Planning your trip to Paris can feel as daunting as choosing between a croissant and a pain au chocolat at breakfast—delicious but overwhelming. The Paris Explorer Pass, offered by Go City, aims to simplify your visit. With options to visit 3-7 attractions over 30 days, this digital pass promises flexibility, savings, and the chance to tailor your itinerary. For $92 per person, you get access to some of the city’s most iconic sights, from climbing the Eiffel Tower to cruising the Seine, all bundled into one easy-to-use card.
We find the biggest strengths of this pass are the significant cost savings—up to 50% compared to buying tickets individually—and the convenience of planning with the Go City app. It’s perfect if you’re someone who appreciates flexible scheduling but still wants to hit the highlights. The ability to sync the pass with your smartphone means fewer lines and less time fiddling with paper tickets, which is a big plus.
However, a potential consideration is that most of the popular activities require reservations. This means you’ll need to plan ahead, especially during peak seasons to avoid missing out on your preferred time slots. Also, if you’re in a wheelchair, you’ll want to note that non-folding wheelchairs and electric wheelchairs aren’t allowed, which could limit accessibility.
This kind of pass suits independent travelers who enjoy creating their own adventure rather than fixed guided tours. If you’re a first-timer to Paris looking for value and variety, or a return visitor eager to maximize sightseeing, this could be a great fit. It’s also ideal for those who prefer self-guided exploration combined with guided experiences at key sites.
Key Points
- Flexibility: Choose from 3 to 7 attractions and visit over a 30-day period.
- Cost savings: Up to 50% off compared to individual ticket prices.
- Convenience: Use the Go City app for seamless planning and reservations.
- Variety of experiences: From iconic landmarks to culinary tours, over 45 options.
- Reservations needed: Popular activities require advance booking.
- Accessibility: Not suited for non-folding wheelchairs or electric wheelchairs.
If you’re considering the Paris Explorer Pass, you’re in for a well-rounded experience that balances sightseeing, culture, and some leisure. We’ll walk through what the itinerary might look like and what makes each stop worthwhile.
You can check availability for your dates here:The Itinerary Breakdown: A Day in the Parisian Life
Starting with the Eiffel Tower, the guided climb to the summit is a highlight. Known for its breathtaking views, the three-hour guided tour offers not just a chance to ascend but also insights from knowledgeable guides who can tell stories you might miss if wandering solo. We loved the detail and patience of the guides, making the climb more engaging and less hurried. Expect to spend around three hours here, including the ascent and some time to soak in the panoramic views.
Next, a 15-minute walk takes you to the Seine River, where you’ll hop aboard a one-hour cruise. This is a fantastic way to see Paris from a different perspective—beyond the busy streets, looking at the city’s famous bridges and architecture. Reviewers have appreciated the relaxing cruise and the chance to snap photos of landmarks like Notre Dame and the Musée d’Orsay from the water.
Lunch in Paris usually takes about an hour, and the options can vary from quick cafés to more leisurely bistros. The flexibility here allows you to choose something that fits your schedule, which is helpful given the busy itinerary.
Following that, the Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour offers three hours of sightseeing with the freedom to explore at your own pace. The bus covers major neighborhoods like Montmartre, the Champs Elysées, and the Louvre area, making it an excellent way to orient yourself and adjust your plan as the day progresses.
You can then hop off at Montmartre for about 45 minutes, enjoying its charming streets and the iconic Sacré-Cœur basilica. The Arc de Triomphe and Notre Dame stops offer roughly 45-minute visits each, giving you the chance to admire their architecture and history without feeling rushed.
Finally, a guided or self-guided visit to the Louvre Museum includes a 1.5-hour guided tour and a 3-hour self-guided exploration. This setup allows you to grasp some key highlights with a guide and then explore the vast collections at your own pace. Keep in mind, the Louvre’s size means pacing yourself is key; the pass helps streamline entry and avoid long lines.
Planning more time in Paris? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
What’s Included and How It Works
The pass covers skip-the-line entries and guided tours, which are invaluable in a city where lines for major attractions can stretch for hours. It also provides walking tours, culinary experiences, and transport options like the hop-on-hop-off bus and Seine river cruise.
You’ll want to sync the pass with the Go City app to easily book your reservations, access maps, and check opening hours. Many reviewers appreciated how easy it was to plan after a bit of initial setup, with some noting that saving on guided tours and activities made the overall experience worth the cost.
Authentic Experiences and Authenticity
What sets this pass apart is the variety of options—over 45 experiences—from wine tastings and culinary workshops to famous landmarks. The “Emily in Paris” Tour and Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur walk provide authentic glimpses into Parisian neighborhoods, which many visitors cherish.
Reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and stunning views as some of the best aspects. For instance, one traveler from Ukraine mentioned a “great tour with good guides”, while others appreciated the “good value for money” for activities like the Seine cruise.
Considerations and Tips for Making the Most of the Pass
Since popular activities require reservations, planning ahead becomes essential, especially in high season. We suggest booking your key attractions immediately after purchasing the pass, to avoid disappointment.
Also, being aware of accessibility restrictions—non-folding wheelchairs are not permitted—will help avoid surprises. If mobility is a concern, you might want to double-check which attractions are accessible or look for alternatives.
Timing matters too. While the pass is valid for 30 days, fitting in more than four or five activities per day can be tight, especially considering travel time between sites. Many reviews mention doing around four activities in two days, which seems to strike a good balance.
More Great Tours NearbyValue for Money: Is It Worth It?
The main draw of the Explorer Pass is cost savings; for many travelers, it’s a way to see a lot without paying full price for every attraction. While individual ticket prices for major sights like the Eiffel Tower or Louvre can add up, the pass’s bundled approach offers many options at a discount.
But it’s worth noting that not every attraction is included, so some might prefer a customized approach if their interests are narrow. The overall value depends on how many attractions you plan to visit and whether you want guided tours, culinary experiences, or self-guided exploration.
If you’re a first-time visitor looking for a rundown, the Explorer Pass provides the convenience of fast-track entries and a mix of guided and self-guided experiences. It’s great for those who prefer flexibility but also want the savings that come with purchasing in advance.
For return travelers, it’s a way to revisit favorites or explore new neighborhoods without the hassle of buying tickets separately. It’s also suitable for independent explorers who like to craft their own day, mixing sightseeing with culinary adventures.
However, if you’re wheelchair-dependent, note the accessibility restrictions. Also, if you prefer fixed guided tours with set schedules, some other options might fit better.
The Paris Explorer Pass offers a good mix of value, flexibility, and variety. It enables you to maximize your time in the City of Light, balancing iconic sights with more authentic, local experiences. The cost savings combined with skip-the-line privileges make it appealing, especially if you plan ahead for reservations and want to avoid long queues.
For travelers who thrive on self-guided exploration but enjoy the convenience of guided tours when needed, this pass strikes a practical, budget-friendly balance. It’s especially recommended for those who want to see multiple highlights in a limited time without the hassle of ticket purchases at every turn.
If you’re a curious, independent traveler eager to discover Paris at your own pace, with the comfort of knowing many major sights are covered and waiting for you, this pass could be just what you need.
Do I need to make reservations for attractions with the pass?
Yes, many popular activities such as the Eiffel Tower, Seine cruises, and guided tours require advance reservations. After purchasing the pass, you should follow the instructions to book your preferred times.
How long is the pass valid for once activated?
Your pass can be used over a 30-day period from the first use, offering plenty of flexibility to fit your schedule.
Can I visit more attractions than the number I purchased?
No, the pass is valid for a set number of attractions—3, 4, 5, 6, or 7—based on your purchase. You’ll need to buy additional passes if you want to visit more.
Are guided tours included in the pass?
Yes, many guided experiences are included, such as the Eiffel Tower guided climb, Louvre tour, and Montmartre walking tour.
Is the pass suitable for families or groups?
The pass is designed per person. Group discounts aren’t specified, but multiple passes can be purchased for families or groups, making it flexible for different travel sizes.
What should I bring for using the pass?
A charged smartphone with the Go City app synced or saved offline is essential. You’ll show your pass at attractions to scan for entry.
To sum it up, the Paris Explorer Pass is a practical choice for travelers who value flexibility, savings, and a variety of experiences. It’s best suited for those who enjoy self-guided exploration, appreciate skip-the-line benefits, and want to maximize their time in Paris. Careful planning and advance reservations are key to making the most of this valuable tool, but with some preparation, you’ll find it a handsome way to see the city’s highlights without breaking the bank.
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