I’ve compared the The Paris Pass and Go City’s All-Inclusive and Explorer passes, so you don’t have to!
Visiting a city that is packed with as many iconic landmarks and hidden gems as Paris is, can be overwhelming, and quite honestly, expensive. I’ve covered my picks for the best things to do in Paris in this post (and what things to avoid).
Of course, you want to see and do as much as possible, especially if it’s your first visit, but you have to prioritise because you either can’t afford the time – or the money – to do it all.
That’s why I’m a fan of city passes that you purchase online in advance, then figure out your plan of attack, grouping things together each day.
Plus, buying them in a bulk booklet/app offers incredible discounts. You can save up to 50% on entry tickets in a pass, than you would if you just bought your tickets individually.
But there are some tricks and tips to know before you decide which pass is going to be right for you. Namely, how do you like to travel? Do you want to see and do it all and get your 20,000+ steps in, or do you just have a few places on your bucket list and have a more liesurely time?
So let me breakdown how these three different Paris passes work and give you a comparison. I’ve also included a handy comparison infograph (below) for us visual folk who like to see at a glance which one is best.
What Are Passes?
Attraction, digital, or sightseeing passes are your all-in-one ticket to explore a city’s top landmarks, museums, tours, and more, and they work out much cheaper compared to buying individual tickets.
Both Go City Passes and The Paris Pass offer digital passes, that you buy online before you go, that give you access to a range of attractions for a set period.
CHOOSE YOUR PASS
These passes are designed for travelers who want to make the most of their visit offering convenience, flexibility, and often extra perks like freebies or skipping the line.
For one fixed price, you’ll have access to over 90 Paris landmarks, tours, museums and experiences. Once you’ve purchased a pass, you download the respective app and then use your QR code pass to scan into attractions seamlessly. There’s no need to carry multiple tickets or pay at each stop, giving you more time to enjoy your adventure.
Plus, with a pass, you pay one single money-saving price for all your sightseeing, and it’s paid before you even arrive – personally, I find that makes it much easier to keep track of my budget and keep spending under control when I’m there!
Key Features of Go City and The Paris Pass:
- Digital Convenience: Download the pass directly to your phone.
- Attraction Variety: Includes everything from iconic landmarks to guided tours and unique local experiences.
- Savings: Save up to 50% compared to buying individual tickets.
- Flexibility: Choose from different pass types to match your travel plans and budget.
Tips and Tricks for Getting the Most Out of Your Pass
Mix popular and unique attractions: having a pass means you can discover a city’s hidden gems, as well as the famous must-sees.
Do the math before purchasing: check out how much each attraction would cost individually and compare it to the pass price to make sure you’ll save money.
Know your pace: choose the All-Inclusive Pass if you’re up for a jam-packed adventure or the Explorer Pass if you’re looking for more spread out, relaxed sightseeing.
Book ahead: some attractions require reservations even with a pass (like the Louvre and Eiffel Tower), so check the information on the app in advance so you aren’t disappointed.
Comparing Go City’s All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass types
Go City offers two pass options, the All-Inclusive and the Explorer, to suit different kinds of travelers and different budgets. Both options include Paris bucket-list favorites like the Eiffel Tower, Big Bus Hop-on Hop-Off and Notre Dame – as well as dozens of locally recommended experiences and tours.
The All-Inclusive Pass
How it Works:
Choose a pass for 1, 2, 3, 5, or 7 consecutive days. During your pass’s active days, you can visit as many attractions from their extensive lineup as you want.
Best For:
Travelers who like a packed itinerary and who want to see and experience as much of Paris as possible.
Highlights:
- Great for short trips where you want to cover a lot of ground.
- Ideal for fast-paced travelers who love ticking off bucket list items.
Explorer Pass
How It Works:
Choose a pass for 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 attractions. Once you have visited your first attraction choice, you have 60 days to use up the remainder of your choices.
Best For:
Travelers who prefer a more leisurely pace or have a few specific attractions in mind.
Highlights:
- Flexibility to spread out visits over a longer period.
- Ideal for repeat visitors or those combining sightseeing with relaxation.
- If you love to walk and browse, you’ll love these bouquinistes along the banks of the river selling books and art, which make great Paris souvenirs.
The Paris Pass
The Paris Pass is another excellent option for exploring the French capital. It includes entry to more than 90 attractions including popular landmarks like the Louvre Museum, Seine River Cruises, and the Arc de Triomphe.
How It Works:
Chose from 2, 3, 4, or 6 consecutive days and then visit as many of the included Paris experiences and landmarks as you like.
Best For:
Culture enthusiasts, history hunters, activity fiends, basically anyone who’s keen on exploring all Paris has to offer with extra hidden gem experiences.
Highlights:
- Perfect for those wanting to see lots of different attractions and sights.
- Access to unique activities like wine tasting or cooking classes.
Compare Passes
How to use these Passes
- Plan your itinerary: use the Go City Trip Planner tool to pick which attractions you want to visit, and it will create a personalised plan to maximise your sightseeing time.
- Start early: arise and shine, grab a coffee and croissant and head out early. Lots of attractions open first thing in the morning so you’ll often beat the crowds if you start early, plus you’ll have more time to fit in as much as possible – or have the afternoons to soak up the city at a more relaxed pace if you prefer.
- Use the app on your phone: the Go City app (which you also use for The Paris Pass) shows you what’s nearby and provides all the details you need before your visit, like opening hours, any booking info and more.
So, which Pass is right for you?
When deciding between Go City’s All-Inclusive or Explorer passes and The Paris Pass, consider your personal travel preferences and priorities.
For high-energy explorers who want to cover as much ground as possible, the All-Inclusive Pass or The Paris Pass is a great choice and guarantees value for money.
If you’re after flexibility and have a few specific attractions in mind, the Explorer Pass would be your best bet.
See The Paris PassNo matter which pass you choose, you’ll enjoy hassle-free, cost-effective sightseeing, and of course, unforgettable experiences.
See the Go City PassesBon voyage!
