A Photographer’s Lifestyle Guide to Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is the city where bikes outnumber people and canals crisscross through the streets. From sipping coffee in cozy Jordaan cafés to treasure hunting in the vintage shops of De Negen Straatjes – Amsterdam offers a perfect blend of a nostalgic charm and modern quirk. Hop on a bike, cruise the canals, or simply get lost on foot between historic townhouses. Here's your perfect analogue guide, whether you're chasing tulips, stroopwafels or that laid back Dutch vibe with your camera.

About an hour away from Amsterdam, you'll find one of the world’s largest flower gardens, Keukenhof, with tulips in all colors. Keukenhof Park covers an area of 32 hectares and approximately 7 million flower bulbs are planted in the gardens annually. A great place to experiment with color shifting madness with LomoChrome films! Photo by: hannah_brown

Stationsweg 166A, 2161 AM Lisse, Netherlands

If you go to Amsterdam South or the Zuidas, where many companies are located, you’ll find three futuristic towers called The Valley. They won The Best Tall Building Under 100 m 2023 and the Emporis Skyscraper Award 2022. Definitely worth taking a look and capturing them with our Spinner 360 or Atoll Ultra Wide Angle Art Lens! Photo by: acrom

Beethovenstraat 301, 787 Amsterdam, Netherlands

Foam, short for Fotografiemuseum Amsterdam, is all about photography. They publish their own magazine and regularly organize events that support emerging talent. Just like us, they believe photography should be accessible to everyone.

Keizersgracht 609, 1017 DS Amsterdam, Netherlands

Former shipyard NDSM has transformed into a hotspot for artists, events, and alternative spaces, a vibrant hub of culture and creativity, filled with street art and industrial architecture. Bonus: once a month, it hosts the IJ-Hallen Flea Market, one of the largest in all of Europe! Bring the Spinner 360 to capture as much as possible in one frame because there’s just too much to see! Photo by: lumiarnegativo

NDSM-Plein 90C, 1033 WB Amsterdam, Netherlands

The oldest flea market in Amsterdam, Waterlooplein Market takes place almost every day. From Monday to Saturday, you can satisfy your vintage cravings and maybe even find a vintage camera of your dreams! And don’t forget to grab a delicious snack from one of the food trucks. Photo by: monoflow

Waterlooplein, 1011 Amsterdam, Netherlands

It might sound a bit odd, as most people visit this area for a different reason, but the Red Light District is filled with neon lights and signs, making it a perfect spot for double exposures. Just remember to be respectful with your camera and the people working there.

De Wallen, 1012 Amsterdam, Netherlands

Take the ferry to the EYE Museum, known as the cinematic memory of the Netherlands. Whether you’re watching a film in their theatre or exploring one of their exhibitions, it’s always a treat for the eye. Photo by: anna-lomo

IJpromenade 1, 1031 KT Amsterdam, Netherlands

When in doubt, put a furry friend in the frame! This charming little museum Het Kattenkabinet (The Cat Cabinet) on the Herengracht features a collection of cat-themed art, plus a few real cats lounging around the place. Bring your Fisheye for some extra fun cuteness! Photo by: marguegue

Herengracht 497, 1017 BT Amsterdam, Netherlands

A park in the middle of the city might not be so hidden, but its stories are. Spend a day in Vondelpark with your camera, capturing people, dogs, and unexpected moments, guaranteed gems! Photo by: mevsimanormali

1071 AA Amsterdam, Netherlands

Visit the Rijksmuseum for the classics! 800 years of Dutch history captured by great painters like Rembrandt, van Gogh and Vermeer. Photo by: kekskonstrukt

Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam, Netherlands

While cycling the streets in Amsterdam with a stroopwafel in your hand, don't forget to stock up Lomo film at Foto-Radio Janssen!

Haarlemmerstraat 81, 1013 EL Amsterdam, Netherlands

Museums, Art, Photography and Culture in Amsterdam

We’ve curated a list of our favorite museums, art galleries and cultural landmarks in Amsterdam to give you an embracing guide to the best creative hot-spots to visit on your trip.

Rijksmuseum
For the classics! 800 years of Dutch history captured by great painters like Rembrandt, van Gogh and Vermeer.

Stedelijk Museum
The place where everyone can discover and experience modern and contemporary art and design.

EYE Filmmuseum
With a collection of over 55,000 films from all genres, the EYE Museum is rightfully known as the cinematic memory of the Netherlands. Whether you’re watching a film in their theatre or exploring one of their exhibitions, it’s always a treat for the eye.

Foam
Foam, short for Fotografiemuseum Amsterdam, is all about photography. They publish their own magazine and regularly organize events that support emerging talent. Just like us, they believe photography should be accessible to everyone.

Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography
Amsterdam’s first photography museum. With a frequent changeover you will always find new images to admire in this museum right next to the canals.

Kattenkabinet (The Cat Cabinet)
When in doubt, put a furry friend in the frame! This charming little museum on the Herengracht features a collection of cat-themed art, plus a few real cats lounging around the place.

NXT Museum
For some double exposure material, visit NXT to experience some immersive installations fusing technology and creativity with psychedelic light and sound.

Street Photography & Lomography Film Community Scene in Amsterdam

No one knows Amsterdam like our Lomography Community. In this section, they share their favorite photo spots. From hidden courtyards to bustling street corners. We’re also shining a light on some of our most inspiring Amsterdam-based LomoHomes and creative partners.

Red light district
It might sound a bit odd, as most people visit this area for a different reason, but the Red Light District is filled with neon lights and signs, making it a perfect spot for double exposures. Just remember to be respectful with your camera and the people working there.

Vondelpark
A park in the middle of the city might not be so hidden, but its stories are. Spend a day in Vondelpark with your camera, capturing people, dogs, and unexpected moments, guaranteed gems!

Negen Straatjes
Or the Nine Streets, a neighborhood connected by bridges over the canals, perfect for street photography. Whether it's boats on the water, locals and tourists shopping, or bikes rushing past, it’s a great spot for capturing the city's energy.

Waterlooplein Markt
The oldest flea market in Amsterdam takes place almost every day. From Monday to Saturday, you can satisfy your vintage cravings and maybe even find a vintage camera of your dreams! And don’t forget to grab a delicious snack from one of the food trucks.

Keukenhof
About an hour away from Amsterdam, you’ll find one of the world’s largest flower gardens, Keukenhof, with tulips in all colors.

The Valley
If you go to Amsterdam South or the Zuidas, where many companies are located, you’ll find three futuristic towers. They won The Best Tall Building Under 100m 2023 and the Emporis Skyscraper Award 2022. Definitely worth a look!

NDSM
This former shipyard has transformed into a hotspot for artists, events, and alternative spaces, a vibrant hub of culture and creativity, filled with street art and industrial architecture. Bonus: once a month, it hosts the IJ-Hallen Flea Market, one of the largest in all of Europe!

Find photography spots on a bike
Did you know Amsterdam counts more bikes than people in the city? Why are there that many bikes you would wonder, well a lot of them end up in the canals. Every year, they remove roughly 10 to 15 thousands bikes out of the water. Make sure to grab a bike in order to feel like a local!

Anything missing?

Got a favorite photo gallery, hidden photo spot or local tip we haven’t covered in this city guide? Help us make this the best analogue travel companion! Send your suggestions to travel@lomography.com and we’ll take a look.

Explore Stunning Photos from This City Amongst 17+ Million of Photos Uploaded

Tips from Lomography Magazine

My Favorite Spots in Amsterdam Part I Westelijke Eilanden (the Western Islands)
written by paramir on 2010-04-07 #places

If you are visiting Amsterdam, or live here, pick yourself a nice, sunny day, and take yourself for a relaxing walk around the western islands.
14 18
Urban Sightseeing for the Street Shooter: Daytime in Amsterdam
2018-02-24 #places

Street photography is one of the most popular genres today, and it can all be repetitive. It doesn't have to be. The secret to great street photography is by getting to know the cityscape and culture, and in Amsterdam, there's much to learn.
16
Around the World in Analogue: Amsterdam, Netherlands
2017-02-17 #places #around-the-world

“Around the World in Analogue” is your bite-size guide to the most amazing travel destinations across the globe, as documented by the members of the Lomography community. Today, lomographer Ale Di Gangi expounds what makes Amsterdam a special place.
5 10
NOTICE Journal, Volume One by Wesley Verhoeve - Spring as a Metaphor for Rebirth
written by lomocato on 2024-11-16 #culture #people #places

Photographer Wesley Verhoeve joins us to talk about his latest book, NOTICE Journal, Volume One. This book is centered around the idea of spring as a metaphor for rebirth and renewal and how photography acts as therapy for him.
10
Tips on Mastering Street Photography by Jelmer Bijsmans
written by lomocato on 2024-12-28 #gear #people

Street photography can often feel intimidating. How do you approach your subject, and how do you even spot good scenes? Film photographer Jelmer Bijsmans joins us to share his insights!
9
A Day with Rocky Hehakaija Perremuto and the Lomo'Instant Wide
written by lomocato on 2024-08-29 #gear #people

Experience a day with Rocky Hehakaija Perremuto as she builds connections through football and photography, captured with the lens of the Lomo'Instant Wide!
7
Rotterdam's Vibrant Nightlife Captured on King's Day with the Fisheye No. 2 by Roffa Archive
written by lomocato on 2024-06-09 #culture #people

Take a peek into the vibrant nightlife of Rotterdam with Roffa Archive, who tried out the Fisheye No. 2 during this year's King's Day celebrations. The results are some funky, funny, and orange shots!
1 5
A Week in the Life of Alina, Ceramic Studio 'Pansy' Owner on the Lomo'Instant Automat
written by lomocato on 2024-08-08 #gear #people #places

Multi-talented creative Alina is the owner of ceramic studio 'Pansy.' She captured some moments of her week using the Lomo’Instant Automat, and spoiler alert: it's a whirlwind of creative cuteness!
6
A Trip to Amsterdam with LomoChrome Color '92 35 mm Film and Elliot Masters
2025-02-21 #gear #people #places

UK-based photographer, illustrator and teacher Elliot Masters took some rolls of LomoChrome Color '92 35 mm film to a recent trip to Amsterdam and talked to us about making the most of photographing your travels and trips abroad.
1 4
Amsterdam's Overcast Pastels on LomoChrome Color '92 120 With @wsnake
written by emiliee on 2023-12-03 #people

Armed with a roll of LomoChrome Color '92 120 film, Victor Kravchenko (a.k.a @wsnake) headed into Amsterdam to capture the fading Autumn light. In this interview, he shares with us both his love of medium format and his first impressions of our newest film stock!
4

Past Photography Events & Exhibitions

.tiff 2024
2024-09-07 – 2024-10-06 · Amsterdam, Netherlands

This photo exhibition features work by a new selection of promising artists brought together by FOMU – the photography museum of Antwerp.
More Info
Unfolding Futures
2024-08-31 · Amsterdam, Netherlands

This event is part of UNFOLDING FUTURES, the inaugural edition of our summer residency program in collaboration with the Royal Academy of Arts, The Hague. Four recent graduates from the MA Photography & Society have explored new formats in photographic practices and experimented with photography and installation. There will also be a display of publications and photobooks by the participating artists and recent graduates from various Dutch art academies.
More Info

Lomographers From This City

guypinhas
1,760 Photos · joined 2021-02-25
You can follow me on Instagram if you wish although I post way more on Lomography: @6uypinhas Tuesday May 20th 2025: I RELEASEd A BOOK!!! HOW ABOUT THAT!! Real nice interview with @SYLVANN. htt …
paramir
5,447 Photos · joined 2009-09-23
seriously addicted. http://ehudneuhaus.com
mrmaart
8,637 Photos · joined 2010-07-13
Don't forget to play ~ www.maartenessenburg.nl
rhiannonamsterdam
4,524 Photos · joined 2014-09-14
desibel
1,801 Photos · joined 2008-07-09
eyes like a shutter, mind like a lens
wsnake
1,350 Photos · joined 2021-05-03
YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@snakeytales Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wsnake/
leolensen
1,066 Photos · joined 2010-08-02
Hi! I'm a Dutch photographer working from the Greater Amsterdam Area, mostly working on model, concert and industrial decay photography. My main cameras are a Pentacon 6TL, a Polaroid SX70 and a Fu …
maaikel
2,109 Photos · joined 2012-08-25
http://365project.org/maaikel/365
sjuli83
564 Photos · joined 2013-02-11