8 of the Best Amsterdam Buildings for Architecture Fans

Some of Amsterdam’s iconic buildings are hundreds of years old – including the Oude Kerk, consecrated in 1306, and the famous leaning buildings that line the 17th-century canal system. These grand merchant houses are a relic of the Dutch Golden Age, when the city’s wealth and population boomed. 

Others are thoroughly modern – as befits Amsterdam’s status as the cultural and financial capital of the Netherlands. They include new apartment buildings like Stories, with its planted balconies and rooftop farm, and futuristic office complexes like the glass-fronted Vinoly building and Piet Hein Buildings. Discover these icons on an architecture tour during your stay in Amsterdam, starting with the highlights below.

Historic Dam Square is a great starting point for your architectural adventure, showcasing several Amsterdam historic buildings including the 15th-century Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), now an exhibition space, and the National Monument for fallen war heroes. The centrepiece is the Royal Palace, designed by Jan van Campen in the Golden Age to reflect the city’s newly elevated status. Originally meant as a town hall, it was first used as a palace by King Louis Bonaparte in 1808 and still serves as the official reception venue of the Dutch royal family today. With its grand dome and striking columns, it is a masterpiece of Dutch Classicism and particularly photogenic when illuminated at night.

• Location: Dam Square 
• Architectural Type: Dutch Classical 
• Architect: Jan van Campen
• Completed: 1655

• Location: Overhoeksplein 1
• Architectural Type: Modernist 
• Architect: Arthur Staal 
• Completed: 1971

Combine your A’DAM Tower experience with a visit to its riverbank neighbour, the Eye Film Museum. Representing some of the best architecture in Amsterdam, the building was designed by Austrian architectural firm Delugan-Meissl and inspired by sci-fi spaceships. The result is a low-slung, gracefully geometric landmark with a white exterior that reflects movement and light in much the same way as the films it houses. Come to enjoy a screening or exhibition, or to marvel at the historic cinematic equipment in the permanent collection. The best photographs are taken from directly outside with a wide-angle lens, or with an eye-level perspective from the deck of an IJ River cruise. 

• Location: IJpromenade 1
• Architectural Type: Neo-Futurist
• Architect: Delugan-Meissl
• Completed: 2012

The EMA building was completed in 2019, in time for the European Medicines Agency to move in following its post-Brexit departure from London. Its concrete-steel composite structure and rectangular windows are meant to reflect the EMA’s sober, scientific image. The building is also a trendsetter for sustainable architecture with an insect hotel in the rooftop garden and nest boxes built into the facade. It stands 81 metres high and is particularly impressive at dawn and dusk, when the windows are illuminated from within while also reflecting soft ambient light. Novotel Amsterdam City is a great base for early starts and late finishes, and for exploring other Zuidas landmarks including the nearby Atrium Building. 

• Location: Domenico Scarlattilaan 6
• Architectural Type: Modernist
• Architect: MVSA Architects
• Completed: 2019

A much-loved landmark for Amsterdammers, the former ING building stands proudly alongside the busy A10, elevated on towering metal stilts. Built for the ING Group by MSVA in 2002, it was the architectural firm’s breakthrough project with a glass and aluminium shell that’s as flamboyant as it is futuristic. Nowadays it houses several different companies, but it remains equally impressive both from the outside and as a landmark for sustainable architecture, with a natural ventilation system and six themed interior gardens. Be sure to admire it from every angle, since it looks very different from each one (inspiring its various nicknames including “dustbuster” and “skate”).

• Location: 1081 KJ Amsterdam
• Architectural Type: Futurist
• Architect: MVSA
• Completed: 2002

If your tastes are more traditional, don’t miss the oldest building in Amsterdam. Located in De Wallen, the Oude Kerk (Old Church) was founded in 1213 and consecrated in 1306. Its original Gothic structure has been adapted by 15 generations of Amsterdammers, creating a visual history of the capital’s architectural evolution. Look out for the medieval wooden vault (the largest in Europe), the stained glass windows of the Lady Chapel, and the floor comprised entirely of gravestones. In 2012, the church was repurposed as a contemporary art gallery. Photographers can capture this juxtaposition of old and new with a long exposure at night, when the Oude Kerk is surrounded by the neon glow of the Red Light District. 

• Location: Oudekerksplein 23
• Architectural Type: Gothic 
• Architect: Unknown 
• Completed: 1306

• Location: Reguliersbreestraat 26-34
• Architectural Type: Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Jugendstil and Amsterdam School
• Architect: Hijman Louis de Jong
• Completed: 1921

The NEMO building rises above the eastern docklands like the prow of a great, copper-green ship. Its curved shape is inspired by the tunnel that forms its foundation, while the rooftop terrace doubles as a piazza complete with open-air exhibits, a sustainable garden and a restaurant with sweeping city views. Make sure to check out the inside too, because although the architecture is intentionally plain so as not to distract from the many interactive science displays, the displays themselves are fascinating. Cross the bridge to Oosterdokseiland for the best view of the museum, then extend your stay on the IJ River at the nearby Mövenpick Hotel Amsterdam City Centre. 

• Location: Oosterdok 2
• Architectural Type: Futurist
• Architect: Renzo Piano
• Completed: 1997a