The bustling city of Amsterdam is most famously known for the unique canal district, bicycling, and historic architecture. The city, rich in history, boasts a booming arts, entertainment, and food scene, offering a unique and welcoming experience for tourists.
The city is colorful and quirky. It be enjoyed by bike, foot, tram, or boat. Though most locals travel by bicycle, Amsterdam is remarkably walkable.
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I Amsterdam City Card
I carefully planned my quick four day trip to Amsterdam and packed accordingly. To maximize my short time exploring the rich history and picturesque canals of Amsterdam, I decided to purchase an I Amsterdam City Card. This card, active for a number of hours (times and rates vary), offers a unique and affordable way to experience Amsterdam.
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The card is available for purchase for 24, 48, 72, 96, or 120 hours. I decided to go with the 48-hour card.
The card offers free and discounted entry to the top attractions around the city. Your time card begins as soon as you enter your first attraction; mapping out a route is crucial.
I planned my stops taking into consideration the distance between attractions, transportation, and time spent at each attraction. I personally like to walk most cities when traveling as I find that to be a great form of exploration.
Because I visited Amsterdam in February, I also factored in my tolerance for cold weather (aka wimp), ensuring I developed the most logical course to balance my time outside.
The attractions included on the I Amsterdam City Card aligned with many of the attractions on my ‘must-see’ list. I selected my top choices for two of my four days there. This left me with two days to hit any additional attractions that either aren’t included on the card or that I didn’t have time to get to in the 48 hours that my card was active.
The list below is a compilation of attractions included but not limited to the offerings on the I Amsterdam City Card.
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PRICE COMPARISON
|
Attraction | Price with I Amsterdam City Card |
Typical Full-Price |
|
ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo | Free | €19.50 for children ages 3-9; €23.00 for 10 and up |
|
Van Gogh Museum | Free |
€19.00 for adults, 18 and under are free |
|
Amsterdam Museum | Free |
€15.00 for adults, 15 and under are free |
| Canal Cruise | Free |
~€18.50 (prices vary per cruise company) |
|
Rijksmuseum | €2.50 discount off entrance fee |
€19.00 for adults, 18 and under are free |
|
Oude Kerk (Old Church) | Free |
€12.00 for adults, 13 and under are free |
|
Tulip Museum | Free | €5.00 for adults, €10.00 for families |
|
A’Dam Lookout | 25% discount off entrance fee |
€13.50 for adults, €7.50 for children 4-12 |
|
Heineken Experience | 25% discount off entrance fee |
€18.00 for adults, €14.50 for children 12-17, children 11 and under are free |
| NEMO science museum |
Free |
€17.50 for adults, children under 4 are free |
I AMSTERDAM CITY CARD 2019 PRICING:
- 24 hours: €60.00
- 48 hours: €80.00
- 72 hours: €95.00
- 96 hours: €105.00
- 120 hours: €115.00
I Amsterdam City Card Sample Itinerary
Day 1:
- Morning: Amsterdam Museum
- Early afternoon: Lunch at Pancakes Amsterdam (25% discount)
- Pancakes are a Dutch novelty, try sweet, savory, or both!
- Mid-afternoon: Canal Cruise
- Late afternoon: Tulip museum
- Evening: Dinner at Restaurant Wagamama – Noodle Restaurant (25% discount). We love the Crispy Duck Ramen!
Day 2:
- Morning: Oude Kerk
- Early afternoon: Lunch De Koffieschenkerij (25% discount on coffee/tea with pie or cake)
- Coffee bar conveniently located outback of Oude Kerk
- Weather permitting, sit outside and enjoy the charming canal and city view
- Mid-afternoon: NEMO Science Museum
- Late afternoon: Van Gogh Museum
- Early evening: ARTIS Amsterdam royal zoo
- Evening: Dinner at Café In de Waag (25% discount)
- Built in 1448, originally known as St. Anthony’s Gate, served as part of the walls of Amsterdam
- The Waag is the oldest remaining non-religious building in Amsterdam
SAMPLE OF ATTRACTIONS ON THE I AMSTERDAM CITY CARD
Amsterdam Museum
The museum is very large and well curated with a vast mix of art, exhibits, and collaborative demonstrations. This museum is a great place to start your trip to lay the foundation of the history of Amsterdam. I recommend planning to spend roughly three hours here.
The Amsterdam museum is very a family-friendly, interactive museum, so your kids won’t be bored as you wander the halls.
CANAL CRUISE
It may seem touristy, but a canal cruise is a must-do while in Amsterdam. Famously picturesque, these narrow canals make up the unique architecture of the city.
The guided boat tour will last roughly one hour, navigating you through different ports across the city. Cruises depart from various docks throughout the day and night. While aboard, keep an eye out for the dancing houses.
TULIP MUSEUM
Don’t miss this tiny, underground museum detailing the history of the tulip’s relationship with The Netherlands. This charming museum is great for families and kids, and will take no longer than 30 minutes. Be sure pick up a tulip souvenir in the gift shop before you leave.
OUDE KERK
Also known as “Old Church.” This is Amsterdam’s oldest building and oldest parish church. While there, see the famous 17thcentury grand organ and climb the church tower to see the city from above.
NEMO SCIENCE MUSEUM
This interactive museum is great for kids and families. Weather permitting, check out the roof terrace and children’s play area with spectacular city views.
Van Gogh Museum
Houses the largest collection of works by the Dutch-native. Ticket reservations are required. Plan your date/time slot accordingly.
ARTIS AMSTERDAM ROYAL ZOO
In addition to the zoo, ARTIS is also home to an aquarium, planetarium, and arboretum. Be sure to check the schedule ahead of your visit to learn about daily activities and presentations.
RIJKSMUSEUM
A Dutch national museum carefully curated to highlight the arts and history of Amsterdam and the Netherlands. Rijksmuseum is home to Rembrandt’s The Night Watch among other famous pieces. Plan to spend roughly 2-3 hours here.
A’DAM LOOKOUT
Amsterdam’s observation deck located on the 20thfloor of the A’DAM Tower offers exceptional 360°views of the city. For adventure seekers, try the over-the-edge swing, swinging 100 meters over the edge of the tower. Stop in the restaurant to enjoy a beverage and snack with unparalleled views.
HEINEKEN EXPERIENCE
The Heineken Experience is an interactive tour that takes you through the history of the famous Amsterdam-born brewery. Book tickets in advance and enjoy a pint in the tasting room before you leave.
I AMSTERDAM CITY CARD RESTAURANT DISCOUNTS
In addition to free and discounted entry to top attractions, the card also offers discounts at participating restaurants. We were able to enjoy an authentic Dutch meal without breaking the bank. Enjoy a pint of La Trappe or a latte and authentic Dutch pancakes or croquettes at a cozy canal-side café.
The card also offers free public transportation on trams and buses and discounts on participating bike rentals. This is a nice perk when traveling in the colder months or when you need to give your feet a break.
Don’t worry, the transit system in Amsterdam is easy to navigate and frequent.
I AMSTERDAM CITY CARD WITH KIDS
The I Amsterdam City Card is administered one per person. However, you can scoop up additional discounts for children on the same card. You will pack a lot in a small amount of time but if you plan it strategically, you can cover plenty of ground and immerse yourself into the unique city of Amsterdam.
Of course, there are tons of other top attractions to see during your time in Amsterdam.
The I Amsterdam City Card won’t cover it all; but it is a great start. The package options are just enough to explore and learn, giving you flex time to see other historic attractions.
So, where will you go on the I Amsterdam City Card?
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