Amsterdam’s Most Photogenic Events Through the Seasons
- Inbal Tur-Shalom ענבל טור-שלום
- Jul 13, 2018
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 21
Amsterdam is a city that never stops offering new visual stories. Each season brings its own colors, textures, and moments of celebration that are perfect for photography. Whether you’re a serious photographer or simply someone who appreciates capturing travel memories beautifully, Amsterdam offers an endless playground for your lens.
Tulips in Amsterdam | Photo: © Inbal Tur-Shalom
Spring: Tulip Season in the Netherlands
From late March until mid-May, the Netherlands bursts into color with millions of blooming tulips. Fields outside Amsterdam stretch for miles, painted in vibrant stripes of red, yellow, pink, and purple.
⚠️ Important: Visitors are not allowed to walk between the flowers or touch them. This protects the crop from pests and diseases that could destroy a whole field.
For photographers, the tulip fields offer sweeping landscapes, while smaller village gardens and flower markets reveal intimate floral details. Many guests book a custom tulip photography tour with me to capture both the grand views and hidden corners that most visitors miss.
📩 To purchase Transport & Entry tickets to the Keukenhof Garden, please click here.
April: King’s Day in Amsterdam
April 27th marks the Dutch King’s birthday, and Amsterdam turns orange—the national color of the Netherlands. Imagine canals filled with decorated boats, locals and visitors in bright orange outfits, and entire streets transformed into flea markets and music stages.
It’s an unforgettable atmosphere and one of the best street photography opportunities in Europe. From candid portraits of revelers to wide shots of canals packed with boats, King’s Day is a true visual feast.
👉 Related reading: King’s Day in Amsterdam; The Netherlands' Most Outrageous Birthday Bash 🎉
Summer: Pride on the Canals
On the first Saturday of August, Amsterdam celebrates one of the world’s most colorful Pride festivals. The highlight is the Canal Parade, where dozens of barges sail through the waterways, decorated with rainbow flags, feathers, and glittering costumes.
Locals and visitors alike wear pink or rainbow accessories, turning the entire city into a joyful celebration. It’s an extraordinary moment for street and portrait photography—capturing energy, inclusivity, and pure fun.
👉 Related reading: Amsterdam Pride Week; A Celebration Like No Other
Winter: Amsterdam Light Festival
From late November through January, Amsterdam glows during the Amsterdam Light Festival. Each year, artists from around the world create dozens of light installations, transforming the canals and city center into an illuminated gallery.
Two routes—one by boat along the canals and one on foot through the city center—offer completely different photography experiences. Long-exposure shots, glowing reflections on the water, and playful artistic compositions make this a paradise for night photographers.
⚠️ Pro tip: Dress up weather appropriate.
📩 To purchase Light Festival route canal cruise tickets, please click here.
👉 Related reading:
Closing Thoughts about Amsterdam’s Most Photogenic Events Through the Seasons
Amsterdam is more than canals and bicycles—it’s a city of living, changing photography opportunities. Each season brings new colors, stories, and cultural moments worth capturing.
If you’d like to combine these experiences with expert guidance, I offer private photography workshops and tailor-made tours that help you explore Amsterdam through your lens while enjoying the city in a meaningful way.
✨For Amsterdam and the Netherlands photos inspiration, check out my INSTAGRAM!
🧭 Ready to explore Amsterdam? Discover my unique tours now!
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