Everything you need to know about Go City’s Amsterdam passes

Canals, culture and cold beer: discover the very best of Amsterdam with one handy pass and zero stress.

Published: October 23, 2025
Amsterdam canal cruise

Planning a trip to Amsterdam? Think Insta-perfect canals, lively cafés, world-class museums and day trips out to famous Dutch windmills. With Go City Amsterdam, you can bundle many of the city’s top experiences into one easy pass and choose the pace that suits your style. Pick between two flexible options—the All-Inclusive Pass and the Explorer Pass—to match how you like to travel. Families, first-timers, weekenders and return visitors all get the same perks: straightforward planning, easy entry, and serious savings across 45+ attractions and tours.

The basics: what is the Go City Amsterdam pass?

 

It’s a simple way to see more and spend less. Choose either the All-Inclusive Pass or the Explorer Pass, then show your tickets in the app to access stacks of top tours, attractions and experiences across Amsterdam and beyond.

All-Inclusive Pass

  • Choose a 1, 2, 3 or 5-day pass.
  • Best for energetic explorers who want to pack the diary—think canal cruise in the morning, museums after lunch, then A’DAM Lookout at sunset.
  • Visit as many included attractions as you like each day for one fixed price.
  • Great value if you’re planning two or more paid experiences per day and want the freedom to be spontaneous.

Explorer Pass

  • Pick a pass with a set number of choices—choose 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 attractions from the lineup.
  • Ideal for slower trips, long weekends or travelers who know their must-dos (hello, Heineken Experience and canal cruise) and want flexibility between.
  • You’ll have 30 days to use your choices from first activation—perfect if you like to mix sightseeing with café downtime.
  • Easy to budget: lock in your favorites and take your time enjoying them.

Buying and activating your pass

 

  1. Buy online: Get the best price and live availability on the official Go City website or app. You’ll get a confirmation email with everything you need.
  2. Download the Go City app: Your pass, attraction details, opening times, maps and booking links all live here. Sign in and your pass appears instantly.
  3. Activate when you’re ready: Your pass activates at the first scan. All-Inclusive is valid for consecutive calendar days; Explorer is valid for 30 days from first use.

Using your pass

What’s included?

Inside the Rijksmuseum

With 45+ attractions, tours and day trips available, mixing your perfect Amsterdam itinerary is easy. A few favorites...

Canals and waterfront

 

A classic canal cruise glides past gabled houses, arched bridges and historic warehouses—it’s the best first-day overview. Prefer to captain your own vessel? Some providers offer pedal boats for a different perspective. Harbor and river routes highlight modern architecture and give you space to snap skyline shots away from the crowds.

Art, design and history

 

Moco Museum brings pop and contemporary art to life, with bold Banksy works and immersive installations that are great for art lovers and casual museum-goers alike. The Rembrandt House Museum offers a peek into the painter’s studio and everyday life, complete with fascinating printmaking demonstrations. And you won’t want to miss the iconic Rijksmuseum, home to Dutch Golden Age masters from Vermeer, Rembrandt and many more. 

Views and immersive experiences

 

Ride the lift to A’DAM Lookout for wide-open city views; if you’re brave, strap into Over the Edge, Europe’s highest swing. Step into This Is Holland, a 5D flight experience that swoops over tulip fields, dikes and the Wadden Sea—great fun, and a neat primer on Dutch engineering. The Heineken Experience leads you through the original brewery with interactive exhibits, heritage stories and a tasting at the end.

Beyond the city: windmills, tulips and fishing villages

 

Day trips to Zaanse Schans and Volendam serve up wooden houses, working windmills and more—classic Dutch scenes without the hassle of planning transport. You’ll also find broader regional tours—think Rotterdam’s modern skyline, Delft pottery and The Hague’s royal avenues—so you can see more of the Netherlands in a single day.

Plan ahead

 

A little planning pays off in Amsterdam. Start by grouping sights by area to save time. For example, pair Moco Museum with a stroll around Museumplein, then hop a tram to De Pijp for the Heineken Experience and the Albert Cuyp Market. Head across the IJ River on the free ferry from behind Centraal Station to tackle A’DAM Lookout and This is Holland in one go—they sit a few minutes’ walk apart in Amsterdam-Noord.

Build your days around attractions with set times, like day trips, brewery slots or flight experiences. Lock those in first, then fill the gaps with flexible options like a canal cruise or a museum visit. If you’re using the All-Inclusive Pass, starting early helps maximize value; savings add up fast when you’re hitting two or three experiences per day. On an Explorer Pass, spread your choices over the trip and weave in plenty of café stops and neighborhood wanders.

Check opening hours and any seasonal notes—some smaller museums close on Mondays, and Keukenhof tulip field day trips only run in spring. Amsterdam moves efficiently by tram and metro, but walking can be just as fast in the center, and biking is often the quickest way of all. If you do rent a bike, always use the provided locks and stick to bike lanes. Finally, leave buffer time between activities; crowds ebb and flow, and part of Amsterdam’s charm is lingering by the water with a stroopwafel in hand.

Reservations

Go City Amsterdam app

Some experiences require a time slot. Popular picks like the Heineken Experience, This is Holland and most full-day tours (windmills, Keukenhof, Rotterdam/Delft/The Hague) usually need advance booking. Your app lists which attractions require reservations and links straight to the booking pages—use the email and pass number tied to your purchase. If plans change, check the cancellation window in the app; many partners allow easy rescheduling, but day tours often have stricter cutoffs. For canal cruises and museums without reservations, arrive early on weekends and holidays to avoid queues.

What’s the main advantage of Go City Amsterdam passes?

 

  • Real savings compared with buying individual tickets for the same set of experiences.
  • Flexibility to choose your sightseeing style: go all-in for busy days, or pick a set number of favorites and take it slow.
  • Instant mobile entry in the Go City app—no paper tickets, no printing, no fuss.
  • Discovery built in: try experiences you might have skipped—like a flight simulator or a countryside tour—without second-guessing the price.
  • Clear info in one place: opening hours, maps, directions and booking links at your fingertips.

Is buying a pass worth it?

Tourist in Amsterdam

If Amsterdam is on your list for canal cruising, Heineken tastings, big views, inventive museums and a day among windmills or tulips, the answer is yes. The All-Inclusive Pass shines when you want to stack experiences over a few consecutive days, while the Explorer Pass suits relaxed itineraries and longer stays. Either way, you’ll streamline planning and keep costs in check—so you can spend your time immersing yourself in the Netherlands, not scrolling for deals.

For example, if you’re planning a few headline experiences—say a canal cruise, the Rijksmuseum and a windmills day trip —you’ll usually come out in the black. Prices for many big-ticket attractions can run upwards of €40–50 individually, so it doesn’t take very long for the pass to start paying its way. 

Let’s say you get a 3-day All-Inclusive Pass and visit: 

Day 1

  • Madame Tussauds Amsterdam (€26.50)
  • Bitterballen and two drinks at bar De Pierewaaier (€17.90)
  • Moco Museum (€22.95)
  • The Upside Down Amsterdam (€24.95)

Day 2 

  • Cheese tasting experience (€17.50)
  • This is Holland (€27)
  • Day Trip to Zaanse Schans Windmill Village (€22.50)

Day 3:

  • The Amsterdam Dungeon (€26.50)
  • Immersive Experience AMAZE (€26.95)
  • Hello Amsterdam – Introductory Walking Tour (€29)

That’s €264.25 worth of tickets on a €149 pass. That equals serious savings of over €100 or around 39%!* 

*prices accurate as of October 2025

Looking for more Amsterdam inspiration? Discover all the best things to do near the Rijksmuseum and find activities and attractions for rainy days.

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Fireworks over the iconic Amsterdam canal houses
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Christmas in Amsterdam

The festive period sees the historical streets of Amsterdam transform almost entirely, embracing the festive period in any way it can. Should you find yourself in Amsterdam around the holidays, you’ll see the streets lined with all manner of light and art displays, and many busy squares occupied by different holiday-themed events, festivals and markets. As the Netherlands celebrates more than just Christmas Day, the festive atmosphere is all the more electric in Amsterdam all through December. If you’re looking for somewhere to truly embrace the holiday spirit, then Christmas in Amsterdam could be the trip for you. Sinterklaas Should you find yourself spending the holiday season in Amsterdam, you may be in for a treat, with not just one but two Christmases to celebrate. This is the reality for children throughout the Netherlands who, in addition to celebrating Christmas Day, also look forward to a visit from Sinterklaas on December 5. In the Netherlands, Sinterklaas is the main day for gift-giving, while Christmas is more commonly reserved as a day to celebrate with family over a traditional dinner. Unlike Santa Claus, who elsewhere visits in secret on the night of the 24th, Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas) makes a very public and grand entrance in mid-November. Arriving in the Netherlands on his iconic steam boat, Sinterklaas and his helpers, known as ‘Pieten’, parade through the country’s major cities, throwing candies and festive treats to the onlooking children. These festivities continue all the way up to the day of Sinterklaas on December 5, when children across the country wait excitedly to hear a knock on their front door. If they’ve been good that year, they should find their gifts on the other side. It’s also traditional for children to leave a shoe or boot by the fireplace or door, which they may find filled with small gifts when they wake the next day. Unlike Christmas Day and Boxing Day, Sinterklaas isn’t recognized as a public holiday. As such, don’t fret if you have nobody to celebrate with, as most cafés, bars and restaurants will still be open should you want to share in the festivities! Christmas Markets It’s become somewhat of an unspoken rule for major European cities to offer up a vast selection of Christmas markets and festive celebrations throughout the holiday period, and Amsterdam certainly doesn’t disappoint. Where Amsterdam departs from the European trend is in the absence of German-style Christmas markets. While you’re bound to find some similarities, Amsterdam’s Christmas markets are traditionally Dutch through and through. Amsterdamsche Kerstmarkt The Amsterdamsche Kerstmarkt is perhaps the most emblematic Christmas market in Amsterdam. Held over the course of a few days shortly before Christmas Day, the event is host to various stalls selling all manner of festive fare and local artisan crafts. In addition to the market stalls, you’ll also find an ice skating rink, various children’s activities, cultural events and workshops, as well as food stalls and winter bars, all often accompanied by live festive music. Be sure to check for updates from the organizers to find details as to the location and dates of this event. Sinterklaas & Funky Xmas Sunday Markets Early in December, Amsterdam’s monthly Sunday market transforms into a more holiday-themed market in celebration of Sinterklaas. Head to the Westergasfabriek to find a selection of handmade crafts and gifts, alongside all manner of festive treats and food. This market makes a return later in the month for the Funky Xmas market when, as per its name, it takes on a more groovy and Christmassy theme. Often taking place shortly before Christmas day, this is a chance to find those last-minute, quirky gifts made by local artists and designers to bring home to your loved ones. Of course, you’ll still find all of the typical staples of the Sunday market present at these special editions. For some traditional Dutch street food, be sure to try out the likes of kibbeling cod bites and poffertje pancakes. Christmas Treats If sweet Dutch treats are something you’re keen to try, there’s no better time to visit Amsterdam than during the festive period. Throughout November and December, stores and bakeries will be brimming with Sinterklaas- and Christmas-themed candies. Among the most common Sinterklaas treats are pepernoten and kruidnoten (tiny gingerbread cookies), large solid chocolate letters, schuimpjes (foam-like sugary candies), speculaas cookies and various marzipan-based cakes. You can also expect to find many festive European staples on offer throughout the city, such as smoked sausage (rookwurst), mulled wine (gluhwein) smoked sausage and warme Chocomel (hot chocolate). Be sure to try oliebollen (fried dough balls) and appelbeignets (fried apple slices) dipped in icing sugar, too! Christmas Activities & Events Ice*Amsterdam If there’s anything that best reflects Christmas in Amsterdam, it's the Ice*Amsterdam festival. Taking over the busy Museumplein, this event typically starts in mid-November and lasts all the way until late January. With an ice-skating rink at its core beneath a replica of the well-known Skinny Bridge, people of all ages flock to the area to share in some festive fun. The rink is accompanied by a healthy selection of winter bars where you can grab a hot cup of chocolate milk and a Christmas snack, alongside various market stalls selling all manner of seasonal gifts and products. Amsterdam Winter Paradise Those looking for that little bit of extra excitement should head for RAI Amsterdam which, from late December, becomes host to a huge indoor and outdoor holiday festival. Alongside the usual smattering of seasonal market stalls, street food and winter bars, the Winter Paradise offers an impressive array of festive activities. You can expect fairground rides to accompany the giant Ferris wheel overlooking the city, alongside various carnival games and activities. There are also indoor and outdoor ice-skating rinks, curling lanes and competitions, as well as an area filled with real snow for tubing, skiing and snowball fights. If you’re the competitive type, be sure to join in on the Winter Games, too. Amsterdam Light Festival Running alongside the holiday season, the Amsterdam Light Festival illuminates the Dutch capital with an impressive array of light displays from designers, artists and architects from around the world. Taking place throughout December and January, the festival typically showcases around 30 unique art installations, bringing an even more magical touch to an already festive city. One of the most popular activities of the Light Festival is to take a canal cruise in the evening. These boat tours offer a chance for visitors and locals alike to see the city from a different perspective, offering unique insights into the history of prominent neighborhoods while also exploring the artworks lining the banks of the canals.
Robert Heaney
Tram passing in front of the Rijksmuseum
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Getting Around Amsterdam

Often dubbed one of the greatest of the world’s small cities, Amsterdam is not a particularly monstrous city. Indeed, with a footprint of just a little over three square miles, the city center could quite easily be covered in a day on foot alone. And yet, the city is often recognized for having some of the best transport infrastructure in Europe. From the emblematic canals delightfully splitting up the Dutch capital’s neighborhoods to its famous tram system covering just about all of the city, there’s a capable range of options for getting around Amsterdam to help you explore the city on your own terms. Public Transport Bus Amsterdam boasts an extensive network of buses servicing both the city center and the surrounding neighborhoods. Operated by three companies – GVB, Connexxion and EBS – Amsterdam’s buses offer a reliable means of getting across the city fast, with many routes servicing stops close to key social hubs and attractions. The city also operates twelve night bus routes to help you get around while exploring the city’s famous nightlife scene. Each of these routes helps to connect the city center with the surrounding suburbs, and buses typically depart every 30 minutes between midnight and 7AM. Tram Second only to bicycles, trams are perhaps the most recognizable mode of transport in Amsterdam. Connecting Amsterdam Central Station to the city’s many key areas and further neighborhoods, Lines 1, 2, 5, 9, 13 and 17 are typically your best bet for getting around the city. Depending on the day and time, the frequency of trams will vary, typically arriving every 5 – 10 minutes. Metro The Amsterdam Metro system offers an alternative means of traversing the central spine of the city and accessing the outer suburbs. Operating across five lines and servicing a total of 39 stops, the Metro offers the fastest and most efficient means of crossing through the city, passing through all major business and office districts alongside many train stations. Operating Times The three modes of public transport that make up the transport infrastructure of Amsterdam all operate on roughly the same schedule and ticketing service. The majority of services begin operations at 6AM and will typically continue until 12:30AM the following morning. Tickets & Passes Tickets and passes are wholly dependent on how long you intend to stay in Amsterdam and how often you plan to use public transport. For casual use, single and return tickets are available on all services on demand. You can also purchase passes which allow for unlimited travel for periods of 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours, offering slightly discounted rates as long as you get plenty of use from them. If you plan on staying in the Netherlands for more than three days, then your best bet would be to purchase and top-up an OV-chipkaart from any major transport hub. This pass is heavily used by locals and can simply be scanned whenever you hop on your transport of choice. On the Water Amsterdam’s canals are more than just an iconic photo op. Originally serving as means of water management, defense and facilitating trade, the labyrinth of canals accounts for 25% of the city’s surface area. Most of the traffic on the canals now consists of pleasure sailing, both private and commercial. If you’re looking for a unique means of getting around the city, there’s a plethora of boat tours available at your convenience to get you from A to B with a little local insight thrown into the mix. Alternatively, it’s also fairly simple to rent a boat for yourself, whether it be a manual pedal-boat, a small capacity electric boat or a full-sized barge for you and your friends. Cycling You may have heard it said that Amsterdam is home to more bicycles than people, and that’s no simple exaggeration. With roughly 1.1 bikes to each resident, it’s plain to see that the locals readily uphold the age-old image of the Dutch cycling nation. With over half of Amsterdam’s 800,000 residents relying on their bicycles as their daily mode of transport, it should come as no surprise that the city caters heavily to their preferences. In fact, with over 470 miles of cycle lanes making up the Amsterdam Bicycle Network, cycling can often be the easiest means of getting around. To capitalize on this trend, there is now a huge selection of bike rental stores dotted throughout the city. You should expect to pay somewhere in the range of €10/day for rentals. If you intend to stay in the Netherlands for more than a month, then purchasing a second-hand bike is a much more cost-effective option, with many going for between €50 and €200. Avoid buying bicycles on the street from unverified vendors, as these are likely to have been stolen and can land you in a lot of trouble. Cycling Safety Be sure to exercise some basic cycling safety and etiquette if you choose to ride in Amsterdam. Stick to roads and dedicated cycle lanes. Keep to the right-hand side and leave space for other cyclists. Make sure you have working front and rear lights when riding at night. Observe other cyclists’ body language to anticipate their actions and signal your own. If you intend to use your phone for directions, make sure to use a legal handlebar mount. Cyclists should overtake each other on the left, but can overtake other vehicles on the right. Only ring your bell when necessary. Always stow your bike in dedicated spaces and ensure you use a reliable lock. Taxi While road traffic is fairly minimal in Amsterdam, that can be quite the boon for those who need to get themselves across the city fast. Whether you’re looking for airport transfers or need to make it to an event quickly, taxis can be your best friend. Most taxis are regulated by the municipality to charge pre-set rates, so you should never have to face a surprise fee for your journey. Like in most cities, you'll find taxi ranks at the airport and most major transport hubs. Taxis can also be ordered at your convenience by calling up your chosen taxi firm, or you can make a booking via the TCA app. Alternatively, the likes of Uber and Bolt also operate in Amsterdam.
Robert Heaney
View of the Rijksmuseum from across a canal
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Amsterdam in February

Those harboring some winter wanderlust may find Amsterdam in February to be the ideal trip to scratch that itch. Offering all of the city’s best gems without the summertime or festive season crowds, February serves as a fantastic time to experience the Dutch capital at its most genuine. Just be prepared to dress for the weather! Visiting Amsterdam in February Average Temperature: 31 – 45°F • Average Rainfall: 11 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 2 hours/day If you’re looking to visit Amsterdam in its true low season, this is the time for it. Amsterdam in February sees some of its lowest tourism rates of the year, owing to the natural absence of peak-season travelers and the European winter chill. That can be a huge boon for those looking to get their fill of Dutch delights. Amsterdam’s core attractions are evergreen – think picturesque canals, cultural hubs and nightlife – which means the city is never truly without its crowds. However, the off-season lull means you’ll get to experience many of its top sights at one of their quietest times. Add to that low-season accommodation prices and airfare, and you’ve got a pretty solid, budget-friendly trip on your hands. Seeing out the winter season, February makes sure to keep things cool right up to the end. With averages ranging between sub-zero and pretty cold, you’ll want to wrap up just as much as for the rest of the winter period. Be sure to pack an umbrella and some waterproofs too, as you’re almost guaranteed at least a couple days of rain per week. Things to Do in February Amsterdam’s cooler and wetter weather in February may put somewhat of a dampener on many plans of spending your trip exploring the iconic canals and squares of the city, but that also makes it a perfect time to explore the inner world of the Dutch capital. Known particularly for its cultural hubs, Amsterdam has a wealth of art galleries to offer. Taking pride of place is the famous Rijksmuseum, where you can explore the Netherlands’ largest collection of art and historical artifacts, including many pieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer. No exploration of Amsterdam’s artistic fortune would be complete without visiting the Van Gogh Museum, housing the largest public collection of the renowned Dutch artist’s works. Fans of contemporary art should also spend some time at the MOCO Museum, where you’ll find the works of such visionaries as Damien Hirst, Jeff Koons and many other modern artists. On the other side of the culture coin sits Amsterdam’s impressive collection of historical hubs. Among some of the most popular destinations are the Amsterdam Museum and the Maritime Museum, offering insights into the respective histories of the city and of Dutch nautical endeavors. Anybody with a keen interest in local and continental history will also be well aware of the famous Anne Frank House. Once the home where the famous Jewish wartime diarist managed to evade capture, the site now serves as both a museum to her life and writings and a monument to the endurance of discriminated groups throughout the darkest time in recent European history. Events in February Carnival The one exception to the Netherlands’ tranquility in February is Carnival. Originally a pagan celebration held in the lead-up to Lent, the modern-day festival began in Italy and spread to the likes of Spain, Portugal, France and, of course, the Netherlands. While primarily only recognized in the majority-Catholic provinces of North Brabant and Limburg, smaller events can be found dotted around the country. For all its religious symbolism, Carnival is anything but a modest celebration. Over the course of several days in mid- to late-February, a number of major Dutch cities engage in all-out city-wide street parties. The event is usually kicked off with some form of ceremony, often involving the burning of an effigy and a speech by the so-called Prince of Carnival and other local authorities. The largest celebration is held in Maastricht, which sees thousands of visitors flock from around the country and even the continent for up to a week of day drinking and partying. Other major events take place in Den Bosch, Breda, Tilburg, Eindhoven, Venlo and Enschede, though the exact dates of celebrations may differ between locations. Although Amsterdam itself doesn’t typically engage in Carnival celebrations, you’re still likely to find some localized parties and events throughout the city. But for the true Carnival experience, make your way to a participating city in your choice of fancy dress and prepare for the street party of the year. All of the above cities are reachable within a few hours by train – though be aware that public transport will be jam-packed on festival days. Chocoa Chocolade Festival This indulgence-focused event is a must for visitors with a particularly sweet tooth. Held over two day in the heart of Amsterdam, the Chocoa Festival brings together renowned chocolate makers, industry experts and chocoholics to celebrate their shared passion for our favorite sweet treat. With over 85 unique stalls piled high with free samples, the festival encourages visitors to try out new chocolate flavors. Various types of wine, coffee and craft beer are often also on offer to help you discover the perfect indulgent pairing. Expert-led lectures and presentations are also mixed into the program to provide insights into the history of chocolate, how it’s made and the state of the industry in the modern day. Those with a keen interest can also engage in debates surrounding the ethics and practises of the industry, while also learning about developments in sustainable practises throughout various aspects of production.
Robert Heaney

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