Amsterdam tourist cards comparison
Amsterdam Tourist Cards Comparison — Which City Pass Saves You the Most?
Introduction
Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most popular city destinations, filled with world-class museums, canals, architecture, and culture. But visiting multiple attractions can quickly add up in cost. That’s where Amsterdam tourist cards — also called city passes — come in. These prepaid cards give access to museums, public transport, and activities at a discounted rate.
However, with several options available — each offering different inclusions, prices, and conditions — it can be confusing to know which one is worth it. This in-depth comparison explains the main Amsterdam city cards, how they work, what they include, and how to choose the one that fits your trip best.
What Is a Tourist Card and How Does It Work?
A tourist card is a digital or physical pass that gives visitors free or discounted entry to a selection of attractions. Most cards are valid for a certain number of days (24 to 120 hours) or for a certain number of attractions.
Once activated — usually when you scan the card for your first visit — the time begins counting down. During the validity period, you can visit as many included attractions as you like. Some cards also include unlimited travel on Amsterdam’s trams, buses, and metro.
Typical benefits:
- Free admission to major museums and landmarks.
- Free or discounted canal cruises.
- Unlimited public transport on selected networks.
- Discounts on restaurants, bike rentals, and souvenirs.
- Digital convenience: often available on your smartphone.
The Main Amsterdam Tourist Cards
There are several major tourist cards available in Amsterdam. Below is a clear overview:
| Card | Type | Validity | Main Features | Transport Included | Typical Price (Adult) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I Amsterdam City Card | Time-based | 1–5 days | Free entry to 70+ museums & attractions, free canal cruise, unlimited GVB public transport | Yes | €60–€125 |
| Go City Amsterdam All-Inclusive Pass | Time-based | 1–5 days | Access to 25–40 attractions, experiences, and tours | No | €70–€120 |
| Go City Amsterdam Explorer Pass | Attraction-based | Choose 3–7 attractions | Visit selected experiences at your own pace | No | €40–€150 |
| Amsterdam Pass | Attraction-based | Flexible | Includes key sights such as the Heineken Experience, canal cruise, and Rijksmuseum | No | €50–€100 |
| Museumkaart (Museum Card) | Annual | 1 year (for Dutch residents; tourists can use for 31 days) | Access to 400+ museums across the Netherlands | No | €75–€80 |
Detailed Overview of Each Card
1. I Amsterdam City Card
This is the most complete city pass and best suited for visitors who want to explore as much as possible.
Highlights:
- Free entry to top museums like the Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum, and Rembrandt House.
- Free one-hour canal cruise.
- Unlimited use of GVB trams, buses, and metro within the city.
- Discounts at restaurants and bike rentals.
- Available for 24, 48, 72, 96, or 120 hours.
Ideal for: travellers staying two or more days who plan to visit several museums and use public transport frequently.
2. Go City Amsterdam All-Inclusive Pass
This pass offers unlimited access to included attractions for a set number of days.
Highlights:
- Choose from a list of 25–40 attractions and tours.
- Includes experiences such as canal cruises, bike tours, Heineken Experience, A’DAM Lookout, and more.
- Perfect for energetic visitors who want to fit in as much as possible.
Ideal for: short trips (1–3 days) with a busy schedule of attractions.
Note: public transport is not included.
3. Go City Amsterdam Explorer Pass
The Explorer version is more flexible. Instead of a time limit, you select how many attractions you want to visit — for example 3, 5, or 7 — and you can use the pass within 60 days after activation.
Highlights:
- Great for travellers who prefer a slower pace.
- Choose only the attractions that interest you most.
- Works digitally via smartphone.
Ideal for: visitors who want flexibility and aren’t planning to see dozens of sights.
Note: no transport coverage.
4. Amsterdam Pass
A simpler option that includes a few of the city’s most popular attractions.
Highlights:
- Often combines major sites like the Rijksmuseum, canal cruise, and Heineken Experience.
- Useful if you want a quick and easy way to bundle Amsterdam’s top sights into one purchase.
Ideal for: short city-break visitors focused on the highlights.
Note: fewer inclusions compared to the larger passes.
5. Museumkaart (Museum Card)
A long-term card designed mainly for Dutch residents but also usable by tourists for up to one month.
Highlights:
- Free entry to over 400 museums across the Netherlands, including many in Amsterdam.
- Perfect for travellers who plan to visit several museums and other Dutch cities.
Note: does not include transport or experiences like canal cruises.
Key Differences Between the Cards
| Feature | I Amsterdam City Card | Go City All-Inclusive | Go City Explorer | Amsterdam Pass | Museumkaart |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 24–120 hours | 1–5 days | 3–7 attractions | Flexible | 31 days (tourists) |
| No. of attractions | 70+ | 25–40 | User-selected | 3–5 | 400+ museums (NL) |
| Public transport | Yes (GVB only) | No | No | No | No |
| Canal cruise | Yes | Yes | Optional | Usually yes | No |
| Major museums included | Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk, Rembrandt House | Some | Some | Some | Most |
| Anne Frank House | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included |
| Value for heavy sightseeing | Excellent | Good | Moderate | Moderate | Excellent for museum lovers |
| Ease of use | Digital or physical | App-based | App-based | Digital | Physical card |
How to Choose the Best Card for Your Trip
1. Calculate Your Itinerary Value
Add up the cost of individual tickets for the attractions you want to visit. If the total is higher than the cost of a pass that includes them — and you plan to use it efficiently — it’s worth buying the card.
2. Decide If You’ll Use Public Transport
If you plan to take trams and metro multiple times a day, the I Amsterdam Card is the only one that covers transport, so it may save additional money.
3. Consider How Many Days You’ll Stay
- 1–2 days: Go City All-Inclusive or Explorer Pass.
- 3–5 days: I Amsterdam City Card for the best value.
- Longer stay or museum focus: Museumkaart.
4. Prioritize What You Want to See
If you’re more interested in museums and culture, go for the I Amsterdam Card or Museumkaart.
If you prefer attractions and experiences like the Heineken Experience, A’DAM Lookout, or canal tours, choose one of the Go City passes.
Example Scenarios
Example 1: Active 3-Day Traveller
Visits: Rijksmuseum (€25), Stedelijk Museum (€22), Rembrandt House (€20), Canal Cruise (€18), Public Transport (€16 for 2-day pass).
Total individual cost: €101.
I Amsterdam Card (48h): around €85.
Savings: about €16 + convenience of one card.
Example 2: Relaxed 2-Day Visitor
Visits: Heineken Experience (€23), A’DAM Lookout (€18), Canal Cruise (€18).
Total individual cost: €59.
Go City 3-Attraction Pass: about €49.
Savings: €10 and all tickets on one app.
Example 3: Art Enthusiast Staying a Week
Visits 5–7 museums across Amsterdam and another Dutch city.
Museumkaart: €80 for a month, easily pays off after 3–4 museums.
Advantages of Using a City Card
✔ Convenience: One ticket covers multiple experiences.
✔ Savings: The more attractions you visit, the more you save.
✔ Skip-the-line access: Many passes allow quicker entry.
✔ Transport options: Unlimited public transport with some cards.
✔ Digital access: Many cards work on your smartphone.
Disadvantages to Keep in Mind
✖ Not all attractions included: Anne Frank House and some temporary exhibitions require separate tickets.
✖ Over-planning risk: You might feel pressured to visit too many places to “get your money’s worth.”
✖ Time-based limitation: For 24-hour passes, activation time matters — if you start late in the day, you lose valuable hours.
✖ Separate reservations: Even with a pass, you may still need to reserve time slots for popular museums.
✖ No refunds for unused value: Once activated, the card’s validity starts running.
Tips to Maximize Your Savings
- Plan your route. Group nearby attractions together to save time.
- Start early. Activate your pass in the morning to use a full day.
- Book in advance. Make time reservations for museums before activating the card.
- Use the included transport. Hop on trams as much as you can — it’s already paid for.
- Check opening hours. Some museums close early, limiting your visits.
- Use bonus discounts. Many cards offer reduced prices at cafés or souvenir shops.
- Combine with free sights. Add walks along canals, the Flower Market, or the Jordaan district to your itinerary.
Summary — Which Amsterdam City Card Is Best?
| Traveller Type | Best Option | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| First-time visitor (3–5 days) | I Amsterdam City Card | All-in-one package with transport |
| Weekend visitor (1–2 days) | Go City All-Inclusive | Covers main highlights without rush |
| Flexible, slow traveller | Go City Explorer | Choose 3–7 attractions over 60 days |
| Museum lover / long stay | Museumkaart | Unlimited museums in Amsterdam & beyond |
| Budget traveller / walkers | No card | Buy individual tickets only for must-see attractions |
Final Thoughts
Amsterdam’s tourist cards can offer excellent value, but the best one depends entirely on your travel style. The I Amsterdam City Card remains the most comprehensive for those who want to explore intensively and use public transport freely. The Go City passes are more flexible and ideal for visitors who prefer to pick only a few highlights. The Museumkaart is perfect for long stays or repeat visitors who love art and history.
Whichever card you choose, plan ahead, activate wisely, and enjoy the freedom of exploring Amsterdam’s world-class attractions without constantly pulling out your wallet.