A boat ride through the canals gives you access to some of the most photogenic views in the city. In this article we will tell you the best photo spots along the route of a traditional canal tour in Amsterdam. From historic bridges to lively neighborhoods, these are the places where your camera will capture Amsterdam at its finest.
The Skinny Bridge (de Magere brug)
Few landmarks are as romantic as the Magere Brug. By day it looks elegant, but by night it glows under hundreds of small lights. From the deck, you can catch the moment when the boat slides beneath its wooden arches and the reflection doubles the scene. It feels almost cinematic, as though you’ve entered a film set designed just for you.
Seven Bridges in a row
The Seven Bridges along the Reguliersgracht are a favorite for anyone who loves depth in their photos. When the arches line up, they create a tunnel that seems endless. The trick is to get low with your camera and wait for the soft evening light. As the lamps flicker on, the canal transforms into a glowing corridor that captures the calm magic of the city.
Amsterdam’s gabled houses
Amsterdam’s gabled houses are as unique as fingerprints, with no two ever alike. Some tilt slightly forward while others lean back, and many display quirky decorations that whisper stories of the families who built them centuries ago. From the water, the view feels pure and uncluttered, free from parked cars and wandering crowds, leaving only graceful lines and calm reflections. When the golden hour arrives, the façades glow with a warm light, and every crooked roof seems to tell its own tale.
The lively Jordaan district
As your cruise winds into the Jordaan, the atmosphere shifts. The scene turns playful as bridges fill with cyclists, flower boxes overflow with red and pink, and children wave from windowsills. This is where you capture the city’s rhythm, not just its landmarks. Snap a café terrace filled with chatter or a local pausing to greet a neighbor, and you’ll have photos that speak of everyday life as much as postcard charm.
The view of Westerkerk
The Westerkerk tower is impossible to ignore. Rising above the rooftops, it commands attention and makes a striking subject for any lens. From the water you can frame it against the gentle curve of the canal, creating an image that balances height and depth. A wide-angle shot exaggerates the tower’s presence, while a tighter frame highlights its graceful details. Either way, it becomes a centerpiece in your collection.
Look back over your shoulder
While most people aim forward, some of the strongest photos come when you look behind. The wake of the boat, the bridges shrinking into the distance and the fading light on the water create a sense of movement that still shots rarely achieve. Play with a slower shutter speed and the ripples turn into silver brushstrokes across your frame.
Capturing the moments on board
Photograph the small things, for example, a friend leaning on the railing, the captain ducking under a low bridge, or the reflection of a lantern in someone’s glass. These details give your photo series a personal touch. They remind you not just of what you saw, but how it felt to float through the city, caught between history and the present moment.
By the end of your journey, your camera will hold beautiful memories. From glowing bridges to hidden alleys, every turn in the water offers a chance to frame Amsterdam in a new way. You choose a traditional canal tour in Amsterdam or rent your own boat.
