Is the London Explorer Pass Worth It​ ? Review of the Go City London Explorer Pass

If you’re wondering “Is the London Explorer Pass worth it ?“ and seeking expert advice, you’re in the right place. 

Planning to visit London and want to make the most of your budget while exploring the city’s top attractions? The Go City London Explorer Pass might just be the perfect solution for your trip. 

With access to over 105 attractions and the flexibility to explore at your own pace, this pass allows you to visit London’s iconic landmarks while saving up to 50% on individual ticket prices. 

Whether you’re in London for a few days or a few weeks, this London explorer city pass makes your experience stress-free and helps you skip ticket lines at certain attractions. 

In this London Explorer Pass review, I’ll break down why the London Explorer Pass is an excellent option for organizing your London adventure.

What is the London Explorer Pass ?

The London Explorer Pass is a flexible sightseeing pass that allows you to choose between 2 and 7 attractions from a list of over 105 must-see sites and experiences in London. 

With 60 days to use your pass after activation, you can explore the city at your own pace, making it a convenient and stress-free way to visit top attractions. 

The city pass is 100% digital, so there’s no need to print tickets or wait in line to buy entry tickets, adding even more convenience to your trip.

How to use the London Explorer Pass ?

Once you activate the London Explorer Pass on your first visit, it’s valid for 60 days. This gives you ample time to enjoy London without the need to rush, making it perfect for longer stays or for those who prefer to space out their visits. 

The pass’s flexibility is ideal for travelers who want to explore the city without feeling pressured to pack everything into a short time frame. 

Plus, if you haven’t activated your city pass yet, you can get a full refund up to 90 days after purchase, offering extra peace of mind in case your plans change.

How much is the London Explorer Pass in 2024?

The price of the London Explorer Pass varies based on the number of attractions you plan to visit. 

The Go City London Explorer Pass prices (check last price on this page) range from:

• £74 for 2 activities to £204 for 7 activities for adults
• £59 for 2 activities to £149 for 7 activities for children (ages 5-15)

When compared to purchasing individual tickets, the pass can save you up to 50%. For example, visiting iconic landmarks like the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and The Shard would cost significantly more if bought separately. 

Below is a detailed price breakdown of the London Explorer Pass for both adults and children.

The more attractions you choose, the lower the average cost per attraction, allowing you to maximize your savings, especially on pricier experiences like The Shard or The London Eye.

Where to buy the Go City London Explorer Pass?

Buying your London Explorer Pass is quick and easy. Follow these simple steps:

1. Visit Go City’s official website: Click here to access the site.
2. Select the London Explorer Pass: Choose the pass based on the number of attractions you’d like to visit (from 2 to 7).
3. Complete your purchase: Once you’ve selected your pass (by visiting this page), fill in your trip details and complete the secure online payment.
4. Receive your pass via email: Once your purchase is confirmed, you’ll receive a digital pass in your email. No need for physical tickets, everything is stored on your smartphone!
5. Download the Go City app: For extra convenience, download the Go City app to access your pass and all relevant information.
6. Activate your pass at your first visit: Your pass is automatically activated when you visit your first attraction. From that point, you’ll have 60 days to explore the remaining sites.

List of the 105 attractions included in the Go City London Explorer Pass

The Go City London Explorer Pass provides access to over 105 top attractions, combining iconic tourist sites with unique experiences that make exploring London both fun and more enjoyable. Its purpose is to save you time and make your stay easier.

Here are 10 of the main attractions (you can find the full list on this page):

1. Tower of London (entry + 10% off in the gift shop)
2. Westminster Abbey (fast track + multimedia guide)
3. St. Paul’s Cathedral (entry + audio guide)
4. The View from the Shard (access to floors 68, 69, and 72 + £5 credit for the gift shop – see in details here)
5. The London Eye (standard entry)
6. Kensington Palace (entry + 10% discount at the palace café)
7. London Zoo (entry + free guide app)
8. Hampton Court Palace (entry + 10% off food)
9. Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre (entry + 10% off in the gift shop)
10. Buckingham Palace (Changing of the Guard with a guide)

Experiences and Services Included in the Pass

• Football and rugby stadium tours: Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, Wembley, Twickenham
• Food and drink experiences: Beer tastings, cocktail tours, and food tours
• Creative and cultural activities: Sherlock Holmes escape room, Buckingham Palace scavenger hunt (see here for details)
• Family-friendly attractions: DreamWorks Tours: Shrek’s Adventure!, SEA LIFE London Aquarium

Transportation Solutions Included:

• Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: Valid for 24 hours
• Thames River Cruise: 1-day pass with multiple stops (more details here)
• Bike rental: City or mountain bikes

Reservations required for some attractions

Although the London Explorer Pass grants you access to many attractions, some require reservations. 

For popular sites like The Shard, The London Eye, and Tower Bridge, you’ll need to book a time slot in advance through the attraction’s website. 

Don’t worry, all the details are provided in the Go City app (see more on this page), making it easy to follow the steps and secure your visit.

Analyzing the value of the London Explorer Pass

Pros

Here are the key advantages of the London Explorer Pass:

• Fast access to many attractions : allowing you to avoid ticket lines at the ticket office.
• Significant savings: Enjoy up to 50% off compared to buying individual tickets.
• 100% digital pass: No need to print tickets or carry around paperwork.
• All in one place: Store all your tickets in one pass, making travel planning easier.
• Variety of activities: Explore London in diverse ways, from museums and guided tours to river cruises and culinary experiences.

Cons

However, there are a few downsides:

• You may need to visit multiple attractions per day to get the best value out of the pass.
• Reservations are required for some attractions like The London Eye and The Shard.
• Some attractions may not appeal to everyone.
• Public transport is not included in the pass (no Oyster Card or Tube coverage).
• The Hop-On Hop-Off Bus is limited to 24 hours of use.
• Some popular attractions like Madame Tussauds or Windsor Castle are not included.

What is the difference between the London Explorer Pass and the London Pass?

Here are the key differences between the London Explorer Pass and the London Pass :

• Pricing model: The London Explorer Pass is based on the number of attractions you visit (2 to 7 over 60 days), while the London Pass is based on consecutive days, offering unlimited access to attractions for 1 to 10 days.
• Validity period: The London Explorer Pass is valid for 60 days from your first use, giving you more flexibility compared to the London Pass, which only covers consecutive days.
• Attractions: Some popular attractions, such as Madame Tussauds and Windsor Castle, are included in the London Pass (also called the Go City London All-Inclusive Pass – see details on this page), but not in the London Explorer Pass.

London sightseeing passes overview

How much will you save with the Go City London Explorer Pass ?

If you use the London Explorer Pass strategically, you can save a substantial amount of money. The key is to visit the most expensive attractions on the list. Here are a few examples:

One of the biggest savings comes from selecting the 7-Attraction Pass. While the initial cost is higher, it gives you access to more iconic sights, maximizing your savings.

For instance, get the 7-Attraction Go City London Explorer Pass for £204 and enjoy all of these attractions:

• Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour – worth £37
• Tower of London – worth £35
• London Eye – worth £42
• City Cruises Thames River – £24
• London Dungeon – £40
• Westminster Abbey – £30
• London Zoo – £42

In total, visiting these attractions individually would cost you £250. With the pass, you save £46!

For shorter trips, the smaller passes also offer great value. For example, the 3-Attractions Pass costs £104. If you visit the Tower of London, take the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, and explore the London Zoo, which would normally total £114, you’ll still save up to £10.

No matter the length of your stay, the London Explorer Pass offers impressive savings while making the most of your trip to London.

Check out some more examples on the Go London Explorer Pass website.

Is the London Explorer Pass worth it ? And Why I Recommend It for Visiting London

In my opinion, the London Explorer Pass is one of the best options for exploring London, primarily due to its flexibility and ease of use. 

It gives you access to a wide range of attractions (you can view the full list here) while helping you save money compared to buying individual tickets. The convenience of having everything stored on your smartphone makes planning your trip much smoother and stress-free.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a frequent traveler to London, this city pass is ideal for any length of stay, from a quick 2-day trip to an extended visit of several weeks. 

With 60 days to use your pass, there’s no need to rush through attractions, which is a major advantage compared to the London Pass, which requires you to use it on consecutive days.

👉 Pro tip: Since the average price for an attraction ranges between £29 and £37 (depending on the number of activities chosen), I recommend using the London Explorer Pass for attractions with an entry fee of £30 or more to maximize your savings.

FAQs

Does the London Explorer Pass offer skip-the-line access?

No, the London Explorer Pass provides standard access to attractions. However, you won’t need to wait in line to purchase tickets—just show the QR code from your pass for entry.

Can I use public transportation with the Go City London Explorer Pass?

No, the London Explorer Pass does not include public transportation such as the Tube or an Oyster Card. You’ll need to buy these tickets separately.

Can I get a refund for my purchase?

Yes, you can receive a refund if your pass hasn’t been activated, up to 90 days after purchase. This gives you flexibility if your plans change.

Is the Shard included in the London Explorer Pass​ ?

Yes, The Shard is included in the London Explorer Pass. With the pass, you can access the viewing platforms on floors 68, 69, and 72, offering stunning panoramic views of London.

Plus, you’ll receive a £5 credit for the gift shop as part of your entry. Just keep in mind that you may need to reserve a time slot in advance through the specific Go City booking page on The View from The Shard’s website.

How do I register my Explorer Pass in the App?

After purchasing the pass, download the Go City app and enter your confirmation number to sync your pass. You can then easily display your pass on your smartphone.

How do I contact Go City customer service?

You can reach Go City’s customer service through the contact form at the bottom of the FAQ page on their website. You’ll also find specific contact information in the confirmation email after your purchase.

Conclusion of this London Explorer Pass review

In summary, the Go City London Explorer Pass is one of the best options for discovering London in a flexible and affordable way. 

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or are a seasoned traveler, this pass lets you explore at your own pace while enjoying easy access to London’s top attractions. It’s convenient, straightforward, and offers great savings—making it perfect for all kinds of travelers.

For a detailed comparison of the different city passes available in London, be sure to check out my article comparing the best London city passes.