The I amsterdam City Card is a digital, time-based pass that combines free entry to more than 70 museums and attractions, unlimited public transport within Amsterdam, one canal cruise, and a selection of discounts.
It is issued by Amsterdam’s official tourism organisation and is intended to simplify costs and access for short-stay visitors who want a structured sightseeing plan.
Table of Contents
Why was the I amsterdam City Card Created?
Amsterdam has a high concentration of museums, compact distances, and a transport network designed for visitors as well as residents.
Buying individual tickets can be expensive and inefficient over several days.
The city card was introduced to:
- Reduce queues at museums
- Encourage the use of trams, buses, and metro services
- Offer predictable daily sightseeing costs
- Support cultural venues across the city
What Is Included in the I amsterdam City Card?
Which Museums and Attractions Are Included?
The card includes free entry to over 70 museums and cultural sites, primarily covering permanent collections.
Key inclusions include:
- Rijksmuseum (permanent collection)
- Stedelijk Museum
- NEMO Science Museum
- Amsterdam Museum
- Rembrandt House Museum
- Jewish Cultural Quarter
Smaller museums, galleries, and historic houses across different districts are also included.
Does the Card Include Public Transport?
Yes. The card provides unlimited travel on all GVB-operated services within Amsterdam:
- Trams
- Buses
- Metro lines
This access is valid for the full duration of the card and removes the need for separate transport tickets.
Is a Canal Cruise Included?
Yes. One standard canal cruise is included with the card. Participating operators offer routes through the historic canal belt, typically lasting about one hour.
Are There Any Discounts Included?
In addition to free entry, the card offers discounts on:
- Selected attractions are not fully included
- Bike rentals
- Cultural venues
Active offers are listed inside the official app.
What is NOT included in the I amsterdam City Card?
Clear exclusions are essential for accurate planning.
The card does not include:
- Van Gogh Museum
- Anne Frank House
- Heineken Experience
- Food, drinks, or nightlife venues
- Transport outside Amsterdam
Important Van Gogh Museum Clarification
The Van Gogh Museum has not been part of the I amsterdam City Card since 1 June 2022. Tickets must be purchased separately and require timed online reservations.
A small number of Van Gogh works can be seen at the Rijksmuseum, but this does not replace a visit to the Van Gogh Museum itself.
How Much Does the I amsterdam City Card Cost in 2025?
| Duration | Price |
|---|---|
| 24 hours | €65 |
| 48 hours | €90 |
| 72 hours | €108 |
| 96 hours | €123 |
| 120 hours | €135 |
Prices are per person. Each visitor needs their own card.
How Long Is the I amsterdam City Card Valid?
The card is available in 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120-hour options. Validity begins at first use, not at purchase, and runs continuously, including overnight hours.
How Does the Digital I amsterdam City Card Work?
The card is issued through the official I amsterdam app.
Practical details:
- The digital card is scanned at museum entrances
- Transport gates accept the QR code
- Internet access is not required after activation
- One card is valid for one person only
Is the I amsterdam City Card Worth It?
The card offers strong value when used as intended.
It is generally cost-effective if you:
- Visit two or more major museums per day
- Use public transport frequently
- Take the included canal cruise
- Stay in Amsterdam for at least two full days
It is less suitable if your plans focus mainly on the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, shopping, or cafés.
Who Should Buy the I amsterdam City Card?
The card works best for:
- First-time visitors
- Culture-focused travellers
- Families visiting interactive museums
- Short stays with full sightseeing days
Who Should Skip the I amsterdam City Card?
You may not benefit if:
- You plan to visit only one museum
- Your main goal is the Van Gogh Museum alone
- You prefer walking everywhere and avoiding transport
How Does the I amsterdam City Card Compare to Other Passes?
Compared with museum-only passes, the I amsterdam City Card includes public transport and a canal cruise. Compared with reseller attraction bundles, it offers broader museum access and official city backing.
Where Can You Buy the I amsterdam City Card?
You can purchase the card:
- Online via the official I amsterdam website
- Through the official mobile app
- At selected tourist information centres in Amsterdam
Buying online in advance is recommended.
Practical Tips to Get the Most Value
- Activate the card early in the day
- Group nearby museums together
- Use trams and the metro rather than taxis
- Schedule the canal cruise during quieter hours
- Check museum opening times in advance
FAQs
Is the Van Gogh Museum included in the I amsterdam City Card?
No. The Van Gogh Museum has not participated in the city card programme since June 2022. Tickets must be purchased separately.
Can I see Van Gogh paintings with the city card?
Yes, a limited number of Van Gogh works are displayed at the Rijksmuseum, which is included. This does not provide access to the Van Gogh Museum.
Does the I amsterdam City Card include all major museums?
No. While it covers many major museums, it excludes the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House.
Do I need to book museums in advance with the card?
Most included museums allow direct entry, but some require time-slot reservations during peak periods.
Is the card suitable for families?
Yes. Museums such as NEMO Science Museum make the card particularly useful for families with children.
Final Verdict
The I amsterdam City Card remains the most comprehensive official sightseeing pass available for Amsterdam.
It is not a universal museum pass, but a structured cultural and transportation solution for visitors planning to explore widely.
When exclusions, especially those of the Van Gogh Museum, are understood in advance, the card delivers clear value for active itineraries and reduces friction associated with ticketing and transport.
Still Deciding? Compare All Amsterdam City Passes Before You Buy
The I amsterdam City Card is one of several sightseeing passes available in Amsterdam, but it is not the best choice for every travel style.
Some visitors prioritise:
- Unlimited museums and transport
- A fixed number of attractions at a lower upfront cost
- Flexibility across a longer stay
- Specific attractions not included in the city card
If you are still unsure whether the I amsterdam City Card is the right option for your trip, it is worth comparing it with other available passes side by side.
For a detailed, up-to-date comparison covering inclusions, exclusions, pricing models, and real-world use cases, see this Amsterdam City Pass Comparison guide.
Reviewing the differences before purchase can help you avoid paying for features you will not use and choose the pass that best fits your itinerary.