So, you’re off to Amsterdam: canals, culture, cafés and a whole lot of choice. If your list includes a cruise, the Rijksmuseum, a Heineken experience and a couple of quirky museums, you’re probably weighing up whether to grab a Go City Amsterdam pass or just buy tickets as you go. Great question: we’ll break down the pros and cons of each but (spoiler alert!) unless you’re planning to visit precisely one museum, scoff a stroopwaffel and cycle off into the sunset, a pass is almost always going to be the better bet. Here's why...
Firstly, what is a sightseeing pass?
It’s your golden ticket to dozens of top attractions for one fixed upfront price. So, instead of paying separately for every single museum, tour and canal cruise, you just flash the digital Go City Amsterdam pass on your phone like a boss, and saunter straight in. No paper tickets, no rummaging in your bag on a windy canal bridge, no fuss.
Get access to 45+ essential Amsterdam attractions!
The pros of using a pass
Once-and-done budgeting
One purchase covers loads of Amsterdam attractions. It’s much easier to stick to a budget when you’re not swiping your credit card at every museum door and tour ticket booth.
Real savings on popular picks
Stack a canal cruise, A’dam Lookout, This is Holland and a couple of museums or tours, and you’ll usually spend less with a pass than with separate tickets.
Discover new things
Because you’ve already paid, it’s painless to add something you hadn’t previously considered or planned – maybe an improv comedy show or a modern art fix at Moco Museum—without second-guessing every extra euro.
Everything in one app
Some Amsterdam experiences need advance booking to manage capacity. The app tells you which ones and links you to the right reservation pages so you can secure times without chasing multiple providers. The app also contains your tickets, maps, attraction hours and a magic unicorn.
Complete flexibility
You don’t have to lock in every choice before you go. Wake up, check the forecast, then decide: museum morning, canal cruise after lunch, stroopwaffels later? The pass lets you change gears without the often more rigid rules of pre-paid tickets.
Bonus bits and pieces
Some attractions on the Amsterdam pass may offer perks like skip-the-line entry or gift shop discounts. Check the app for what’s included where.
Speed your way to world-class art at the Rijksmuseum!
The pros of individual tickets
We get it: the Go City Amsterdam pass may not be for everyone. If your itinerary is deliberately loose (or canal cruises just ain’t your bag) then paying at the door as and when the mood takes you keeps things simple.
No upfront commitment
If you’re only planning one or two paid stops, paying as you go can be the cheapest route. You only spend when you’re sure you’re going.
Better spontaneity
Wake up, check the weather and decide on the fly. If you’d rather wander canals, browse markets and keep it low-key, individual tickets keep things completely open.
Let's compare...
Feature |
Go City Amsterdam passes |
Individual tickets |
Upfront cost |
✔ Paid in advance, easier to budget |
✖ Pay per attraction, adds up fast |
Total savings |
✔ The more you see, the more you save |
✖ No guaranteed savings |
Convenience |
✔ One app, one QR code, done |
✖ Booking and managing multiple tickets separately |
Extra perks |
✔ Skip-the-line access, shop discounts, food offers, free guides |
✖ None – you get what you pay for |
Food & drink deals |
✔ Includes some options and offers |
✖ Not included |
Hidden gems |
✔ Curated line-up by local experts |
✔They’re out there, you’ll just need to do some more research |
Flexibility |
✔ Visit what you want, when you want |
✔ Freedom to pick day-by-day |
Risk of overspending |
✔ No nasty surprises |
✖ Hard to track daily spend |
How much are you actually saving?
Here’s an example of what a standard 2-day Amsterdam itinerary might cost with individual tickets:
Day 1
- Canal cruise: €18.50
- Rijksmuseum: €25
- City highlights bike tour: €37
- House of Bols cocktail experience: €19.50
Day 2
- This is Holland: €27
- Rembrandt’s House: €21.50
- A’dam Lookout: 16.50
- Heineken Experience: €25
That’s a total cost of €190. Now compare that to a 2‑day Amsterdam All-Inclusive Pass, priced at €119. In this example, you’d save about €70 or around 37%*, and you might still have room to squeeze in another attraction or two along the way, potentially boosting your savings even further.
Don’t forget – the pass also includes the handy app, extra perks and peace of mind that you won’t need to buy expensive tickets on the fly.
*prices accurate as of January 2026
Use the money you've saved to treat yourself to a classic Amsterdam stroopwaffel.
Final verdict: should you go for the pass?
Well, yes. Yes you should. In short: if your plan includes more than a small handful of paid attractions, a Go City Amsterdam pass is the easy winner. You’ll save money, simplify planning and keep your options open. And if that isn't about a million times better than juggling receipts, making mental budget calculations and fighting over who left the tickets at the hotel, we don’t know what is.
Looking for more Amsterdam inspiration? Discover cool things to do near the Rijksmuseum and get better acquainted with the different types of Go City Amsterdam pass.
Step up your sightseeing with Go City®
We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.
See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® - just choose a pass to get started!
