Tickets Amsterdam

Amsterdam on a Budget with City Cards


A city of crooked houses, dreamy canals, and world-famous museums, Amsterdam is magnetic. But it’s also one of Europe’s pricier destinations. The good news? You don’t need to splurge to experience it all. Budget travel in Amsterdam is not only doable, it’s smart, thanks to City Cards that bundle top attractions, public transport, and discounts into one affordable price. Whether you're hopping between museums, sailing through canals, or riding trams like a local, these passes let you explore more while spending less.

In Amsterdam, three key cards help travelers save: the Go City Amsterdam Pass, the iamsterdam City Card, and the GVB Multi-Day Ticket. Each offers different perks, from museum access to unlimited tram rides. Let’s break them down!

Why budget travelers prefer City Cards to explore Amsterdam

  • Amsterdam’s top experiences add up fast. Think Rijksmuseum, canal cruises, Heineken Experience, and quirky gems like Micropia or Electric Ladyland.
  • Daily costs can easily hit €60–€80, especially if you're combining museums, boat rides, and public transport.
  • City Cards bundle it all; major attractions, public transport, and discounts into a single affordable price.
  • They’re great value for money. If you’re visiting just 2–3 big-ticket attractions with a pass can already save you €15–€25 per day.
  • Go City Amsterdam offers both All-Inclusive and Explorer Passes with 30+ attractions and optional skip-the-line access.
  • The iAmsterdam Card includes unlimited GVB transport and entry to 70+ attractions, ideal for museum lovers.
  • GVB Multi-Day Ticket is a budget hack for seamless travel across trams, buses, and metro, especially if you’ve planned your own itinerary.
  • Passes are available in flexible durations from 24 hours to 5 days, depending on the card. It’s perfect for both whirlwind tours and slow travel.
  • Convenience wins! With City cards, you’ll skip long queues, avoid multiple bookings, and carry one pass instead of juggling tickets.
  • In short: If you want to see more and spend less, City Cards are your best friend in Amsterdam.

Understanding Amsterdam City Card options

Choosing the right City Card depends on your travel style. Here’s a breakdown of Amsterdam’s top three pass options:

The Go City Amsterdam Pass is a tourist attraction pass that provides access to multiple Amsterdam attractions and activities at a discounted price.

  • Types of passes: Choose between the All-Inclusive Pass (1–5 days of unlimited sightseeing) or the Explorer Pass (pick 3–7 attractions over 30 days).
  • Ideal for: Travelers who like to go at their own pace, save money on multiple attractions, and avoid last-minute booking stress. Perfect for solo explorers and flexible planners.
  • What’s included: Visit 25+ major spots like the Heineken Experience, A’DAM Lookout, Moco Museum, a scenic canal cruise, and more handpicked experiences.
  • Savings: Enjoy up to 50% off compared to buying individual tickets, especially worth it if you’re ticking off several big-name attractions.
  • Validity & usage: You’ve got 30 days to use your pass once activated. Unactivated passes stay valid for a full year.
Go City Amsterdam All-Inclusive Pass: Unlimited Access to 45+ Attractions for 1 to 5 Days

Go City Amsterdam Explorer Pass: Choose 3 to 7 Attractions

The I amsterdam City Card is Amsterdam’s official sightseeing pass, created by the city’s tourism board. It combines access to top attractions with unlimited public transport.

  • Types of passes: Available for set time periods. Choose from 24, 48, 72, 96, or 120 hours, depending on your trip length.
  • Ideal for: First-time travelers, art and history buffs, and anyone planning to get around the city easily using public transport.
  • What’s included: Free entry to 70+ places like the Rijksmuseum, ARTIS Zoo, canal cruises, bike rentals, and unlimited use of trams, buses, metros, and ferries.
  • Savings: Depending on how much you see, you could save between 40% and 70% compared to buying individual tickets for each attraction.
  • Validity & usage: The pass starts counting down from the first time you scan it at a museum, attraction, or on public transport, and stays active for the exact hours selected.
I Amsterdam City Card: Access 70+ Attractions & Unlimited Public Transport

GVB is Amsterdam’s main public transport provider, offering affordable unlimited ride passes that cover all city-operated trams, buses, metros, and ferries; great for getting around with ease.

  • Types of passes: Choose from 1 to 7-day GVB-only unlimited travel passes (note: no attraction entries included).
  • Ideal for: If you want to explore the city by completely relying on public transport, then this pass fits just right.
  • What’s included: Unlimited travel across GVB-run trams, buses, ferries, and metro lines, ideal for moving smoothly through Amsterdam’s neighborhoods and outer zones.
  • Savings: If you're taking 4+ rides a day, the pass can save you 30% or more versus buying single-trip tickets.
  • Validity & usage: Valid for consecutive calendar days, starting from your first tap-in on any GVB vehicle.
Amsterdam GVB Public Transport Pass: Unlimited Public Transportation

Sample itineraries using City Cards in Amsterdam

Amsterdam CC Day-based Cost Comparison

Day-based itinerary

Amsterdam CC Attraction-based Cost Comparison

Attraction-based itinerary

Other top tips for saving money in Amsterdam

Here are more ways to stretch your euros in the Dutch capital:

  • Stay in the Oud-West or De Pijp neighborhoods for great hostels and B&Bs; cheaper than the city center but well-connected.
  • Walking is free, of course, but a GVB Multi-Day ticket or rental bike (€10/day) is the next best budget option.
  • Snack on stroopwafels from Albert Cuypmarkt, grab a €4 FEBO burger from the wall, or enjoy Indonesian rijsttafel lunch specials.
  • Visit the floating flower market, Vondelpark, or explore the Jordaan’s art galleries and courtyards. The ferry to NDSM is also free!
  • Students and kids get reduced entry at many museums. Look for last-minute online deals or combo tickets on attraction websites.

When to visit Amsterdam for the best deals

  • To save big, visit between November and March. Flight prices dip, hotels offer deals, and museums are less crowded.
  • May and September also offer a sweet spot; milder weather, thinner crowds, and some spring/summer events like Open Garden Days or Grachtenfestival.
  • Avoid mid-July to August if you're on a tight budget; prices for accommodation, flights, and attractions spike.
  • Many cultural festivals in winter (like Amsterdam Light Festival) are free or inexpensive and add plenty of charm to your trip.

Common mistakes to avoid when using Amsterdam City Cards

  • Don’t skip activation! Most City Cards start ticking once you visit your first attraction; so plan that moment smartly.
  • Not booking time slots: Museums like the Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh often require timed entries. Secure them in advance, even with a pass.
  • Underestimating travel time: Amsterdam is walkable, but fitting in 4–5 attractions a day is tough if they’re far apart.
  • Overvaluing freebies: Focus on quality, not just quantity. Pick top-value attractions rather than rushing through low-cost ones to “get your money’s worth.”
  • Forgetting to check hours: Some attractions close early or aren’t open daily. Don’t waste a pass day on inaccessible sites.
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