An evening walk is one of my favourite things to do in Amsterdam. When the crowds have gone and the lights come on, the Amsterdam city centre transforms into an absolutely magical place (if you avoid the busy nightlife areas). The still water of the canals become a glassy mirror, reflecting the beautiful houses and bridges. It’s simply a wonderfully romantic experience to walk along the canals just to see the lights and the reflections in the water. I recommend starting just after sunset – you’ll be able to see the warm glow of the sun’s last rays reflected off the houses, followed by a gorgeous twilight, which in the summer, can last a while. The magic continues when darkness falls and the canals are lit. For photographers, it’s the perfect time of day to capture absolutely enchanting images of Amsterdam.

Amsterdam evening walk in photos

It’s a delight to stroll around the city centre in the evenings and take photos of various photogenic spots. Here’s my suggested route for an Amsterdam evening walk, one of the best things to do in Amsterdam.

Map of my Amsterdam evening walk

Centraal Station

Start off at Amsterdam Centraal (station), a beautiful building designed by Pierre Cuypers, who also designed the Rijksmuseum. From the station, there’s a lovely view across the water to the Basilica of St. Nicholas.

Cross the bridge towards Damrak and look back for a shot of Amsterdam Centraal:

Damrak

Just across from the station, along the Damrak avenue, is one of the few places in Amsterdam with a row of houses that directly front the canal (most have a road that separates the houses from the canal). This row of houses has quickly become one of the most iconic canal scenes in Amsterdam, primarily due to the quirky (leaning) façades and the amazing reflections in the water.

Dam Square

From here, continue along Damrak to the Dam Square, where the Royal Palace is located.

Red Light District

From here, backtrack a bit and head to the Red Light District. You can choose to walk either via Warmoestraat, or via Damstraat and Oudezijds Voorburgwal to our next stop: the Oude Kerk.

Nieuwmarkt

From the Oude Kerk, walk through the Red Light district – please beware of pickpockets – to one of my favourite squares: Nieuwmarkt. This square is famous for its iconic castle, De Waag.

Oudeschans

From here, continue my Amsterdam evening walk to the pretty Oudeschans canal. Near the top of the canal is the Montelbaanstoren, a 16th century tower that used to form part of the city’s defenses.

Amstel River

From Oudeschans, make your way to the Kloverniersburgwal canal, and on to the next stop: the Amstel River. There’s a photogenic spot on Halvemaansbrug (Half Moon Bridge) near Muntplein (Munt square).

Further up the river, from the Blauwbrug (Blue Bridge), there are some gorgeous views of the river and historic monuments, like the Hermitage Museum, Carré Theatre and Skinny Bridge.

Rembrandt Square

Our next stop is the famous Rembrandt Square (Rembrandtplein). While you’re here, check out the stunning Tuschinski Theater, just a stone’s throw away.

Keizersgracht

From the square, cross the adjacent Thorbeckeplein to the Herengracht canal and follow Reguliersgracht (a canal known for its seven bridges) to the Keizersgracht canal.

At Keizersgracht, turn right and follow the canal towards Leidsestraat. There are lots of stately canal houses along this canal.

You’ll soon arrive at Leidsestraat, one of Amsterdam’s busiest streets.

Cross Leidsestraat and continue along Keizersgracht until you arrive at one of the most Instagrammed spots in Amsterdam: the intersection of Leidsegracht and Keizersgracht.

I’ve taken countless photos of this spot across all seasons, both day and night – I’ll never tire of gazing at this view! If you’d like to experience a romantic side of Amsterdam, go on an evening stroll around the canals!

Looking to explore places near Amsterdam? Check out my recommendations for places to visit as a day trip from Amsterdam.