One pass, a stack of Amsterdam highlights, and far less ticket chaos. The Amsterdam Explorer Pass from Go City is built for flexibility: choose 3 to 7 attractions, then hit them on a digital ticket over a set window of time. It works especially well if you want mix-and-match days instead of lining up to buy individual entry fees.
I like the straightforward setup: you use the Go City app to access your pass and follow the latest access instructions. I also love the lineup range, from classic sights like the Amsterdam Canal Cruise to modern picks like Moco Museum and the big-view hit at A’DAM LOOKOUT.
The main thing to watch is that some popular activities need reservations and opening hours can vary. If you’re traveling in peak periods or you pick attractions that only run on certain days, you’ll want to plan ahead so your pass doesn’t turn into a waiting game.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you buy
- How the Go City Amsterdam Explorer Pass Saves You Money
- Picking Your Attractions: Museums, Views, Canal Time, and Oddball Fun
- A Smart First-Day Plan: Bike Rental, Canal Cruise, and Quick Wins
- Museums and Art Stops That Fit Different Moods
- Views and Big Ticket Energy: A’DAM LOOKOUT, THIS IS HOLLAND, and More
- Food, Cocktails, and Tours: When Reservations Make the Difference
- Using the Go City App: Scan-Ready Without Ticket Chaos
- Getting In at Each Stop: What You Do at the Ticket Gate
- Timing Notes: Opening Hours, Seasonal Options, and Day Planning
- Who This Amsterdam Explorer Pass Is Best For
- Should You Book the Amsterdam Explorer Pass with Go City?
- FAQ
- What is included in the Amsterdam Explorer Pass?
- How many attractions can I choose with this pass?
- How long is the pass valid?
- Do attractions require reservations?
- What do I show to get into attractions?
- Is transportation to attractions included?
Key things to know before you buy

- Choose 3–7 attractions from a menu of 35+ options, so you’re not forced into a fixed route
- Save up to 50% versus buying tickets one by one, especially if you pick several top paid entries
- Digital pass on your phone: scan at the gate or ticket office after syncing in the app
- Strong mix of experiences: museums, views, canal time, comedy, and even tours with specific themes
- Reservations are the pinch point for the most popular picks, so book early when the app asks
How the Go City Amsterdam Explorer Pass Saves You Money

This pass is designed to solve one of Amsterdam’s biggest problems for independent travelers: every museum, cruise, and attraction has its own ticket purchase flow and price tag. With the Amsterdam Explorer Pass, you pay once, then use that digital pass to get entry to a set number of attractions.
The price shown here is $52 per person for an Explorer Pass valid for 30 days. That 30-day clock matters. In practice, you want to make sure the number of attractions you choose (3, 4, 5, 6, or 7) matches how hard you plan to sightseeing. If you only visit a couple things, you may not feel the savings. If you pack in several paid attractions, the math usually gets comfortable fast.
The pass also helps you avoid a common budget trap: you think you’ll spend money on just one or two “big ticket” experiences, then you end up adding more because Amsterdam is so good at pulling you in. This pass gives you a built-in ceiling—your additional choices are already paid for once they’re included in your attraction count.
One more practical note: pass value depends on which experiences you choose. A museum entry plus a canal cruise plus a major paid experience (like a big-view lookout or a themed show) tends to feel like a win. If you mostly pick free or low-cost sights, the pass won’t feel as necessary.
Also, there’s flexibility if plans change. The pass offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and there’s a reserve now & pay later option. That’s useful if you’re still juggling where you’ll spend your mornings and afternoons.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Amsterdam.
Picking Your Attractions: Museums, Views, Canal Time, and Oddball Fun

The Go City Amsterdam Explorer Pass gives you a menu of attractions and tours, and the best part is that the list doesn’t force you into just one style of day. You can build around art, canal cruising, classic Amsterdam icons, or quirky, themed experiences.
Here’s a way to think about it.
Art and museums (good for rain days or slow mornings):
- Moco Museum – Banksy & more (modern art and street-art energy)
- Stedelijk Museum and Museum Het Rembrandthuis
- Rembrandts Amsterdam Experience and Immersive Experience AMAZE – Amsterdam
- Diamond Museum Amsterdam, Diamond Experience, and House of Bols Cocktail Experience (less about art-on-the-wall, more about Amsterdam crafts and brands)
Landmarks and photo moments (good for your first days):
- A’DAM LOOKOUT for a high-up city view vibe
- Madame Tussauds Amsterdam if you want quick selfie-ready fun
- Amsterdam Dungeon for a darker, story-driven break from galleries
Amsterdam by water (good for the heart of the city):
- Amsterdam Canal Cruise is the classic choice because it’s also a convenient way to cover a lot of sights with minimal walking
- Pedal Boat Amsterdam and Houseboat Museum give you “on the water” variety beyond sitting on a boat
Amsterdam “experiences” and shows (good when you want less museum time):
- Boom Chicago – Improv Comedy Show (fun, English-friendly entertainment type)
- THIS IS HOLLAND with its 5D flight simulator (high-impact experience if you want something you can’t recreate at home)
- Hello Amsterdam – Introduction Walking Tour (reservation required) for a guided start
- Self-guided Foodie Tour of Jordaan (reservation required) if you’re hungry for a neighborhood intro
Tours with specific themes (only if it fits your comfort level):
- A Brothel Tour with Former Sex Worker is on the list. That can be educational and candid, but it’s not a casual stroll. If your group prefers lighter themes, pick something else.
This mix is what makes the pass feel like a smart planning tool rather than a one-size-fits-all ticket. You’re not locked into one theme, and you can design days around your energy.
A Smart First-Day Plan: Bike Rental, Canal Cruise, and Quick Wins

If you’re building a first-day schedule, I’d set it up like this: get bearings fast, then reward yourself with something iconic.
Start with Bike Rental in Amsterdam. Amsterdam is made for two wheels, and a bike plan early helps you learn how neighborhoods connect. You don’t have to go far. Even a loop around a familiar area can help you understand the pace, bike lanes, and how to cross safely.
Then, move into something you don’t have to plan minute-by-minute: the Amsterdam Canal Cruise. It’s a payoff experience because it turns the city into moving scenery. You’ll spot bridges, canals, and landmark silhouettes without needing to navigate every turn on foot.
This combo also balances your day. Biking is active. Cruising is chill. And that matters when you’re trying to avoid the classic Amsterdam trap: you squeeze too much “walking sightseeing” into day one and then your legs say no by day two.
If you’re a museum-first type, you can flip the order. But the bike + cruise pairing tends to be a strong way to get comfortable with the city layout and still have fun.
Museums and Art Stops That Fit Different Moods

One reason I like this pass lineup is how many ways it covers “art time.” Not all museums feel the same, and Amsterdam’s art and culture scene includes everything from street art to classic painters to hands-on exhibitions.
Here are practical ways to choose.
Moco Museum – Banksy & more
If you want something contemporary and photo-friendly, this is an easy pick. It’s not just about famous names; it’s about vibe. If your group likes modern art and you want a museum visit that doesn’t feel like homework, this helps.
Anne Frank Last Walk + Virtual Reality Experience
This is emotionally heavier. If you choose it, treat it as a meaningful stop, not a box-check. Also plan your pacing around it, since reflective content can take time.
Rembrandts Amsterdam Experience / Museum Het Rembrandthuis / Stedelijk Museum
This cluster works well if your group has different art preferences. You can mix an art-leaning day with a separate style of experience later using your remaining attractions.
Immersive Experience AMAZE – Amsterdam
If your group prefers doing rather than reading labels, an immersive format can break up a sightseeing day. I like pairing something interactive with a traditional museum so the days don’t blur.
What’s the catch? Hours. Opening times can change, and popular attractions may require reservations. So if you’re set on a specific museum, check the Go City app’s most up-to-date instructions before you lock your plans for the day.
Views and Big Ticket Energy: A’DAM LOOKOUT, THIS IS HOLLAND, and More

Amsterdam has two kinds of “big moments”: classic scenery and experiences that feel like a special event.
A’DAM LOOKOUT is your classic high-view option. It’s the kind of stop you can build around photography, orientation, and that wow-the-city-is-wide feeling.
THIS IS HOLLAND with its 5D flight simulator adds a different kind of wow. It’s great when you want something more kinetic than standing in a gallery. If the weather is bad, it can also be a reliable choice because it’s not dependent on being outdoors.
Amsterdam Dungeon gives you story and performance in a darker theme. If you want a break from museums but still want “Amsterdam-adjacent” entertainment, it can fit well.
Boom Chicago – Improv Comedy Show is another flexibility win. Comedy is a strong reset when you’ve had too many quiet interiors in one day.
For these big-ticket items, I recommend you treat your pass as part of a strategy: pick one “headline” attraction per day, then add one supporting attraction (like a museum or canal stop). That avoids over-scheduling and lets you actually enjoy what you paid for.
Food, Cocktails, and Tours: When Reservations Make the Difference

Not every attraction on the pass is a walk-up. Several require reservations, and that’s where your pass can either feel effortless or feel like extra planning.
Here are examples from the pass list:
- Hello Amsterdam – Introduction Walking Tour (reservation required)
- Self-guided Foodie Tour of Jordaan (reservation required)
There are also experience-style stops that may run on set schedules, like shows and structured attractions.
Then there’s the food-and-drink angle:
- House of Bols Cocktail Experience
- Diamond Experience / Diamond Experience type stops for craft and brand storytelling
If you like the idea of planning your day around “one bookable tour” plus “one flexible sightseeing block,” use the reservation-required items as anchors. Schedule them first in your day plan, then fill the gaps with attractions that don’t depend on a tight appointment window.
Also remember: food and drinks are not included unless the attraction explicitly says so. That’s important for budgeting. Your pass covers entry, not meals, unless specified by the experience.
Using the Go City App: Scan-Ready Without Ticket Chaos

This is the area where the pass earns a lot of goodwill. The system is built so you can keep everything on your phone.
You’ll need a charged smartphone, and you’ll want to sync your pass with the Go City app as instructed after booking. You can typically save the pass to your phone/tablet or print a copy, but the app is the main method for most people.
At the attraction, customers go straight to the ticket office or gate and show the pass for scanning. That’s a big deal because Amsterdam’s attractions are often in different locations with different entry rules. Having one method—scan your digital pass—reduces friction.
One more practical advantage: the app and digital guidebook can be updated with the most current attraction list, opening times, and access instructions. That means you’re not relying on outdated info when you’re already in the city.
To keep the experience smooth:
- check reservation prompts early in the app
- confirm opening hours before you set out
- assume some attractions may not run every day
The pass is most rewarding when you treat the app like your source of truth.
Getting In at Each Stop: What You Do at the Ticket Gate

The day-of process is simple on paper: go straight to the attraction, then scan your pass at the gate or ticket office. No tour group pickup. No paper booklet hunt.
In practice, that simplicity still needs one thing from you: timing. If an attraction has a reservation window or time slot, arrive with enough cushion to get in without stress. If you’re arriving late, you can miss entry.
Also, attractions are subject to change. That doesn’t mean the pass fails; it means you should expect a small shuffle in your exact selections. The app is the place to check what’s current.
If you run into issues with booking or access steps in the guide material, some attractions can help directly once you reach the venue. That’s a good reminder to keep your confidence and bring your pass details along.
Timing Notes: Opening Hours, Seasonal Options, and Day Planning

Amsterdam is full of attractions, but not all of them run every day, and some options are seasonal.
If you’re visiting during holiday periods or shoulder season, double-check opening hours. Also check if any items are seasonal. For example, there’s a ferry to Muiderslot Castle that’s seasonal and runs April to October.
This is why I don’t pick attractions blindly. I map them to realistic days. If you choose a seasonal option, plan it when it’s actually running. If you choose a museum that might have day-to-day changes, I schedule it with flexibility around it.
A simple rule helps: don’t put all your “must-do” attractions on one single day. Spread them across your trip within your 30-day usage window.
Who This Amsterdam Explorer Pass Is Best For
This pass fits best when you want to control your schedule and you’re okay with planning a bit in advance.
You’ll likely love it if:
- you want 3–7 paid attractions without paying each ticket individually
- you prefer building your own days (instead of joining a fixed tour)
- you like using your phone for tickets and quick updates
- you’re mixing big sights (canals, views) with museums or experiences
It may be less ideal if:
- your itinerary is very light and you only want a couple paid entries
- your group hates any reservation planning
- you’re traveling very last minute and you can’t adjust quickly if an attraction requires a booking
Should You Book the Amsterdam Explorer Pass with Go City?
I’d book it if your Amsterdam plan includes multiple paid attractions and you’re comfortable using the app to manage timing. The biggest win is value when you pick several of the headline experiences from the list, especially when you combine something classic (like the Canal Cruise or A’DAM LOOKOUT) with one or two museums or shows.
I wouldn’t book it if you’re hoping for a mostly spontaneous, “only walk around” trip with minimal ticketed stops. In that case, buying individual tickets might be simpler and cheaper.
If you do book, pick your attractions early, reserve where the app asks, and let the pass structure your days. Then Amsterdam does what it does best: it keeps giving you things worth seeing.
FAQ
What is included in the Amsterdam Explorer Pass?
The pass includes entry to 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 attractions and tours (depending on the option you select), plus a digital guide.
How many attractions can I choose with this pass?
You can visit 3 to 7 attractions using the Explorer Pass. The exact number depends on which pass option you purchase.
How long is the pass valid?
Your pass is valid for 30 days. It also states that passes are valid for 1 year from purchase date, and they become activated with your first attraction visit, after which you have 30 days to use the remaining attractions purchased.
Do attractions require reservations?
Some of the most popular activities require reservations. The Go City app or digital guidebook shows which items need reservations, and you should reserve well in advance to avoid disappointment.
What do I show to get into attractions?
You go straight to the attraction and show the pass at the ticket office or gate to be scanned for admission.
Is transportation to attractions included?
No. Transportation to and from attractions is not included, unless an attraction specifically states otherwise.























