Tickets Amsterdam

Top attractions in Amsterdam City Card

Explore Amsterdam with one card: Here’s why it’s smart

Exploring Amsterdam’s top sights doesn’t have to mean juggling tickets, calculating tram fares, or making last-minute bookings. That’s where city cards come in. They bundle entry to museums, tours, cruises, and transit, giving you convenience, flexibility, and savings, all in one handy pass. In Amsterdam, three popular city passes offer different perks: the Go City Amsterdam pass (All-Inclusive & Explorer), the i amsterdam card, and the GVB travel card. This guide helps you compare them and highlights the best attractions included in each so you can plan your itinerary smarter.

Top Amsterdam City Card attractions by category

Museums & galleries

Rijksmuseum

This Dutch national museum holds the world’s largest collection of Rembrandt paintings, including The Night Watch. Its grand halls also showcase Vermeer, Van Gogh, and Delftware. Located in Museumplein, it's a must-see for anyone interested in art and Dutch history.

Suggested time: 2–3 hours

Included in: i amsterdam card, Go City Amsterdam All-Inclusive

MOCO Museum

MOCO is Amsterdam’s edgy art gem, famous for showcasing provocative works by Banksy, Warhol, Kusama, and other contemporary masters. It's compact but packed with eye-popping installations and social commentary; perfect for modern art lovers and Instagram feeds. Located next to the Rijksmuseum.

Suggested time: 1 hour

Included in: Go City Amsterdam (Explorer & All-Inclusive), i amsterdam card

Stedelijk Museum

With a bathtub-shaped exterior and a bold collection inside, Stedelijk is Amsterdam’s museum of modern art, design, and media. Expect Rothko, Mondrian, and bold exhibitions that spark debate. Ideal for visitors looking for design, abstraction, and contemporary visual culture.

Suggested time: 1.5–2 hours

Included in: Go City Amsterdam (Explorer & All-Inclusive), i amsterdam card

Amsterdam Museum

This museum dives deep into the city’s story, its growth, quirks, and conflicts through immersive multimedia, civic portraits, and historic objects. Housed in a former orphanage, it makes Amsterdam’s past feel intimate and alive. Great for context before exploring the streets.

Suggested time: 1.5 hours

Included in: i amsterdam card

Historic landmarks & sites

Amsterdam Castle Muiderslot

A medieval fortress with drawbridges, moats, falconry displays, and Gothic towers just 25 minutes outside Amsterdam. The interactive exhibits and costume rooms make it ideal for both families and history buffs. Getting there is half the adventure.

Suggested time: Half a day

Included in: Go City Amsterdam (Explorer & All-Inclusive), i amsterdam card

Our Lord in the Attic Museum

Hidden in a 17th-century canal house, this ‘house church’ was built when Catholics were banned from worshipping publicly. Walk through elegant living quarters that suddenly open into a full baroque chapel under the roof. A peaceful and surprising experience.

Suggested time: 1–1.5 hours

Included in: i amsterdam card

Nieuwe Kerk (New Church)

Ironically older than most churches you’ll see in Amsterdam, Nieuwe Kerk now hosts rotating exhibitions and state ceremonies. Situated next to the Royal Palace, it adds historical weight to your Dam Square visit. Entry includes audio guides.

Suggested time: 30–45 minutes

Included in: Go City Amsterdam (Explorer & All-Inclusive), i amsterdam card

Cruises & river tours

Amsterdam Canal Cruise

A classic experience that lets you admire 17th-century canal houses, bridges, and landmarks from the water. Commentary brings stories to life, from the Golden Age to houseboat culture. Ideal as a first-day activity to get oriented with the city layout.

Suggested time: 60–75 minutes

Included in: Go City Amsterdam Explorer, i amsterdam card

Pedal Boat Canal Ride

Rent a paddle boat and captain your own adventure through Amsterdam’s calm inner canals. It's a fun, budget-friendly way to enjoy the scenery, especially on sunny days. Great for small groups or families with teens who want to steer.

Suggested time: 1 hour

Included in: Go City Amsterdam (Explorer & All-Inclusive), i amsterdam card

Unique experiences

This is Holland – 5D Flight Experience

A virtual flight over tulip fields, dikes, windmills, and canals, with wind, smells, and motion that simulate flying. This 5D experience is surprisingly emotional and educational, showing the Netherlands from a bird’s eye view.

Suggested time: 1 hour

Included in: Go City Amsterdam (Explorer & All-Inclusive), i amsterdam card

A’DAM Lookout & Swing

Panoramic views over the city and harbor from a 22-story tower, plus Europe’s highest swing that launches you over the edge. The bar and exhibits inside make it more than just a lookout.

Suggested time: 1 hour

Included in: Go City Amsterdam (Explorer & All-Inclusive), i amsterdam card

Heineken Experience

A self-guided tour through the original Heineken brewery, complete with history, brewing process, interactive games, and two free beers at the end. It’s a crowd-pleaser for adults, especially beer lovers.

Suggested time: 1.5 hours

Included in: Go City Amsterdam Explorer, i amsterdam card

Rembrandt House Museum

Step inside the restored home and studio of Rembrandt, where he created his etchings and taught students. The museum combines original architecture with rotating exhibitions on his techniques and life.

Suggested time: 1 hour

Included in: Go City Amsterdam (Explorer & All-Inclusive), i amsterdam card

Family-friendly attractions

Artis Royal Zoo

Not just a zoo, Artis includes an aquarium, butterfly pavilion, planetarium, and a microbe museum. It’s one of Europe’s oldest zoos and a lush escape within the city. Especially good for kids under 12.

Suggested time: 2–3 hours

Included in: i amsterdam card

NEMO Science Museum

A green-sloped building packed with science experiments, interactive demos, and rooftop views. Kids can build bridges, learn about gravity, or just play with bubbles. Fun meets learning in the best way.

Suggested time: 2 hours

Included in: i amsterdam card

Madame Tussauds Amsterdam

Strike a pose with Beyoncé, Marvel heroes, or the Dutch royal family. This interactive wax museum is a fun break from traditional sightseeing and appeals to all ages.

Suggested time: 1–1.5 hours

Included in: Go City Amsterdam (Explorer & All-Inclusive), i amsterdam card

Public transport

GVB Travel Card

Unlimited access to trams, buses, ferries, and the metro within Amsterdam. Valid from 1 to 7 days.
Included in: GVB card, i amsterdam card

Tips to maximize your Amsterdam City Card

  • Start with time-sensitive attractions: Rijksmuseum and Stedelijk close around 5pm. Plan to visit museums in the morning and save cruises or night experiences like A’DAM Lookout for later.
  • Use GVB like a local: The GVB card includes ferries, trams, buses, and metro. Use the free ferry from Central Station to reach A’DAM Tower; no ticket or tap required, even during rush hour.
  • Stack attractions by area: Spend a full day around Museumplein to cover Rijksmuseum, MOCO, Stedelijk, and Vondelpark. Then hop on a canal cruise nearby It’s all walkable.
  • Combine Go City with GVB for full coverage: Go City doesn’t include transport, but pairing it with a GVB card saves time and money when crossing the city or heading to further sites like Muiderslot Castle.
  • Download the app(s): Go City and i amsterdam card have apps that let you scan for entry, check attraction timings, and make reservations. Avoid printing and plan on the go.
  • Book high-demand spots early: The Heineken Experience, A’DAM Swing, and This is Holland often require advance booking through the app. Check availability before you plan your day.
  • Cruise during golden hour: Choose a late afternoon or evening canal cruise (especially in summer) for the best light, quieter boats, and magical views of bridges lit at dusk.
  • Plan for breaks with free perks: Some i amsterdam attractions include discounts at cafés and shops. Grab a drink near the zoo or museum to rest while still getting value from the card.
  • Use hop-on hop-off boats for shortcuts: These aren’t just tours—they’re useful water taxis. Skip the tram and float from Jordaan to Nemo or the Maritime Museum.
  • Check seasonal closures: Some museums and canal rides may close early in winter or reduce frequency. Always double-check timings the night before on the official attraction website.
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