London has a lot going on. This pass helps you pick smart.
What I like about the Go City Explorer Pass for London is how it turns sightseeing into simple choices: you buy 2 to 7 credits, and each visit costs one credit. You get access to 90+ major sights, including the View from The Shard, Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral, and the big-name tour options like Hop-On-Hop-Off buses. For me, the best part is that it’s not a rigid day-by-day tour. You can spread visits out over your trip and still feel organized.
Second, I really like the tech side. You get instant digital credits and the Go City app to plan your days, see up-to-date opening info, and sync your pass so you can get in smoothly. A lot of people also note the scanning experience is easy when your pass is properly synced, which matters when you’re trying not to waste vacation time in line.
One thing to keep in mind: savings depend on what you choose. If your plan leans heavily on a single pricey timed attraction or you don’t end up using most of your credits, the pass might not beat buying tickets on your own. Also, the most popular sights usually need reservations, so if you’re the type who shows up late without planning, you’ll feel that.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you buy
- How the Go City Explorer Pass works in plain English
- Picking your 2–7 attractions: the value strategy that actually works
- London landmarks you can build days around: Shard, Tower of London, Westminster, St Paul’s
- The View from The Shard (sky-high perspective)
- Tower of London and Tower Bridge (royal + engineering icons)
- Westminster Abbey (the big-name church visit)
- St Paul’s Cathedral (famous interior + city scale)
- Museums and royal estates: Kew, Greenwich, Hampton Court, and more
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (if you want plants and calm)
- Royal Observatory Greenwich & Prime Meridian (science with a travel story)
- Hampton Court Palace (royal rooms and a full day feel)
- Museum picks that diversify your trip
- The best way to use tours: Thames views and hop-on-hop-off buses
- City Cruises 24 Hour Thames River Pass
- 2-day Hop-On-Hop-Off London Bus tour (Big Bus Tours)
- Fun, family, and “London beyond the classics”
- Shakespeare’s Globe Exhibition & Theatre Tour
- London Zoo and family-friendly outings
- Stadium tours and sports stops
- Games, food experiences, and playful tours
- Using the Go City app so your pass actually feels easy
- Price and savings: when this pass is a great deal
- A calmer 30-day plan: pace, reservations, and smart pairing
- Should you book the London Go City Explorer Pass?
- FAQ
- How many attractions can I visit with the London Explorer Pass?
- How long is the pass valid?
- When does the pass activate?
- Do I need to use the Go City app?
- Are reservations required?
- When do I get my tickets?
- Can I choose which attractions to visit?
- Is there free cancellation?
- Is there one fixed meeting point?
Key things to know before you buy

- One credit per attraction visit means you’ll want to pick your highest-value anchor sights first.
- 90+ options cover landmarks, museums, guided tours, and fun activities like games, golf, and bowling.
- 30 days from first use gives you breathing room to spread visits instead of rushing.
- App syncing matters: follow the instructions so reservations and ticket access work when you arrive.
- Timed popularity is real: the Shard, Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and similar crowd magnets can require extra planning.
How the Go City Explorer Pass works in plain English

This pass is built for choice. When you buy a London Explorer Pass, you pick the number of attractions you want to visit—2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7—and you redeem one credit for each attraction entry.
You don’t have to “complete” a set itinerary in one weekend. Your pass is valid for 30 days starting from your first attraction visit. After that first scan, you’ve got a full month to use the rest of your credits.
In real life, this setup is great if you like a flexible trip rhythm. You can do one big-ticket landmark in the morning, shop and snack mid-day, then hit a museum later. It also helps if your travel day runs long, since your pass clock is tied to your first use rather than the day you arrive.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in London
Picking your 2–7 attractions: the value strategy that actually works

The headline says you can save up to 50% versus buying individual tickets. That’s the kind of promise you should treat as a “could be huge” and then confirm it with your own plan.
Here’s the value method I’d use if I were building your day plan:
1) Choose your anchor attractions first (the most expensive and most time-consuming to schedule).
2) Fill gaps with sights that fit your schedule and your interests.
3) Only then decide if you need 2 credits or 7.
For anchor picks, the list includes several heavy hitters:
- The View from The Shard
- Tower of London
- Tower Bridge
- Westminster Abbey
- St Paul’s Cathedral
- Kensington Palace
- Shakespeare’s Globe Exhibition & Theatre Tour
- City Cruises 24 Hour Thames River Pass
- 2-day Hop-On-Hop-Off London Bus tour (Big Bus Tours)
If you’re trying to maximize value, these are the types of places that tend to have separate ticket pricing on their own. Also, they’re the attractions that shape your overall London experience—views, royal landmarks, major churches, and iconic bridges.
A realistic note: one review reflects the idea that the pass didn’t save money for that specific choice pattern. That doesn’t mean the pass is bad. It just means the math works best when you use multiple credits across the kinds of attractions that are pricey and/or timed.
London landmarks you can build days around: Shard, Tower of London, Westminster, St Paul’s

If you want classic London in a tight window, the Explorer Pass makes it easy to stack landmarks without feeling like you’re on a clock.
The View from The Shard (sky-high perspective)
The Shard is one of those “do it once” views. You’re trading street-level walking for a higher vantage point that helps you understand how neighborhoods connect. If you like photos, or you just want orientation in a city this big, this is a solid start or finale.
The main consideration is timing. Even with a pass, popular viewpoints can be busy, and your best chance to enjoy it is to reserve when the app tells you to.
Tower of London and Tower Bridge (royal + engineering icons)
The pass includes Tower of London and Tower Bridge, which is a smart combo if you want history that’s easy to feel and not just read about. Tower of London gives you a concentrated, “London at full volume” experience—walls, stories, and the sense of a place that has mattered for centuries.
Tower Bridge complements that with the iconic structure and views that feel unmistakably London. If your day includes both, you’re basically pairing depth (Tower of London) with spectacle (Tower Bridge).
A practical caution: these are also crowd magnets. If you land in peak times, you may spend more time in lines than you hoped, even with the pass.
You can also read our reviews of more city tours in London
Westminster Abbey (the big-name church visit)
Westminster Abbey is the kind of place many people plan around. On a pass, it’s one of your most straightforward “major moment” entries.
The drawback to plan for is not the entry itself—it’s time. The Abbey can take longer than you expect, and when you add it to other landmarks the same day, your pacing can slip.
St Paul’s Cathedral (famous interior + city scale)
St Paul’s Cathedral is another top-tier stop. It works well if you want something cathedral-level important, but also practical for fitting into a wider day plan because it’s so central to how many routes are laid out.
In the reviews you’ll find people found using the pass at St Paul’s simple—exactly what you want at a major attraction.
Museums and royal estates: Kew, Greenwich, Hampton Court, and more

If landmarks are your “London posters,” museums and gardens are your “slow down and understand it” moments. The Explorer Pass gives you enough variety to mix both.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (if you want plants and calm)
Kew is listed as an option on the pass. It’s the kind of stop that breaks up a sightseeing-heavy plan. Instead of another building to stare at, you get space to wander and reset your head.
One of the best uses of Kew is pairing it with another day trip-friendly attraction in the same region. That way you’re not bouncing across town twice.
Royal Observatory Greenwich & Prime Meridian (science with a travel story)
Greenwich is one of those places that feels purposeful even if you’re not a science nerd. You’re seeing a real reference point tied to how time works globally—the Prime Meridian—so it’s a museum stop you don’t have to force yourself to enjoy.
Hampton Court Palace (royal rooms and a full day feel)
Hampton Court Palace is on the list. Palace days tend to take a chunk of time because you’re moving through many rooms and outdoor sections. If you’re choosing a longer stop, plan lighter nearby add-ons for that day.
Museum picks that diversify your trip
You also have options like:
- London Transport Museum (great if you want the city explained through how it moves)
- Cutty Sark (maritime feel)
- London Transport Museum and The Postal Museum (both good for “London systems” themes)
- Florence Nightingale Museum and Freud Museum London (more focused, more specific)
- Royal Albert Hall Tour and Royal Air Force Museum London (if you want culture or military/aviation context)
The value here is balance. Instead of spending every day chasing the same kind of photo, you can keep the trip from becoming one long line.
The best way to use tours: Thames views and hop-on-hop-off buses

Some London days go faster if you use transportation-based activities. That’s where the pass has strong options.
City Cruises 24 Hour Thames River Pass
The pass includes City Cruises 24 Hour Thames River Pass. A river cruise is one of the easiest ways to see lots of famous sights without exhausting yourself with constant walking.
It also gives you a different kind of context. On the Thames, buildings and bridges relate to each other in a way that’s hard to replicate from the street.
2-day Hop-On-Hop-Off London Bus tour (Big Bus Tours)
The pass includes a 2-day Hop-On-Hop-Off London Bus tour with Big Bus Tours. This is a practical tool for two reasons: you can reach far-flung sights without planning every transit hop, and you can choose when to get off based on your energy.
One review point I’d take seriously: a rider found the bus excellent but noted city traffic can slow things down. Translation: don’t plan to “see everything” in one tight window. Use the bus as a flexible repositioning tool, then pair it with stops that take time on your terms.
If you want a smooth rhythm, you can do this:
- Ride, get off for a landmark, then re-board later.
- Don’t schedule back-to-back timed entries right across town unless you have buffer time.
Fun, family, and “London beyond the classics”

The Explorer Pass isn’t only big architecture and royal buildings. It includes plenty of fun options, which can be a lifesaver if you’re traveling with teens or you just want variety.
Shakespeare’s Globe Exhibition & Theatre Tour
If you want culture that feels alive, Shakespeare’s Globe is a strong pick. The theatre tour format often makes it easier to connect the dots between London and the stories people keep coming back for.
London Zoo and family-friendly outings
London Zoo is listed, which is an easy “yes” if you’re traveling with kids or anyone who just wants something lighter. Zoos also give you natural breaks in your day because you can do it at your own pace.
Stadium tours and sports stops
If your group loves football, the pass includes:
- Chelsea FC Stadium Tour & Museum
- Arsenal Stadium Tour
- Tottenham Hotspur FC Stadium Tour
- Wembley Stadium Tour
- Twickenham Stadium Tour & World Rugby Museum
- Kia Oval Ground Tour
These work well as anchor attractions for sports fans. They also tend to feel “different” compared to standard sightseeing, which keeps your trip from looking like the same museum list.
Games, food experiences, and playful tours
You’ve got a mix of lighter activities like:
- Swingers Crazy Golf
- All Star Lanes (bowling)
- Solve a Mystery: the Murder at Trafalgar Square
- Sherlock: The Official Live Game
- London Food Walking Tour
- Cocktail and tasting options like The Chocolate Cocktail Club and The Strand Cocktail at The Top Hat
- Fuller’s Brewery Tour
This is where the pass can surprise you—in a good way. A couple of these options can turn your trip from “list of entries” into a set of memories that feel more personal.
Using the Go City app so your pass actually feels easy

The pass is only as painless as your setup. Luckily, the app tools are part of what people like most.
Here’s how to treat it:
- Sync your Explorer Pass following the instructions on your booking confirmation.
- Use the Go City app to plan and check the most up-to-date opening times and access instructions.
- Expect that the most popular activities require reservations, and reserve early.
One big practical advantage that shows up in the experiences people describe: when everything is synced properly, scanning at major sites feels smooth. That matters because London attractions can be hectic, and getting through entry efficiently changes your mood for the whole day.
Price and savings: when this pass is a great deal

You’re paying about $72 per person for this Explorer Pass option, with tickets covering 2 to 7 attractions over 30 days. There’s also a stated claim of saving up to 50% versus buying individual tickets.
So how do you decide if it’s a bargain for you?
It’s usually a good deal if:
- You plan to use multiple credits (not just one or two).
- You choose a mix of top-name attractions and a couple of tours.
- You’re comfortable reserving popular items ahead of time.
It may not be worth it if:
- You only want a small number of sights and the rest of your time is free.
- You’re picking lower-cost options where the pass discount doesn’t make a big dent.
- You choose a pattern that doesn’t align with the places where pricing is highest.
Also, one small reality check: if you end up spending your credits on attractions that you’d otherwise find at a reasonable price, the savings can shrink. The pass can still be convenient, but value depends on your specific shopping list.
A calmer 30-day plan: pace, reservations, and smart pairing

Since you’re not on a fixed schedule, your main job is avoiding the classic London mistake: stacking too much in one day because the pass makes it feel unlimited.
A simple pacing approach:
- Do one big-ticket landmark per day most of the time.
- Add either a museum or a guided tour—not both—unless you know you move fast.
- Leave at least one “buffer” day where you can swap plans if reservations run tight.
For popular entries like Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, and the Shard, treat reservation planning as part of the activity. If you plan ahead, you’ll spend more time enjoying and less time negotiating crowd bottlenecks.
Should you book the London Go City Explorer Pass?
I’d book this pass if you want London at full speed, but without committing to one rigid tour schedule. The best match is a trip where you can realistically use 4–7 credits, and you’re happy to lean on the Go City app to reserve the busiest stops.
I would hesitate if you’re traveling with a very limited sightseeing budget or you only want to hit a couple attractions. In that case, the convenience might still help, but the savings promise is less likely to pay off.
Bottom line: if you build a plan around major landmarks plus a tour or two, you’ll get a trip that feels organized, flexible, and efficient.
FAQ
How many attractions can I visit with the London Explorer Pass?
You can choose to redeem 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 attractions. One credit equals one attraction visit.
How long is the pass valid?
It’s valid for 30 days from your first attraction visit.
When does the pass activate?
Your Explorer Pass is activated at your first attraction visit. The remaining credits then have 30 days to use.
Do I need to use the Go City app?
Yes. The pass is supported by the Go City app, which helps you plan, find digital information, and sync your pass. You should follow the instructions on your booking confirmation.
Are reservations required?
The most popular activities require reservations, so it’s smart to reserve well in advance using the app.
When do I get my tickets?
You get instant delivery of your digital sightseeing credits package.
Can I choose which attractions to visit?
Yes. You can choose any 2 through 7 attractions from the available options, using one credit per visit.
Is there free cancellation?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Is there one fixed meeting point?
Meeting point may vary depending on the option booked, so it’s best to follow the instructions that come with the specific attraction or tour.






























