apparently, google maps panoramio (I had never heard of that before), knows that in Amsterdam, this sculpture is one of the most photographed places. also the museum behind it, and the dam square are popular locations to photograph. the red light district not so much, because you are not allowed to take pictures there (i didnt know that that was not allowed, wonder how they enforce that? and can they really ban photography in an entire section of the city?).
on January 1st, the I Amsterdam was indeed rather busy. mostly with people climbing onto it, posing for pictures. the guy on the "T" remained there for quite a while, just standing still like that, which was quite funny to watch...