The I amsterdam City Card Explorer: Special Edition, launched in May 2026, is a “pick and mix” alternative to the traditional I amsterdam City Card. Instead of paying for unlimited access over a fixed number of hours, you choose 3, 5 or 7 attractions and get 5 full days to visit them – with no public transport included.
If you already know exactly which museums you want to visit, the Explorer Card can be easier to calculate and use than the traditional card. In this article you’ll find the I amsterdam Explorer Card prices, what’s included, and calculate whether it’s a better value for the price for your trip.
Please note: in this article I cover the official city tourist card called I amsterdam City Card Explorer, not Go City Amsterdam Explorer Pass.
In this guide
I amsterdam City Card Explorer prices in 2026
You choose how many attractions to pick – 3, 5 or 7 – and pay one fixed price. The more attractions you pick, the lower your cost per attraction.
| Attractions | Child price | Adult price | Cost per attraction (adult) | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 activities | €29 | €44 | €14,67 | Book → |
| 5 activities | €39 | €74 | €14,80 | Book → |
| 7 activities | €49 | €99 | €14,14 | Book → |
Note: these prices do not include public transport. Unlike the traditional I amsterdam City Card, the Explorer Card is attractions-only.
What’s included in the I amsterdam Explorer Card?
You can pick your attractions from the same list as the traditional I amsterdam City Card – over 70 museums, attractions, bike rentals and canal cruises. See the full list of included museums and attractions with current prices to plan your picks.
| City Card | Explorer Card | |
|---|---|---|
| Museums & attractions | ✓ Unlimited (70+) | ✓ Choose 3, 5 or 7 |
| Canal cruise | ✓ Included | ✓ Can be one of your picks |
| Bike rental (24h) | ✓ Included | ✓ Can be one of your picks |
| Public transport | ✓ Unlimited GVB | ✗ Not included |
How the Explorer Card works
| 1. Order online | Choose 3, 5 or 7 attractions from the eligible list when you book. |
| 2. Activate | The card activates the moment you enter your first attraction – not at the moment of purchase. |
| 3. Valid for 5 days | Once activated, you have 5 full days to use all your chosen attractions – no fixed hour count like the standard card. |
| 4. Book timeslots | Popular museums (like the Rijksmuseum) still require a separate timeslot booking, same as with the regular City Card. |
This is the biggest practical difference from the traditional card: the regular I amsterdam City Card counts down in hours (24-120h) from your first check-in, while the Explorer Card gives you a flat 5-day window regardless of how many attractions you picked.
Note: both cards offer child pricing – the Explorer Card is not the only option with kids’ rates. The regular I amsterdam City Card also has a children’s price (from €40, available since June 2026).
Is it worth it? Example itineraries
Here’s what the savings look like in practice, using real 2026 ticket prices.
3 activities: NEMO + Artis Royal Zoo + A’DAM Lookout
| Attraction | Adult price | Child price |
|---|---|---|
| NEMO Science Museum | €21,50 | €21,50 |
| Artis Royal Zoo | €32,50 | €27,50 |
| A’DAM Lookout | €18,50 | €12,50 |
| Total separately | €72,50 | €61,50 |
| Explorer Card (3 activities) | €44 | €29 |
Adult savings: €28,50
Child savings: €32,50
5 activities: add Rijksmuseum + Rembrandt House
| Attraction | Adult price | Child price |
|---|---|---|
| NEMO Science Museum | €21,50 | €21,50 |
| Artis Royal Zoo | €32,50 | €27,50 |
| A’DAM Lookout | €18,50 | €12,50 |
| Rijksmuseum | €27 | free |
| Rembrandt House Museum | €23,50 | €8 |
| Total separately | €123 | €69,50 |
| Explorer Card (5 activities) | €74 | €39 |
Adult savings: €49
Child savings: €30,50
If you’re planning to visit other museums and attractions, check the full list of included museums with current 2026 prices and do the maths.
I amsterdam City Card vs Explorer Card: which is better?
There’s no single right answer – it depends on your plans. Mostly the traditional version of the I amsterdam City Card is when you want more flexibility and the I amsterdam Explorer Card is a better choice when you already have a fixed itinerary.
| I amsterdam City Card | Explorer Card | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Trips with multiple museum visits and lots of public transport | Shorter trips, fewer but planned attractions |
| Attractions | Unlimited (70+) | Choose 3, 5 or 7 |
| Public transport | Unlimited GVB included | Not included |
| Validity | 24-120 hours from first check-in | 5 days from first check-in |
| Starting price (adult) | €67 (24h) | €44 (3 activities) |
| Best if you’re visiting | 4+ museums and using trams/buses often | 3-5 must-see attractions and walking/cycling |
Rule of thumb: if you’re relying on public transport, the regular I amsterdam City Card is almost always the better deal, since transport alone is worth €10+ per day. If you’re staying central and know exactly what you want to see, the Explorer Card is simpler to budget for.
FAQ about the I amsterdam City Card Explorer
When was the I amsterdam City Card Explorer launched?
The Explorer: Special Edition launched on 16 May 2026.
How long is the Explorer Card valid?
Once activated (at your first attraction visit), the Explorer Card is valid for 5 days.
Does the Explorer Card include public transport?
No. Unlike the traditional I amsterdam City Card, the Explorer Card does not include public transport in Amsterdam.
Can I choose any attraction for my Explorer Card?
You can choose from the same list of 70+ museums, attractions, bike rentals and cruises as the traditional City Card. Check the full list before you pick.
Is there a children’s price for the Explorer Card?
Yes. Children pay less than adults at every tier: €29 for 3 activities, €39 for 5 activities, and €49 for 7 activities.
Do I still need to book timeslots with the Explorer Card?
Yes. Popular museums such as the Rijksmuseum still require a separate timeslot booking, exactly as with the traditional I amsterdam City Card.
Explorer Card or regular I amsterdam City Card – which should I buy?
If you’ll be using public transport often or visiting 4+ attractions, the regular City Card is usually better value. If you only want 3-7 specific attractions and are walking or cycling, the Explorer Card is simpler and can be cheaper.
Related articles
- I amsterdam City Card review: is it worth it?
- List of museums included in I amsterdam card with 2026 prices
- 2-day Amsterdam itinerary for first-time visitors
- Museumkaart vs I amsterdam Card: which pass is better?
- Rijksmuseum: tickets and prices
About the author
The article is written by Anastasia Dudina, Netherlands resident since 2013 and the founder of Amsterdam Explorer and Holland Explorer.
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