Go City Amsterdam Pass Review (2026): Should You Choose It?

Who This Pass Is (and Is Not) For

Buy the Go City Pass if you:

• You want to visit the Heineken Experience, A’DAM Lookout, take a canal cruise, and go on guided day trips
• Like mixing a museum with other type of experiences on the same day
• Enjoy flexibility and don’t want to lock every hour in advance

Skip it if you:

• Plan to visit mostly museums (the I amsterdam Card fits better)
• Prefer one big activity per day and lots of downtime
• Expect public transport to be included (it isn’t) – although this should not be a dealbreaker

If you’re unsure, I compare all options in my full Amsterdam city-pass guide.

My Verdict (Before the Details)

I saved €100+ over two relaxed days — without packing my schedule.
That’s the key for using a city pass successfully: value comes from choosing the right mix, not from trying to do everything.

Pros and Cons of the Go City Amsterdam Pass

Pros

• High-priced attractions included (Heineken, A’DAM Lookout, cruises)
• Guided tours you won’t get with other passes (Zaanse Schans, seasonal Keukenhof)
• Easy app use; passes load instantly on your phone
• Good kids’ pricing (ages 3–12)

Cons

• Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House are not included (no city pass includes them)
• Fewer museums than the I amsterdam Card, by design
• Complicated pass system with Essentials, Explorer, All-inclusive. I recommend All-inclusive always!
• No public transport (bike rental is included)

All-Inclusive vs Explorer vs Essentials: Which One Should You Pick?

Go City sells three passes in Amsterdam. The All-Inclusive is the best pass in my opinion and time-based- Visit as different experiences as you want over a set number of days, each attraction once.

The Explorer and the Essentials are choice-based: you pick how many places you want and use them at your own pace, within thirty days of your first visit.

The Essentials is the newest and the narrowest of the three, you need that one if you want a limited pass that includes the best and most expensive attractions. It starts at 59 euro for three attractions. The Explorer pass starts at only 44 euro for also three attractions but the list is limited to cheaper experiences.

Almost everyone is better off with the All-inclusive pass which includes the most experiences off all pass options and allows to try things you would otherwise not try. I tried the All-inclusive pass and loved it.

Go City All-Inclusive Pass

• Best choice for most first-timers
• Visit as many included sights as you want over 1–5 days
• Includes the biggest ticket items (Heineken, Rijksmuseum, A’DAM Lookout, tours)

Starting at: €79 (1 day)

I recommend this if you want freedom and strong value without micromanaging your days.

Go City Explorer Pass

• Choose 3, 4 or 5 attractions over 30 days
• More flexibility, but usually more expensive per attraction/tour.
• Fewer tours and sights included

Starting at: €44 (3 attractions)
I only recommend this if the exact sights you want are on the list. Otherwise, the All-Inclusive wins.

How I Used the Pass (and What I’d Do Again)

Day 1

• THIS IS HOLLAND
• Rijksmuseum (short, focused visit)
• Zaanse Schans half-day tour
• A’DAM Lookout
• Evening canal cruise

Day 2

• Bike rental (fun, but not essential)
• Rembrandt Experience
• Heineken Experience
• House of Bols (free cocktail — a highlight)

Total regular price: €228.45
What I paid: €129
Savings: €100+, without a need to rush

How the Go City Pass Amsterdam Works

• Buy online → download the app → passes load instantly
• First scan at an attraction activates the pass automatically
• Some sights require time slots; book them via the Go City app, not the attraction websites (immediately after your purchase)
• You can load multiple passes on one phone (for multiple people), or keep them on different phones

One detail that is confusing for many (and it did confuse me): the app shows a “value cap”. You can ignore it. You won’t hit it. It’s an admin thing.

Do Not Choose Your Pass Based on Transport

Public transport should not be the deciding factor when choosing a city pass.
In Amsterdam, getting around the city is simple and relatively inexpensive, so transport rarely tips the balance between passes.

• A 24-hour public transport day ticket costs €9, which is low. 👉 You can buy yours separately here.
• Trams and metros run frequently and cover all areas most visitors use
• I don’t recommend hop-on hop-off buses in Amsterdam. They’re slow, limited by traffic, and don’t reach that many places.

My Tips to Get the Most Value Out Of Your Go City Amsterdam Pass

• Cluster sights (Museum Quarter, Central Station area)
• Do daytime items first, evenings last (Lookout, cruises, tastings)
• Book time slots for popular tours as soon as you buy the pass
• Plan one anchor activity per day, then add lighter stops

This is how you save money and enjoy the city.

My Final Advice

I recommend the Go City Amsterdam Pass for travelers who want choice, and experiences beyond museums. Used well, it saves real money. Used without a plan, it often disappoints.

If you want help choosing between passes — or fitting one into your exact trip — that’s what I do every week for planning clients.

⤷ Get the Go City Amsterdam Pass here
⤷ Or compare all Amsterdam city passes before deciding

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