Which City Card to choose: Total Experiece vs Explorer card comparison
Which City Card to choose: Total Experiece vs Explorer card comparison
Last updated on 30 October 2026 at 15:44
Reading time: 3 minutes
Written by Lesia Joukova
Whether you're planning a short trip or a long one, with kids, friends or solo, the City Card has an option for everyone. In this breakdown, we are explaining the difference between the Total Experience City Card and the Explorer City Card. Read on to find out which one suits you better and how they differ from one another.
Total Experience Card
Explorer Card
How many locations can I visit?
You can use it at as many locations as you like from the full City Card selection (70+ attractions, museums and locations).
Choose any 3, 5, or 7 activities from the full City Card selection.
Is public transport included?
Yes, public transport by bus, tram or metro is included within Amsterdam.
No, transport is not included.
Is a canal cruise included?
One canal cruise in Amsterdam is included, and you can enjoy a canal cruise in Haarlem as well.
Yes, you can enjoy a canal cruise. It will count as one of your activities.
How long is my card valid for?
Valid for a limited amount of time of your choice, from 1 to 5 days, starting from the time of activation.
Valid for a limited number of activities, chosen by you (3, 5 or 7) and expires once you use all the activities.
Does it have a kid's version?
Yes, the Total Experience Card has a kids' card version for kids ages 4 to 17.
Yes, the Total Experience Card has a kids card version for kids ages 4 to 17.
How do I activate my card?
The Total Experience Card is activated either manually through the City Card app or when scanned for the first time at a location or on public transport.
The Explorer card is activated when it is scanned at the first location visited. That visit counts as the first activity.
Is a bike rental included?
Yes, a 24-hour bike rental is included.
Yes, you can enjoy a 24-hour bike rental. It will count as one of your activities.
Can I visit Zaanse Schans with the City Card?
Yes, you can! There are plenty of things to do at Zaanse Schans with the Total Experience Card, from the Zaans Museum to the windmills and coopers' house to the weaver's house and more. All these locations are included in the Total Experience Card.
Yes, absolutely! It is good to know, however, that, as Zaanse Schans is a village with multiple landmarks such as windmills, museums, and artisans, and each one counts as a separate location and requires a separate activity slot. Therefore, the Total Experience Card might fit your trip better if you are planning to go to Zaanse Schans.
Is the card available in a physical form?
Yes, the card is exclusively available as a physical card at the I amsterdam Store in Amsterdam Central Station.
No, the Explorer Card is not available in physical form and is only available through our City Card app.
Frequently asked questions about the Total Experience vs Explorer card
Whether you purchase the Total Experience or the Explorer card, you can choose from the same list of locations, which you can browse here or download as a PDF.
The answer depends entirely on how many attractions, museums and landmarks you'd like to visit during your trip. The advantage of the Explorer card is that you can use it at any time and you do not need to overspend if you are only interested in several activities. In comparison, the Total Experience card lets you explore as many locations as you like, and you're only limited by the card's chosen duration.
