Boston: Explorer Pass Save up to 50% on 30+ Top Attractions

Thinking about visiting Boston and wondering how to make the most of your trip without breaking the bank? The Boston Explorer Pass from Go City is designed for travelers who want flexibility, variety, and savings. It’s a digital pass that grants you access to over 30 top attractions across the city, all within 30 days of activation.

What we really like about this pass is the ease of use—you can activate it immediately on your phone or print it out, and it’s valid for an entire month. Plus, the potential to save up to 50% on individual tickets is definitely a big perk. However, a thing to keep in mind is that attraction reservations and operating hours can change, so it’s worth planning ahead. This pass feels like it’s a good fit for those who want a flexible, budget-conscious way to explore Boston’s highlights, especially if you enjoy customizing your itinerary.

Key Points

• Flexibility: Valid for 30 days from first use, allowing you to explore at your own pace.
• Cost-Effective: Save up to 50% on top attractions compared to buying individual tickets.
• Convenience: Digital pass accessible instantly on your smartphone or printable.
• Diverse Options: Includes cruises, museums, walking tours, and more—over 30 experiences.
• Skip-the-Line Privileges: At select attractions like the Museum of Science, saving you valuable time.
• Reservation Tips: Popular activities often require reservations, so plan ahead.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What is the Boston Explorer Pass?

The Boston Explorer Pass is essentially a prepaid ticket system that offers access to a selection of the city’s most popular sights and activities. You choose between 2, 3, 4, or 5 attractions from a curated list, and your pass remains valid for 30 days after your first visit. This flexibility means you don’t have to cram everything into a single day, which is perfect if you’re visiting for a longer trip or prefer a relaxed pace.

You can activate your pass instantly on your smartphone or print it out, allowing for effortless entry. The pass also works seamlessly with the Go City app, which provides useful information like opening times, reservation instructions, and more. This integration helps reduce the stress of planning and makes navigation straightforward.

How Does the Pass Work in Practice?

Once activated at any included attraction, your pass is good for 30 days. You select 2 to 5 experiences, which could include cruises, museums, or sightseeing tours. The selection is broad, covering everything from historic sites to outdoor adventures.

For example, you might choose a Historic Sightseeing Cruise that runs from April to October, along with a Harvard Tour and a Museum of Science visit. When you arrive at each destination, simply show your pass on your device or printed copy, and it’ll be scanned for entry. For some attractions, like the Museum of Science, you’ll enjoy skip-the-line benefits, saving you from long waits.

The flexibility allows you to spread out your visits over the 30-day period, which is especially useful if you prefer exploring at a leisurely pace or want to avoid the crowds during peak hours.

What’s Included and What’s Not?

Included in the pass are the digital Explorer Pass and a free digital guide loaded with useful info about each attraction. You can also browse the Go City app for current hours, reservations, and additional details.

What’s not included are food, drinks, or transportation to and from attractions. If you’re planning to hop between sites, you’ll need to arrange your own transport or consider other options like hop-on-hop-off buses.

Activation is straightforward—just pick any included attraction, and the pass is ready to go. Remember, all attractions and tours are subject to change, so always check the latest info on the Go City app.

What Attractions Are Available?

The list of options is quite extensive. Here’s what you can expect:

• Tours and Cruises: Historic Sightseeing Cruise, Boston Sunset Cruise, and hop-on-hop-off trolley tours.
• Museums: Museum of Science, Harvard Museum of Natural History, Museum of Fine Arts, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, JFK Library, Peabody Essex Museum, and more.
• Historic and Cultural Tours: Harvard Tour, North End Boston’s ‘Little Italy,’ Beacon Hill, True Crime Tour, Haunted Boston Tour, and Pub Crawl.
• Outdoor and Family-Friendly Activities: Boston Children’s Museum, Franklin Park Zoo, USS Constitution Museum, LEGOland Discovery Center.
• Observation and Panoramic Views: View Boston Observation Deck, Old State House, Old South Meeting House.

This variety means you’ll find something for every interest—whether you’re into history, science, art, or just enjoying the city views.

More Great Tours Nearby

How Valuable Is the Pass?

Based on reviews and the listed attractions, the pass offers excellent value if you plan to hit multiple sites. Compared to paying individually, the savings can reach up to 50%, especially if you choose the right combination of experiences. For example, a cruise plus a museum visit quickly adds up in cost, making the pass a smart way to stretch your budget.

Travelers often mention how much they appreciated the skip-the-line privileges, especially at busy spots like the Museum of Science, where lines can sometimes eat into your sightseeing time. Plus, the flexibility to visit at your own pace means you can enjoy each attraction without feeling rushed.

What Are the Downsides?

While the pass is generally praised for convenience and savings, some travelers highlight potential hurdles. The biggest is that attractions and tours may require reservations, and popular slots can fill up quickly. Planning ahead becomes crucial, especially during peak season or busy holidays.

Another consideration is that the pass doesn’t include transportation—if you’re planning to move around a lot, you’ll need to budget for transit separately, whether that’s public transport, taxis, or ride-shares.

Lastly, since some attractions have seasonal availability (like the cruise from April to October), it’s essential to verify the schedules before planning your days.

Who Is This Pass Best For?

This pass is ideal for independent travelers who want to explore at their own pace and prefer flexibility. It’s also perfect if you’re planning to visit multiple attractions within a short window and want to maximize savings. If you’re traveling with a group or family, the cost benefits can be significant, though you’ll want to check specific attraction policies if children are involved.

It’s less suitable if you prefer guided tours with set schedules or if you dislike planning ahead. The need to reserve some experiences and coordinate timings might be a drawback for spontaneous travelers.

Final Thoughts: Is the Boston Explorer Pass Worth It?

For most travelers looking to see Boston’s highlights without the stress of buying tickets individually, this pass offers a great mix of value and flexibility. The variety of included attractions means you can tailor your trip around your interests—whether that’s history, science, art, or just enjoying the views.

The convenience of digital access, combined with the potential coupon savings, makes it a practical choice. We’ve seen reviews praising the stunning views from observation decks and the good value for money that this pass delivers. However, it’s wise to plan ahead, especially for popular activities, to ensure you get the most out of your experience.

If you’re okay with a bit of pre-trip organization and want to explore Boston on your own terms, this pass could be your best friend during your visit.

FAQ

Can I activate the pass at any attraction?
Yes, you can activate your pass at any of the included attractions. Once activated, it’s valid for 30 days.

How many attractions can I visit with a single pass?
You can select 2, 3, 4, or 5 attractions from the list, depending on your purchased option.

Is the pass valid for a full year?
No, the pass is valid for 1 year from the date of purchase, but it only becomes active once you use it at your first attraction.

Are attraction times fixed or flexible?
Most attractions are flexible within their operating hours, but some, like cruises, are seasonal (April to October) and may require reservations.

Do I need to reserve spots in advance?
Yes, some popular activities, especially tours and cruises, require reservations. It’s best to plan early.

What happens if an attraction changes its hours or closes?
All info is available through the Go City app or digital guide, which is kept up to date. Always double-check before your visit.

The Boston Explorer Pass from Go City offers a cost-effective and flexible way to enjoy Boston’s top experiences. With careful planning, it’s a tool that can help you see more and stress less during your trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: