Which Amsterdam Pass is Best? A Complete Guide for Travelers

Amsterdam is packed with iconic museums, picturesque canals, and exciting attractions—making it one of Europe's most walkable and enjoyable cities to explore. If you're planning a visit, you've probably come across options like the I Amsterdam Card , Go City Amsterdam Pass , and others. But the big question is: which Amsterdam pass is best for your needs?

In this article, we break down the main tourist cards, compare prices and value, and help both first-timers and returning visitors pick the right pass for their budget and itinerary.

1. Overview: The Main Amsterdam Tourist Passes

There are three major tourist passes in Amsterdam, each with its own perks, pricing structure, and included attractions:

• I Amsterdam Card : Includes top museums, canal cruises, unlimited public transport, and bike rental.
• Go City Amsterdam Pass : A flexible pass offering entry to attractions of your choice over a set number of days or visits.
• Amsterdam City Pass (Tiqets) : A simpler package that includes fast-track tickets to the most popular sights and airport transfer.

Each pass offers good value—if you plan to visit the right mix of attractions.

2. I Amsterdam Card: Best for Museum Lovers & Public Transport

The I Amsterdam City Card is ideal if you want to explore a wide range of museums and make use of Amsterdam’s GVB trams, buses, and metros.

What’s included:

• Free entry to 70+ museums, including the Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum, and NEMO Science Museum
• 1 free canal cruise
• Free GVB public transport (bus, tram, metro)
• Discounts on restaurants and attractions
• Bike rental for 1 day

Best for: Travelers staying 1–5 days who want full access to museums and public transport.

Tip: The Van Gogh Museum is not included but can be booked separately. Start using your card early in the day to maximize value.

3. Go City Amsterdam Pass: Best for Customization and Flexibility

If you don’t want to commit to a dense museum itinerary, the Go City Amsterdam Pass (Explorer or All-Inclusive) lets you pick only the attractions you want.

What’s included:

• Choose 3–7 attractions with the Explorer Pass
• Unlimited access to 25+ attractions for a fixed number of days with the All-Inclusive Pass
• Options include Rijksmuseum, Heineken Experience, canal cruises, and more

Best for: Visitors who want to mix top sights with flexibility, or who have already seen the major museums.

Tip: This pass is fully digital and doesn’t include public transport, so consider buying a separate GVB day ticket.

4. Amsterdam City Pass (Tiqets): Best for Simplicity and Airport Access

The Amsterdam City Pass (by Tiqets) is ideal for a short trip focused on Amsterdam’s highlights, and it offers quick booking for fast-track entry.

What’s included:

• Skip-the-line access to Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum
• 1-hour canal cruise
• One-way airport train transfer
• Optional add-ons for public transport or more attractions

Best for: First-time visitors staying 1–2 days and looking for a stress-free experience.

Tip: This is not a full city pass—it’s more of a curated combo deal.

5. Comparing Prices and Value

All passes offer significant savings if used well, especially the I Amsterdam Card for museum-heavy schedules.

6. Tips for Choosing the Right Amsterdam Pass

• List your top attractions : Choose a pass that covers most of them.
• Consider your pace : If you're not a fan of packed days, the Explorer Pass may suit you better than an unlimited one.
• Think about transport : If you're not staying in the center, public transport inclusion matters.
• Check opening hours : Some museums close early or are closed on Mondays.

7. Which Amsterdam Pass Is Best? Final Verdict

Here’s our quick recommendation:

• First-time visitor staying 2–3 days? → I Amsterdam Card
• Short on time, want the essentials? → Amsterdam City Pass (Tiqets)
• Already been to Amsterdam and want different experiences? → Go City Explorer Pass

Ultimately, the best pass depends on how many attractions you plan to visit and how fast you travel. Whichever pass you choose, you’ll save time and money while getting the most out of this charming city.

FAQ

• Q: Is the I Amsterdam Card worth it?
  A: Yes, especially if you plan to visit 3–5 museums per day and use public transport.
• Q: Can I buy passes online?
  A: Yes, all passes are available digitally and can be scanned via your smartphone.
• Q: Does any pass include the Anne Frank House?
  A: Unfortunately, no. Tickets must be bought separately through the official website.
• Q: What if I change my travel dates?
  A: Most passes are flexible or allow date selection upon activation.

With so many options and combinations, the key is choosing a pass that matches your sightseeing style. Happy exploring!