Amsterdam offers several city passes, but most comparison articles oversimplify differences or rely on outdated assumptions. The result is poor decision-making, especially for first-time visitors.
This guide compares the I amsterdam City Card, Go City All-Inclusive Pass Amsterdam, and Go City Explorer Pass Amsterdam using current inclusion rules, validity conditions, discount structures, and realistic usage patterns.
Table of Contents
Quick comparison table
| Feature | I amsterdam City Card | Go City All-Inclusive Pass | Go City Explorer Pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best when | You prioritise museums and public transport | You want unlimited entry to many attractions across set days | You want to choose a fixed number of attractions and visit them at your own pace |
| Pass type | Time-based (hours/days) | Time-based (days) | Choice-based (number of attractions) |
| Typical validity | 24 to 120 hours (1 to 5 days). Includes unlimited GVB public transport, one canal cruise, and 70+ museums | 1, 2, 3, or 5 consecutive days of unlimited visits to included attractions | Choose 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 attractions. The pass is valid for 30 days from the first use for passes purchased on or after 1 April 2025 |
| Typical price range (indicative) | Approx. 2025 prices: 24h ≈ €65, 72h ≈ €108, 120h ≈ €135. Prices vary by season | From around €70–€80 for 1 day; multi-day passes typically €150+ depending on duration and promotions | From around €40–€50 for two attractions, scaling upward by attraction count. Prices vary by vendor, and frequent discounts |
| Main advantage | Strong museum coverage, plus public transport | Best for high-volume sightseeing over consecutive full days | Best for flexibility, cost control, and shorter or slower trips |
| Who should avoid it | If you do not plan to visit museums or use public transport | If you prefer to spread attractions over many days or move slowly | If you want unlimited entries or extensive museum access |
How do Amsterdam city passes actually differ?
All Amsterdam passes fall into two structural models, which are the most important decision filters.
Time-based passes
Unlimited access to included attractions during a fixed time window.
- I amsterdam City Card
- Go City All-Inclusive Pass
Choice-based passes
Preselect a set number of attractions and redeem them over an extended period.
- Go City Explorer Pass
If you choose the wrong structure, no amount of “savings” will compensate.
What does the I amsterdam City Card include?
The I amsterdam City Card is issued by Amsterdam’s official tourism organisation and is primarily museum- and mobility-focused, not attraction-heavy.
Included benefits
- Free entry to 70+ museums and cultural sites
- Unlimited GVB public transport (trams, buses, metro)
- One canal cruise
- Discounts at selected attractions and rentals
Important clarifications
- Van Gogh Museum is NOT included (removed June 1, 2022)
- Heineken Experience is NOT free, but the card provides a 25% discount on entry
Validity options
24, 48, 72, 96, or 120 hours from first activation.
Where this card excels
- Dense museum schedules
- Travellers relying heavily on trams and buses
- Families and culture-focused itineraries
Where it underperforms
- Visitors prioritising branded attractions
- Travellers who move slowly or stay outside the city centre
What does the Go City All-Inclusive Pass cover?
The Go City All-Inclusive Pass is built for maximum attraction volume, not transport or museum depth.
Included benefits
- Unlimited entry to a rotating list of approximately 25–40 attractions
- Canal cruises, viewpoints, interactive museums, and tours
- App-based QR entry and reservations
Attraction count fluctuates seasonally. Claims of “40+” represent the upper range, not a guarantee.
Validity options
1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 consecutive calendar days
Strengths
- Strong value if visiting 3–5 paid attractions per day
- Covers experiences not included in the I amsterdam Card
- Suitable for short, intense sightseeing schedules
Limitations
- No public transport included
- The consecutive-day rule reduces flexibility
- Museum coverage is thinner and variable
How does the Go City Explorer Pass work?
The Explorer Pass uses a fixed-attraction model with extended redemption flexibility.
Available options
3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 attractions
Validity rules (important update)
- Passes purchased after April 1, 2025: valid for 30 days after first use
- Passes purchased before April 1, 2025: valid for 60 days
Many third-party sellers still reference 60 days, which is no longer universally accurate.
Strengths
- No daily pressure
- Predictable costs
- Works well for short stays or relaxed pacing
Limitations
- No public transport
- Limited museum depth
- Poor value for attraction-heavy itineraries
Which Amsterdam city pass is best for museums?
Clear choice: I amsterdam City Card
If your plan includes:
- Rijksmuseum
- Stedelijk Museum
- Smaller historic museums
- Frequent public transport use
No Go City product matches the combined value of museum entry plus transport.
Which pass is best for first-time visitors?
Best for packed itineraries: Go City All-Inclusive Pass
Choose this if:
- You have 1–3 full sightseeing days
- You plan multiple paid attractions daily
- You prioritise convenience over pacing
This pass underperforms when days are half-used.
Which pass is best for flexibility?
Best option: Go City Explorer Pass
Ideal when:
- You want only a few paid attractions
- Your trip is spread across several days
- You dislike time pressure
This pass trades savings potential for control.
Does any Amsterdam city pass include public transport?
Yes, only one.
- I amsterdam City Card: unlimited GVB transport included
- Go City passes: transport not included
This single factor often outweighs differences in attraction.
How accurate are advertised savings?
Savings depend entirely on behaviour.
Realistic outcomes
- I amsterdam City Card: substantial savings with museum density
- Go City All-Inclusive: substantial savings only with full days
- Explorer Pass: modest but predictable savings
Go City frequently runs 10% promotional discounts, which means headline prices are rarely what travellers actually pay.
Side-by-side cost comparison
| Pass | Typical spend without pass | Pass cost | Typical savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| I amsterdam City Card | €105–135 | €108 | €0–30 |
| Go City All-Inclusive | €120–170 | €107–159 | €0–50 |
| Go City Explorer | €55–75 | €40–60 | €5–15 |
Best Amsterdam city pass for the traveller type
| Traveller type | Best choice |
|---|---|
| Museum-focused | I amsterdam City Card |
| Short, intense visit | Go City All-Inclusive |
| Relaxed schedule | Go City Explorer |
| Families with transport needs | I amsterdam City Card |
| Weekend city break | Explorer Pass |
Can you mix passes with separate tickets?
Yes, and this is often optimal.
Examples:
- I amsterdam City Card + Heineken Experience ticket (with 25% discount)
- Explorer Pass + single museum tickets
- All-Inclusive Pass + free-entry museums
Final verdict
There is no single “best” Amsterdam city pass.
- Choose I amsterdam City Card for museums and mobility
- Choose Go City All-Inclusive Pass for dense sightseeing days
- Choose Go City Explorer Pass for flexibility and control
The correct choice depends on how you travel, not how many attractions are listed.
Want a deeper breakdown of each Amsterdam city pass?
If you want a more detailed breakdown of each pass, including attraction lists, exclusions, real-world use cases, and booking tips, you can explore our dedicated guides below.
Each guide focuses on one pass only, allowing you to review inclusions, limitations, and suitability in greater depth before making a final decision.
- I amsterdam City Card
Read our complete guide to museum access, public transport coverage, discounts, and who benefits most from Amsterdam’s official city card. - Go City All-Inclusive Pass Amsterdam
A full explanation of how the All-Inclusive Pass works, which attractions are included, and when unlimited access actually delivers value. - Go City Explorer Pass Amsterdam
An in-depth look at the Explorer Pass, including attraction choices, validity rules, and when a fixed-attraction pass makes more sense than unlimited entry.
If you already know your itinerary, reviewing the individual pass guides can help confirm which option offers the best value for your specific plans.
This reinforces intent satisfaction and improves dwell time without adding fluff.