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Iamsterdam Card for Visitors to Amsterdam
The Iamsterdam card is an official tourist card scheme available for visitors to Amsterdam. It provides free entry and discounts to various attractions in Amsterdam, as well as free use of city public transport. The card is issued by the Amsterdam Tourist & Convention Board. Let's take a look at the costs, benefits and drawbacks of this discount card with some tips given for alternatives. |
The Iamsterdam pass comes with 3 validity options (2010 prices):
24 hours
- €38
48 hours - €48
72 hours - €58
The card can be purchased online or at one of the VVV tourist information offices. There are no child or pensioner reductions.
The Iamsterdam Card has free entry into 29 museums including some of the major ones:
Van
Gogh Museum
Rijksmuseum
NEMO
Science Museum
Rembrandt House
Hermitage
Amsterdam
Amsterdam Historical
Museum
Tropenmuseum
De
Nieuwe Kerk
Special note: Anne Frank House is not included on the museum list; some special exhibitions may incur an additional surcharge.
Also included on the Iamsterdam card:
>Free travel on GVB public transport (trams, buses and metro - but not trains)
>A free canal boat tour with either Holland International or Blue Boat Company.
> 25% discounts from other various attractions - such as Amsterdam ArenA Tour, Olympic Experience, Boom Chicago Comedy show, Artis Zoo, Madame Tussauds, concerts at the Concertgebouw / Muziekgebouw and Heineken Experience.
>25% discount on Mac Bike rental, Canal Bike (pedalo) rentals, Museum Line hop-on-hop-off boat and a number of restaurants.
>Complimentary cup of coffee at V&D La Place; free tea at Bazel Cafe; free croquette at Van Doben.
If you want the convenience of an all-in-one transport and museum pass with a few discounts thrown in then consider the card. To be honest these sort of schemes are not our 'cup of tea' as we prefer to stay flexible - if you are more independent minded then you can probably find better value organising your own itinerary.
Alternatives to the Iamsterdam Card
You could purchase a Museumkaart for €39.95 which allows free entry in to 400 museums in Netherlands for 12 months. This is exceptional value if you are here for longer periods or plan multiple visits.
There are various unlimited Amsterdam travel passes from 1 day to 7 days which could be purchased. Remember - Amsterdam is a relatively small city and most sights can be easily reached on foot. Walking around is a very pleasant way to see the city and soak up the atmosphere, especially if the weather is good. Just watch out for the trams and cyclists!