Is the Amsterdam City Card Worth It? Compare Options & Inclusions

What are Amsterdam City Cards?

Amsterdam City Cards are sightseeing passes that bundle access to top museums, attractions, tours, and sometimes public transport for a single upfront price. Whether you're cruising canals, exploring the Rijksmuseum, or riding the tram to a pancake house, these passes make sightseeing simpler and more cost-effective. With multiple operator options available, like Go City, i Amsterdam, and GVB offering all-access museum passes to unlimited transport cards, you can pick the one that suits your travel style. City cards are especially handy in a compact city like Amsterdam, where the big sights are close, but ticket lines can be long and pricey. So, if you’re wondering whether the Amsterdam city card is worth it, this guide will help you answer that question with clarity!

Is the Amsterdam City Card worth it?

Wondering if the Amsterdam City Card is worth it? With free museum entries, unlimited transport, and exclusive discounts, it’s a money-saver for explorers. Let’s break down why!

Save up to 50% vs. individual tickets

Visit multiple high-value attractions like the Heineken Experience and Rijksmuseum for less than you'd pay individually.

Ideal for short stays

Planning a trip for 1 to 7 days? City cards let you pack in Amsterdam’s biggest sights without wasting time at ticket counters.

Great for culture lovers

Access a curated list of the city's top museums, canal tours, and historic sites, all in one pass.

Stress-free transport

When you choose a card that includes GVB public transport and you won’t need to worry about separate public transport tickets or zones.

What do you get for the price in Amsterdam City Cards?

The Amsterdam City Card unlocks access to top museums, iconic landmarks, bus tours, and public transport, helping you save on must-see, premium attractions and hidden gems alike. Here are some of the best experiences the city has to offer!

Museums

Rijksmuseum – Discover Dutch masterpieces, including Rembrandt’s famous Night Watch.
Stedelijk Museum – A modern art haven with works by Picasso, Warhol, and Kandinsky.
Moco Museum – Bold contemporary pieces by Banksy and other street art legends.
Amsterdam Museum – Dive into the story of the city through interactive and historical exhibits.
Jewish Cultural Quarter – Explore synagogues, museums, and a rich cultural legacy.

Attractions

Heineken Experience – Tour the iconic brewery and enjoy a cold one at the end.
A'DAM Lookout – Swing over the edge of the tower and take in panoramic city views.
This is Holland – A 5D flying experience over the Dutch landscape with tulips and windmills.
ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo – A green oasis filled with animals, an aquarium, and a planetarium.

Cruises & tours

1-Hour Canal Cruise – Glide past historic homes and bridges on Amsterdam’s iconic waterways.
Zaanse Schans Tour – Visit windmills, wooden clogs, and cheese farms in a charming Dutch village.
Bike Rental – Do as the locals do and explore the city on two wheels.
Walking Tours – Learn quirky stories and dark histories on expert-led walking experiences.

Public transport

GVB Multi-Day Ticket – Ride trams, buses, ferries, and metro across the city with ease.
I amsterdam Card – Includes unlimited GVB access during your pass duration.
Go City Amsterdam – Transport not included, so best for walkers or bike lovers.

Overview of Amsterdam City Card operators

Go City is a global sightseeing pass provider, active in 30+ destinations and popular for its flexible, app-based passes. In Amsterdam, they offer:

Types of passes: All-Inclusive (1–5 days) and Explorer (3–7 attractions).
Ideal for: Budget-conscious travelers, solo adventurers, and visitors who prefer flexibility without a rigid schedule.
What’s included: Access to 25+ attractions, including Heineken Experience, A’DAM Lookout, Moco Museum, canal cruises, and more.
Savings: Up to 50% compared to individual ticket prices when visiting multiple premium attractions.
Validity & usage: Valid for 30 days from first use. Unactivated passes are valid for 1 year from the date of purchase.

Buy here:

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

I amsterdam City Card is the official city pass of Amsterdam, managed by the local tourism board, offering a comprehensive sightseeing and transport bundle.

Types of passes: Fixed duration (24, 48, 72, 96, or 120 hours).
Ideal for: First-time visitors, museum lovers, and those wanting to use public transport to reach the attractions conveniently with just one pass.
What’s included: Entry to 70+ attractions, including Rijksmuseum, ARTIS Zoo, canal cruise, public transport, bike rentals, and more.
Savings: Savings with the I amsterdam City Card generally range from 40% to 70% compared to buying individual attraction tickets, depending on your itinerary and card duration.
Validity & usage: Valid from the moment you first activate it (via scan) and runs continuously for the selected duration.

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I Amsterdam City Card: Access 70+ Attractions & Unlimited Public Transport

GVB is Amsterdam’s primary public transit operator, offering unlimited ride passes for local transport only.

Types of passes: 1 to 7-day unlimited GVB passes (no attractions included).
Ideal for: Travelers staying farther from the center, wanting to explore sights purely using public transport without spending much on taxis. Also perfect to combine with other attraction passes like Go City.
What’s included: Travel on all GVB trams, buses, ferries, and metro lines, perfect for seamless movement around the city.
Savings: A GVB pass offers 30% or more savings compared to buying individual tickets for each journey if you make 4 or more trips per day.
Validity & usage: Valid for consecutive days, activated on first tap-in.

Buy here:

Amsterdam GVB Public Transport Pass: Unlimited Public Transportation

How to use Amsterdam City Cards

Purchase your pass online
Buy passes directly from trusted sites like Headout and get instant confirmation after your payment. Booking online gives you access to exclusive deals, skip-the-line options, and early reservations for timed entries.
Get email delivery for convenience
Most passes offer digital QR codes or app-based access, no printing or pickup required.
Activate using the operator app
Once your booking is confirmed, use the ID to activate your pass on the operator app. In some cases, you may have to activate the pass physically at redemption points.
Visit your first attraction to activate
Your pass gets activated as soon as you visit the first attraction and remains valid for the chosen number of days or 24-hour periods or remains valid until you visit the number of attractions you’ve chosen, depending on your pass.
Validity
Unactivated passes typically remain valid for 1 year. After you visit the first attraction, your pass may remain valid for a specific period, say 30-60 days. Be sure to check your operator’s instructions and guidelines carefully.

Tips to make the most of your Amsterdam City Card

Use the Amsterdam City Cards for high-value entries like the Rijksmuseum, ARTIS Zoo, or canal cruises to maximize savings.
Start your sightseeing early; the earlier you begin, the more places you can squeeze in.
Check which attractions require pre-booking and reserve those first.
Combine the I amsterdam Card with public transport for the best value on short trips.
Use the Go City Explorer Pass for laid-back itineraries; you don’t need to rush within a set time window.
Download the official app to see what’s included and track your usage in real-time.
Group museums by neighborhood to save time, like Museumplein’s Moco, Stedelijk, and Rijksmuseum.
Visit lesser-known spots like Micropia or the Dutch Resistance Museum early to avoid queues.
Take your free canal cruise near sunset for gorgeous golden hour views.
If you're planning Zaanse Schans, check for tours covered by your pass; it’s not walkable from the city.
Don’t waste the card on cheap or free-entry spots; prioritize premium experiences for maximum savings.
The Anne Frank House isn’t included in any card; book it separately weeks in advance.

Frequently asked questions about Amsterdam City Cards

Does the I amsterdam Card include public transport?

Yes, it includes unlimited travel on GVB trams, buses, and metros for the card’s validity duration.

Is the Go City Amsterdam pass valid for public transport?

No, Go City focuses on attractions and tours. For transport, combine it with a GVB card.

Do I need to print my city card?

Nope! All major passes offer mobile versions. Just show your mobile confirmation at each location.

Can I visit multiple attractions in one day?

Absolutely. Cards are activated by time (24–120 hrs or by calendar days), or by number of attractions(3-7 attraction choices). Depending on the ticket you’ve chosen, you can visit that many attractions.

What’s the difference between All-Inclusive and Explorer passes on Go City?

All-Inclusive covers unlimited attractions in a set number of days. Explorer lets you choose a set number of attractions over 30 days.

Can I reuse the city card on a future trip?

No, all city cards are single-use and expire after activation within the defined validity window.

Is GVB valid for airport travel?

No, the GVB ticket doesn’t cover NS trains or airport buses. You’ll need a separate airport ticket.

Are city cards good for families?

Definitely, especially I amsterdam, which includes family-friendly spots like the zoo and NEMO Science Museum.

Can I skip the line with a city card?

For some places, yes. Fast-track entry is included, but it's always good to check each attraction’s policy.