Where the concierge points people first
- A'dam Lookout — The tower across the IJ from Centraal, reached by the free ferry. A paid ticket gets you the rooftop; the swing out over the edge costs extra and is not for the faint-hearted. (52.3839, 4.9021)
- Energetica - Rooftop NEMO Science Center — The stepped roof of the NEMO building by the Oosterdok, a public square in the air. Good for sunset over the old center without buying anything. (52.3740, 4.9123)
- 7 Bruggen op een rij — Seven bridges lined up along the Reguliersgracht, one behind the other. Best after dark when the arches are lit. (52.3648, 4.8959)
- Pythonbrug — The red, humped footbridge in the Eastern Docklands, twisting over the water like its name. A walk out of the center most visitors never take. (52.3730, 4.9489)
- Blauwbrug — The ornate bridge over the Amstel by Waterlooplein, with a long view down the river. (52.3664, 4.9009)
The rest of the viewpoints in Amsterdam — every one we hold
- Amsterdam (52.3610, 4.8392)
- Dancing Houses (52.3671, 4.8971)
- kruising Leidsegracht-Keizersgracht (52.3666, 4.8849)
- Uitzichtheuvel (52.3884, 4.8719)
- Uitzichtpunt (52.4107, 4.8538)
The best free views are on public roofs
Amsterdam is flat, so a view means climbing something. Two are free. The roof of NEMO is a public terrace, open without a museum ticket in reasonable weather, and the top floor of the central library, the OBA at Oosterdok, has a café terrace with one of the best free panoramas in the city. The A'dam Lookout is the high one, but paid. For the canals, the best viewpoints are at water level: stand on a bridge at dusk, when the lights come on and the light on the water is softest.
Questions people ask
How many viewpoints are there in Amsterdam?
Num's directory maps 10 viewpoints in Amsterdam, from the A'dam Lookout tower to bridges in the canal belt.
Where is the best free view in Amsterdam?
The NEMO roof terrace and the top floor of the OBA central library, both near the Oosterdok.
Where can you see seven bridges in a row in Amsterdam?
Along the Reguliersgracht, looking down the canal from its crossing with the Herengracht. It is best after dark.
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