Museumkaart vs I amsterdam City Card: which Amsterdam museum pass saves you more money? I have been living in the Netherlands for the past 13 years and have used both passes a lot, both for myself and for visiting friends. In this article, I’ll explain the pros and cons of each pass and help you choose the best option.
Last updated: July 14, 2026
In short: If you live in the Netherlands, the Museumkaart is the better option. But for tourists, the I amsterdam City Card is usually a better value for the price. It includes entry to many museums in Amsterdam and Haarlem, free public transport, a canal cruise, 24-hour bike rental, and many discounts.
- Tip: the I amsterdam website is not always very clear about what exactly is included in the card. However, you can also find the official brochure with a much better overview. Here is a complete list of museums and their regular admission prices, so you can easily calculate whether the I amsterdam City Card is worth buying.
- New! Use our I amsterdam City Card calculator – and check how much you can save.
Museumkaart vs I amsterdam City Card: quick comparison
| Museumkaart | I amsterdam City Card | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (2026) | € 75 / year (adults), € 39 / year (under 18) | From € 67 (24h) to € 140 (120h) |
| Best for | Residents and frequent visitors | Tourists staying a few days |
| Museums included | ✅ 500+ across the Netherlands, unlimited visits | ✅ Selected museums, one visit each |
| Van Gogh Museum | ✅ Included | ❌ Not included |
| Anne Frank House | ❌ Not included | ❌ Not included |
| Public transport | ❌ Not included | ✅ Included |
| Canal cruise | ❌ Not included | ✅ Included |
| Bike rental | ❌ Not included | ✅ 24 hours included |
| Registration | Photo + EU postal address required for the permanent card | None – use immediately |
Let’s take a closer look at both options!
What is the Museumkaart?
The Museumkaart (Museum Card, Museum pass) is an annual pass that gives unlimited access to more than 500 museums across the Netherlands.
The Museumkaart includes entry to:
- 50 museums in Amsterdam (including the NEMO Science Museum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum, and the Stedelijk Museum)
- 500 museums in the Netherlands
How much does the Museumkaart cost?
In 2026, the card costs:
- Museumkaart for adults – € 75 per year.
- Museumkaart for children under 18 – € 39 per year.
Advantages of the Museumkaart:
- A huge number of museums are included, including the Van Gogh Museum.
- You can visit each museum an unlimited number of times.
The price – € 75 for unlimited amount of visits to 500+ musums – looks very tempting, doesn’t it? But there is one small catch.
Disadvantages of the Museumkaart:
- The temporary non-personalized card only allows access to five museums.
- The temporary card must be registered within 31 days, and the permanent card can only be sent to a post address in the EU.
- Only museums are included. Public transport, canal cruises, and bike rental are not a part of the deal.
If you decide to buy a temporary Museumkaart, you can use it right away, without any activation or registration. You can visit maximum 5 museums. To get a permanent card, you need to upload your photo and register your card online. The plastic pass will be delivered to you by post.
Is the Museumkaart worth it for you?
If you live in the Netherlands or visit frequently, the Museumkaart is definitely worth buying. Tickets to Amsterdam’s main museums – the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum, the Stedelijk Museum, the National Maritime Museum, and the NEMO Science Museum – cost € 17,50 – € 27 or more. So the card will pay for itself after just four museum visits.
What is the I amsterdam City Card?
The I amsterdam City Card is the official tourist card for Amsterdam, valid for 24 – 120 hours. By paying a fixed price, you can use Amsterdam public transport, visit museums, rent a bike for 24 hours, enjoy canal cruises, and take advantage of many other benefits.
Check our new I amsterdam City Card calculator – and see how much you will save.
How much does the I amsterdam City Card cost?
You can choose from five different card options. In 2026, prices are:
| Validity period | Price in 2026 | Average price per day | Buy online |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 hours | € 67 | € 67 | Buy >> |
| 48 hours | € 94 | € 47 | Buy >> |
| 72 hours | € 115 | € 38,33 | Buy >> |
| 96 hours | € 130 | € 32,50 | Buy >> |
| 120 hours | € 140 | € 28 | Buy >> |
Advantages of the I amsterdam City Card:
- The card includes not only museums, but also almost everything a visitor to Amsterdam might need.
- It includes some of Amsterdam’s most popular museums and attractions – including the Rijksmuseum, the Rembrandt house museum, the Moco Museum of Modern Art (regular ticket price: €21,95) and the A’DAM Lookout observation deck with Europe’s highest swing (regular ticket price: €18,50).
- Convenient to use – you can buy the card online and start using it immediately by installing the I amsterdam City Card app.
Disadvantages of the I amsterdam City Card:
- Each museum can only be visited once.
- The Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank house are not included.
Is the I amsterdam Card worth it for you?
If you are visiting Amsterdam for a few days, the I amsterdam City Card is generally a better-value option than the Museumkaart. Make a list of all the museums and attractions you plan to visit during your trip – and use the I amsterdam City Card savings calculator to compare the total tickets cost to the price of the card.
Here you can check an example of how you can save € 274,45 or more with your I amsterdam Card.
🧮 Save up to €274 with the I amsterdam Card Try the free savings calculator →FAQ: Museumkaart vs I amsterdam City Card
Does the I amsterdam City Card include the Van Gogh Museum?
No. The Van Gogh Museum is not included in the I amsterdam City Card – it’s one of the card’s main drawbacks. The Museumkaart does include it.
Is the Museumkaart worth it for a short trip to Amsterdam?
Usually not. The Museumkaart is best for residents or people who visit the Netherlands frequently, since you’re paying for a full year of access. For a short trip, the I amsterdam City Card is typically better value, as it also covers public transport, a canal cruise, and bike rental.
How much does the I amsterdam City Card cost in 2026?
Prices range from € 67 for 24 hours to € 140 for 120 hours, depending on how many days you choose.
Can I use the Museumkaart right after buying it?
Yes. The temporary, non-personalized Museumkaart can be used immediately without registration, but it only allows entry to five museums. A permanent, personalized card requires registration with a photo and can only be posted to an EU address.
Have a nice time in Amsterdam!
Related articles:
- I amsterdam City Card: is it worth it? Calculate your savings
- List of museums included in I amsterdam card with 2026 prices
- Bike rental with I amsterdam city card
- Things to do in Amsterdam: the ultimate local guide
- Top-rated museums in Amsterdam
- How to book tickets for the Anne Frank house
- Van Gogh museum tickets are sold out: what to do?
- Best canal cruises in Amsterdam
- Amsterdam itinerary: best of the city in 2 days
You can also read this article in German: I amsterdam City Card: Wie funktioniert sie?
About the author:
Written by a local
Anastasia Dudina
I’ve been living in the Netherlands since 2013 and exploring it ever since. I write and update all articles on Amsterdam Explorer and Holland Explorer myself — real tips, not tourist traps.
All the articles in this guide are written by me. I do my best to keep them regularly updated. If you find Amsterdam Explorer helpful, please or share a link on social media. Thank you!