Recently, I went to Amsterdam for a day. By train, it isn’t too far from Antwerp, and I knew about an exhibition from street photographers that was only on that week. So, in a reasonably busy workweek, I scheduled a day of Amsterdam: street photography.
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Antwerp to Amsterdam by train
It takes only 1 hour and 20 minutes by train from Antwerp Central Station to Amsterdam Zuid. I read a book on the train there (The Satsuma Complex), so it felt like I was there in no time.
Here is a quick tip: Get your train tickets ahead of time. Doing it two weeks or so in advance saves you quite a lot of money. I paid 73 euros now, while recently I ordered in advance and only paid 40 euros. I think that’s worth planning ahead.
My street photography itinerary of Amsterdam
At around 8:35, I left Antwerp Central Station by train, bringing a book and coffee to keep me company during the trip. At 10:00, I arrived at the Amsterdam Zuid station, which is right south* of the city center in a little business district.
*Zuid means South in Dutch.
Amsterdam-Zuid
First, I walked around the Zuid Business District for a bit. The modern architecture and the rush at the end of the morning gave me some nice photo opportunities.
The brutal and angled sun also provided me with various contrasty opportunities at the several crossings under the train tracks and highways passing through the district.
I then started moving more to the city center. I walked around all day, but Amsterdam’s trams are reliable for those who prefer to travel faster.
On my way to the center, I passed along:
- Parnassusweg
- Minervaplein
- Noorder Amsterdamkanaal
- To the Museumplein
Museumplein in Amsterdam
There are often lots of people at the Museumplein, too. I love the big reflective cube right next to the Van Gogh Museum. There’s plenty to see at the Museumplein, including a visit to the Van Gogh Museum or Rijksmuseum. Just know you need reservations for both.
I then walked along the canals in the city center until I arrived at Screaming Beans around noon. Time for lunch, ofcourse. So I had a cappuccino and a goat cheese sandwich there. It’s a very cosy little coffee place, which I recommend.
Dam and City Center
After lunch, I headed out again and walked along the canals. I passed the Westerkerk, Anne-Frank house (didn’t go in), and the homomonument, which are all next to each other.
From there, I moved to Dam—a massive square in the city center. I know there’s usually a flock of pigeons there with a guy, kinda like the Pigeon lady from Home Alone 2. The guy often helps people make selfies with the birds, so I imagined it might be a good photo opportunity.
Then, via Damrak, I ended up in Stationplein, near Amsterdam Central Station. I took a few photos there, saw another street photographer follow a man with an interesting outfit, and then walked along to Nieuwmarkt.
Three photo exhibitions in Amsterdam
Nearby the Nieuwmarkt square was the exhibition by WorldWide Street, which was why I visited Amsterdam that day.
It was nice seeing so many good street photographers having their work printed and exhibited. The Brandt gallery is a beautiful location for it. I already knew Iris (from the podcast) and Natasja from the book I’m also in.
Since then, I invited Darren Sacks and Hugo Lee to be on the podcast, too.
After seeing the entire exhibition twice, I moved out onto the streets again, this time making my way to FOAM and Huis Marseille, two photo museums.
In total, there were four exhibitions on:
- Father, by Diana Markosian: A very touching story of a woman finding her lost father again.
- Yawm al-Firak, by Sakir Khader, came with a sensitivity warning. It’s an exhibition of seven sons and seven mothers from Palestine.
- Presence, by Ilona Plaum: This is more of conceptual art
- Revoir Paris, by Séeberger brothers (1900-1907): archival work from Paris
After the exhibitions, I started moving back toward Zuid station. I made another stop at the Museumplein, where I sat and relaxed for a bit.
From there, I continued walking to the train station, taking more photos along the way.
In the end, I was only in Amsterdam for 8 hours, but that was plenty for what I wanted to do there: visit exhibitions and take street photos.
All my Amsterdam street photos from that day
Amsterdam street photography hashtags
I created a small collection of hashtags for those who want to visit Amsterdam and share their photos on Instagram.
#amsterdam🇳🇱 #amsterdamlife #dutchstreetmagazine #straatfotografieamsterdam #iamsterdam #straatfotografieinnederland #streetphotographyamsterdam #amsterdamstreet #amsterdamstreetphotography #amsterdammoments #amsterdamphotography #amsterdam #amsterdamcanals #visitamsterdam#netherlands #amsterdam_streets #amsterdamcity
And use these more general street photography hashtags too, ofcourse: https://www.fredericpaulussen.be/street-photography-hashtags/
My street photography lessons from that day in Amsterdam
I had several thoughts I needed to save throughout the day because I found them insightful. And then I thought I might as well share them here:
“I’m doing too many of this type of shot”.
I thought this when walking around Amsterdam Zuid and moving into the city. I then stopped myself because it’s okay to make several similar photos. Who knows, they could be a series. It can also help you get the best one.
“I need to bring sunscreen.”
The sun was out in full power that day, and I walked around all day with my pale skin out. So I should get some small sunscreen bottles to take with me on these walks.
“Funny but ugly is good too.”
I saw this little kid’s bike next to a rack of regular bikes. I thought it was a funny thing to do, so I took a photo of it. Not a good one, but it was funny and nice anyway.
“Modern cities and places draw my attention more.”
Everyone has their favorite spots and settings. Walking around the older city center and the more modern Zuid area, I clearly noticed that these newer parts are more my place.
What are your favorite street photo spots around Amsterdam? Let me know in the comments!