Rain or shine, one of the best things to do while visiting the Netherlands is to explore the world class museums in Amsterdam.
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The best way to visit museums in Amsterdam
The most cost effective way to see historic sites and museums in Amsterdam is by purchasing a museum or city pass. There are pros and cons to each pass broken down below.
Which Pass Should you Purchase to Visit Museums in Amsterdam?
There are a number of different passes available to purchase in order to visit cultural sites and museums in Amsterdam and the Netherlands. In order to figure out which pass is right for you will depend on how much you want to see during your time, and how long you are visiting Amsterdam.
Iamsterdam City Card
This is a great all around pass for anyone visiting Amsterdam, especially for the first time. This card lets you visit a large number of museums in Amsterdam for free, or at a discounted price. There are also other benefits such as a free canal cruise, which is a wonderful way to learn about the history of the city, and bonus, the boats are covered so you can take the cruise year round. Also, public transportation is included while the card is active, as well as a free day bike rental.
The best way to utilize the card is by purchasing a pass online and downloading the app to your phone. This will show you which activities and museums in Amsterdam are included, and which ones are available with a discount. The card has a countdown clock the minute you activate. If you have a tight window of use, I recommend you wait to activate it until right before entering your first museum or attraction to get the most for your money.
One important note, the Van Gogh Museum is no longer included with the Iamsterdam City Card. The Anne Frank House is also not included.
Click here for a comprehensive list of all available sites and museums in Amsterdam with the City Card.
Price:
- 24 hours: €60
- 48 hours: €85
- 72 hours: €100
- 96 hours: €115
- 120 hours: €125
You can purchase Iamsterdam City Cards online or at the Amsterdam Centraal train station.
Museumkaart
This pass is the best museum pass to use while visiting the Netherlands. The card lets you visit as many museums in Amsterdam and the Netherlands as you want because it is valid at hundreds of museums across the country. The pass also lasts one year from the date of purchase.
This pass DOES include free entry to the Van Gogh Museum as well as the Anne Frank House.
Click here for a comprehensive list of all available museums in Amsterdam and the Netherlands with the pass.
The pass cost is €75 for adults (no senior discount available).
You should purchase the Musemkaart directly from one of the many museums in Amsterdam, as you need the physical card for entry.
A Breakdown of the museums in Amsterdam I visited with the Iamsterdam City Card
Since I was in Amsterdam for less than 2 full days, I purchased the 24 hour pass. Here is a comprehensive list of each site and the associated entrance fees.
Amsterdam
- Rijksmuseum – €22.50
- Canal Cruise – €15
- Moco Museum – €21.95
- Stedelijk Museum – €22.50
Over the duration of 1.5 days, I was able to take a canal cruise and visit 4 museums in Amsterdam (including the Van Gogh Museum). Without the City Card I would have spent €81.95 (not including public transportation costs) vs. the €60 for the pass. If I had been traveling by myself, rather than with my mom, I would have been able to visit a few more places.
This pass is well worth the money for anyone that is a first time visitor looking to see many of the fantastic museums in Amsterdam.
If you love museums, read How to Visit the Best Museums in Belgium.
