Get ready to unlock the full potential of your I amsterdam City Card with our complete guide to a two-day Amsterdam Itinerary. Designed for those who want to make the most of their time, this guide will show you exactly where to go in two days. Discover iconic sites like the Rijksmuseum, enjoy canal boat tours, explore the Stedelijk Museum and visit Rembrandt House. Plus, uncover hidden gems that make Amsterdam truly special. Best of all, our itinerary will help you save € 127 euros along the way!
What is the I amsterdam City Card?
The I amsterdam Card is your ultimate all-in-one city pass for Amsterdam, providing you with entry to 70+ top museums and attractions, unlimited use of public transportation and an enchanting canal cruise, all available for a set duration, which can range from 24 hours to 120 hours. In this blog post, we assume that you will purchase the 48-hour I amsterdam City Card with a total price of € 85.
Is The I amsterdam City Card Worth It?
As locals, we’re often asked, ‘Is the I amsterdam City Card really worth it? While the I amsterdam City Card can potentially save you a significant amount of money, it’s essential to consider your planned activities. If you’re spending just one day in the city and won’t be visiting many paid museums and sites, it won’t be worth your investment. In that case, you should check out our One-Day Itinerary!
However, for those planning a multi-day stay in the city, the I amsterdam City Card can be an excellent choice. That’s why we’ve made this amazing two day itinerary for you.
Buy, Activate & Use Your City Card
Your City Card comes to life the moment you use it for the first time. If you’ve chosen a 48-hour validity, the clock starts ticking from that very moment and it will be valid for precisely 48 hours.
- Purchase your I amsterdam City Card here.
- Download the free I amsterdam City app and add your digital city card
- Book your time slots for museums
- When visiting a museum or attraction, simply present your City Card at the ticket counter. Please note that each participating location permits one-time entry with your card
- Take full advantage of your free access to the city’s public transport network. Just check in and out with your City Card by holding it up to the card reader on every journey. This includes all GVB (blue and white) buses, trams and metros
Check out the quick video about how the I amsterdam Card works.
TIP >> In the free I amsterdam City app, you can easily locate all the museums and attractions participating in the I amsterdam City Card program. Additionally, you’ll discover places where you can enjoy discounts by simply presenting your card.
Anne Frank House and Van Gogh Museum
Please note that both the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum are not covered by the I amsterdam City Card. However, if you’d like to visit the Van Gogh Museum along with the City Card, you can purchase a combined ticket here. Unfortunately, the Anne Frank House must be purchased separately.
Day 1 With the I Amsterdam City Card
Looking for a great breakfast spot that opens up early? Check out our article about our 19 x Best Breakfast Spots in Amsterdam!
Stop #1 – Visit the World-Famous Rijksmuseum
Actual entry price € 23.50
Duration: around 2 to 3 hours
The Rijksmuseum offers a fascinating dive into Dutch art and history and is a must-see for every Amsterdam visitor. This world-famous museum houses some of the most valuable art treasures globally, including masterpieces by Dutch masters like Rembrandt and Vermeer. Stroll through its majestic halls and marvel at iconic paintings like “The Night Watch”.
For the best Rijksmuseum experience, we recommend arriving promptly at 9 AM. This early start not only allows you to beat the crowds but also ensures you won’t have to spend too much time waiting in line. With your I amsterdam Card you can use public transport for free to arrive at the museum. Download the free Rijksmuseum app as well, for an immersive art experience, providing insightful information on masterpieces and interactive tours.
TIP >> Book your time slot well in advance, ideally about three weeks prior. Missing out on this museum is not something you want to risk. You can reserve your time slot here and indicate that you will be visiting with your I amsterdam City Pass.
Stop #2 – Explore the City on a Canal Cruise
Actual entry price € 23.00
Duration: 75 minutes
Directly outside the Rijksmuseum, you’ll encounter “Blue Boat Company” at the street Stadhouderskade 501. Immerse yourself in the charm of Amsterdam’s iconic canals with the “City Canal Cruise.” This route promises to showcase the very best of the city’s picturesque waterways, picturesque bridges, offering you a front-row seat to Amsterdam’s most renowned landmarks. Prepare to be captivated by the beauty of Amsterdam from a unique perspective, all while effortlessly exploring the city’s top attractions.
TIP >> In order to take the canal cruise, it’s essential to secure a pre-booked time slot.
Stop #3 – Visit the Rembrandthuis Museum
Actual price: € 17.50
Duration: 1.5 hours
After you’ve seen our beautiful city from the water, it’s time to discover some more art & history. A visit to the Rembrandt House Museum is an absolute must during your visit. You either walk 25 minutes from the Blue Boat Company or you take a free tram ride. Located in the former residence of the iconic Dutch painter Rembrandt van Rijn, this historic house is where many of his masterpieces came to life. As you explore the carefully restored rooms and studio where Rembrandt worked, you’ll get a unique insight into the life and art of this legendary artist. The museum features a fascinating collection of Rembrandt’s etchings and also hosts temporary exhibitions, making it a cultural gem.
TIP >> In order to explore the museum, it’s essential to secure a pre-booked time slot. You can make your reservation here.
Other options outside the Blue Boat Company starting point
If you prefer to visit a different place instead of Rembrandthuis, there are other I amsterdam City Card options nearby:
- Diamond museum – The Diamond Museum in Amsterdam is closely connected to the city because of the important role diamonds have played in the Netherlands, especially in Amsterdam. Amsterdam has a long history of trading and cutting diamonds and it was a significant center for the diamond business during the 17th and 18th centuries.
- Heineken Experience – Is a fun place to learn about how Heineken beer is made and enjoy some tasty samples. With the I amsterdam City Card, you’ll get 25% discount on your entry ticket
Stop #4 – Visit the New Church (De Nieuwe Kerk)
Actual price: € 22.50
Duration: 30 minutes up to 1 hour
The New Church, located in the heart of Amsterdam, is a beautiful church, built in the 15th century. You can either have a 15 minute walk from Museum Rembrandthuis or take free public transport. The church has undergone numerous transformations over the centuries and now serves as a stage for engaging exhibitions and cultural events. With its impressive Gothic architecture and enchanting interior, the Nieuwe Kerk is a unique place where visitors can experience the beauty of both the building and the artworks. A visit to this church is a journey through history and a celebration of art and culture.
Other option after visiting Rembrandthuis
If you prefer to visit a different place instead of The New Church, there are other I amsterdam City Card options nearby:
- Just a 10 minute walk from museum Rembrandthuis you’ll find Hortus Botanicus. It’s like a magical garden. It’s a special place where you can see all kinds of plants and flowers from around the world. They have big trees, tiny cacti and colorful flowers everywhere. It’s a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature right in the heart of the city.
- Jewish Museum – a place where you can learn about the history and culture of Jewish people in the Netherlands. It’s like a big storybook with lots of pictures, objects and stories. You can see how Jewish families lived, their traditions and even some sad parts about the past.
- Willet Holthuys – The Willet-Holthuysen Museum in Amsterdam is a beautifully preserved 17th-century canal house that offers a glimpse into the elegant lifestyle of the Dutch Golden Age. It features a remarkable collection of art, furnishings and historical artifacts, providing a unique window into Amsterdam’s past.
Day 2 With the I Amsterdam City Card
Stop #1 – Visit the Stedelijk Museum
Actual price: € 22.50
Duration: 2 up to 3 hours
Our first destination on day two is the Stedelijk Museum, also known as the Museum of Modern Art. Located at Museumplein in Amsterdam, you can easily reach it by using free public transport. It’s the largest museum of modern and contemporary art in the Netherlands. Inside, you’ll discover an impressive collection of extraordinary artworks by world-renowned modern artists, including Dutch artists from the 20th century. What we really love about this museum is its ever-changing exhibitions, which consistently showcase the latest trends in the art world.
TIP >> For the best experience, we highly recommend arriving at 10 AM. This early start not only helps you beat the crowds but also ensures that you can make the most of your day! It’s not necessary to book a time slot in advance.
Other options instead of Stedelijk Museum
If you’d like to kick off your day with a different museum, we’ve listed a few other I amsterdam City Card choices:
- Amsterdam Museum – This place is no ordinary museum, it’s where history meets a modern twist. Get ready to unravel the fascinating story of Amsterdam’s evolution, from its humble beginnings to the vibrant, bustling city we know today
- Moco museum – is a dynamic art museum that celebrates modern and contemporary art in an engaging and accessible way. Showcasing works from artists like Banksy Andy Warhol and Keith Haring. Located in a beautiful historic villa, the Moco Museum offers a creative and immersive experience.
Stop #2 – Explore the City by Bike or on a Walking Tour
Option 1 – Smartphone Biking Tour
Actual price: € 24.95
Duration: 2 hours up to 4 hours
Embark on a self-guided biking tour of Amsterdam’s hidden gems, starting whenever it suits you best! You can easily book this adventure on Yellow Bike’s website. Explore at your own pace, enjoy two free ferry rides across the IJ, visit unique creative spaces and take in the breathtaking Amsterdam skyline. Dive into the city’s history at significant sites, savor a meal at charming lunchrooms and discover local shops in Amsterdam Noord. This tour offers flexibility and freedom, allowing you to make the most of your day in Amsterdam.
You can also rent a bike only with your I amsterdam City Card and follow your own route, or you can explore the route we’ve outlined in our one-day itinerary.
TIP >> It’s a good idea to carry an umbrella or a rain jacket with you, as the weather can be quite unpredictable
>> If you go by bike, be sure to check out our full article on the do’s and don’ts of biking through Amsterdam
Option 2 – Walking Tour
Actual price: €85
Duration: 4 hours
Explore the vibrant city of Amsterdam in a whole new way with the ‘Who Is Amsterdam’ walking tour. This unique experience takes you deep into the lives of real Amsterdammers, giving you a personal connection to their fascinating stories. Meet locals from all walks of life, from a sex worker to a bike mechanic and discover the vibe of the city. You’ll have the chance to engage with two of these genuine Amsterdammers as you stroll through its charming streets. And, to recharge, enjoy a delicious slice of traditional Dutch apple pie at a legendary 200-year-old brown cafe.
TIP >> you need to book this walking tour in advance. Click here to book it immediately. Besides that it’s a good idea to carry an umbrella or a rain jacket with you, as the weather can be quite unpredictable.
Stop #3 – National Maritime Museum (Scheepvaartmuseum)
*Note that you can only visit this stop if you choose to do the bike tour
Actual price: € 17.50
Duration: 2 hours
The Scheepvaartmuseum, or the National Maritime Museum, in Amsterdam, is like a time machine that takes you back to the days of the Dutch East India Company (VOC). It’s actually one of our favorite museums in the city. It’s in a really old building and inside, you can see all kinds of cool stuff from when ships ruled the seas. There are model ships and all kinds of tools. The best part is a big, life-sized copy of an old ship called the Amsterdam. You can explore it and see what it was like to be on a ship a long, long time ago. This museum is a great place to learn about how the VOC and ships were super important for the Netherlands and the whole world.
Other options instead of the National Maritime Museum:
- Fabrique des Lumières – an immersive artistic experience. Here, the world’s most renowned artists and their timeless works are reimagined in a mesmerizing fusion of digital imagery and sound. With your I amsterdam City Card you receive 25% discount on a ticket.
- Old Church (Oude Kerk) – The Oude Kerk, Amsterdam’s oldest surviving building, is a stunning Gothic church dating back to the early 14th century. Located in the heart of the city’s Red Light District, the Oude Kerk is a historical and cultural icon.
- World Museum Amsterdam (Wereld Museum) – Is a captivating cultural treasure trove that celebrates the diversity and richness of cultures from around the world. Housed in a grand colonial-era building, this museum invites visitors to explore exhibitions that showcase art, artifacts and stories from various cultures.
Stop #4 Drink a Free Glass of Dutch Jenever
Take the free public transport or walk back to Dam Square. Get ready to explore typical Dutch Jenever at the age-old tasting room, “De Drie Fleschjes.” It’s tucked away behind the New Church and has been serving fantastic spirits for more than three centuries. The place has an interior that dates back to 1619. They still use traditional recipes from that time, some spiced up with exotic flavors like nuts and fruits brought in by the Dutch East India Company in the 17th and 18th centuries. With your I amsterdam City Card, you can enjoy a free glass of jenever, a real taste of Amsterdam’s history, at this much-loved spot. You don’t have to reserve a specific time – they’ve got a table waiting just for City Card holders. Cheers! Or, as we Dutchies say: PROOST!
Our Amsterdam Budget Breakdown
Here’s a breakdown of your expenses and savings over two unforgettable days in this enchanting city.
Day 1:
- Rijksmuseum: € 23.50
- Canal Cruise: € 23.00
- Rembrandthuis Museum: € 17.50
- The New Church (De Nieuwe Kerk): € 22.50
- Transportation Savings (Day 1): € 9.00
Total Spendings on Day 1: € 95.50
Day 2:
- Stedelijk Museum: € 22.50
- Biking Tour or Walking Tour: € 24.95 or € 85.00
- Scheepvaartmuseum: € 17.50
- Transportation Savings (Day 2): € 9.00
Total Spendings on Day 2: € 73.95 (Biking Tour) or € 116.50 (Walking Tour)
By the end of these 2 days you’ve enjoyed so many nice activities valued between € 169 and € 212. With the I amsterdam City Card cost of € 85.00, you’ll save between € 84 and € 127, plus a free glass of Dutch Jenever!
First time in our beautiful city? Be sure to check out our article on The 11 Must-Know Tips For Your Amsterdam Adventure!
And if you haven’t done so already, you can buy your I amsterdam City card over here!
