I amsterdam City Card: is it worth it?
The I amsterdam City Card bundles free public transport with free entry to most of the city's big museums and attractions, at a price that only makes sense if you move fast. One thing it will never include, on any tier: the Anne Frank House.
Also searched as: Amsterdam City Card · Amsterdam Pass · Amsterdam Card · I Amsterdam Card
We may earn a commission if you buy through our links — it never changes the ranking. · Verified 2026-07-01
At a glance
How does the I amsterdam City Card work?
- It runs on consecutive days. The clock starts at first use and never pauses, so a rest day inside the window is a day you paid for and did not use.
- Public transport is included.
- Most sites have a pass-holder queue, but timed reservations still apply wherever the attraction requires one.
How much does the I amsterdam City Card cost?
These are the official adult prices we last verified on 2026-07-01. Children, youth and seniors often pay less, and the calculator applies each attraction’s own age rules to your group.
Cheapest way in: €69
Prices change without notice — always confirm on the operator’s site before paying.
Prices by duration
What’s included
- Van Gogh Museum · Reservation required
- Rijksmuseum
- Heineken Experience
- Amsterdam Canal Cruise
- Moco Museum · Cheapest tier
- A'DAM Lookout
- NEMO Science Museum
- Madame Tussauds Amsterdam · Cheapest tier
- Royal Palace Amsterdam
- Hermitage Amsterdam · Cheapest tier
- Artis Amsterdam Royal Zoo
- Stedelijk Museum
What’s not included
- Anne Frank House
Is the I amsterdam City Card worth it?
For a packed one- or two-day museum crawl with unlimited transport thrown in, the City Card comfortably beats paying per ticket — Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum and a canal cruise already clear most of the one-day price. Just book Anne Frank House separately and well in advance, since no pass, this one included, ever carries it.
Where it wins
- Free entry to Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, NEMO, Artis Zoo, Stedelijk and more
- Unlimited public transport included, plus a free canal cruise
- Skip-the-line access at participating sights
- Discounts at Moco Museum, Madame Tussauds and Hermitage Amsterdam
Where it falls short
- Never includes the Anne Frank House — book directly at annefrank.org, always
- Van Gogh Museum entry is free but still requires its own timed online slot
- Daily price is steep (€69 for one day) if you won't fill the day
- Consecutive-day validity punishes a slower pace
Best for: Travelers packing 3+ museums or attractions plus transport into a single fast-paced day.
What you get
The I amsterdam City Card covers free entry to most of the city’s major sights: Rijksmuseum, NEMO Science Museum, Artis Zoo, Stedelijk Museum, Royal Palace Amsterdam, A’DAM Lookout, Heineken Experience, a canal cruise, and the Van Gogh Museum (though you still book a timed slot there, same as everyone else). Unlimited public transport is included for the card’s full duration, from a one-day tier at €69 up to five days at €144 — and the daily rate drops sharply the longer you stay, from €69 for one day to under €29 a day on the five-day tier.
Stack up single-ticket prices for a realistic one-day plan — Rijksmuseum €22.50, Van Gogh Museum €22, a canal cruise €18 — and you’re at €62.50 before transport, already close to the one-day card price. Add a fourth stop, like NEMO (€19.50) or Artis Zoo (€27.50), and the card wins outright.
The catch
The Anne Frank House is not included, on this card or any other Amsterdam pass — it’s worth repeating because it’s the single most common assumption visitors make. Tickets are sold only through the museum’s own site, on a timed-entry basis that sells out weeks ahead, so book it independently of whatever pass you choose, ideally before you finalize the rest of your itinerary.
The other near-miss: Moco Museum (25% off), Madame Tussauds (20% off) and Hermitage Amsterdam (15% off) are discounted, not free, so don’t count them as freebies when doing your own math.
Our verdict
The card earns its price on a genuinely busy day — three or four sights plus transport, with the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum doing most of the heavy lifting. For a slower two-museum trip, single tickets plus a day transport ticket may cost less; check your specific list in the calculator. Either way, book the Anne Frank House the moment your dates are fixed — it’s never part of the deal, on this card or any other.
Alternatives to consider
Frequently asked questions
Does the I amsterdam City Card include the Anne Frank House?
No, and it never will — the Anne Frank House doesn't participate in any Amsterdam pass or card. Tickets are sold exclusively through annefrank.org on a timed-entry basis, so book that separately regardless of which card you buy.
Is the I amsterdam City Card worth it in 2026?
If you'll pack in three or more paid sights plus use public transport, yes. Rijksmuseum (€22.50), the Van Gogh Museum (€22) and a canal cruise (€18) alone total €62.50 — close to the one-day card price of €69 — before you count transport or a fourth stop.
Do I still need a reservation for the Van Gogh Museum with the card?
Yes. Entry is included free of charge, but the museum requires a timed online slot regardless of payment method, so book your date as soon as you buy the card.