Choosing between the I amsterdam City Card and Go City Amsterdam? Start with the places you actually want to visit and how much sightseeing you can comfortably fit into your trip.
The I amsterdam Total Experience card combines museum and attraction entry with GVB public transport. Go City offers different packages for busy sightseeing days or a smaller selection of experiences. I amsterdam also offers an Explorer card without public transport, so it is important to compare the specific products rather than just the two brands.
This guide explains the differences, the prices checked for 2026 and what to consider before buying.
Iamsterdam City Card
The I amsterdam City Card is worth considering if your itinerary includes several museums and attractions. However, there are now two different options: Total Experience and Explorer.
Total Experience or Explorer
Total Experience includes access to participating museums and attractions, GVB public transport, one Amsterdam canal cruise and 24-hour bicycle rental. Choose this option if you want sightseeing and city transport together.
Explorer lets you choose 3, 5 or 7 activities from the City Card selection, with five consecutive days to use the card after activation. GVB public transport is not included.
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The prices below are for the time-based City Card with public transport, rather than the Explorer option.
I amsterdam City Card prices in 2026
| Duration | Listed price per card |
|---|---|
| 24 hours | €67 |
| 48 hours | €94 |
| 72 hours | €115 |
| 96 hours | €130 |
| 120 hours | €140 |
Prices checked on 24 September 2026 using the official I amsterdam sales pages. These are the displayed prices for the standard time-based digital card; check the provider’s current checkout for child pricing, offers and the final total.
What is included
Participating attractions include the Rijksmuseum, Moco Museum, NEMO Science Museum, ARTIS and A’DAM LOOKOUT. Check each attraction’s listing to distinguish included entry from a discount.
With Total Experience, transport covers GVB buses, trams and the metro in Amsterdam. It does not cover NS trains, including the train between Schiphol Airport and Amsterdam Centraal, or services operated by other transport companies.
What needs a separate ticket or reservation
The Anne Frank House and Van Gogh Museum are not included. Book those separately through their official websites.
Some participating attractions require a reserved timeslot even when entry is included. Follow the City Card booking instructions before visiting; purchasing a card does not guarantee availability.
Who should choose it
Our recommendation is Total Experience for visitors planning several museum visits who will ealso use city transport. Explorer is worth comparing if you have a shorter attraction list and do not need transport included.
Go City Amsterdam
Go City offers three Amsterdam pass types. The right choice depends on whether you want several busy sightseeing days or a smaller number of selected experiences.
Choose your pass
| Pass | How it works | Entry-level adult price displayed |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Visit participating attractions over your chosen number of sightseeing days | €79 for 1 day |
| Explorer | Choose a package of 3–5 attractions | €44 for 3 attractions |
| Essentials | Choose one headline attraction and two more from a smaller selection | €59 for 3 attractions |
Prices checked on 24 September 2026 on Go City’s official Amsterdam sales page. These are the prices displayed for the configurations shown, not guaranteed year-round rates. Other configurations cost more, and offers may change.
Check the attraction list for your exact pass
The passes do not have identical inclusions. For example, the current comparison lists the Heineken Experience and Rijksmuseum with All-Inclusive and as headline choices for Essentials, but not with Explorer.
Check your must-see attractions against the specific pass before purchasing.
Understand the validity period
All-Inclusive uses consecutive calendar days, rather than rolling 24-hour periods. Starting early on your first sightseeing day gives you more time to use it.
Explorer and Essentials are valid for 30 days from your first attraction visit, until you have used your included choices.
Reservations and entry
Some attractions and tours need advance reservations. Follow the instructions in the Go City app and leave enough time between bookings.
Do not assume a pass gives priority access at every attraction. Reserved entry times and security queues may still apply.
I amsterdam City Card vs Go City at a glance
| Feature | I amsterdam Total Experience | I amsterdam Explorer | Go City |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main format | Sightseeing within a chosen hourly duration Included |
A set number of activities Not included |
All-Inclusive, Explorer or Essentials Budget separately for public transport |
| Time allowed | 24, 48, 72, 96 or 120 hours | Five consecutive days after activation | Calendar days for All-Inclusive; 30 days for Explorer and Essentials |
| Attraction selection | Participating City Card locations | Selected activities from the City Card range | Different selection for each pass type |
| Reservations | Required at some locations | Required at some locations | Required at some locations |
| Our suggested use | Museums and sightseeing with city transport | A shorter sightseeing list without transport | A pass chosen around specific attractions and your preferred pace |
Frequently asked questions
No. Total Experience includes GVB public transport, while the I amsterdam Explorer card does not. Check which version you are buying, particularly if transport is a major reason for choosing the card.
The current Amsterdam Explorer Pass is valid for 30 days from your first attraction visit, until you have used all your included choices. Check the terms attached to your purchase if you bought an older pass.
For a digital I amsterdam City Card, follow the activation instructions in the City Card app when you are ready to begin. A physical time-based City Card activates when first used at an attraction or on eligible public transport.
A Go City pass activates when it is first scanned at an included attraction. Remember that All-Inclusive counts calendar days, so a late-afternoon start still uses your first day.
Check your pass provider’s current listing for the specific Who Is Amsterdam tour you want to join. Participation, booking instructions and inclusions can differ between products. Follow the pass-holder booking process and reserve your place where required.
Which Amsterdam pass should you choose?
Our recommendation is to start with your itinerary.
If you want several museum visits and will regularly use trams or the metro, compare the I amsterdam Total Experience card against the cost of separate tickets and transport.
If you only want a handful of paid activities, compare the two providers’ Explorer options and Go City Essentials. Check both the attraction selection and the time allowed to use the pass.
For a packed sightseeing schedule, Go City All-Inclusive is also worth calculating. Be realistic about travel time, reservations and how much you want to do each day.
Whichever you choose, buy for the experiences you will actually use. Leave yourself time to enjoy Amsterdam between them.