Go City Amsterdam Card Review

This Is How The Go City Pass Works 

Using your Go City pass is straightforward, except for the tour booking process. Scanning the passes at each attraction was a breeze. It’s a convenient pass if you want to visit the city without breaking the bank. It’s a great way to discover Amsterdam.

Purchasing and Receiving the Pass

This part is easy. Head over to the Go City official website or trusted ticket vendors like this one, and buy the go city pass of your choice.

Once done, you’ll receive an email with instructions on downloading the go city app, installing it on your phone, and then transferring the digital passes to the app.

You do this by opening the email on your phone and clicking the link, and it’s done.

If you don’t have a smartphone or prefer a paper ticket, it is also possible to download the tickets as a PDF and print your pass.

If a slot reservation is needed, you can do so on the website on your computer. A link is provided in your confirmation email. 

One question I had that was not answered in the confirmation e-mail was: “Does each pass holder needs to download his/her/its app, or could all passes be loaded to one phone, one app?”

Both were possible, but I was momentarily unsure what to do. Go City can certainly clarify this better.

Using The Go City App

The pass also comes with a free app, and I loved using it. It was so simple getting the tickets into it and opening them to show at the attractions.

There was also an easy “Discover” function to find things to do with the card. Once clicked, it showed detailed information about the location and direct links to book a time slot if needed.

You can create a favorites list to make it even easier to use once you’re on the road. I found this handy myself.

Another helpful feature is the option to copy the pass number with a click of the copy icon. No typing your pass number when booking time slots. You could copy and paste.

Few things that might confuse you (It did confuse me for a moment):

1. The expiry date that is shown. Don’t count yourself lucky to see it two years in the future. Your card is valid for the consecutive days you purchased but must be used no later than the date shown. In other words, the final day of the card must be used before that date two years in the future. I think it’s great they’re so flexible. Sometimes plans change.
   
   PS: A refund is only possible up to 90 days after the purchase date.
   
2. The purse value. This seems such a random amount. It means your “All-Inclusive” is formally not all-inclusive since you can not spend more at (at-the-door prices) than that amount.
   
   However, it’s so high I don’t understand it’s there. You can never reach it. Just ignore it. But it isn’t apparent. I get it.

Activation and Using the Pass

This part is simple. When you use your pass at the first attraction, it gets activated automatically. No specific action is needed from your side.

From that point, depending on the type of pass you’ve chosen, you have a set number of consecutive days or attractions to explore. Just show your pass at the entrance, and voilà, you’re in!

I downloaded both passes in one app, so I only needed to open one phone at the venue. I just swiped my screen to get to the next pass.

Booking Time slots / Make Reservations

Booking a time slot was easy. But one important thing to know is to follow the direct booking link from the Go City app or website.

For example, I spent 10 minutes on the Heineken website trying to find the option to reserve two free tickets, but I could not find them. It was my fault.

I went directly to the Heineken website. Once I used the link provided in the app, it was all arranged in minutes. 

Most attractions can be reserved close to the travel date, but some sell out quicker. I wanted to go on the Anne Frank walking tour, which was already sold out two weeks in advance.

The Rijks can also sell out in advance in busy periods or popular exhibitions. On the other hand, I could book a time slot for Madame Tussaud’s on the same day.

However, your Amsterdam vacation is likely not something you want to gamble with. So leave your lucky charms at home and make your time slot reservations well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Ps: you can only book time slots after you purchase your passes (you need the pass number(s).)

Don’t worry in the unlikely event your chosen options are not available and you want to cancel your pass altogether, you can easily do so, and you’ll get a full refund.

Booking Tours

Ok, now here was a little hiccup. So far, so good, and I fell in love with the card until I got to the booking of a tour part of it all. 

I wanted to book the Windmill tour. The app instructions stated to e-mail the provider for reservations.

I thought that was cumbersome and time delaying, like why, in 2023, can’t we go to a website, check real-time availability, book, and move on with our day? Something possible with the attractions side of the card.

Ironically, after emailing the company, I received a reply requesting to book online and use a discount code instead.

Exactly what I was expecting the first time around. So that email was a waste of time. Here as a reader of this blog, I have the privilege to provide you with the correct booking instructions (until Go City updates the app):

1. Go to the website: www.tourcompany.nl
2. Choose the tour you wish to join with your Go City Pass, and click the ‘Book now button.’
   o   Rotterdam, Delft & The Hague Live Guided Tour
   o   Volendam, Edam & Windmills Full Day Tour
   o   Zaanse Schans Windmills Half Day Tour
   o   Anne Frank Walking Tour
3. Select the date and time you wish to join and the number of people. (if the date is unavailable, the tour is full)
4. Use the discount code GoCity23
5. Fill in the guest details using the email address you booked your passes with, and you’re all set to join the tour!

It was a minor inconvenience but smooth sailing once I secured my spot. And the tour as two Dutchman on the most touristy tour of them all was just fun.

And I learned a thing or two from our knowledgeable tour guide, who was also excited she had two locals onboard and announced the fact with surprise to the group.

And to be fair, despite my critical remarks about this part (booking tours) of the City Pass, I still have a crush on the card. It was just a great experience overall.

I’m even inclined to buy it myself in other cities where the Go City pass is available. They have super fun selections everywhere. I think Paris is the one next on my list.