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7 Most Instagrammable Spots in Amsterdam, the Netherlands' Canal Capital
Amsterdam's 17th-century canal ring, a UNESCO World Heritage site, still shapes the city's most photographed corners, from gabled canal houses to a floating flower market.
Sep 23, 2026 · BigTravel.in
Amsterdam's canal ring, the Grachtengordel, was laid out in the 17th century during the Dutch Golden Age as a planned expansion of the city, and its concentric canals, narrow gabled houses and humpback bridges remain largely intact today, earning the district UNESCO World Heritage status. Here are seven spots, each with a direct map link.
1. Brouwersgracht
Often cited as the most photogenic canal in the city, this former brewers' waterway is lined with converted warehouses and houseboats where the canal ring meets the harbour district.
2. De 9 Straatjes (Nine Streets)
A grid of narrow shopping streets connecting three of the main canals, lined with independent boutiques, vintage shops and cafes inside centuries-old buildings.
3. Bloemenmarkt
Amsterdam's floating flower market, its stalls set on pontoons along the Singel canal, trading tulip bulbs and cut flowers since the 19th century.
4. Begijnhof
A walled courtyard of historic houses around a small church, dating to the 14th century and still functioning as a quiet, semi-residential enclave in the middle of the busy city centre.
5. Jordaan
A former working-class district turned one of the city's most sought-after neighbourhoods, its narrow streets and smaller canals lined with independent galleries, cafes and courtyard gardens known as hofjes.
6. Westerkerk
Completed in 1631, this is the tallest church tower in Amsterdam, standing beside the Anne Frank House and visible from much of the western canal ring; Rembrandt is believed to be buried inside.
7. A'DAM Lookout
An observation deck atop a former Shell headquarters tower across the IJ waterway, giving a wide view back over Amsterdam's historic skyline from the newer, industrial north bank.
Traveller tips
- Amsterdam's canal ring is compact and best explored on foot or by bicycle rather than by car.
- Early morning offers the quietest light for canal photography, before day-trip crowds arrive in the Nine Streets and around Bloemenmarkt.
- A free ferry from behind Amsterdam Centraal station crosses the IJ to A'DAM Lookout in a few minutes.
- The Begijnhof asks for quiet, respectful visits, since it remains a lived-in residential courtyard.
Where this is
Amsterdam, Netherlands