Introduction

When action cinema comes to European cities, filmmakers face a challenge: how to create dynamic, explosive sequences that don’t damage or disrespect the cultural and architectural heritage of historic towns. “The Hitman’s Bodyguard” (2017), starring Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L. Jackson, solved this problem by making Amsterdam’s defining feature—its canal system—central to its action sequences. The result is a film that delivers adrenaline-pumping entertainment while showcasing the city’s unique geography and architectural beauty.

This guide takes you through the actual filming locations of “The Hitman’s Bodyguard,” from the iconic canal boat chases to the Amsterdam landmarks that served as backdrops for action sequences. Whether you’re an action film enthusiast or simply interested in how contemporary cinema uses European cities as settings, this journey reveals how a small Dutch city provided the perfect canvas for a major Hollywood action-comedy.

The Hitman’s Bodyguard: Overview and Context

Plot and Premise

“The Hitman’s Bodyguard” follows Michael Bryce (Ryan Reynolds), a cynical, washed-up bodyguard who reluctantly agrees to protect Darius Kincaid (Samuel L. Jackson), a notorious hitman. The two embark on a cross-Europe mission involving gangsters, government conspiracies, and the kind of physical comedy that ensues when mismatched characters are forced to work together. The Amsterdam sequences, which form a major portion of the film, emphasize the unique opportunities the city’s canals and architecture provide for action sequences.

Why Amsterdam?

Filmmakers chose Amsterdam for several specific reasons:

• Unique Geography – The canal system is unlike any other major European city, offering distinctive visual opportunities
• Architectural Beauty – The city’s preservation of 17th-century architecture provides an elegant backdrop to mayhem
• Practical Infrastructure – Modern filmmaking support services exist in the Netherlands
• International Appeal – Amsterdam is recognizable and appealing to global audiences

The film uses the tension between Amsterdam’s peaceful, sophisticated reputation and the explosive violence of action cinema to create dynamic visual contrast.

Major Filming Locations and Action Sequences

Central Station and Surroundings (Centraal Station)

Location Overview:
Central Station serves as a major filming location, particularly for establishing shots and some of the film’s early action sequences. The station’s distinctive architecture—its red-brick Dutch Renaissance design with soaring interior spaces—provides a recognizable landmark that anchors the narrative.

Address: Stationsplein 9, 1012 AB Amsterdam

Action Sequences:
While specific chase sequences aren’t explicitly detailed in the film, the area around Central Station and the waterfront serve as primary action locations. The proximity of the station to Amsterdam’s waterfront, canals, and the ferry system makes it ideal for scenes where characters move rapidly through the city.

Visiting Central Station:

The station remains fully operational and is freely accessible during business hours

The main hall is architecturally stunning and worth exploring regardless of film interest

The waterfront area (waterfront east of the station) offers views of the IJ River and ferry terminals

Surrounding areas include museums, shops, and restaurants

Nearby Attractions:

Amsterdam Museum – Just south of Central Station

Bike Rental Shops – Multiple operators near the station

Ferry Terminal – Ferries depart from behind Central Station to Amsterdam Noord

The Canal System and Boat Chases

The Heart of the Film’s Action:
The most iconic sequences in “The Hitman’s Bodyguard” involve pursuits and action scenes on Amsterdam’s canals. The film capitalizes on the canal system’s unique features:

Narrow waterways requiring maneuverability

Multiple bridges creating obstacles and visual complexity

Historic buildings framing the action

The contrast between the canals’ peaceful daytime aesthetic and the chaos of action sequences

Which Canals?
The primary canals used for filming include:

Prinsengracht (Prince’s Canal):

One of Amsterdam’s four main canals, part of the UNESCO-listed Canal Belt

Approximately 3 kilometers long with bridges, cafés, and museums along its length

The combination of narrow passages, historic facades, and abundant bridges makes it ideal for action sequences

Famous residents have included Anne Frank (at Prinsengracht 263)

Home to numerous galleries, restaurants, and cultural institutions

Keizersgracht (Emperor’s Canal):

The second of the four main canals

Similar characteristics to Prinsengracht

Features the famous Six Collection (an art museum in a private mansion)

Lined with restaurants and boutique shops

Herengracht (Gentlemen’s Canal):

The largest of the main canals

Approximately 3.4 kilometers long with particularly grand 17th-century mansions

The canal’s width and length made it suitable for various filming angles

Canal Belt in General (Grachtengordel):
The entire system of concentric canals forms Amsterdam’s defining feature. Walking or biking along any of these canals provides a sense of the filming environment. The combination of:

Narrow waterways

Historic architecture

Multiple bridges

Water reflections creating visual interest

All contribute to why the canals proved perfect for action cinema.

Experiencing the Canals:

Canal Boat Tours:
Multiple tour operators offer canal boat tours (typically 50-75 minutes) that traverse the main canal system:

Blue Boat Company

Amsterdam Canal Cruises

Hop-On, Hop-Off Canal Buses (multiple stops, flexible duration)

Tours typically cost €15-20 and depart from various points around the city. Evening tours (departing around 7-9 PM) offer a different aesthetic, with the canals illuminated and less crowded.

Biking Along the Canals:

Bike rentals cost €10-15 per day

The canals are surrounded by extensive bike paths

Biking allows you to pause and photograph locations, explore side streets, and move at your own pace

Recommended route: Make a loop through the Canal Belt (Herengracht-Keizersgracht-Prinsengracht-back to starting point) for approximately 5-6 kilometers

Walking the Canals:

The entire Canal Belt is walkable

Walking allows for detailed observation of architecture, galleries, and street-level details

Estimated time: 2-3 hours for a complete circuit

Multiple cafés along the way offer rest and refreshment

Amsterdam Bridges

Bridges feature prominently in the film’s action sequences, serving as obstacles, dramatic settings, and visual markers. Amsterdam has approximately 1,281 bridges, with notable ones including:

Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge)

Location: Spanning the Amstel River near the Hermitage Museum

Character: An iconic wooden bridge with distinctive design

Cinematic Significance: The bridge’s unique appearance and location make it visually striking and likely to have been considered for or featured in filming

How to Experience It: Walk or bike across the bridge; it’s one of Amsterdam’s most photogenic locations, especially at night when illuminated

Blauwbrug (Blue Bridge)

Location: Spanning the Amstel River

Character: A cast-iron bridge with ornate design

How to Experience It: Walk the surrounding area; the bridge is visible from the Hermitage Museum and nearby cafés

Multiple Canal Bridges:
Throughout the Canal Belt, hundreds of smaller bridges create a distinctive landscape. These bridges in the film serve as:

Obstacles for vehicles or characters

Vantage points for action

Visual markers establishing the canal system’s complexity

Walking Bridge-to-Bridge:
An engaging activity is walking through the Canal Belt and noting the variety and design of bridges. No two are identical, and each contributes to the district’s distinctive character. A self-guided bridge tour can last 1-2 hours depending on pace and exploration depth.

Amsterdam Landmarks and Skyline

While specific landmarks may not feature prominently in action sequences, they appear in establishing shots and provide visual context:

Westertoren (Western Church Tower)

Location: Prinsengracht at Westermarkt

Character: A historic church tower with a distinctive lantern crown

Significance: Visible from many canal locations; Anne Frank could see this tower from her hiding place

How to Experience It: Walk to Westermarkt Square and explore the surrounding neighborhood; climb the tower for panoramic city views (approximately 85 steps)

Amsterdam Canal Houses:
The 17th- and 18th-century townhouses lining the canals are architectural treasures. Walking along the canals, note:

The distinctive gabled roofs (crow-step gables, bell gables, cornice gables)

The narrow street-level facades with large windows

The traditional Dutch door (split horizontally)

The way buildings lean slightly forward (intentional design to facilitate hauling goods with pulleys)

Dam Square and Surrounding Areas

Dam Square Overview:
While not a major action filming location, Dam Square represents central Amsterdam and appears in establishing shots. The square is the geographic and cultural heart of the city.

Address: Dam, 1012 NP Amsterdam

Features:

Royal Palace (Koninklijk Paleis) – A stunning 17th-century building now serving as the king’s official reception location

The New Church (Nieuwe Kerk) – A Gothic church dating to the 14th century

War Monument – A solemn memorial to WWII victims

Surrounding shops, restaurants, and cultural institutions

Visiting:

The square is freely accessible

The Royal Palace is open for tours on certain days (check in advance)

The New Church hosts art exhibitions and cultural events

Multiple cafés and restaurants surround the square

Day or evening visits both offer distinct atmospheres

Vondelpark Area

Amsterdam’s major urban park appears in various establishing shots and serves as a location representing Amsterdam’s recreational culture and green spaces.

Address: Vondelpark, Amsterdam (south of the Canal Belt)

Features:

Open meadows, tree-lined paths, and small ponds

Multiple cafés and open-air restaurants

Museums bordering the park:

– Van Gogh Museum
– Rijksmuseum (Dutch national museum)
– Stedelijk Museum (modern and contemporary art)

How to Experience It:

Walk or bike through the park

Sit at a café and observe the park’s social dynamics

Visit the museums

Estimated time: 2-3 hours for a leisurely park visit

Red Light District (De Wallen)

While not explicitly highlighted in “The Hitman’s Bodyguard” plot, the Red Light District represents Amsterdam’s unique cultural character and appears in establishing shots of the city. The area is also a major tourist attraction with historical significance beyond its contemporary function.

Location: Between Central Station and the Dam in central Amsterdam

Character:

Historic neighborhood with 14th-century buildings

Distinctive window displays reflecting the neighborhood’s famous sex work industry

Vibrant nightlife, restaurants, and bars

Museums dedicated to various aspects of Amsterdam culture

Despite its reputation, a legitimate historic and cultural area

Respectful Visiting:

The neighborhood is heavily touristed; evening visits are more atmospheric than daytime

Photography of window workers is strictly prohibited and culturally disrespectful

Multiple cafés and bars provide places to experience the neighborhood’s social character

Museums (like the Red Light Secrets Museum) offer contextualized education about the neighborhood’s history and present

The Film’s Relationship to Amsterdam

Using the City as Character

“The Hitman’s Bodyguard” exemplifies how action cinema can integrate location into narrative rather than simply using it as backdrop. The film’s boat chases on the canals, the architectural framing of action sequences, and the use of Amsterdam’s distinctive geography make the city integral to the story rather than interchangeable with any other European city.

The Contrast Between Serenity and Chaos

A central visual theme is the contrast between Amsterdam’s peaceful, sophisticated reputation and the explosive violence of action cinema. This creates dynamic visual interest:

Elegant canal houses become backdrops to car chases

Peaceful waterways transform into action sequences

The contrast itself becomes thematically interesting

Practical Visitor’s Guide for Action Film Fans

Best Times to Visit

Seasonal Considerations:

Spring (April-May): Mild weather, moderate crowds, blooming flowers

Summer (June-August): Peak season with long daylight hours (sun until 10 PM in late June), but also crowded

Fall (September-October): Excellent weather, fewer crowds than summer

Winter (November-February): Fewer tourists, shorter days, occasional ice on canals

For film location tourism, any season is appropriate, though spring through fall offers better weather and longer daylight for exploration.

Getting Around Amsterdam

By Foot:

The Canal Belt is compact and highly walkable

2-3 hours can cover a complete circuit of the main canals

Walking offers detailed observation of architecture

By Bicycle:

Amsterdam is a cycling city with extensive bike infrastructure

Rentals: €10-15 per day

Biking allows covering larger distances while maintaining flexibility

Exercise caution with traffic; Amsterdam cyclists are assertive

By Canal Boat:

Guided tours: €15-20 per person for approximately 50-75 minutes

Self-guided options available

Daytime tours offer different light than evening tours

By Public Transportation:

Tram and bus system covers the entire city

Day pass: €9.00 for unlimited travel

Less necessary for Canal Belt exploration than in larger districts

A Suggested Itinerary (1-2 Days focused on Action Film Locations)

Half-Day (4 Hours):

1. Start at Central Station (30 minutes)

– Explore the architecture and waterfront
– Orient yourself to the city’s geography

Canal Boat Tour (1 hour)

– Experience the canals as they appear in the film
– Understand the geography of boat chase sequences
– Photographers should note bridge locations and angles

Walk the Canal Belt (2 hours)

– Stroll along Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht
– Note bridge locations and architecture
– Visit cafés along the route

Visit Magere Brug (30 minutes)

– Walk to this iconic bridge
– Photograph from different angles
– Visit the Hermitage Museum if interested

Full Day (8 Hours):

Morning: Canal Exploration (as above)

Midday: Lunch and Museum (2 hours)

– Eat at a canal-side restaurant
– Visit Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, or Stedelijk Museum if interested

Afternoon: Vondelpark (1.5 hours)

– Walk through the park
– Sit at a café
– Observe Amsterdam’s recreational culture

Late Afternoon: Dam Square and Red Light District (1.5 hours)

– Visit Dam Square
– Explore the Red Light District (evening visit is more atmospheric)
– Browse shops and museums

Evening: Dinner and Nightlife (2+ hours)

– Eat dinner at an upscale restaurant
– Experience Amsterdam’s nightlife

Extended Visit (2-3 Days):

Add to the above:

Ferry to Amsterdam Noord and explore the contemporary art scene

Visit specific museums in greater depth

Take an evening canal cruise to see the city illuminated

Rent a bike and explore neighborhoods beyond the city center

Visit historical locations related to other films (Anne Frank House, Dutch Resistance Museum)

Accommodation

Canal Belt (Most Atmospheric):

Luxury: Pulitzer Amsterdam, The Dylan Amsterdam

Mid-Range: Ambassade Hotel, Estherea Hotel

Budget: Various guesthouses and hostels

Near Central Station (Most Convenient for Arrival/Departure):

Luxury: Conservatorium Hotel

Mid-Range: Amsterdam Museum Hotel

Budget: Travelodge Amsterdam Central

Contemporary Amsterdam (Noord, De Pijp):

Boutique Hotels: Scattered throughout trendy neighborhoods

Generally quieter and less touristy than Canal Belt

Dining and Entertainment

Canal-Side Dining:

Café de Jaren – Popular café with Amstel River views

Zeno – French-Italian cuisine overlooking canals

Bries – Upscale French in the Canal Belt

Multiple casual cafés serving Dutch food and international cuisine

Nightlife:

Leidseplein – Major nightlife district with clubs and bars

Rembrandtplein – Another significant nightlife hub

Brouwerij ‘t IJ – Craft brewery with bohemian atmosphere

Multiple brown cafés (traditional Dutch bars) throughout the city

Museums and Cultural Venues:

Van Gogh Museum – Works by the Dutch master

Rijksmuseum – Dutch national museum with medieval through modern collections

Stedelijk Museum – Modern and contemporary art

Eye Film Museum – Devoted to cinema history (north of Central Station)

Conclusion: From Screen to Pavement

“The Hitman’s Bodyguard” delivers action-comedy entertainment, but it also showcases Amsterdam in a way that invites exploration. By visiting the film’s locations—the canals where chases unfold, the bridges that create visual obstacles, the landmarks that anchor the city—you experience both cinema and destination simultaneously.

Amsterdam’s unique geography and well-preserved historic character make it an ideal location for action cinema while also making it a rewarding destination for travelers. The canal system, the architecture, the bridges, and the overall aesthetic that drew filmmakers to the city are yours to explore at your own pace.

Whether you come as an action film enthusiast retracing the film’s scenes or simply as a traveler appreciating one of Europe’s most distinctive cities, Amsterdam’s canals and streets offer endless discovery. Walk where the characters ran, float on the waters where they chased, and experience the peace and energy of a city that seamlessly blends 17th-century heritage with 21st-century vitality.