Get High Quality Amsterdam Photos in my Favorite Secret Spots
Amsterdam is renowned for its picturesque canals, iconic tulip gardens, and bustling squares, but what if you're looking for something more unique? While many tourists flock to spots like the Anne Frank House or the Rijksmuseum, the city also hides some incredible photography gems that are off the beaten path.
Whether you're an avid photographer or just looking for an Instagram-worthy experience, this secret photo spot walking tour through Amsterdam will show you a side of the city few get to see. Lace up your walking shoes, grab your camera(phone), and let's dive in!
Walking Route Overview: Total Walking Distance and Time
Starting at Begijnhof, this walking tour covers a diverse range of Amsterdam’s hidden photo spots, from peaceful courtyards and rooftops to vibrant street art and canals.
With each stop offering something unique, you’ll get to experience the city from new angles, capturing shots that go beyond the typical postcard views. Additionally by taking a long walk throughout the city you are bound to uncover many unexpected points of interest.
Total walking distance: ~6.55 miles
Total walking: ~2 hours 15 minutes (rough estimate withoout breaks)
To estimate the total walking time and distance for this tour, I’ll break it down into segments below. Feel free to choose all of these sports for a full walking tour, or just your favorites for the one perfect shot!
START: Begijnhof Courtyard Begijnhof 30, 1012 WT Amsterdam
Begijnhof Courtyard to The Old Church Rooftop (Oude Kerk)
Distance: ~0.5 miles (10-minute walk)
The Old Church Rooftop to Seven Bridges of Reguliersgracht
Distance: ~0.75 miles (15-minute walk)
Seven Bridges of Reguliersgracht to Blauwbrug Bridge
Distance: ~0.3 miles (5-minute walk)
Blauwbrug Bridge to Secret Gardens of Jordaan
Distance: ~1 mile (15-minute walk)
Secret Gardens of Jordaan to De Pijp’s Street Art
Distance: ~1.5 miles (30-minute walk or 20-minute tram ride)
De Pijp to Westerpark
Distance: ~2.5 miles (50-minute walk or 10-15 minute tram ride)
END: Westerpark Haarlemmerweg 8-10, 1014 BE Amsterdam
Alternative Option with Public Transit
By taking trams between some of the farther locations (De Pijp to Westerpark, for example), you can reduce walking distance by around 1.5 to 2 miles. The total time for the walking tour with a few short tram rides would be approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
Additional Time Consideration
You'll likely spend time at each spot for taking photos and exploring. Adding around 10-15 minutes per location would bring the entire tour to about 3-4 hours for a more relaxed pace, including some breaks for photography.
Address:Â Begijnhof 30, 1012 WT Amsterdam
Photo Tip:Â Arrive early in the morning to capture the peace and quiet without crowds, and try shooting the gothic-style chapel from ground level for an artistic composition.
Fun Fact:Â Begijnhof is one of only two inner courtyards left from medieval Amsterdam; and is my favorite on this list!
Tucked away behind an unassuming door (pictured above) in the heart of the city of Amsterdam, Begijnhof is one of Amsterdam's oldest courtyards. This tranquil space, once home to a Catholic sisterhood, is a surprising retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city center. The historic houses lining the courtyard, with their classic Dutch architecture, offer a unique backdrop for photos, especially when the sun glows on the red brick facades.
2. The Old Church Rooftop (Oude Kerk)
Address:Â Oudekerksplein 23, 1012 GX Amsterdam
Photo Tip:Â Golden hour just before sunset is ideal here. The soft light casts a magical glow over the historic rooftops, making for a dreamy, postcard-perfect scene. If you are traveling here in the summer, sunset is a long lasting event making it the best time to go.
Amsterdam’s oldest building, the Oude Kerk (Old Church), is nestled in the middle of the lively Red Light District. Though the church itself is stunning, offering majestic interiors, the rooftop tour provides a rare aerial perspective of Amsterdam’s rooftops and canals. Up here, you'll find some of the most unique angles for cityscape shots, especially with the church’s architecture framing your view. While it does cost. afee to enter, the view from the street with the church in the background is unbeatable.
3. Seven Bridges of Reguliersgracht
Address:Â Reguliersgracht, 1017 Amsterdam
Photo Tip:Â This location is perfect for evening or night photography. The illuminated bridges cast gorgeous reflections on the canal, and a long exposure shot will enhance this dreamy effect.
This little-known gem offers one of the most iconic yet overlooked views in Amsterdam. The Seven Bridges of Reguliersgracht align perfectly along the canal (bridge #31, 39, 40, 72, 73, 74 and 81) creating a breathtaking, layered view that feels quintessentially Amsterdam. Though it’s a more tranquil area, the view of the bridges is absolutely magical, especially at dusk when the soft lights of the bridges reflect in the still waters below.
Address:Â Amstel 1, 1011 PN Amsterdam
Photo Tip: If you arrive just after sunrise, the light will be perfect for capturing both the bridge’s architecture and the serene reflection of the cityscape in the river.
One of Amsterdam’s most elegant bridges, Blauwbrug spans the Amstel River, connecting Waterlooplein and Rembrandtplein. Its distinctive blue (blauw) color and ornate details are a photographer’s dream, offering great symmetry for architectural shots. Early in the morning, this bridge provides stunning city views with minimal foot traffic, making it a hidden treasure for those looking to photograph the city’s reflection on the river.
5. Secret Gardens of Jordaan
Address:Â Tuinstraat, 1015 PE Amsterdam (start point)
Photo Tip:Â Natural light streams in beautifully through the leaves, making for perfect soft-focus shots. A 50mm lens will give you the dreamy, shallow depth-of-field that garden photography often requires.
The charming Jordaan neighborhood is already a favorite for its narrow streets, art galleries, and boutique shops, but it also hides a number of beautiful secret gardens. These hidden oases are tucked behind residential buildings, only accessible through small alleys or unmarked gates. If you’re lucky enough to find one (lucky you, we found this map), these gardens are filled with greenery, vibrant flowers, and tranquil vibes, offering an intimate, nature-focused backdrop.
Address:Â Eerste van der Helststraat, 1073 AE Amsterdam
Photo Tip: Street art pops with bold colors, so try to shoot when there’s good natural light to make those hues really stand out.
De Pijp is Amsterdam's bohemian quarter, and it bursts with color, diversity, and creativity. As you wander its streets, you’ll stumble upon a plethora of street art, from massive murals to smaller, hidden artworks. The area around Sarphatipark and Ferdinand Bolstraat is especially rich in artistic graffiti, with layers of urban charm and personality. The vibrant colors and intricate designs are perfect for creating striking, energetic images.
Address:Â Haarlemmerweg 8-10, 1014 BE Amsterdam
Photo Tip: Late afternoon is ideal for capturing the park’s tranquil atmosphere with soft shadows and warm sunlight illuminating the trees.
Westerpark is a well-known green space, but its lesser-explored corners hide some of the most peaceful and photogenic spots in the city. Venture beyond the main paths to find smaller ponds, tree-lined walkways, and quirky art installations, all of which make for great nature and landscape shots. The blend of greenery, water, and scattered public art installations provide an array of potential compositions that will keep you busy.
Take Your Photo Tour in Amsterdam Now
This tour is a journey into Amsterdam’s quieter, hidden corners, offering plenty of opportunities for stunning, off-the-beaten-path photography. Whether you're aiming for historic charm, modern street art, or tranquil nature, each spot on this tour provides something special, capturing the city’s unique spirit from fresh angles
Amsterdam is more than its famous canals and landmarks. Exploring its hidden corners can give you a whole new perspective on this magical city. These secret photo spots will not only give you amazing pictures but also a deeper connection with Amsterdam’s unique charm.
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