Ultimate Tourist Guide: Is the Amsterdam City Card Worth It in 2025?
Posted on: mei 1, 2025
Amsterdam City Card 2025 Review: Is It Really Worth Your Money?
The Amsterdam City Card sounds like a tourist’s dream—but is it really worth the money in 2025? With so many attractions, museums, and transport options, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or overspend. Don’t waste your time or euros.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what the card offers, who it’s best for, and when to skip it—so you can explore smarter, not harder. Keep reading!
What is the Amsterdam City Card?
The Amsterdam City Card, offered by I amsterdam (the city’s official tourism board), is an all-in-one digital pass that gives visitors free access to top attractions, unlimited public transportation, and more. It’s designed to help tourists save time and money while exploring the Dutch capital.
Once purchased, the card is activated the first time it’s used and is valid for a selected period—ranging from 24 to 120 hours. With just one QR code on your smartphone, you can explore dozens of museums, take a canal cruise, and ride trams, buses, and metros without buying separate tickets.
What’s Included in 2025?
In 2025, the Amsterdam City Card offers more value than ever. The pass includes free entry to over 70 museums and attractions, such as the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and NEMO Science Museum. One of the biggest perks is the free 1-hour canal cruise, which provides a beautiful introduction to Amsterdam’s iconic canals.
Also included are unlimited rides on GVB public transport (trams, buses, metros, and ferries), a free rental bike for 24 hours, and discounts at restaurants and cultural events. New for 2025, the card now offers access to a few attractions outside the city, like Muiderslot Castle in Muiden, perfect for those wanting to explore beyond the city center.
Pricing and Card Options
The City Card is available in five durations:
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24 hours – €60
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48 hours – €85
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72 hours – €100
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96 hours – €115
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120 hours – €125
The longer the duration, the better the value per hour. For example, the 72-hour card gives you three full days to explore the city and saves you more compared to buying tickets separately. All passes are digital and can be managed via the I amsterdam City Card app.
Keep in mind: time starts counting from the first use, not from purchase. So plan ahead to activate it early in the day and get maximum value.
Top Attractions You Can Visit
With the Amsterdam City Card, you get free or discounted access to major must-see attractions, including:
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Rijksmuseum – home to Rembrandt’s The Night Watch.
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Van Gogh Museum – showcasing the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh’s art.
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Stedelijk Museum – modern art and design in an iconic building.
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ARTIS Zoo & Micropia – perfect for families and animal lovers.
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NEMO Science Museum – hands-on exhibits for all ages.
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Canal Cruise – a picturesque way to see the city from the water.
The card also gives access to hidden gems like the Hermitage Museum, Moco Museum, and Our Lord in the Attic, an incredible historic church hidden in an old canal house.
‘Inside Museum Our Lord in the Attic you will find a uniquely preserved seventeenth-century house from the Dutch Golden Age. This museum will not only give you an idea about how people live in those days, it also tells you about the religious history and tolerance in The Netherlands… It is the oldest museum in the city, second only to the world-famous Rijksmuseum.’ (bron)
Birgit Büchner – Director at Museum Our Lord in the Attic
How to Use the Card Efficiently
To make the most of your City Card, plan your itinerary around grouped attractions. Many top museums are near Museumplein, so hitting several in one day is easy. Use the City Card app’s map feature to find what’s nearby and check opening hours in real time.
Start your day early to maximize value, especially for the 24-hour or 48-hour cards. Don’t forget to use the free public transport between neighborhoods and the canal cruise, which only runs during the day.
Pro tip: Book time slots for popular attractions like the Van Gogh Museum in advance—even with the City Card, reservations may be required.
Who Will Benefit Most from It?
The Amsterdam City Card is a smart choice for:
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First-time visitors looking to see the highlights quickly.
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Museum lovers who want to hit several cultural landmarks.
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Families wanting to combine fun, education, and savings.
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Active travelers who enjoy walking, biking, and exploring.
If you plan to visit 3 or more paid attractions per day, use public transport, and take a canal cruise, the card will almost certainly pay for itself.
When It Might Not Be Worth It
The card may not be ideal for:
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Slow travelers or those planning just 1–2 activities per day.
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Repeat visitors who’ve already seen Amsterdam many times before.
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Those on very short trips, especially under 24 hours.
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Visitors primarily interested in Red Light District nightlife, sex shows, cafés, or non-included attractions like the Anne Frank Huis in Amsterdam (not part of the card).
In these cases, it might be cheaper to buy individual tickets or day passes for public transport.
While the Amsterdam City Card offers excellent value for many visitors, it’s not the best fit for every type of traveler. The city of Amsterdam actively promotes the card to guide tourists toward selected museums and cultural attractions—encouraging visits to lesser-known sites across the Netherlands and away from the busier areas like the Red Light District. That doesn’t mean you should skip those iconic experiences altogether.
Here are 3 honest reasons not to buy the Amsterdam City Card:
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❌ You prefer a slower travel pace – If you’re planning just 1 or 2 activities per day, individual tickets might be more cost-effective.
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❌ Key attractions are excluded – Popular sites like the Anne Frank Huis in Amsterdam and most Red Light District experiences aren’t covered.
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❌ Your interests are more alternative or nightlife-focused – The card is tailored for classic museums and cultural landmarks, not Amsterdam’s edgier side.
That said, even if you skip the City Card, you should absolutely explore the parts of Amsterdam it doesn’t include—especially the world-famous Red Light District.
It’s a unique cultural experience that’s best enjoyed with our amazing self-guided Red Light District audio tour, which lets you discover its history, stories, and secrets at your own pace.
Amsterdam City Pass Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the I Amsterdam City Card worth it?
Yes, the I Amsterdam City Card is worth it if you plan to visit multiple museums, use public transport, and take a canal cruise. It saves money and time by offering free entry to over 70 attractions and unlimited public transport.
2. How much does the Amsterdam City Card cost in 2025?
As of 2025, the Amsterdam City Card costs:
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24 hours – €60
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48 hours – €85
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72 hours – €100
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96 hours – €115
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120 hours – €125
The longer the duration, the better the value per hour.
3. Is the Anne Frank House included in the I Amsterdam City Card?
No, the Anne Frank House is not included in the I Amsterdam City Card. Tickets must be purchased separately in advance on the official Anne Frank House website.
4. What is included in the Amsterdam City Card?
The Amsterdam City Card includes:
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Free entry to 70+ museums and attractions
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Unlimited GVB public transport (tram, bus, metro)
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1-hour canal cruise
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24-hour bike rental
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Discounts at restaurants and cultural venues
5. Does the Amsterdam City Card include airport transport?
No, the card does not include transport between Schiphol Airport and the city center. You’ll need to buy a separate ticket for the train or airport shuttle.
6. How do you activate and use the Amsterdam City Card?
The card is digital and activates when you scan it at your first attraction or on public transport. You can manage it via the I amsterdam City Card app on your smartphone.
7. Which canal cruises are free with the I Amsterdam City Card?
You get one free canal cruise ride with the I Amsterdam City Card. It’s valid across all major participating canal cruise operators, and you don’t need to book in advance—just show your card and hop on the next available departure.
Participating canal cruise companies include:
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Blue Boat Company
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LOVERS Canal Cruises
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Amsterdam Circle Line
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STROMMA Cruises
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Smidtje Canal Cruises
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Amsterdam Boat Cruises
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Mokum Open Boat Tours
You can choose one cruise from any of these providers, making it an easy and scenic way to experience Amsterdam’s famous canals.
8. Where can I buy the I Amsterdam City Card?
You can easily buy the I Amsterdam City Card online before your trip. It’s available via the official City Card booking page. After purchase, you’ll receive a digital pass that you can activate through the I amsterdam City Card app.
Buying online saves time and helps you start exploring right away!
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It in 2025?
For most tourists, yes—the Amsterdam City Card is absolutely worth it in 2025.
It’s convenient, well-integrated, and loaded with value. If you’re visiting multiple museums, want unlimited public transport, and enjoy extras like canal cruises and bike rentals, the card quickly pays for itself.
Just be sure to plan ahead and use the app to organize your days. The card isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but for travelers looking to experience Amsterdam’s top cultural sites with ease, it’s a smart, money-saving investment.
Perfect 3-Day Itinerary Using the Amsterdam City Card
Day 1: Culture & Canals
Morning
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9:00 AM – Visit the Rijksmuseum (included with City Card)
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11:30 AM – Explore the Van Gogh Museum (City Card)
Afternoon
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1:00 PM – Lunch at Museumplein (not included in the card)
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2:00 PM – Discover modern art at the Stedelijk Museum (City Card)
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4:00 PM – Enjoy a scenic 1-hour canal cruise (City Card)
Evening
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6:00 PM – Dinner near Leidseplein (not included)
Day 2: History & Science
Morning
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9:30 AM – Step back in time at Our Lord in the Attic Museum (City Card)
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11:00 AM – Stroll through the charming Jordaan District (free)
Afternoon
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12:30 PM – Lunch at De Hallen or a typical Dutch place like The Waag (not included)
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2:00 PM – Explore hands-on exhibits at NEMO Science Museum (City Card)
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4:00 PM – Choose between Micropia of ARTIS Zoo (both included)
Evening
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7:00 PM – Dinner at De Plantage, near ARTIS Zoo (not included)
Day 3: Local Living & Red Light District
Morning
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10:00 AM – Pick up your free 24-hour bike rental (City Card)
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12:00 PM – Explore the De Pijp neighborhood or Albert Cuyp Market (free)
Afternoon
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2:00 PM – Lunch at a local eatery (not included)
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4:00 PM – Chill out in Vondelpark (free)
Evening
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6:00 PM – Dinner near Central Station (not included)
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8:00 PM – Begin your Self-Guided Red Light District Audio Tour using our app (not part of City Card, separate purchase)
