Amsterdam Pass: 45+ Things To Do – Includes Rijksmuseum

REVIEW · AMSTERDAM

Amsterdam Pass: 45+ Things To Do – Includes Rijksmuseum

  • 4.069 reviews
  • 1 to 5 days (approx.)
  • From $88.90
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Amsterdam has a way of pulling you in fast. This pass is a smart way to see a lot of the city without juggling dozens of paper tickets. With a phone-based Go City digital pass that includes major hits like the Rijksmuseum, you can move at your own pace while stacking admissions into 1, 2, 3, or 5 consecutive days.

What I like most is the mix. You get big-name museums plus very “Amsterdam” experiences—like a tasting at the Heineken Experience and a proper canal cruise—so your trip doesn’t turn into a checklist. I also love the practical setup: you download in the Go City app and don’t need to print anything.

One thing to think about: it’s not a magic wand. Some activities require reservations, you’ll need to plan route time and timing yourself, and this type of digital pass can create hiccups if a ticket won’t load at the door. I’d also note that food and getting around aren’t included unless an activity says otherwise.

In This Review

Key highlights at a glance

Amsterdam Pass: 45+ Things To Do - Includes Rijksmuseum - Key highlights at a glance

  • Rijksmuseum + Heineken Experience in one digital pass for heavy hitters early
  • Phone ticket only with the option to sync in the Go City app using Get ticket
  • Lots of variety: art, comedy, history, diamonds, canals, and day trips
  • Reservable experiences: use the app to lock in spots when needed
  • Canal time + skyline views: Stromma cruise and A’DAM Lookout are easy “wow” wins
  • Bike and pedal-boat options that make it feel like a DIY day, not a tour bus day

Price and value: is $88.90 a good deal?

Amsterdam Pass: 45+ Things To Do - Includes Rijksmuseum - Price and value: is $88.90 a good deal?
At $88.90 per person, the Amsterdam Pass can be a good value if you plan to use it hard. The pricing logic is simple: you’re paying for a bundle of admission tickets, then using the Go City app to pick which included spots fit your days.

Here’s how you decide if it’s worth it for you:

  • If you want at least 3–5 major paid attractions (think Rijksmuseum-level museums, a cruise, and one or two “experience” stops), the pass usually starts to look like a bargain.
  • If you only want one or two top sights, buying those tickets directly may be cheaper and less hassle.
  • Your best value comes from packing your schedule with included entries, since each attraction can be visited once.

I’ll be blunt: this is best for travelers who like choice and momentum. If you prefer slow days with no planning, you may still have fun—but the pass won’t flex enough to feel like a steal.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Amsterdam.

How the Go City pass works (and what affects your plans)

Amsterdam Pass: 45+ Things To Do - Includes Rijksmuseum - How the Go City pass works (and what affects your plans)
This is a digital pass you access on your phone. After booking, your pass is available immediately, and you can hit Get ticket to update your email and sync the pass in the Go City app.

A couple of rules that matter a lot for planning:

  • Your pass is activated when you visit your first included attraction.
  • It stays valid for the number of consecutive calendar days you bought (not 24-hour periods). So if you start on a Friday, your “day count” is calendar-based from that point, even if you don’t use every hour of the last day.

Another practical note: included attractions can change, and some activities require reservations. The Go City app/digital guide is your friend here. Use it early so you don’t show up hoping you’ll magically get a time slot.

Choosing your own Amsterdam rhythm: museums, views, and experiences

What makes this pass feel different from a single guided tour is that it mixes “big museum” time with “only-in-Amsterdam” experiences. You can build a day around art and history, or you can pivot toward canals, comedy, or something a little quirky.

I like that you can aim for:

  • 1–2 heavyweight museums
  • 1 easy scenic win (observation deck or canal cruise)
  • 1 hands-on or experience-style stop (tasting, simulation, diamonds, house of Bols cocktail time)
  • Optional: a day trip if you want a break from the center

Now let’s walk through the included stops and what to expect.

Heineken Experience: two complimentary glasses and a real production story

Amsterdam Pass: 45+ Things To Do - Includes Rijksmuseum - Heineken Experience: two complimentary glasses and a real production story
If you want a fun, easy start, the Heineken Experience is a strong pick. It’s built like an informational tour plus an enjoyable payoff at the end: you get two complimentary glasses of Heineken in the tasting room.

What I’d expect going in:

  • You’ll learn Heineken’s heritage, plus how the brewing process works and what makes it different.
  • There’s also a focus on innovations and sponsorships, so it’s not just “beer history.”

Potential drawback: it’s timed like a classic attraction visit. If you’re the type who hates crowds, go earlier in the day.

Rijksmuseum: making a huge museum feel manageable

Amsterdam Pass: 45+ Things To Do - Includes Rijksmuseum - Rijksmuseum: making a huge museum feel manageable
The Rijksmuseum is one of the city’s top must-sees for European masterpieces. With a typical included visit window of about two hours, you’ll want to be strategic.

Here’s how I’d make the most of your time:

  • Pick a few priorities before you arrive, then let everything else be a bonus.
  • Don’t try to see everything. Two hours is enough to get a strong sense of the museum’s range, but not enough to “finish” it.

Value-wise, this is one of the most meaningful inclusions in the pass. If you care about art, it can single-handedly justify the money.

Moco Museum Amsterdam: modern art when you want a reset

Amsterdam Pass: 45+ Things To Do - Includes Rijksmuseum - Moco Museum Amsterdam: modern art when you want a reset
After traditional masterpieces, Moco Museum is a welcome shift. It focuses on modern and contemporary art and is specifically known for Banksy & More.

What to expect:

  • A shorter, punchier visit of around an hour.
  • A style of art experience that feels more flexible if you don’t want to sit with centuries of paintings.

Possible drawback: modern art can be hit-or-miss for some people. If you only want classic galleries, you might prefer spending that time elsewhere.

A’DAM Lookout: skyline views that quickly “click” Amsterdam into place

Amsterdam Pass: 45+ Things To Do - Includes Rijksmuseum - A’DAM Lookout: skyline views that quickly “click” Amsterdam into place
A’DAM Lookout is a top pick when you want instant orientation. It’s an observation deck with panoramic views across Amsterdam, including the historical center, the port area, the Dutch polder scenery, and the canal network.

Why I like it:

  • It’s easy to fit into a day.
  • Even if you’ve never been to Amsterdam, the view helps you understand where things are.

Tip: go earlier or later in the day if crowds and glare are a concern. If you’re already doing a lot of indoor museum time, this is a needed reset.

Stromma canal cruise: the best way to “see” Amsterdam without walking

Amsterdam Pass: 45+ Things To Do - Includes Rijksmuseum - Stromma canal cruise: the best way to “see” Amsterdam without walking
This is one of the most natural pairings with any museum plan. The canal cruise is relaxing, and you float past major sights, including Anne Frank’s House and the Westerkerk.

What you’ll get:

  • A scenic route that helps you connect what you saw on foot with how the city is laid out.
  • Less physical fatigue compared with doing everything by walking.

Why it feels special: Amsterdam’s canals are the city’s main organizing system. A cruise makes that obvious fast.

This is Holland (5D): a quick, effects-heavy “story” of the country

If you want a break from galleries and walking, this 5D flight simulation is built to entertain. It includes four shows and uses special effects to create the sensation of soaring over iconic sights.

Consider this if:

  • You like interactive attractions.
  • You want something straightforward after a museum day.

Possible drawback: it’s not a calm, slow experience. If you’re sensitive to special effects, you might want to skip it.

Houseboat Museum: real-life canal living on Prinsengracht

The Houseboat Museum sits on the Prinsengracht canal in the Jordaan district area. You board the houseboat (Hendrika Maria) and see how it was converted into comfortable living quarters.

Why I think you’ll enjoy it:

  • It’s a “how people live” angle, not just a show.
  • It feels like Amsterdam’s canal lifestyle in a very direct way.

Potential drawback: since it’s a houseboat setup, space is naturally limited. If you’re big on comfort and wide hallways, plan for that.

Tour de Bonton: a serious history lesson packaged as a frank tour

This is a brothel tour with a former sex worker, which makes it one of the more human, real-person angles included here. You learn about the history of the building and sex work across the ages.

Important note: it’s not a joke attraction. If you’re going for a light afternoon, you might not love it. If you’re curious about social history and want something different from museums, it’s a strong choice.

Royal Coster Diamonds + Diamond Museum Amsterdam: how gems become jewelry

These are two separate diamond-focused stops, and they work well if you like craft and process.

Royal Coster Diamonds:

  • You get a private tour with your own personal guide.
  • You’ll hear how diamonds form and are polished, with the chance to see polishers and goldsmiths up close.
  • It also explains why Royal Coster became a premier diamond house for royals around the world.

Diamond Museum Amsterdam:

  • A museum focused on 400 years of diamond history.
  • It’s described as Europe’s only museum dedicated to diamonds, which gives it a very specific identity.

Possible drawback: if diamonds and jewelry don’t interest you, you might find these redundant. In that case, swap one out for something else like the Maritime Museum or the Maritime Dungeon-style history attractions.

Amsterdam’s “drink culture” side: Bols Cocktail Experience

The House of Bols Cocktail Experience focuses on genever, described as the world’s oldest distilled brand and a predecessor of gin. It includes a museum, tasting room, and a sleek bar component.

You should pick this if:

  • You like tastings and learning how spirits fit into Dutch culture.
  • You’d rather do an interactive adults-only-ish style stop than another gallery.

Potential drawback: it’s self-guided, so you won’t get the same type of guided explanation you might with the diamond tour. Still, the tasting element does a lot of the work.

Amsterdam Pipe Museum + Tulip Museum: small museums with a clear theme

These are compact stops that can be surprisingly memorable.

Amsterdam Pipe Museum:

  • Covers 2,500 years and includes objects from five continents.
  • If you love design objects and everyday history, this is a clever fit.

Amsterdam Tulip Museum:

  • Focuses on tulips’ cultural significance in the Netherlands.
  • It’s small, but dynamic, and it runs year-round.

Why they’re valuable in a pass:

  • They break up the heavier museums with lower-pressure, theme-focused visits.
  • You can drop them into a morning or afternoon without draining the whole day.

Amsterdam Pipe Museum, Maritime Museum, and the Dungeon: history with different moods

If you’re drawn to stories about the city, these three create a nice spectrum.

Het Scheepvaartmuseum (National Maritime Museum):

  • Interactive exhibits and historical artifacts from the Dutch Golden Age.
  • It’s positioned as fun and educational, with 500 years of maritime history.

The Amsterdam Dungeon:

  • A more theatrical history experience, described as starting 500 years back and using fear-inducing storytelling elements like the Torture Chamber.
  • Expect a dark, staged experience.

Possible drawback: if you hate horror-style entertainment, skip the Dungeon. If you love it, it’s a great night-friendly option that keeps you from burning another museum day.

Madame Tussauds + Our House + Boom Chicago: pop culture and stage energy

Not every included entry is “quiet.” These add variety.

Madame Tussauds Amsterdam:

  • Waxwork celebrities across themed zones (movie legends, pop heroes, sports stars, artists).

Our House Experience:

  • A modern immersive setup with floor-to-ceiling projections and DJ-curated interactive installations.
  • It’s described as a toe-tapping, head-nodding sound-and-vision experience.

Boom Chicago:

  • An English-language comedy troupe known for sketches, improv, and songs in Amsterdam’s Jordaan area.
  • If you want an evening that doesn’t require museum brainpower, this is a good bet.

Possible drawback: if you’re mainly into art/history, these can feel less essential. But they’re also exactly what keeps your schedule from going flat.

Bike time with MacBike: cover more ground at your pace

You can rent bikes through MacBike at several central locations: Central Station De Ruijterkade, Oosterdok, Waterlooplein, and Vondelpark. It’s listed as an 8-hour option and is framed as a flexible way to cycle canals, Jordaan, or even outside the city.

This is a big deal for value because Amsterdam is ideal for cycling. If you use it well, you’ll see more with less effort.

Things to consider:

  • You’re responsible for route choice and comfort.
  • You’ll still need to follow basic city cycling rules and feel confident riding.

Pedal Boat with Stromma: slow-motion sightseeing on the water

The Stromma pedal boat option lets you steer around canal routes at your own pace. It’s designed so you can choose specific areas you want to explore.

Why you might love it:

  • It’s active, but not stressful.
  • It turns “seeing the canals” into “being on the canals.”

Possible drawback: weather can matter. If it’s windy or rainy, you may not feel like spending time on the water.

Day trips that change your perspective: Zaanse Schans, Rotterdam, and beyond

The pass includes several longer outings, and they’re where you can trade city crowds for classic Dutch scenery.

Zaanse Schans:

  • Windmill village open-air museum with working windmills and historic wooden houses/barns and shops from the 18th and 19th centuries.
  • Reservations are required for this activity.

Rotterdam, Delft & The Hague Live Guided Tour:

  • An 8-hour round-trip with a guide.
  • Focuses on the “lesser-explored” cities of the Netherlands, packing in sights with a knowledgeable leader.

Volendam, Edam & Windmills Bus Excursion:

  • A half-day style outing (about 5 hours).
  • Includes Zaanse Schans windmill village, Edam, and Volendam.

Keukenhof (seasonal):

  • Entry plus a shuttle bus transfer.
  • It’s seasonal and timed for spring (the listing notes next operating spring 2025).
  • You’re looking at a major flower garden experience with about 7 million bulbs across 32 hectares.

How to choose:

  • If you want classic windmills, pick Zaanse Schans and/or Volendam/Edam.
  • If you want city variety beyond Amsterdam, choose the Rotterdam/Delft/The Hague day.
  • If you’re visiting in spring and flowers are your thing, Keukenhof can become your trip’s photo anchor.

Other included stops worth slotting in

A few more entries can add flavor, depending on your taste:

Muiderslot:

  • A medieval castle built in the 13th century, with guided Golden Age rooms and an armory visit.

Amsterdam Pipe Museum and Amsterdam Tulip Museum:

  • Already covered above, but they’re great for theme lovers.

Madurodam:

  • A miniature park of Dutch sights and cities.

Who Is Amsterdam Tours (guided walking tour):

  • A guided history and culture walk with tips from a local guide, around two hours.

Madame Tussauds:

  • Good for quick fun if you’re traveling with people who enjoy celebrity culture.

Also included, and easy wins if you’re into them:

  • Moco Museum for modern art
  • Heineken for brewing and tasting
  • A’DAM Lookout for views
  • Canal cruise for the city layout
  • A mix of pop culture and comedy to keep the schedule varied

Scheduling tips: how to build days that don’t feel like a sprint

This pass can easily become too much of a good thing. Here’s how I’d structure it so it stays enjoyable:

  • Start with one big anchor each day (Rijksmuseum or a major experience like the Heineken Experience).
  • Add one “scenic” stop (A’DAM Lookout or the Stromma cruise). You’ll remember those even if you forget half the museum labels.
  • Put the smaller museums (Pipe Museum, Tulip Museum) in the gaps when you want something calmer.
  • For day trips, commit. Don’t stack two long excursions in one calendar day.

If you’re aiming for 4–5 days, you can spread the “musts” across the pass and still leave room for wandering neighborhoods like Jordaan and the canal streets.

Should you book the Amsterdam Pass?

Book it if:

  • You want Rijksmuseum plus at least a few other paid experiences and you’ll use the pass for multiple entries.
  • You like choice and building your own plan with the Go City app.
  • You want a mix of museums, canals, and classic day trips without buying tickets one-by-one.

Consider passing or adjusting if:

  • You only plan to visit a small number of included attractions.
  • You’re not comfortable reserving when a reservation is required.
  • You prefer guided logistics handled for you, because this pass still depends on your personal planning and timing.

If you fall in the first group, this is a strong value-focused way to see Amsterdam. The best parts are the ones that give you both story and scenery: the Rijksmuseum for art, the Heineken Experience for a fun paid “show,” and the canal cruise plus skyline views to help the whole city make sense fast.

FAQ

How many days is the pass valid for?

The pass is available for 1, 2, 3, or 5 days and is valid for that number of consecutive calendar days after you activate it with your first attraction visit.

Do I need to print the pass?

No. It’s a digital pass you can download and use on your phone.

What language is the pass offered in?

It’s offered in English.

Is transportation included with the pass?

No. Transportation to and from attractions isn’t included unless an activity specifically states otherwise.

Do I need reservations for all activities?

Not all of them. Some activities require reservations, and the Go City app or digital guide provides the up-to-date reservation guidance.

Can I visit the same included attraction more than once?

No. Each attraction can only be visited once under the pass.

Is the Rijksmuseum included?

Yes, the pass includes the Rijksmuseum.

Are food and drinks included?

Food and drinks aren’t included unless the specific attraction says they are.

What happens if I cancel?

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid won’t be refunded.

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