Should I buy Go City’s Amsterdam pass or get individual tickets?

Long story short: an Amsterdam pass usually works out cheaper and more straightforward than buying tickets individually. Read on to find out why!

By <a href="#author-bio">Stuart Bak</a>
By Stuart Bak
Published: January 22, 2026
Amsterdam canals

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.

Amsterdam attractions

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.

Rijksmuseum

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

Stroopwaffel

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!

Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Assisted by AI
Freelance travel writer
Assisted by AI

Stu caught the travel bug at an early age, thanks to childhood road trips to the south of France squeezed into the back of a Ford Cortina with two brothers and a Sony Walkman. Now a freelance writer living on the Norfolk coast, Stu has produced content for travel giants including Frommer’s, British Airways, Expedia, Mr & Mrs Smith, and now Go City. His most memorable travel experiences include drinking kava with the locals in Fiji and pranging a taxi driver’s car in the Honduran capital.This article was authored with the support of AI technology. The Go City team has reviewed this piece to ensure it meets our high standards for quality, accuracy and relevance.

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Iconic Amsterdam canal houses reflected in a canal
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Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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