Summary
The I amsterdam Card is a visitor discount card that provides free access to over 25 museums and attractions in Amsterdam, along with discounted admission to several others. Moreover, it includes free public transport, a complimentary canal cruise, and numerous restaurant discounts. The card can be purchased for 24, 48, or 72 hours. As might be expected, the card’s name is a nod to Amsterdam’s official slogan: “I amsterdam.”
Getting An I amsterdam Card
First, select the card that best meets your needs based on the duration of your visit: a 24-hour, 48-hour, 72-hour, or a 96-hour card. You have the option to preorder your card online ahead of your trip for delivery worldwide in under a week, or you may opt to collect it upon your arrival in Amsterdam to save on shipping costs. You can also purchase the I amsterdam Card online or at various selling points throughout Amsterdam.
The usage period commences with your first use of the card at any participating site. It’s noteworthy that the card allows for one visit per attraction and does not provide an option to skip general lines.
Free or Discounted Admission with the Iamsterdam Card
The I amsterdam Card offers visitors free admission to an extensive list of museums and attractions, including:
- Amsterdam Museum
- Dutch Resistance Museum
- Hermitage Museum
- Jewish History Museum
- Museum Amstelkring (Our Lord in the Attic)
- Museum van Loon
- Nieuwe Kerk
- Oude Kerk
- Rembrandt House Museum
- Rijksmuseum
- Van Gogh Museum
It’s important to note that admission to the Anne Frank House is not included (neither free nor discounted) with the I amsterdam Card.
Also Free With the I amsterdam Card
- One canal cruise with Holland International
- One canal cruise with Blue Boat Company
- Utilization of public transport, including trams, buses, and the underground system (note that the Dutch national railways are not included, which provide the fast train to Schiphol airport).
Moreover, visitors holding an I amsterdam Card receive discounts at a variety of other participating locations and restaurants.
Pros of the I amsterdam Card:
- Ideal for visitors aiming to visit at least three museums or attractions. For instance, the admission fees to the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum are approximately €17 each. Thus, with just one additional museum visit, the cost of the 24-hour card can be justified.
- The included access to transportation simplifies navigating the sometimes complex tram ticket system.
- The card encourages exploration of museums in Amsterdam that might not initially be on visitors’ radar.
- Comes with a full-color guide and map, enhancing the visitor experience.
Cons of the I amsterdam Card
- The card does not permit holders to bypass lines at participating attractions.
- It could result in wasted money if you do not maximize museum visits or the free transportation benefit. Therefore, planning is essential to ensure you get the most value.
