Must See Amsterdam
Discover Amsterdam’s most iconic places through the eyes of photographer Peter Bartelings.
Explore Amsterdam Beyond the Guidebooks
Amsterdam is filled with famous landmarks, historic canals and hidden corners waiting to be discovered. Over many years, I have photographed the city in every season, at sunrise, after rainfall and during the magical blue hour. This guide brings together the places that, in my opinion, best capture the character of Amsterdam. Each location includes a curated selection of photographs, stories and fine art prints to help you experience the city from a different perspective. Looking for Amsterdam’s most beautiful canals, historic landmarks or modern architecture? Start exploring below.
15 Must-See Places in Amsterdam for Photography Lovers
Historic Canals
Amsterdam’s world-famous waterways and canal houses.
Brouwersgracht
Experience Amsterdam’s most picturesque canal, celebrated for historic warehouses, charming bridges and peaceful reflections in every memorable season always.
prinsengracht
Discover Amsterdam’s most iconic canal, featuring elegant bridges, historic canal houses and unforgettable views throughout every changing season beautifully.
Keizersgracht
Admire Amsterdam’s widest canal, lined with graceful bridges, historic townhouses and beautiful perspectives captured throughout every changing season together.
herengracht
Explore Amsterdam’s grandest canal, lined with stately merchant houses, elegant architecture and centuries of timeless history.
amstel Area
Discover Amsterdam’s historic river, elegant bridges, iconic landmarks and spectacular waterfront views in every season.
singel
Experience Amsterdam’s oldest canal, where elegant canal houses, houseboats and historic charm create unforgettable city views.
Historic Amsterdam
royal palace
The magnificent Royal Palace, a masterpiece of Dutch Classicism and one of Amsterdam’s most iconic historic landmarks.
jordaan
Amsterdam’s most charming neighbourhood, filled with narrow streets, picturesque canals and hidden courtyards.
red light district
A fascinating historic district where medieval streets, canals and centuries of Amsterdam history come together.
westerkerk
Amsterdam’s most famous church, overlooking the Prinsengracht and forever linked to Rembrandt and Anne Frank.
zuiderkerk
The city’s first Protestant church, surrounded by peaceful canals and one of Amsterdam’s hidden architectural gems.
St. Nicholas Basilica
Amsterdam’s impressive basilica near Central Station, blending grand architecture with rich Catholic heritage
MORE AMSTERDAM HIGHLIGHTS
modern architecture
An award-winning waterfront building that has become an international icon of modern Dutch architecture
NDSM Wharf
Amsterdam’s creative waterfront, where industrial heritage, street art and innovation come together.
museum square
Amsterdam’s cultural heart, home to world-famous museums and remarkable architecture.
Why Amsterdam Is One of the World’s Most Photogenic Cities
Amsterdam is a city unlike any other. From its UNESCO-listed canals and centuries-old merchant houses to striking modern architecture and vibrant neighbourhoods, every part of the city tells its own story.
This guide brings together eighteen of Amsterdam’s most iconic locations, carefully selected by photographer Peter Bartelings after years of exploring the city in every season and under every light condition. Whether you are drawn to the peaceful beauty of the canals, the character of historic streets or the bold lines of contemporary architecture, each destination offers a unique perspective on Amsterdam.
Every location featured in this guide links to a dedicated collection, where you can discover more photographs, learn about the area and explore a wide range of museum-quality wall art. From canvas and acrylic glass to aluminium prints, framed artwork and custom wallpaper, every photograph is available in a variety of sizes and finishes.
Whether you are planning a visit to Amsterdam, searching for inspiration or looking for the perfect piece of Amsterdam wall art, this guide is designed to help you discover the city through fine art photography.
Continue Exploring Amsterdam
You’ve only seen the highlights. Each destination includes its own story, carefully curated gallery and additional fine art photographs captured throughout the seasons. Discover hundreds of additional photographs of Amsterdam’s canals, historic streets, architecture and iconic landmarks in the complete Amsterdam photography collection.