
Amsterdam City Pass: I Amsterdam, Museumkaart, or GoCity?
Last Updated on 30/01/2025
Amsterdam is rich in cultural and historical landmarks, from the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum to canal cruises and windmill villages, each of which is worth exploring. If you’re planning a trip to Amsterdam, choosing the right city pass can save you on ticket costs. Currently, the three most popular city passes among tourists are the I Amsterdam City Card, Museumkaart, and GoCity Amsterdam. Each has its own features and caters to different types of travellers. In this article, we’ll compare their prices, coverage, and pros and cons to help you find the best option for your visit.
Amsterdam Articles:Amsterdam City Guide|Amsterdam Top Attractions Overview & Info|Day Trips From Amsterdam|Amsterdam City Pass Comparison
Amsterdam Passes:I Amsterdam City Card|GoCity Amsterdam|Museum Card|Amsterdam Transport Pass
Comparison of Amsterdam City Passes
I Amsterdam Card | GoCity Amsterdam | Museum Card | |
Price | 24 Hours: €65 | 1 Day: €99 | 1 Year: €75 |
48 Hours: €90 | 2 Days: €119 | ||
72 Hours: €108 | 3 Days: €119 | ||
GVB Transport Pass | O | X | X |
Canal Cruise | O | O | X |
Anne Frank House | X | X | O |
Van Gogh Museum | X | X | O |
Heineken Experience | X | O | X |
Rijksmuseum (National Museum) | O | O | O |
A’DAM LOOKOUT | O | O | X |
Keukenhof Gardens | X | O | X |
Zaanse Schans Windmill Village | O | O | X |
Day Trip from Amsterdam: Rotterdam, Delft, and The Hague | X | O | X |
Besides the popular attractions listed above, all three Amsterdam city passes offer access to a variety of museums, city tours, and bike rentals. If you’re a traveller who loves in-depth exploration, selecting the right pass can greatly enhance your experience.
I Amsterdam City Card: Perfect for Museum and City Explorers
Who it’s for
- Museum lovers (Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam Museum, etc.)
- Visitors with a short stay (1 to 3 days)
- Those who want to include public transport (GVB Transport)
Features
- ✅ Free access to over 70 museums (except Anne Frank House and Van Gogh Museum)
- ✅ Includes public transport (GVB bus, tram, metro)
- ✅ Includes a canal cruise to enjoy the scenic waterways of Amsterdam
Limitations
- Doesn’t include the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House (two of the most popular attractions in Amsterdam)
- Limited usage period (from 24 hours up to 120 hours)
Best for
- If you’re planning to visit several museums, go on a canal cruise, and use public transport during a 1-3 day stay, the I Amsterdam City Card is the most cost-effective city pass for your trip.
GoCity Amsterdam: Ideal for Flexible Itineraries and Urban Adventures
Who it’s for
- Those who prefer flexibility in choosing attractions
- Visitors who want to enjoy various experiences, such as the Heineken Experience or Keukenhof Gardens
- Those planning to visit cities outside Amsterdam (e.g., Rotterdam, The Hague)
Features
- ✅ Choose from over 45 popular attractions (including Rijksmuseum, Heineken Experience, etc.)
- ✅ Includes guided tours, windmill village day trips, and Keukenhof Gardens
- ✅ Skip-the-line access to most attractions with electronic tickets
Limitations
- Does not include GVB transport (must purchase separately)
- Does not include Van Gogh Museum or Anne Frank House
Best for
- If you want to experience multiple attractions within Amsterdam and visit nearby cities like Rotterdam and The Hague, or join special tours like windmill village trips or Keukenhof Gardens, GoCity Amsterdam offers the best flexibility for your itinerary.
Museumkaart (Museum Card): Perfect for Museum Lovers and Long-Term Visitors
Who it’s for
- Museum enthusiasts who plan to visit 5 or more museums
- Long-term residents of the Netherlands (valid for 12 months)
- Those who want to visit the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House
Features
- ✅ Valid for 12 months, ideal for long-term residents or repeat visitors
- ✅ Includes the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House
- ✅ Unlimited access to over 400 museums across the Netherlands
Limitations
- Does not include public transport or canal cruises
- Only grants access to museums, no other activities
- Requires registration with a Dutch address (temporary cards are valid for 1 month)
Best for
If you love museums and plan to stay in the Netherlands for a longer period, the Museumkaart is the best value city pass. It grants you unlimited access to hundreds of museums across the country, including the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House.
Temporary Museumkaart: Usage Conditions and Registration Process for Non-EU Residents
If you’re not an EU resident, you can buy a temporary Museumkaart in the Netherlands. The temporary card is valid for 31 days and offers free entry to 5 museums during that time. However, please note that the temporary card is only valid for 31 days. If you wish to continue using the Museumkaart, you’ll need to register online and upgrade your temporary card to the official Museumkaart.
Once registered, you’ll receive the official Museumkaart, which can be used at over 400 participating museums across the Netherlands. Therefore, if you plan to stay in the Netherlands for more than 31 days, be sure to complete your registration before the temporary card expires to continue enjoying the benefits of the Museumkaart.
Conclusion: Which Amsterdam City Pass Is Right for You?
- Want to see the main attractions in a short time, including museums, canal cruises, and public transport? → I Amsterdam City Card
- Want to visit multiple attractions, explore nearby cities, and join special experiences like windmill villages or Keukenhof Gardens? → GoCity Amsterdam
- Only interested in museums and planning a longer stay? → Museumkaart
📌 Reminder: Sometimes, you can get better deals through the purchase links above, especially for GoCity Amsterdam!

