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Last Updated on May 18, 2024 by Lauren Allen
Is the Iamsterdam card worth it? Many adventurers travelling to the Dutch capital ask the same thing. In this post, I’m going to answer that veryquestion!
Amsterdam is an amazing city. With so much to offer in terms of culture, history and beauty, there’sno wonder nearly 20 MILLION tourists flock to the city each year.
Home to many great museums and activities, there is SO MUCH to discover in Amsterdam. From the likes of the Van Gogh Museum to the ever-popular canal cruises, there’s something to suit everyone.
Despite celebrating my 21st birthday in the city, it had been a long time since I wandered the streets of Jordaan and admired the picture-perfect architecture that Amsterdam is known for. So when a cancelled flight meant I could extend my layover in Amsterdam, I jumped at the chance!
That trip ignited a love for the city that I never knew existed. Since then, I’ve returnedseveral times. In fact, I’ve just got back from my sixth getaway to the Dutch capital. Five of which have been in the past year. That’s how much I love it.
Throughout the majority of my trips to Amsterdam, I’ve used the Iamsterdam City Card. Armed with my extensive experience, I’ll share a comprehensive guide to getting the most out of this Amsterdam city pass.
By the end of this post, you’ll be all clued up and ready to explore the city like a Dam pro! (Ha, see what I did there?)
Read more: The ONLY Amsterdam bucket list you’ll ever need
Disclaimer: This post is part of a collaboration with the IamsterdamTourism Board. However, all opinions are my own.
Table of Contents
What does theIamsterdam card include?
The Iamsterdam City Card is a pass that gives you the following:
- Free or discounted entry into many of the city’s top attractions, activities, museums and art galleries.
- Free access to public transportation around central Amsterdam (on the metro, trams and GVB buses).
- Free bike rental for one day and a free canal cruise in Amsterdam and Haarlem.
- Discounted entry to certain stage shows and music venues (including Boom Chicago).
- Discounts at specific restaurants across the city (such as Blue).
- Freebies at some establishments.
Is the Iamsterdam card worth it?
If you travel as much as I do, you may have noticed that many destinations across the globe offer city cards. Whether you’re in Copenhagen, Paris or Amsterdam, they’re worth considering whilst on the road.
Not only can they save you some cash, but they can also inspire you to get off the beaten path and discover unknown attractions.
But, is the Iamsterdam card worth it? Ultimately, it depends on a few things:
What type of traveller you are
If you fancy crafting a jam-packed Amsterdam itinerary, this card could save you a lot of money. With many attractions priced over€20 or more, you’ll generally get your money’s worth if you hit up three attractions per day. However, you could easily do more if you wake up early and plan your time well.
Fancy a more relaxed approach to your Amsterdam adventure? Then it may not be for you. If you prefer to go with the flow, I recommend purchasing tickets as and when you need them. This gives you the ultimate freedom without tying you down to specific plans in order to avoid wasting money.
At the end of the day, we all have different ways of travelling. The Iamsterdam Card may not be worth it for some people, but for many others, it is. You just need to strongly consideryour personal preferencesbefore making a purchase.
How long you are visiting Amsterdam for
How long you are in the city also plays a part inwhether or not the card is worth it. As I’ve explained below, the daily cost of the card decreases the longer you are there. This means that you will get a lot more value for your money if you are in Amsterdam for 5 days instead of one.
If you’re only in the Dutch capital fora day and want to take advantage of free activities, it may not be worth buying. However, it’s worth considering if you are there for two days or more and plan on doing a mix of paid and free activities.
Whichattractions you would like to visit
No matter how long your trip is for, the costof attractions you plan on visiting plays a big part in this decision.
Let’s say thatyou want to spend the morning visiting Rijksmuseum andenjoying a canal cruise, the total for these two activities comes toaround €38.50 (give or take). Afterwards, you still have the rest of the day (and into the night) to make the most of your card.
You’d only need to visit another one or two attractions to break even in terms of cost for the 24-hour card. Anything after that would be a bonus. However, if you only want to visit a couple ofattractions or you’re more interested incheaper museums, it may not be worth it.
It’s also important to realise that not all attractions are included in the city card. For example, Anne Franks House and the Van Gogh Museum do not accept the card. This means you’ll still have to pay to visit. If they’re the two main museums you want to hit up during your time in Amsterdam, I recommend not buying the Iamsterdam Card.
How does the pass work?
The pass works by giving you discounted or free entry into many tourist hot spots in Amsterdam and beyond. Your card is activated the first time you use it (either at an attraction or on public transport).
Once activated, the pass will continue to grant you freebies and discounts for the duration of your chosen time frame. For example, you can activate your card at 3pm and continue to use it to gain access to attractions until 3pm the following day.
How much does the Iamsterdam City Card cost?
- 24-hour pass: €60
- 48-hour pass: €85
- 72-hour pass: €100
- 96-hour pass: €115
- 120-hour pass: €125
As you can see from the cost list above, the pass holds more value the longer you are in the city. What I mean by that is whilea 24-hour pass costs €60, adding additional days is a lot cheaper.
Let’s say you are in Amsterdam for five days (120 hours give or take), you’lllikely save a lot of money by purchasing the IAmsterdam card for €125. In fact, the 120-hour IAmsterdam card comes in at just €25a day.
If you’re going to tick off just a couple of attractions each day during that period, you will have got your money’s worth. Especially if you want to hit up the pricier activities such as canal cruises and the Rijksmuseum.
Furthermore, with free public transport and discounts at restaurants, your savings have the potential to be huge!
Where can you use the Iamsterdam City Card?
Although its name would suggest that you can only use it in the Dutch capital, you can use the Iamsterdam Card beyond the city. In fact, you can also make use of this handy city pass at the following destinations:
- Haarlem
- Zaanse Schans
- Volendam
- Marken
Popular attractions included in the Iamsterdam pass:
There are several Iamsterdam City Card attractions that are a MUST DO while visiting Amsterdam. With so many crazy things to do in the Dutch capital, it can be hard to narrow it down.
After personally experiencing over 45 of the sights, attractions and discounts included in the city card, here are the top things you need to do to make the most of your pass:
1 | Cruise along the waters on a Canal Cruise
As one of the very best things to do in Amsterdam, you simply can’t visit the city without enjoying a canal cruise. Aside from enjoying the views from a different angle, you’ll learn a lot about the city during your hour-long adventure.
Luckily, you get the option of picking from several operators included in theIamsterdam Card. To find the best one for you, just google some reviews online and take your pick.
Alternatively, you can choose one based on location. For example, by selecting whichever cruise company is closest to you after finishing up at another attraction, you won’t waste time getting from A to B. This is perhaps the more time-efficient option!
Canal cruises accepted withthe pass
- Blue Boat Company
- 100 Highlights Cruise
- Stromma
- Canal Tours Amsterdam
- Lovers Canal Cruises
- Smidtje (in Haarlem)
Duringmy six visits to the Dutch capital, I’ve done five canal cruises. In fact, the only time I didn’t was when I spent the weekend exploring the castles and gardens region. Even then, I enjoyed a boat tour of Loosdrechtse Plassen Lake. Simply put, cruising the waterways of the Netherlands is a must!
Not only does it increase your knowledge of this incredible country, but you can also admire beautiful views and snap lots of pretty pictures. It’s also a great way to discover hidden gems that you can go back to later in your trip.
2 | Rent a bike in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is known for its bikes. They are quite literally everywhere. In fact, did you know that there are more bikes than residents in Amsterdam?
To truly experience the citylike a local, hire a bike to get from A to B. Not only will it get you there faster, but it’s a way of life in the Netherlands. Renting a bike allows you to immerse yourself in this unique aspect of the Dutch lifestyle.
Plus, the city is incredibly bike-friendly with an extensive network of dedicated cycling paths. It’s often more practical than navigating public transportor dealing with traffic if you’re using a car.
Luckily, a 24-hour bike rental is included in the cost of your Iamsterdam City Card. Just pop to either of the following shops to pick up your wheels:
- A-Bike Rental: Stadhouderskade, Kerkstraat or Vondelpark
- Amsterbike: Fietsverhuur & Bezorging
- Discount Bike Rental:Near Central Station
- MacBike: Central Station, Oosterdok, Vondelpark and Waterlooplein
- Yellowbike Rental: Central Station
3 | Admire modern art at the Moco Museum
If you love art as much as I do, you’ll be pleased to know that Amsterdam houses many incredible art galleries.As one of the best art museums in Amsterdam, Moco Museum boasts work from many world-famous names including Banksy,Andy Warhol,Yayoi Kusama and many more.
This makes it a must-see for those who lovecontemporary art. Plus, its location inMuseumplein is extremely convenient when it comes to visiting other well-loved spots in the city as it’s just a stone’s throw away from the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum and other popular attractions.
The digital immersive art section in the basem*nt is perhaps the best part of the Moco Museum. Especially if you’re on the hunt for photo opportunities! Each room offers a colourful and mesmerizing escape for the senses.
While it’s a great place to visit if you’ve never been, their exhibitions don’t seem to change as often as other galleries in Amsterdam. For example, I visited in November last year and when I returned the following April, not much had changed. However, since it’s included in the city card, it wasn’t really a big deal.
4 | Check out contemporary art at the Stedelijk Museum
Right next door to the Moco Museum is theStedelijk Museum, a renowned contemporary art museum located in the heart of the city. As an artist and designer myself, I can’t recommend this place enough. In fact, I prefer it over the Moco Museum.
If you’re a creative soul, this place will leave you feeling inspired and in awe of all the beautiful art and design pieces on display. The collection includes a vast and diverse range of modern and contemporary art, with a focus on 19th and 20th-century works.
You’ll find art by the likes ofMondrian, Kandinsky and Van Goghas well as lesser-known artists and designers across the permanent and rotating exhibitions.Simply put, the Stedelijk Museum is a must-see for art enthusiasts and contributes to the city’s vibrant artscene. Don’t miss out!
5 | Wander around the Rijksmuseum
As the most visited museum in the city, Rijksmuseum is a must-see during your time in Amsterdam. Standing proud at the heart of Museumplein, it’s one of the most impressive buildings in the capital. Even if you don’t plan on heading inside, you should take some time to admire its unique exterior.
Established in 1885, it is the national museum of the Netherlands, dedicated to Dutch art and history. It’s known for its extensive collection which spans eight centuriesincludingmasterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age. Compared to the Moco Museum andStedelijk Museum, it offers a completely different vibe.
While the museum itself is far from a hidden gem, sneaking off to admire The Cuypers Library is one of the most unique things to do in Amsterdam. As you wander onto its balcony, you’ll find yourself surrounded by historical books and a stunning interior. If you check out just one thing in the Rijksmuseum, make it this!
Top tip: To visit the Rijksmuseum, you need to book a ticket in advance. You can do this online before your visit, just make sure you don’t forget!
6 | Discover more about the local religion at the Zaans Museum
Did you know that you can use the Iamsterdam City Card beyond Amsterdam? Yep, you can use it in the likes of Zaanse Schans, Haarlem, Volendam and Marken. In fact, if you’re heading to Zaanse Schans, you can use the card in all paid attractions.
During your visit,make sure you allow enough time to visit the Zaans Museum. It’s an ideal place to discover more about the local history and the Netherlands as a whole.
The museum showcases many exhibits including impressive art from local artists and unique displays that share information about the region. This allows you to take a deep dive into Dutch culture!
While you’re there, don’t forget to check out the Verkade Experience. This old factory shares the story of Verkade; a famous Dutch brand known across the country for its sweet treats. It’s an interactive experience that’s not to be missed. Especially if you’re travelling with kids.
7 | Learn more about the crafts of Zaanse Schans at the Weavers House
Just a stone’s throw away from the Zaans Museum, the Weaver’s House is one of the very best things to do in Zaanse Schansand wellworth a quick trip. Especially if you are into arts, crafts or textiles.
This unique attraction has an interesting history. Built in the 18th century, the building was once home to two large families. These families were poor, hence why they lived in the building together. Each person had a role to play in weaving (even the little ones).
By visiting the Weaver’s House, you can discover the full history of the building and how these families lived together on a daily basis.
8 | Find out more at Frans Hals Museum in Haarlem
Located close to central Amsterdamin Haarlem, the Frans Hals Museum is one of the best things to do in town. Especially if you love art as much as I do! This well-loved museum houses a large collection of the painter’s work as well as a variety of Dutch exhibits including paintings, ceramics, furniture and much more.
Despite being born in Belgium, Frans Hals lived and worked in Haarlem for most of his life and you’ll often find him celebrated amongst famous Dutch artists such as Van Gogh, Rembrandt and many more.
The Frans Hals Museum is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Haarlem. It allows you to learn more about this talented portrait painter and the life he lived in the Netherlands.
9 | Check out the Museum for Photography (or Huis Marseille)
Photography enthusiasts (like me) won’t want to missthe Museum for Photography (otherwise named Huis Marseille). As the oldest museum dedicated to photography in the city, it’s also the most popular. In addition to FOAM (which is also included in the City Card), it’s one of the best galleries in Amsterdam.
With a wide variety of exhibitions each year, it’s worth returning on future trips to the Dutch capital. I’ve personally visited the museum twice and discovered an impressive selection of photography on display!
The museum also has a lovely garden to the rear of the building that is worth a quick wander before you head to your next stop.
10 | Fly over the country at This Is Holland
Located in Noord just across the water from Central Station, This Is Holland is the perfect spot to learn more about the country. During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to test your knowledge of the Netherlands and watch some videos that will share more key facts about this popular European country.
Arguably, the best part of this attraction is the 5D experience at the end! You’ll strap yourself into a flight experience that will take you on a virtual ride through the centre of Amsterdam, to the beach and the countryside of the Netherlands.
I wasn’t really sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it! In my opinion, this is one of the best things to do in Amsterdam. The best part is that it’s suitable for people of all ages.
Other Iamsterdam City Card attractions worth visiting
Other than the attractions mentioned above, there are many more museums and activities worth checking out while using your Iamsterdam card. For example, you may want to add the following to your itinerary in Amsterdam:
- Check out Oude Kerk (Old Church)
- Stroll aroundNieuwe Kerk (New Church)
- Discover lots of interesting facts at ARTIS Groote Museum
- See lots of cute animals at ARTISAmsterdam Royal Zoo
- Find out where tulips came from at the Amsterdam Tulip Museum
- Explore Nemo Science Museum
- Learn more about the city at Amsterdam Museum
- Visit the Embassy of the Free Mind
- Admire the beauty of Huis Willet-Holthuysen
- Visit the Cobra Museum of Modern Art
Discounted attractions
As well as free entry into many attractions and museums, lots of places also offer discounts for Iamsterdam City Card holders. For example, you can typically get 25% off at the following spots:
- NXT Museum
- Straat Museum
- Body Worlds
- Fabrique des Lumieres
- The Upside Down
- Fotograaf Volendam
- Heineken Experience
- House of Bols
- Rembrandts Amsterdam Experience
- Roller Dreams
- Amsterdam Dungeon
How to make the most out of the pass
To get the best value for money, you’re going to want to tick off as many attractions as possible. To do this, consider doing the following:
Use the Iamsterdam City Card App
The great thing about this particular Iamsterdam city card is that it has its own app. Within the app, you can find lesser-known museums that you otherwise might not be aware of. You can then favourite them and add them to your Amsterdam itinerary.
The app also lists all 70+ attractions and activities which you can filter by location while on the move. This makes it easy to find spots to check out nearby, meaning you won’t need to go back on yourself. This allows you to get the most out of each day.
Simply put, the app is a must if you buy a card and will aid you in having your ideal trip to Amsterdam!
Plan your time wisely
Many of the attractions included in the pass have different opening hours. For example, some are open from 9am until 5pm, while others open later in the day and stay open into the night.
To make the most out of your pass, it’s worth making note of the attractions that interest youand what their opening times are. That way, you can plan accordingly.
Luckily, there are a fair few attractions and museums that stay open late in Amsterdam. Several of these are included (for free or at a discounted rate)in the IAmsterdam pass. For example, the following attractions are open late:
Free attractions open late in Amsterdam:
- Moco Museum: Open until 9pm at weekends.
- Museum for Photography: Open until 9pm on Thursdays.
Discounted attractions open late in Amsterdam:
- NXT Museum: Open until 8.30pm Sunday – Wednesday and until 10.30pm during the rest of the week.
- Heineken Experience: Open until 9pm on Friday and Saturday nights. However, the last entry is at 6.45pm.
- Rembrandt’s Experience: Open daily until 7pm.
- Roller Dreams: Open until 8pm on Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and until 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
- The Upside Down: Open until 7pm Sunday – Thursday and until 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
As these places are open later, plan to visit them in the evening. That way you can spend the morning and afternoon visiting attractions that are closed by 5pm, thus making the most of your card.
Wake up early
I know, I know, waking up early is not fun; especially if you are on holiday. However, waking up to get to museums as they open is a must if you’ve already activated your city pass. Otherwise, you’re missing out on added value.
If you’re anything like me, you’ll want to get the most out of your card. So wake up early and start exploring,you won’t regret it!
Visit the more expensive attractions
It’s no secret that visiting the most expensive attractions will save the most money when it comes to using city passes. It just so happens that the pricier spots included in the pass are some of the most well-loved.
To get the most value out of your card, make sure you hit up places like Rijksmuseum, Moco Museum, Fun Forest and This Is Holland(if these are things that float your boat).
Travel alone
Okay, so this might sound odd. Why does it matter if you travel alone or not? Hear me out…
If you’re travelling alone, you can move around at your own pace. This means that you can easily move on to the next attraction once you are done instead of waiting around for others.
Plus, nobody will be there to complain about “doing too much” or being tired. Therefore, getting the value out of your pass will lie entirely on you.
Consider how many days you’d like the card for
While you can purchase an Iamsterdam card to last five days, you may want to consider leaving one (or even two) days free. That way, you can explore the city at a much slower pace during these “days off” and relax without feeling like you’re missing out.
On these days, you can make the most of free activities (such as Vondelpark) or wander around with your camera. The choice is yours!
Pros of the pass:
It’s super convenient
By purchasing an Iamsterdam card, you don’t need to purchase separate tickets to visit each attraction. You also don’t need to worry about purchasing a ticket each time you use public transport as it’s included in your pass. Just don’t forget to tap!
Most attractions are included (or at least discounted)
There are so manycool places to visit in Amsterdam. Luckily, mostplaces are included in the Iamsterdam pass. This makes buying one a no-brainer if you are on a mission to visit as many attractions as possible during your time in the city.
It can help you discover more places
If you don’t know much about Amsterdam, purchasing a card can help you discover the city’s hidden gems. The guide that comes with the card also includes a full list of the places you can enter for free with your pass. This is fab as you may come across attractions you didn’t even know existed!
Cons of the pass:
You may feel the need to rush around
If you only have a 24-hour pass, you may feel like you need to see as much as possible to get your money’s worth. This can lead to rushing attractions instead of truly appreciating them by taking it slow.
It can also lead to you feeling burnt outat the end of the day. If you only have a day in Amsterdam, you should stronglyconsiderwhether or not buying a pass is worth it.
Can you use the Iamsterdam card to get from Schiphol Airport to the city centre?
Sadly not. Not all modes of transportation are included in the Iamsterdam Card. Train transport is not included with the pass, therefore you will need to purchase a ticket for the train upon arriving in the city.
However, if you purchase an Amsterdam & Region travel ticket, you can use this between the city centre and Schiphol Airport. You can also use this travel ticket to get around outside of central Amsterdam. For example, if you’d like to visit Haarlem, Zaanse Schans or Zaandam.
How much is the Amsterdam & Region travel ticket?
Prices for the Amsterdam & Region travel ticket vary depending on the length of your trip:
- 1 day:€21
- 2 days:€31.50
- 3 days:€40.50
Disclaimer: While every effort is made to keep this post updated, please ensure you research the prices yourself for up-to-date information.
FAQs about the Iamsterdam City Card
Can you use the card outside of the city centre?
Yes, central Amsterdam is amazing, but there is so much to see beyond the tourist hotspots. For example, Zaanse Schans is the perfect place for a day trip if you’re hoping to discover more about the local culture.
Here you can see historic windmills, visit the Zaans Museum, wander around the Weaver’s House and admire the unique architecture. If you’re visiting during April or May, you’ll also have a chance of spotting colourful tulips.
Is there a limit on how many times you can visit each attraction?
Yes, there is. You are only able to visit each attraction once. However, with so much to see and do in Amsterdam, I recommend not revisiting attractions. Especially if you are limited on time!
Is Anne Frank House included in the Iamsterdam Card?
Unfortunately, the pass does not include free or discounted entry into Anne Franks House or the Van Gogh Museum. Despite this, these attractions are worth adding to your Amsterdam itinerary.
Are there any additional costs for visiting each attraction?
This depends on which attraction you’re visiting. Some attractions only offer discounts for travellers with an Iamsterdam pass. Therefore, you will need to pay the additional entry fees.
Furthermore, it’s worth noting that there are fees to store large bags and coats if you would rather not carry them around some attractions and museums.
Can I just turn up and use my pass at attractions?
Again, this varies. For the most part, this is fine. However, some places require you to book time slots in advance.
For example, you need to book a timeslot online to visit the Rijksmuseum. Upon booking, you will receive a free ticket. You will then show this ticket upon entry alongside your Iamsterdam city card.
To avoid disappointment, you should check each attraction’s website before your visit.
How to buy the I amsterdam City Card
To purchase an IACC, check out the official website here. You’ll also be able to find additional information to help you plan your trip. Enjoy!
Conclusion
So to conclude, is the Iamsterdam card worth it? For the most part, YES. It just depends on your style of travel. If you’re looking to cram in as much as possible, this city pass can save you a lot of money.
However, if you prefer to take things slow or allow for spontaneity, you may want to give it a miss. Travelling on a budget? Then take advantage of the free things to do in Amsterdam instead.
At the end of the day, this jam-packed city card is a great way to save money if you’re heading to the Dutch capital, but only if you want to see as much as possible!
Do you have any questions about the Iamsterdam City Card? Drop me an email!
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