A Complete Paris Pass Review: Is It Worth It? (2024)

If you’re headed to Paris and looking to save some money on some of the top attractions, then you might have heard of the Paris Pass (officially named the Go City Paris Pass). But are you wondering if it’s worth it for you? Well you’ve come to the right place, because in this Paris Pass review, I go over everything you need to know about the pass, including what it is, what it includes, and whether or not it’s worth it for you!

Paris is one of the most visited destinations in the world, and for good reason. It’s got tons of bucket list worthy experiences, photogenic landmarks, mouth-watering pastries, and more. There’s also plenty of books that have been written about it, as well as many quotes that have been uttered over the years.

If you’re wondering whether the Paris Pass is worth it, I feel you – I’m usually skeptical when I see these sorts of city passes. Many of them include a handful of attractions worth visiting, along with a ton of cheesy, lame activities that I wouldn’t be caught dead doing in any given city.

The Paris Pass is a bit different, though. The Paris Pass includes a Paris Museum Pass, which includes access to over 60 of the city’s top museums and monuments – including its most famous ones like the Louvre, Versailles, Musee d’Orsay, the Arc de Triomphe and more. 

In addition, it includes admission to over 20 additional activities and tours that also allow you to see some other famous sights in the city – such as the Eiffel Tower (although it’s just to the second floor), Montmartre, a Seine River cruise, and more.

So is the Paris Pass worth it? Well, that all depends on you and what kind of Paris itinerary you are looking to plan. Like any pass, it’s got some advantages and disadvantages as well – I’ll get into that a bit more soon. 

Keep on reading this Paris Pass review to find out everything you need to know and whether it’s worth it for you – from its features, what it includes, its advantages, disadvantages, and much more!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase or booking, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

A Complete Paris Pass Review: Is it Worth It?

What is the Paris Pass?

The Paris Pass (now named the Go City Paris Pass) is a tourist pass that allows entry into some of the top attractions and experiences in Paris. In addition, it includes the Paris Museum Pass, which allows unlimited access to over 60 of the city’s top museums. 

It also allows skip-the-line privileges at many attractions, and is an ideal option for those looking to save both time AND money during their stay in Paris.

How much does the Paris Pass cost?

The Paris Pass comes in 2, 3, 4, and 6 day increments. 

Adult prices are below:

• 2 days: €184
• 3 days: €219
• 4 days: €259
• 6 day pass: €304

In addition, there is a pass available for children and teens aged between 2-17. Prices below:

• 2 day child: €99
• 3 day child: €114
• 4 day child: €119
• 6 day child: €144

Do keep in mind that many of the city’s museums are free for those under 18, and EU citizens under 26. Do research on the additional activities you may want to do and calculate the costs of each to figure out whether the Paris Pass is worth it for them.

What is the difference between the Paris Pass vs. Paris Museum Pass?

The 4-day and 6-day Go City Paris Pass includes the Paris Museum Pass! However, the 2 and 3-day passes no longer include this.

However, the Paris Pass includes entry into over 20 additional attractions, tours, and experiences, including:

• A 1 day Hop-on, Hop-off bus tour
• A Seine River cruise
• A guided Eiffel Tower climb (note: this tour only goes to the second floor)
• A walking tour of the Montmartre neighborhood and Sacre Coeur
• A guided tour of the covered passageways of Paris
• A mini perfume workshop
• A ride on the Balloon de Paris Generali
• Admission into the Paris Aquarium, Tour Montparnasse, Gourmet Chocolate Museum, and more.

I go over the top activities and a suggested itinerary later on in this Paris Pass review.

Should I get the Paris Pass or Paris Museum Pass?

It depends!

The Paris Museum Pass may be better option if you are only interested in visiting museums, or if you are limited on time (two days or less). However, do take a look at what the Paris Pass includes vs. what your preferred activities are.

For itineraries of four days or more days, I think that the Paris Pass is worth it, as you might get sick of doing ONLY museums at this point. I also love that the Paris Pass includes some iconic experiences and sights in the city, such as a guided climb of the Eiffel Tower (note: it doesn’t go to the top but gives you a unique experience that you wouldn’t otherwise get with a general ticket), a Montmartre and Sacre Coeur walking tour, and a Seine River cruise.

If you like museums but not tours, I’d skip the Paris Pass and just get the museum pass. If you love museums AND tours, then the Paris Pass is worth it for you.

I go over what you can accomplish with only the Paris Museum Pass in this review.

Where can I purchase the Paris Pass?

You can purchase the Go City Paris Pass online here.

Once you purchase, you will receive the pass via email. You can either print it out, or load the QR code onto your mobile device.

However, do note that you need to pick up the Paris Museum Pass separately in order to use it! You can pick it up at the Big Bus Office, located at 11 Avenue de l’Opéra, a 10 minute walk from the Louvre. If taking the Metro, get off at  Pyramides (lines 7 and 14) and use the Rue de l’échelle exit (exit 2). 

The office is open from 10am-5pm.

Because some of the attractions included in the pass require a reservation, I recommend buying the pass in advance of your Paris trip as much as possible, as some do tend to book up quickly, especially during peak season!

How do I use the Paris Pass?

Your Go City Paris Pass becomes activated upon your first use or when you redeem your Paris Museum Pass.

Do keep in mind that the Paris Pass is valid for consecutive days and NOT the amount of hours – for example, if you bought the three-day passs and you start using it on Tuesday, it is valid for the remainder of Tuesday, all day Wednesday, and all day Thursday. To really make the Paris Pass worth it, activate it and use it earlier in the day! 

To use the Paris Pass, simply scan the QR code at a participating attraction or tour. For the museums included in the Paris Museum Pass, simply show the Paris Museum Pass upon entry (this also helps you skip the line because you don’t have to line up in the ticket queue, and there is usually a separate line).

What are the advantages of the Paris Pass?

• Save time: This might be the #1 reason to consider getting a Paris Pass! Having a Paris Pass will allow you to skip the ticket queues, which can get super long, especially during peak tourist seasons! At many attractions, there is also a separate line for Paris Museum Pass holders (which is included in the Paris Pass), which can save you from wasting time by waiting in long lines – a must if you have a short Paris itinerary!

• Save money: The Paris Pass includes admission into over 80 of the city’s top museums, monuments, tours, and experiences at a flat fee. If you plan to do a lot of sightseeing and plan to see it all, you will save money (which you can spend on more important things, like macarons and croissants!).

• Convenience: You can’t beat the convenience factor of the Paris Pass – purchase online, pick up your museum pass, and then you don’t have to deal with waiting in line or paying admission at many of the city’s top sights.

Do you need to make reservations at any of the attractions?

While many attractions do not require you to make a reservation when visiting with the Paris Pass, some of the most popular ones do. 

These attractions require a reservation before visiting:

• Paris Aquarium
• Château de Malmaison
• City of Architecture & Heritage
• Covered passages walking tour
• Eiffel Tower Guided Climb
• French wine tasting at Les Caves du Louvre
• Galeries Lafayette guided heritage tour
• Galeries Lafayette fashion show
• Hidden gems in Le Marais walking tour
• La Conciergerie
• Latin District selfie tour
• The Louvre
• Montmartre & Sacre Coeur walking tour
• Montparnasse walking tour
• Museum of Music
• Museum of Cinema
• Notre Dame and the Archaeological Crypt
• Musee l’Orangerie
• Palace of Versailles
• Perfume mini workshop
• Sainte Chappelle
• Scandals & Love Affairs at Pere Lachaise
• Seine walking tour

Instructions on how to make reservations are listed here.

What attractions are included in the Paris Pass?

Here are some of the most iconic attractions in the city that you can visit to make the Paris Pass worth it:

(* = reservation required)

Hop On, Hop Off Bus Tour (€45)

I used to turn my nose up at these Hop on, Hop off tours because they just seemed SO touristy and lame, but I recently did one in another city and really enjoyed it and changed my mind! It’s a great way to get your bearings in a city, and to get around to some of the most famous sights in a city. Plus, you end up learning lots of fun facts about the city and each of the attractions.

I suggest starting your Paris Pass itinerary with the hop on, hop off tour as it will help you get an awesome introduction to the city and some of its most iconic landmarks. It’s also a great way to get around to some of the sights on your first day.

The Louvre (€22)*

The Louvre is theeee most iconic art museum in the world, and highly acclaimed as one of the best. You’ll find some of the most famous works of art here, including Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. You’ll find everyone making a beeline for it, as well as a crowd of people in front of it taking selfies, but it’s just one of those things everyone has to see at least once in their lives.

Definitely spend some time in the Egyptian Wing, and check out the ancient Greek and Roman sculptures as well.

You can literally spend all day visiting the Louvre, but even if you only have a few days, then it is still well worth it to spend a few hours here as well.

Musee d’Orsay (€16)

Paris is a city full of iconic art museums, and the Musee d’Orsay is another one of the best. Housed in a former train station, this museum is known for its impressive impressionist art collection, featuring works from masters such as Monet, Cezanne, van Gogh, Manet, Renoir, and more. 

Be sure to take in the beauty of the building as well, and absolutely do not miss the giant clock tower on the top floor – it’s one of the best photo spots in Paris, and also offers an amazing view.

Musee l’Orangerie (€12.50)*

The Musee l’Orangerie is home to one of Monet’s most famous works of art – the large-scale series of four paintings depicting the water lilies in his garden in Giverny. Each of the panels depict the scene as the light changes and goes from day to night, and are absolutely fascinating.

While the museum is best known for the iconic water lily paintings, do not miss exploring the rest of galleries as well. The museum is relatively small, but has a well-curated collection of impressionist and post-impressionist works that are well worth taking a look at.

Versailles (€21)*

While technically outside of the city, taking a little excursion to the Palace of Versailles is well worth it, even on a shorter itinerary. You can easily spend the day here (definitely do it if you end up getting a 4 day pass), but I definitely recommend doing at least a half-day trip, even if you have limited time.

I’ve never seen anything quite like the opulence and grandeur of Versailles. The gold panels shine, the chandeliers sparkle, and every single inch of the palace is covered in extravagance. In the spring and summer, the garden comes alive with various blooms and greenery as well (although I went in the winter and everything was pretty brown then lol).

My advice for visiting Versailles is to go EARLY – get there a little bit before opening so you can enter the palace right when it opens. The palace gets super crowded, super quick and going early will give you the best chance of avoiding crowds before it gets too crazy. Plus, you’ll be back in the city and still have plenty of time to explore some sights!

Sainte Chapelle (€13)*

Sainte Chapelle is relatively small, but absolutely breathtaking – it ended up being one of my favorite sights my first time in Paris! It is sort of a hidden gem, but has definitely grown in popularity over the years. The highlight here is the incredible stained glass windows, which covers over 600 meters of the church. 

La Conciergerie (€11.50)*

La Conciergerie has a fascinating history dating back 1000 years as the central seat of justice and authority in Paris. It originally started as a Roman fortress and was the most impressive royal palace during the Middle Ages, but when the kings abandoned it in the 14th century, it became a prison – its most famous prisoner was Marie Antoinette.

Arc de Triomphe (€16)

One of the city’s most iconic landmarks, a visit to the Arc de Triomphe is a must on your Paris itinerary. The impressive monument was commissioned by Napoleon and pays tribute to the French military. Definitely take some time to take in all the details carved into the arch, and learn a bit more about French military history.

Be sure to go up the stairs to top to enjoy one of the most stunning views of Paris – the view of the Eiffel Tower from here is one of my favorites! If you can, try to time your visit around sunset for some spectacular sunset views.

Montmartre + Sacre Couer Walking Tour (€36)*

Located on a hill overlooking the city in the 18th arrondissement, Montmartre is the bohemian district that many artistic and cultural icons have called home over the years (Monet, Van Gogh, and Picasso, to name a few).

This walking tour will help you uncover the highlights of Montmartre, taking you to some of its most iconic sights, such as the Moulin Rouge and Sacre Coeur cathedral. You will hear the fascinating stories and history of the neighborhood and of those who once called it home. In addition, you’ll find some of the breathtaking views of the city, visit its last remaining vineyard, and find some of the best cheese, bread, wine, and charcuterie in the city. 

Notre Dame and the Archaeological Crypt (€36)*

Notre Dame is one of Paris’s most iconic buildings. The famous cathedral started construction in 1163, and took over a century to complete. 

Since Notre Dame was tragically damaged extensively during a fire in 2019, you cannot visit the inside of the cathedral. However, this tour is one of the only ways you can get up close to it, admire its exterior and all of its architectural details (including its famous gargoyles). You’ll also hear a first-hand account of the fire.

The tour also allows you to visit the crypt, which gives you access below the famous cathedral and get an underground perspective of the foundations of Île de la Cité, the original city of Paris.

Eiffel Tower Guided Climb (€39)*

This experience will allow you to get a unique perspective of Paris’s most famous landmark. You will climb up nearly 700 steps to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower, learning about its engineering marvels and fascinating history. 

You’ll also get to enjoy some amazing views of the city, and step out onto the glass floor on the first level to really see the city beneath your feet!

PLEASE NOTE that this tour does not take you to the summit of the Eiffel Tower – this is not included with the Paris Pass (it is included with select versions of the Paris Passlib), and you will have to book separately for that if you want to do that as well – I recommend this option which will give you fast track access.

Seine River Cruise (€18)

One of Paris’s most iconic experiences, taking a cruise down the Seine River allows you to sail by some of the city’s most popular landmarks and see them in a new way.

I’ve always loved seeing cities from the water, and Paris is no different. Taking a Seine River cruise will allow you to sit and relax (seriously, you will want to rest your feet after all the walking you will do in the city!) and take in some of Paris’s most iconic sights in a new way. You’ll also get to sail under some of the city’s most famous bridges as well.

Sample 3 Days in Paris itinerary using the Paris Pass:

Do note that the 3 day Paris Pass only includes a 2 day museum pass. Therefore, I’ve created this itinerary to include museums on the first two days:

Day 1: 

• Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour (€45)
• The Louvre (€22)
• Musee d’Orsay (€18)
• Musee l’Orangerie (€12.50)

Day 2:

• Palace of Versailles (€21)
• Sainte Chapelle (€13)
• La Conciergerie (€11.50)
• Arc de Triomphe (€16)

Day 3:

• Montmartre + Sacre Coeur Walking Tour (€36)
• Notre Dame and Archaeological Crypt (€36)
• Eiffel Tower Guided Climb (€39)
• Seine River Cruise (€18)

Total priced individually: €288

SAVINGS WITH PARIS PASS: €69!

Tips to keep in mind for using the Paris Pass

• Pay attention to museum opening dates. Note that museums are usually closed one day a week, so plan other activities if you happen to be visiting on those days. 
• Look up opening times as well – some museums are open on evenings on certain days of the week. Take advantage of those evening hours to maximize your time (it also tends to be less crowded on those days as well).
• Plan ahead of time as some attractions and tours require reservations! Some of the most popular attractions fill up quickly, so be sure to plan in advance and make those reservations early. I mention which activities require reservations earlier in this Paris Pass review.
• Note that the Paris Pass is valid on three consecutive days, not based on hours. Be sure to activate your pass earlier on in the day to maximize those days!

Ok, but is the Paris Pass worth it for me?

The Paris Pass is worth it for you if…

• You are a first-time visitor who wants to see and experience all the highlights of Paris. The Paris Pass includes entry into some of the most iconic museums, monuments, and activities that many first-time visitors will want to experience.

• You want to do the “touristy” things. Many of the activities included in the Pass are touristy – if you want to do as many of these as possible, then the Paris Pass is probably worth it for you.

• You love museums – but you also want to be able to experience a few other non-museum activities as well. Since the Paris Pass also includes the Paris Museum Pass, you’ll be going to a lot of museums! However, the advantage of getting the Paris Pass over just the Paris Museum Pass is that it includes a few other non-museum activities as well, so you’ll get a more well-rounded experience.

• You want the convenience of being able to skip the line. This is one of the biggest advantages that makes the Paris Pass worth it.

• You want the flexibility to see a lot of attractions without having to worry about price. Since it is an all-inclusive pass, you won’t have to worry about paying for all the included attractions individually – this is such a big convenience!

The Paris Pass is probably not worth it for you if…

• You don’t like doing “touristy” things. The Paris Pass includes access to some of the top tourist spots in Paris. If you prefer to explore more of the off-the-beaten-path attractions and experiences of Paris, then the Paris Pass is not worth it for you.

• You are staying in Paris for more than a few days – unless you want to cram in all the included activities during your first few days in the city. If you plan to be in Paris for more than four days and want to have a more relaxed itinerary, then the Paris Pass is probably not worth it for you.   
  
• You’re only staying in Paris for 2 days – I think the pass is only worth it if you’re staying in Paris for 3 or more days. You won’t get enough done in 2 days to make it worth it.

• You prefer a more relaxed pace of traveling. You’ll have to plan a relatively busy itinerary in order to see and do as much as you can to take full advantage of the pass. If you want to have a slower, more leisurely itinerary, then the Paris Pass is probably not worth it for you.

• You aren’t a museum person. The fact that the Paris Museum Pass is included means that in order to take full advantage of the Paris Pass, you need to visit some museums. If you don’t want to visit museums, then the Paris Pass is probably not worth it for you.

• You ONLY want to visit museums: In this case, I would recommend only getting the Paris Museum Pass since all the other inclusions in the Paris Pass will not be worth it for you.

• You are a budget traveler who probably wouldn’t pay for many of these attractions anyway. If this is you, I’d focus on the free and cheap things to do in Paris.

Have you been to Paris? Do you think the Paris Pass is worth it?

More Paris guides you may enjoy:
The Ultimate Paris Bucket List
Most Instagrammable Places in Paris
Places to Visit in Paris in 2 Days
Best Paris Desserts
Is the Paris Museum Pass Worth It?
50 Amazing Books About Paris
Paris Quotes + Instagram Captions
The Ultimate Gift Guide for Paris Lovers

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