Paris Pass includes admission to dozens of the best sights, museums and attractions in Paris. In this article, we’ll give you a full review of how to save money in Paris and whether Paris Pass, Paris Explorer Pass or Paris Museum Pass is a good option for you.
Paris is an elegant and romantic city that will appeal to even the absolute unromantic. Unfortunately, she’s also pretty ruthless with our bank account. Tickets normally range between 15-20 euros, so if you plan to visit more museums and sights (which are definitely worth a visit), you’ll be leaving a fortune.
You can get an idea of the entrance fees from the previous article Overview of admission fees to attractions in Paris and Disneyland.
Paris is 6th the most visited city in the world and every traveller should not miss it at least once in their lifetime. Seeing the Louvre or the Eiffel Tower live is simply an experience.
One way to save money in Paris is with a tourist card. Paris has several of them at its disposal, and today we’ll take a closer look at them.
How to save on sightseeing in Paris? Get a tourist card.
Paris Pass and Paris Explorer Pass are tourist cards designed in collaboration with monuments, museums and attractions in Paris, so you can save on admission fees or simplify your discovery and travel to popular Parisian sites.
Paris Pass or Paris Explorer Pass?
Paris Pass is offered in two versions so that everyone can choose according to their budget and needs:
- Paris Pass (or Paris All-Inclusive Pass) is based on purchasing the period of time you will use the discounted card – you can choose between 2, 3, 4 or 6 days.
- With Paris Explorer Pass you choose how many attractions you want to visit – 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 attractions in total 40+ attractions. You have 60 days from activation to visit the selected sites, so you are not limited by time.
We will now discuss both cards in more detail.
PARIS PASS (PARIS ALL-INCLUSIVE PASS)
Paris All-Inclusive Pass is a contactless card that gives you free entry to more than 60 monuments, museums or attractions in Paris.
What are the benefits of the Go Paris Pass?
Free entry to more than 60 sights, museums and experiences. Included is a guided tour of the Eiffel Tower, where you’ll learn all about how Gustave Eiffel thought about building the tower and its history. It also includes entry to the Louvre or Orsay, Arc de Triomphe and other famous sights (when you buy a Paris Pass for 4 or 6 days). The card also allows you to see Paris from a different angle with a cruise on the Seine or admire Paris from the Montparnasse skyscraper.
Paris Pass for 4 or 6 days includes the popular Paris Museum Pass, which gives you access to almost all museums and monuments in Paris. Another advantage is that with this card you skip the queue straight away, so you don’t have to wait. (Note: Currently some places require reservations – information will be emailed to you).
Paris Museum Pass includes standard sights such as the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, the Orsay Museum, the Pantheon and the Sainte Chapelle. As a condition, you must purchase a Paris Pass for a minimum of 4 days.
Paris Pass itself is more experience-oriented. These include a guided tour of the Eiffel Tower, views from the Montparnasse skyscraper, a cruise on the Sina, the Astérix Park, various tours and tastings.
You have 2 years to activate Paris Pass, so if you plan to visit Paris, it’s best to buy your card as soon as possible. We all know how the prices of admission to monuments and museums increase every year. I know this first-hand, as I regularly update admission prices to sights in several European cities. In response, Paris Pass has to be increased proportionately.
Free one-day sightseeing bus tour of the historic centre of Paris. It stops at 9 stops at the main attractions in the city. The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame, the Orsay Museum, the Grand Palais and more. You can get off at any time, and once you’ve had your fill, you can take the next train. Buses run every 15-20 minutes between 10:00-18:00, so you won’t be waiting long. The ride includes an audio guide in 9 languages. (At the moment, the sightseeing bus is only available on weekends.)
Free cancellation within 90 days. If you change your mind within 3 months, you will be refunded without giving a reason.
Interactive guide to download as an app to the phone. The link will arrive in your email after purchase. The guide includes maps, information about the sights and useful information for travelling around Paris.
How does Paris Pass work?
As with most other tourist cards, you buy a Paris Pass for a set number of days, so you can schedule what attractions you want to visit and when. Paris Pass is available for 2, 3, 4 or 6 days. It’s valid for calendar days, so you’ll need to think in advance whether it’s worth activating your card late in the afternoon or in the morning. Regardless of whether you activate your card at 10:00 am or 3:00 pm, it counts as 1 day.
Then just show the card at the places you want to visit (scan the code) and you’re in.
Paris All-Inclusive Pass also includes a card Paris Museum Pass which allows you to visit almost all of Paris’ museums and other sights, such as the Palace of Versailles. You will have 2 cards. One on your phone (a link will be emailed to you, or you can print it out) and the other you have to pick up in Paris. This is because Paris Museum Pass is an additional benefit not offered by Paris Pass vendor and both cards work on a collaborative basis. The bonus of Paris Museum Pass is that you don’t have to wait in line.
What sights and museums are included in Paris Pass?
Paris Pass includes access to more than 60 venues in Paris, including:
- Louvre Museum (17 €)*
- Wine tasting in the underground of the Louvre (36 €)
- Aquarium de Paris (26 €)
- Arc de Triomphe (13 €)*
- Napoleon’s Tomb and Musee de l’Armee (14 €)*
- Park Astérix (59 €)
- Sightseeing bus ride (45 €)
- View from Montparnasse (21 €)
- Orsay Museum (16 €)*
- Cruise on the Seine (18 €)
- Centre Pompidou (15 €)*
- Sainte-Chapelle (11,50 €)*
- …and many more (The complete list of attractions can be found here)
- *Paris Pass included for 4 or 6 days
Moving on to the most important thing…
What is the price of Paris Pass?
Prices for Paris Pass vary depending on the number of days you purchase the card for – 2, 3, 4 or 6 day passes are available.
The prices are as follows:
How do I collect my Paris Pass?
Clear instructions will arrive in your email, but I’ll outline the process so you know how it works:
- You can buy Paris Pass on the official website of the retailer. You will then receive full instructions in your email.
- Download Paris Pass via the Go City app on your mobile phone or print a paper copy. I recommend a combination of both if, for example, your phone goes dead.
- You can pick up your Paris Museum Pass in Paris at Big Bus Information Centre – 11 Avenue de l’Opéra, 75009 Paris daily from 10:00-17:00 (Pyramides metro stop). It’s only 5 minutes from the Louvre, so if you have the Louvre on your list then you can start here.
- Paris Pass is activated when you pick it up, so it’s best to pick it up as early as possible on the day. If you purchase a Paris Pass for 2 or 3 days (in this case, it is not included in Paris Museum Pass), the card will be activated on your first entry to the monument.
How much will I save with Paris Pass?
How much you save with a Paris Pass depends on how you want to approach your visit to Paris.
If you’d like to take a more unusual and experiential approach to Paris, the card can help you save a significant amount of money. This also applies if you are going to Paris for 4 or 6 days. Paris Pass for 4 or 6 days also includes a Paris Museum Pass, which includes popular sites such as the Louvre, Orsay, Centre Pompidou and Arc de Triomphe.
Are you planning to visit Paris for 2 or 3 days and see the highlights such as the Louvre Museum, the Eiffel Tower or the Sacré-Coeur Basilica? In this case, I recommend buying tickets separately.
PARIS EXPLORER PASS
Paris Explorer Pass is a contactless card that gives you free entry to more than 45 monuments, museums and attractions in Paris. The card is experience-oriented and focuses on activities you wouldn’t normally experience in Paris. We’ll talk more in a minute.
What are the benefits of the Go Paris Explorer Pass?
Free entry to 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 attractions out of a total of 40+ attractions and experiences in Paris. Paris Explorer Pass includes a day pass to Disneyland, a guided tour of the Louvre, a guided tour of the Eiffel Tower, a view from the Montparnasse skyscraper, or a cruise on the Seine.
More than the sights, you’ll find attractions and sights that will take you to places you wouldn’t normally go. Taste wines in the historic royal cellars of Les Caves du Louvre, try your hand at making your own macaroons in the famous Lafayette Gallery or head to the Astérix theme park.
Please note: Disneyland is only included in Paris Explorer Pass for 5, 6 or 7 attractions.
Free one-day sightseeing bus ride around the historic centre of Paris, where you can easily reach the main points in the city and save money on Paris public transport. You can get on and off at any time. Buses run every 20 minutes.
The card is activated by entering the first attraction and is valid for the next 60 days, so you are not limited by time. Please note: If you plan to visit Disneyland, the card will be activated when you book your Disneyland visit (the procedure will be emailed to you after you purchase the card).
Free cancellation within 90 days , so you get a refund within 3 months without giving any reason.
You have 2 years to activate Paris Explorer Pass , so you can enjoy Paris for 2 years at current prices.
Interactive guide to download as an app to the phone. All the necessary information about the sights and maps of the city are included.
How does Paris Explorer Pass work?
You choose which attractions you want to visit and accordingly choose Paris Explorer Pass . Choose from 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 attractions from a package of over 40+ attractions, tours and points of interest in the city. Both Paris Pass and Paris Explorer Pass can only be booked online. This is an advantage because you can have your card paid for in no time with a confirmation in your email.
You can then download the Go City app with your Paris Explorer Pass. You can also print a paper copy. You don’t have to go anywhere anymore.
Paris Explorer Pass is activated by presenting it at the gate of the first attraction (reservations in the case of Disneyland). You scan it, and hurry in.
What attractions are included in Paris Explorer Pass?
Paris Explorer Pass allows you to choose from over 20 sites in Paris including:
- Entrance to Disneyland (1 day/1 park; savings up to €99)
- Ticket to the Louvre including a guided tour in advance with interesting facts about the history of the Louvre (41 €)
- Guided tour of the Eiffel Tower (46 €)
- Park Astérix (59 €)
- Sightseeing bus ride (45 €).
- Five-course gourmet lunch with champagne (60,50 €)
- Wine tasting in the royal cellars of Les Caves du Louvre (36 €)
- View from Montparnasse (21 €)
- Paris Aquarium (26 €)
- Cruise on the Seine (18 €)
- Wax Museum (26 €)
- …and many more (The complete list of attractions can be found here)
Please note: Disneyland is only included in Paris Explorer Pass for 5, 6 or 7 attractions.
What is the price of Paris Explorer Pass?
Prices for Paris Explorer Pass vary depending on how many attractions you choose – there are 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 attractions on offer, which you have 60 days to visit.
Paris Explorer Pass for 5-7 attractions also includes Disneyland Paris.
The prices are as follows:
How much will I save with Paris Explorer Pass?
Paris Explorer Pass is experientially oriented. You can choose from activities that are typical of Paris and France, giving you a great experience and insight into the culture.
The card is all the more worthwhile if you’re planning a visit to Disneyland, where ticket prices rise to €99 from spring (Disneyland is only included in Paris Explorer Pass for 5, 6 or 7 attractions in high season).
Paris Explorer Pass, on the other hand, is not worth it if you plan to visit mainly popular sights and museums in Paris.
For whom is the tourist card worthwhile?
You’re not a student or a child – many attractions offer free admission for children under 18 and sometimes even under 25. It’s a good idea to check in advance how the sights and museums you plan to visit are doing.
First time in Paris and planning to visit more sights and attractions
Alternative to Paris Pass and Paris Museum Pass
Not taking advantage of all the benefits of Paris Pass and then the card would not bring you any savings? Try the separate Paris Museum Pass. It gives you access to more than 60 of the most famous monuments and museums in Paris, including the Louvre, Arc de Triomphe and the Orsay Museum. The card can be purchased for 2, 4 or 6 days. You can buy a Paris Museum Pass buy online .
SUMMARY: Which card to choose?
Are you planning to visit the famous museums of Paris? Then select Paris Museum Pass or Paris Pass for 4-6 days, which includes more than 60 sights and museums, such as the Louvre, the Orsay Museum, Napoleon’s Tomb, Arc de Triomphe and more.
Would you like to try something new that is typical of Paris? Experience chocolate or macaron making, French wine or cheese tasting, as well as a view from the Montpartnasse skyscraper or a guided tour of the Eiffel Tower with Paris Explorer Pass or Paris Pass .
Where to book a ticket in advance?
Wouldn’t any of the travel cards save you money? Below you will find places in Paris where it is best to book your tickets in advance:
- Louvre Museum
- Eiffel Tower
- Arc de Triomphe
- Versailles
- Disneyland (reservation required)
The best booking resources for visiting Paris
Via Booking.com we search for all accommodation. It is the largest accommodation portal in the world and you will find everything from modern hotels, cosy guesthouses to seaside villas.
Get Your Guide is a huge booking system for buying tickets, guided tours and all sorts of activities. In one place you can read other travellers’ experiences and book tickets to the Vatican Museums, a cruise on the Danube or a desert safari in Dubai.
This was a review and comparison of Paris Pass and Paris Explorer Pass. Do you have a question? We’ll be happy to answer it in the comments below. Have a safe journey!
Related articles about Paris and France
PARIS ITINERARY: Check out more than 30 tips on what to see in Paris (including information on admission fees, how to skip the queues and opening times). To help you plan, we’ve created an itinerary for 3 days in Paris. For a complete overview of admission fees to monuments, see the article Overview of admission fees and opening times to monuments in Paris.
THINGS TO DO IN PARIS: If you are an art lover, we have prepared a detailed guide to the Louvre (things to do, prices, admission, etc.). In the next article you will learn everything you need to know before visiting Versailes.
Are you planning to visit Disneyland? Read our detailed guide to Disneyland.
PARIS GUIDE: In a separate article you can find out everything about transport in Paris (airport, public transport, metro, bicycle). Read about accommodation, prices, food and safety in our guide to Paris.
HOW TO SAVE IN PARIS: Read our tips on how to visit Paris cheaply.
PROVENCE: How about discovering more beautiful places in France? Provence is one of them. The Provence guide tells you everything you need to know before your trip.
FAQ: Paris Pass and Paris Explorer Pass reviews
You can purchase the Paris Card on the official website of the retailer. At the monument, you just scan the code from the card on your mobile phone.
You can buy the Paris Pass online at the official website of the retailer . Then download it to your mobile phone via the GO City app or print a paper copy.
The price varies depending on the type of card you choose.
It depends on how you plan to visit Paris. The Paris Pass allows you to experience Paris from a different angle than usual. In this article, we will give examples of when the card pays off, or what the alternatives are.
