Amsterdam is a city brimming with cultural treasures, vibrant neighborhoods, and unique experiences. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, the Amsterdam City Card is an invaluable resource that can help you make the most of your time in this enchanting city. Available in different durations (24, 48, 72, 96, or 120 hours), the card allows you to choose the option that best fits your travel plans. Offering free access to top attractions, unlimited public transport, and numerous discounts, the card is designed to simplify your travel and enhance your Amsterdam experience.
What is the Amsterdam City Card?
The Amsterdam City Card is an all-in-one pass that provides you with many benefits and conveniences:
- Free admission: Access to over 70 museums and attractions.
- Public transport: Unlimited use of the GVB public transport system, including trams, buses and metro (ferries are already free for everyone).
- Canal cruise: A free canal cruise, allowing you to experience Amsterdam from its iconic waterways.
- Bike rental: You can reserve a time slot in advance for a free bicycle rental (24 hours) at for example A-Bike, MacBike or Yellow Bike.
Top attractions you can visit
Rijksmuseum
Home to masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and other Dutch artists, the Rijksmuseum is a must-visit. The Amsterdam City Card grants you free entry, allowing you to explore its extensive collection of Dutch art and history. When you book an online entrance ticket, select the option: ‘I already have a ticket/voucher, Free’. You are required to reserve a starting time. Rijksmuseum is open daily.
Moco Museum
Modern Contemporary (Moco) Museum is located in a villa on the square Museumplein, between Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum. Moco offers exhibitions of street artist Banksy and modern artists such as Andy Warhol and Keith Haring.
Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam
In this botanical garden, founded in 1638, you can admire thousands of different indigenous and non-native trees and plants. It is not necessary to reserve a time slot to visit Hortus Botanicus with your City Card.
Stedelijk Museum
The museum of modern and contemporary art and design is open daily. Tickets are exclusively available online through their website; when you own an Amsterdam City Card, select the option: ‘I already have an entrance ticket/card/voucher’.
Rooftop A’DAM Tower
A’dam Lookout is an observation deck on top of the A’DAM Tower, with an unparalleled panoramic view of Amsterdam. A visit is free upon presentation of the City Card. An elevator takes you to the 20th floor in only twenty seconds.
Nemo Science Museum
Right next to Amsterdam Central Station you will find a modern green building that resembles the bow of a large ship. Discover the science and technology behind every day phenomena and through the ages. Nemo is an interesting museum for young and old. From the roof terrace you have a beautiful view of Amsterdam.
Rembrandt House Museum
In this house and studio of the famous painter Rembrandt van Rijn, where he lived and worked between 1639 and 1658, you get to know the master personally. To visit the Rembrandt House Museum with your City Card, you must book a time in advance.
H’ART Museum (previously known as The Hermitage Amsterdam)
Located in a historical building at the Amstel River, at H’ART you can see changing exhibitions with art from all over the world. Afterwards have a coffee or lunch at the modern restaurant with a view of the inner courtyard or enjoy the large outdoor terrace in summer.
Unlimited public transport
Navigating Amsterdam becomes a breeze with the Amsterdam City Card’s unlimited access to the GVB public transport network. Whether you are hopping on a tram to the museum quarter or taking a bus or metro to explore neighborhoods like Jordaan and De Pijp, the card ensures you can travel conveniently and efficiently throughout the city.
Free canal cruise
Board the next available cruise of any major canal tour operator in Amsterdam. For example: Lovers Canal Cruises, Prins Hendrikkade 25 (near Central Station), Amsterdam Circle Line, Prinsengracht 261 (next to Anne Frank House) or Blue Boat Company, Stadhouderskade 550 (opposite Heineken Experience). Enjoy Amsterdam’s iconic canals with a free canal cruise included in the City Card. This scenic boat tour offers a perspective of the city’s historic architecture, charming houseboats, and picturesque bridges.
How to use the Amsterdam City Card
The Amsterdam City Card is available in two forms: a physical City Card and a digital card on your smartphone, which can only be used with the I amsterdam City Card app. When you visit City Card attractions, simply show your card at the entrance. Scan your card when entering a bus, tram or metro.
Purchase and activation
You can purchase the Amsterdam City Card online or at the I amsterdam Store at Amsterdam Central Station. The card is activated upon first use, whether it is entering a museum or boarding public transport. It is a good idea to plan your itinerary in advance to maximize the benefits of the card during its validity period.
Tips for maximizing your card
– Plan ahead: Prioritize the attractions and activities you want to visit and create a rough itinerary to make the most of your card’s benefits.
– Book ahead: Make online reservations in advance.
– Use public transport: Take full advantage of the unlimited public transport to save time and explore more of the city. Ferries to Amsterdam North are already free for everyone.
– Check opening hours: Verify the opening hours of museums and attractions to avoid any surprises and ensure you get the most out of your visit.
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