdam’s Hermitage Museum and connects the two banks of the river Amstel. The bridge’s charming sails and narrow walkway create an astoundingly beautiful silhouette, and it is regularly credited as the most romantic spot in Amsterdam, perhaps due to the frequent stream of couples that can be found posing between its arches.
NDSM-Werf
Due to the area’s fading industrial aesthetic, laid back atmosphere and left-field cultural attractions, NDSM-werf might just be the coolest place in Amsterdam. Regardless as to whether it deserves this title or not, this former shipping-yard turned cultural hotbed is certainly among the most camera-ready locations in the city, and its graffitied warehouses, beautiful shoreline and giant industrial structures create a truly incredible backdrop.
Vondelpark
The sheer number of photogenic spots in Vondelpark deserve a list of their own, and the park is well-known for its astoundingly beautiful meadows, winding cycle paths and impressive lakes. Apart from these natural wonders, the park also contains several delightful cafés, including ‘t Blauwe Theehuis, which was designed by the prominent modernist architects, H.A.J. Baanders and Jan Baanders.
Prinsengracht
Out of all of Amsterdam’s canals, Prinsengracht is generally considered to be the most beautiful and historically significant. Its banks are lined with hundreds of iconic, Dutch narrow houses, many of which date back to the 16th or 17th century. Apart from these picturesque residential buildings, several incredibly important locations are situated besides Prinsengracht, such as Anne Frank Huis and Westerkerk.
Dam Square
Nieuwe Kerk, the Royal Palace and the National Monument are all located on Dam and the square is recognised as the heart of central Amsterdam. The plaza’s architecture reflects several important epochs from Amsterdam’s history, including Dutch Golden Age structural design and 20th century neo-classicalism.
A’DAM Toren
Although A’DAM Toren has only been open since 2016, it is already an iconic part of Amsterdam’s skyline and among the most impressive buildings in the city. Its top 80 metre high floor is open to the public and features the tallest swing in Europe, as well as the best panorama in the city.
Museumplein
Besides the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and the Stedelijk, Amsterdam’s Museumplein also contains the Iamsterdam letters, making it extremely popular among visitors to the city. The area also features some of the finest examples of early modern architecture in the city, such as the Concertgebouw and Conservatorium Hotel.
Hortus Botanicus
This beautiful botanical garden was originally created in the 17th century in order to produce herbs for Amsterdam’s medical professionals. Today, over 6,000 tropical plants are cultivated at Hortus Botanicus, inside several multi-storied conservatories and greenhouses.
About the author
Tom Coggins writes about culture and travel. He'd really like to own a dog someday.
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