Boston Pass: 40+ Things To Do – Includes Franklin Park Zoo

Traveling to Boston? For around $79 per person, the Go City Boston All-Inclusive Pass promises to unlock over 40 top attractions at your own pace over 1 to 7 days. Whether you’re eager to explore historic sites like Paul Revere’s House, gaze at stunning city views from the Prudential Tower, or enjoy family favorites like the Franklin Park Zoo, this pass aims to streamline your experience without breaking the bank.

Two things we particularly appreciate about this pass are its flexibility — you can pick your days and attractions — and the direct entry feature, which means fewer lines and more time enjoying Boston’s best. On the flip side, some reviews reveal that seasonal closures and technical issues with digital tickets can cause hiccups.

This experience suits travelers who want a comprehensive, cost-effective way to see Boston without the hassle of purchasing individual tickets. It’s especially good for first-timers eager to hit the highlights, families looking for kid-friendly activities, or history buffs who want to pack in a lot in a limited time.

Key Points

• Flexibility: Choose 1 to 7 days to explore at your pace
• Over 40 Attractions: Museums, tours, harbor cruises, and more
• Easy Access: Mobile tickets with direct entry, no vouchering needed
• Seasonal & Technical Variability: Not all attractions may be open or accessible
• Great for Families & History Enthusiasts: Kid-friendly and historic sites included
• Value for Money: Multiple attractions for a single, affordable price

An In-Depth Look at the Boston Pass Experience

Browsing through Boston’s many charms, we often find that the key to a successful trip is convenience and value. The Go City Boston Pass aims to deliver just that, with a large selection of attractions that cater to different interests. With a starting price of $79, it can seem like a significant upfront investment, but considering access to more than 40 places, the potential savings are considerable.

How the Pass Works

The pass is digital—a mobile ticket sent immediately after purchase, which you can store on your phone. No need for paper vouchers or complicated redemptions. Just activate it at your first attraction, and it stays valid for the number of days you choose, from 1 to 7. This means you can tailor your experience to fit your schedule, making it ideal for various trip lengths.

Top Attractions & Highlights

Museum of Science: With over 700 interactive exhibits, this giant science center is a favorite for all ages. We loved the engaging displays covering everything from dinosaurs to electricity — perfect for kids and curious adults alike. One reviewer mentioned, “The Museum of Science is one of the largest in the world, and it’s packed with hands-on exhibits,” which perfectly captures the experience.

City View Trolley Tour: This seasonal hop-on-hop-off tour offers narrated commentary as you travel past key sites. It’s a great way to get your bearings, especially if you’re pressed for time. One traveler said, “The drivers were very knowledgeable, and the views were fantastic,” making it clear that this is a top way to see the city and learn about Boston’s history.

Historic Sites: For history buffs, sites like Paul Revere’s House and Old Ironsides are included. At Paul Revere’s house, you get a glimpse into colonial Boston, and many reviewers appreciated the opportunity to walk through one of the city’s oldest buildings. “The house is a National Historic Landmark, and it’s fascinating to see how Boston looked in the 18th century,” remarked an enthusiastic visitor.

Observation Deck & Views: The Prudential Tower’s 52nd-floor observatory offers breathtaking panoramic views. You can see Boston’s skyline, harbor, and beyond. Several reviewers highlighted the spectacular cityscape and the convenience of combining this with other attractions.

Family Fun & Kid-Focused Activities: The Boston Children’s Museum is a hit, where kids can climb, create, and explore. One reviewer praised it as “a fun, hands-on museum that keeps children engaged for hours.”

Cultural & Artistic Offerings: The Museum of Fine Arts and Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum are included, showcasing everything from ancient artifacts to contemporary art. Travelers with an eye for art appreciated the diverse collections and the chance to see world-class pieces.

Harvard & Salem Trips: The Harvard Campus Tour offers a charming look at America’s oldest university, while Salem Witch Museum brings the historic witch trials to life. One reviewer found the Salem experience particularly gripping, noting the dramatic stage sets as a highlight.

Harbor & Nature Excursions: The Boston Harbor City Cruises provide a 90-minute tour through historic harbors, and the Swan Boats in Boston Commons offer a quaint, relaxing ride loved by families. Several reviews raved about the beautiful views and the nostalgic feel of the Swan Boats.

Potential Challenges & Downsides

While the pass offers incredible flexibility, seasonal closures can be frustrating if you’re planning around specific attractions. For example, some attractions like the Harvard Museum of Natural History are temporarily unavailable, and others like the Salem Witch Museum require reservations.

We’ve seen reviews where digital ticket issues caused delays, with some visitors struggling to get QR codes to scan properly. As one reviewer noted, “My QR code wouldn’t work, and I had to buy separate tickets,” highlighting the importance of double-checking tickets and reservations.

Another aspect to consider is that not all attractions accept the pass, and some, such as specific hop-on-hop-off buses, may only be available seasonally or require additional reservations. Several people mentioned that attractions like the Boston Tea Party or certain trolley routes didn’t honor the pass, so it’s wise to plan ahead.

How Does It Compare to Other Options?

Compared to buying tickets individually at each site, the pass saves time and money — but only if you plan your visits efficiently. Several reviewers praised the good value: “The pass worked very well, and I didn’t have to wait in lines,” and “It’s a great way to move around the city and see many sites without hassle.”

However, some found the initial process of downloading, activating, and managing tickets a bit complex, especially when technical issues arose. We recommend using the Go City app diligently to avoid last-minute surprises.

Who Will Benefit Most?

This pass works best for first-time visitors eager to explore Boston’s highlights thoroughly. It’s ideal for families, thanks to kid-friendly attractions like the zoo and museum, and history enthusiasts who want to cover major landmarks without the stress of purchasing individual tickets.

It’s also suited to independent travelers comfortable with planning and reservations, as some attractions require advance booking. If your trip involves seasonal closures, or if you prefer spontaneous visits, you might find some attractions unavailable unexpectedly.

Final Thoughts: Is the Boston Pass Worth It?

In essence, the Go City Boston All-Inclusive Pass offers impressive value for those who want a structured, efficient way to explore Boston. Its flexibility allows you to customize your itinerary, which many travelers find refreshing compared to fixed tour packages. The wide range of attractions—from museums and historic sites to harbor cruises and city views—means you’re likely to find something appealing, no matter your interests.

That said, it’s vital to plan ahead: check seasonal schedules, make necessary reservations, and be prepared for occasional technical glitches. If you’re someone who enjoys spontaneity or visiting attractions with unpredictable hours, you might want to verify availability before relying solely on the pass.

Overall, for $79, you get access to a carefully curated list of Boston’s best, delivered in a way that saves you both time and money. It’s especially well-suited for first-time visitors, families, and history lovers who want to maximize their Boston adventure without the hassle of individual ticketing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the pass include transportation?
While the pass provides access to certain tours like the Hop-on Hop-off Trolley, transportation to attractions isn’t included unless specified. The trolley tour is a popular way to get around, but other transit options are on your own.

Can I visit attractions multiple times?
No, each attraction can only be visited once with the pass. It’s designed for one-time entry at each site.

How long is the pass valid after activation?
Your pass is valid for the number of consecutive days you purchase (1 to 7 days). It activates upon your first visit.

Are all attractions included year-round?
Some attractions are seasonal or may be temporarily closed. Always verify the current availability through the Go City app or digital guide before planning your visit.

What happens if some attractions are closed during my trip?
Since the pass has a flexible, multi-day structure, you can adjust your plans. For attractions temporarily unavailable, consider substituting with other included sites.

Is the pass suitable for families?
Yes, many included attractions are family-friendly, like the zoo, children’s museum, and boat rides.

Are there any extra costs?
Food, drinks, and some optional upgrades are not included. Tickets for special exhibits or guided tours at certain attractions may cost extra if you choose.

What if I have trouble with my digital tickets?
Some reviews mention technical issues. We recommend downloading the Go City app early, and if you encounter problems, contact their customer support as soon as possible.

Can I get a refund if I change my plans?
No, the pass is non-refundable and cannot be changed once purchased. Be sure of your dates before buying.

In all, the Boston Pass is a practical tool to make your trip smoother, provided you do a little prep work. It unlocks Boston’s highlights at a fair price, especially for those who want to see a lot without the hassle of individual bookings. Just remember, a bit of planning pays off, and double-checking the current status of attractions ensures your Boston adventure stays on track.