Amsterdam Explorer Pass: A Practical Guide to Making the Most of Your Visit
If you’re planning a trip to Amsterdam and want to see the highlights without breaking the bank, the Amsterdam Explorer Pass offers a flexible, money-saving way to explore. For $39 per person, you gain entry to 3 to 7 attractions from a list of over 35 options, including the Moco Museum, Canal Cruise, and A’DAM LOOKOUT. Valid for 30 days after activation, this pass is perfect if you like having a say in your itinerary and want to skip the lines.
What we appreciate most about this pass is its ease of use—download the Go City app, pick your attractions, and go. Plus, the savings—up to 50% compared to buying individual tickets—are a real bonus. The second thing we love is the variety of options: whether you’re into modern art, royal diamonds, or a quirky brothel tour, there’s something for all.
One thing to consider, however, is that some attractions, like the Keukenhof Gardens or certain seasonal tours, may not be open every day or could require reservations. Make sure to check the availability of your desired activities in advance. This pass works best for travelers who want a balanced mix of cultural, fun, and unique experiences in a city that never stops surprising.
If you’re someone who enjoys customizing your sightseeing and prefers flexibility, this pass suits a wide range of travelers—families, couples, or solo explorers eager to combine iconic sights with a few offbeat surprises.
You can check availability for your dates here:Key Points
- Flexibility: Choose from over 35 attractions and tailor your itinerary.
- Cost Savings: Up to 50% off compared to individual tickets.
- Ease of Use: Digital pass and app make planning straightforward.
- Variety of Experiences: From museums and tours to boat rides and tastings.
- Validity: 30 days to use your purchased visits.
- Reservation Requirements: Some attractions need advance booking, so plan ahead.
Planning more time in Amsterdam? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
Exploring the Details of the Amsterdam Explorer Pass
The Attractions and How They Fit Into Your Trip
The Amsterdam Explorer Pass unlocks access to a broad selection of attractions, from art and history to fun and quirky experiences. Its versatility is ideal for those who want to see a good cross-section of what Amsterdam has to offer without wasting time queuing or buying tickets at each site.
Canal Cruise and Bike Rental
We love the Canal Cruise—a classic way to see the city’s scenic waterways, which are arguably its most iconic feature. You can hop on and off at your leisure, enjoying views of historic buildings, houseboats, and bridges. Adding a bike rental allows you to explore neighborhoods like Jordaan or Oud Zuid at your own pace—something many reviews highlight as a favorite activity. As one traveler noted, “We loved having the pass as it made it easy to enter the spots we were interested in and we skipped the lines.”
Museums and Cultural Sites
The Moco Museum is a standout with its collection of Banksy and modern art, perfect for contemporary art lovers. The Rembrandthuis offers insight into the master painter’s life, providing context for one of the city’s most celebrated artists. For history buffs, the Anne Frank Last Walk + VR Experience offers a poignant, immersive look into the past.
Unique Experiences
Beyond traditional museums, the pass includes options like the Houseboat Museum, the Diamond Museum, and even a Brothel Tour with a Former Sex Worker—a reminder that Amsterdam’s culture is as diverse as its canals. For a taste of Amsterdam’s lively comedy scene, Boom Chicago offers improv shows, which reviews describe as entertaining and a good way to unwind.
Special Tours and Seasonal Activities
The Ferry to Muiderslot Castle is seasonal (April to October) and takes you outside the city to explore a beautiful castle with gardens and history. The Royal Coster Diamonds tour adds a touch of luxury, showcasing diamonds and jewelry for those interested in royal bling.
Food and Drink Experiences
While most attractions don’t include food, the House of Bols Cocktail Experience offers a fun, interactive way to learn about Dutch spirits, and the Self-guided Foodie Tour of Jordaan (reservation required) lets you sample local delicacies at your own pace.
Ease of Planning and Reservations
The Go City app provides real-time updates and reservation instructions, making it simple to plan your day without stress. Many reviewers mention how easy it was to navigate and book activities—“the website and tickets were very easy to use,” one said.
The Value Proposition: Does It Live Up to the Hype?
For the $39 price tag, this pass offers substantial value, especially if you plan to visit multiple attractions. Many comments from travelers reveal they saved about half the cost they would have paid individually, and some even mentioned skipping lines and gaining quicker access, which maximizes sightseeing time.
The flexibility to activate the pass with your first activity and then enjoy 30 days to use the remaining visits is ideal for those with a flexible schedule or who like to spread out their sightseeing over a few days. Plus, the digital format means no paper tickets to carry or lose.
A few tips:
– Check the availability of your favorite attractions before purchasing, as some, like the gardens at Keukenhof, are seasonal or require advance reservations.
– For attractions with limited hours, plan ahead to ensure you get in.
– Some reviews highlight the quality of guides and stunning views, making certain experiences especially memorable.
– If you’re interested in art, history, or unique cultural insights, the pass provides a well-rounded itinerary.
Who Will Love the Amsterdam Explorer Pass?
This pass best suits adventurous travelers who want to see a variety of sights without the hassle of buying multiple tickets. It’s ideal for those who value flexibility and want to customize their itinerary on the fly. Families, couples, or solo explorers eager for a blend of culture, fun, and relaxation will find it particularly appealing.
If your goal is to maximize your sightseeing in a short period and enjoy some of the top-rated attractions with cost savings, this pass is a solid choice. However, if you’re primarily interested in just one or two specific sites, it might be worth comparing individual admission costs.
More Great Tours NearbyFAQs
How many attractions can I visit with the pass?
Depending on the option you choose, you can visit 3 to 7 attractions within a 30-day period after first use.
Can I use the pass multiple times at the same attraction?
No, each attraction can only be visited once with your pass, but you can choose different attractions each time.
How do I activate my pass?
Simply go to your first chosen attraction, show your pass via the Go City app, and it will be activated. After that, you have 30 days to use your remaining visits.
Are reservations required for certain attractions?
Yes, some activities like the Hello Amsterdam walking tour and the Foodie Tour of Jordaan need advance reservations, so plan ahead.
Is the pass valid for children?
This information isn’t specified, so check the specific attractions or the Go City app for age restrictions or discounts.
Can I cancel my pass?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
What if I want to visit Keukenhof Gardens?
The Ferry to Muiderslot is seasonal, and the bus travel there isn’t covered, so plan accordingly. Other attractions like Keukenhof may require separate tickets.
What should I bring on the day?
Bring a charged smartphone with the Go City app installed, as most tickets and reservations are digital.
- Zaanse Schans Windmills and Cheese Guided Tour from Amsterdam
- Amsterdam Classic Saloon Boat Cruise, Drinks and Cheese Option
- Amsterdam: Luxury Canal Cruise Unlimited Drinks & Bites Option
- Anne Frank Guided Walking Tour through Amsterdam’s Jewish Quarter
- Amsterdam All-Inclusive 90-Minutes Canal Cruise by Captain Jack
- Amsterdam: Luxury Cruise with Onboard Bar incl. Welcome Liquor
Wrapping It Up: Is the Amsterdam Explorer Pass Worth It?
For those eager to see the main sights without the hassle and with savings, the Amsterdam Explorer Pass provides a balanced, practical way to explore. From canal cruises and museums to unique tours and experiences, it caters to a broad spectrum of interests. The flexibility of the 30-day window and the digital convenience make it a smart choice for travelers wanting to maximize their time and budget.
While some attractions might need advance planning, the overall value and variety make this pass appealing, especially if you enjoy making your own itinerary rather than sticking to a fixed schedule. Travelers who appreciate authentic, curated experiences and want to avoid long lines will find this particularly rewarding.
In short, if you’re looking for a smart, cost-effective way to uncover Amsterdam’s best without the stress, this pass could be a great fit. Just remember to check the opening days and reservation policies—to get the most out of your trip to this vibrant Dutch city.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Tour Reviews in Amsterdam
- Amsterdam: House of Bols Entry Ticket and Nightlife Ticket
- Amsterdam: Red Light District Tour in English or German
- Amsterdam: Dutch Cheese and Wine Tasting Cruise
- REDKULT: Red Light District & Historical City Center
- Visit the Girl with the Pearl Earring, The Hague & Delft
- Romantic Private Dinner Cruise Amsterdam
More Amsterdam experiences we've covered
- Amsterdam: House of Bols Entry Ticket and Nightlife Ticket
- Amsterdam: Red Light District Tour in English or German
- Amsterdam: Dutch Cheese and Wine Tasting Cruise
- REDKULT: Red Light District & Historical City Center
- Visit the Girl with the Pearl Earring, The Hague & Delft
- Romantic Private Dinner Cruise Amsterdam
- 1-15 pers Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Luxembourg
- Your Own Amsterdam. Jordaan: The Atmosphere of Old Holland
- Amsterdam: Van Gogh Museum Ticket & Canal Cruise
- From Amsterdam: Day Trip to Efteling Theme Park with Ticket
- Private Walking Tour to the Red Light Side of Amsterdam
- Private Transfer from Amsterdam to AMS Amstrdam Schiphol Airport