Go City London Explorer Pass: 2-7 Things To do including Shard

Traveling to London and looking for a way to maximize your visit without breaking the bank? The Go City London Explorer Pass might just be what you need. This flexible sightseeing pass offers access to over 90 attractions, from historic sites like Westminster Abbey to modern marvels like The Shard. It’s designed for those who prefer a custom itinerary, saving money and skipping long lines—two things we all appreciate when navigating this bustling city.

What really catches our eye about this pass is its flexibility—you pick the number of attractions you want to visit, from just two up to seven, and have 30 days to explore. Plus, it’s all digital, so you don’t have to worry about printing tickets or carrying paper. That convenience, combined with some attractive discounts, makes it a tempting option. However, it’s worth noting that some attractions may require reservations, and not all experiences might be suitable if you’re only in London for a short time.

This pass would suit travelers who like to plan ahead but also want the freedom to explore at their own pace. If you’re someone who appreciates the idea of skipping lines and saving money on big-ticket sights, it could be a real help. But if you’re only planning to visit a couple of attractions or prefer guided tours, it might not be the best value.

Key Points

• Flexibility: Choose 2 to 7 attractions from a list of over 90 options.
• Validity: The pass is valid for 30 days from your first use, giving you plenty of time to plan.
• Cost savings: It can save you hundreds compared to buying tickets individually, especially if you plan to visit multiple major sights.
• Convenience: Everything is digital—no need for paper tickets, and you can sync your pass via the Go City app.
• Skip the lines: Some attractions offer priority access, saving you waiting time.
• Variety: Options include iconic landmarks, river cruises, bus tours, and even museum visits.

Exploring the Highlights of the London Explorer Pass

The Tower of London: A Must-See Historic Fortress

The Tower of London is a top draw. Built by William the Conqueror in 1066, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of London’s medieval past. When we looked into it, we saw reviews praising how the pass makes entry smoother—no need to queue, just show your digital ticket. The Tower isn’t just about history; it’s about walking through centuries of royal intrigue, with the Crown Jewels shining as the star attraction. Expect about an hour here.

The View from The Shard: Sky-High London

The Shard offers panoramic views that are hard to beat. It’s the city’s tallest building, and from the 72nd-floor Skydeck, you’ll get a breathtaking perspective of London’s skyline. Keep in mind, advanced reservations are required—something that the pass simplifies since you can book your slot during daylight hours, with the latest at 5:15 PM. The experience lasts around two hours, including the indoor viewing gallery, the open-air Skydeck, and some digital photos included in the ticket.

Westminster Abbey: Royal Celebrations and History

A visit to Westminster Abbey takes you into the heart of Britain’s royal pageant. Think royal weddings, coronations, and centuries of history. The gothic architecture alone is a sight, and the interior is full of stories—something that comments from travelers, like “walking in the footsteps of kings and queens,” really highlights. Expect about two hours here, and the pass helps you avoid long ticket lines.

Tower Bridge: London’s Iconic Crosswalk

While perhaps less immersive than some attractions, Tower Bridge is a symbol of London that’s worth a visit. Besides admiring its Victorian engineering, you can explore the exhibition inside and even walk across the high-level walkways. With the pass, you’re in for about an hour, and since it’s a popular spot, the skip-the-line benefit can save you some time during busy periods.

Big Bus Tours London: See the City at Your Pace

For many travelers, big bus hop-on hop-off tours are a practical way to cover a lot of ground without fatigue. The pass includes a two-day ticket, and the onboard guides make the experience more engaging. You can hop off at spots like Buckingham Palace or the British Museum, then hop back on to catch the next sight. It’s about six hours of sightseeing at your own pace, and reviews point out the guides are knowledgeable, making this a highlight for many.

Kensington Palace: Royal Residence and Exhibitions

Kensington Palace is not just a beautiful royal residence; it hosts changing exhibitions, and you get to explore Queen Mary’s State Apartments and other historic rooms. It’s a more relaxed stop, lasting around two hours, and the pass grants you fast access. If you’re into royal history and architecture, this is a reliable choice.

City Cruises: London from the Water

A cruise along the Thames is a fantastic way to see London’s sights from a different angle. The City Cruises included in the pass offer a full day of sailing from Westminster to Greenwich, with stops at major landmarks like the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye. You can hop on and off, making this flexible and scenic. Many reviews appreciate the convenience and views, especially as the cruise schedule is regular, departing every 40 minutes.

St. Paul’s Cathedral: A London Landmark

The St. Paul’s Cathedral dome is iconic. The interior features whispering walls, a fresco ceiling, and the tombs of famous figures, making it a worthwhile stop. The pass includes a 1.5-hour visit and helps you avoid ticket lines. If you’re interested in architecture and history, St. Paul’s is a good choice.

Royal Albert Hall: London’s Prestigious Venue

Though primarily a concert hall, touring the Royal Albert Hall provides insight into its history and architecture. The visit lasts about an hour and offers a glimpse into one of London’s most famous performance venues. It’s a different type of attraction that adds variety to your itinerary.

Hampton Court Palace: Tudor Royalty

For a taste of Tudor opulence, Hampton Court Palace is a favorite. It’s where Henry VIII played host, full of galleries, tapestries, and even some ghost stories. The two-hour visit is ideal for history buffs, and with the pass, you skip the line, saving time during busy weekends.

Additional Attractions and Activities

The pass isn’t limited to just sights. You could visit the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, explore Benjamin Franklin House, or even tour Wembley Stadium. Many reviews highlight the value of the city bus tour, river cruises, and museums, with some mentioning how the pass helped them plan an efficient day. Be aware that some attractions, like the Sherlock Holmes Escape Game or LEGOLAND Windsor, require reservations, so planning ahead is necessary.

How to Make the Most of the Pass

The key to getting good value from this pass is planning your itinerary carefully. The reviews show that many users appreciated how it saved time and money—like saving over $200 Canadian per person or avoiding long lines at popular attractions.

For instance, travelers have praised the skip-the-line feature at places like Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London, especially during peak times. Others enjoyed the flexibility—using the pass for a combination of a river cruise, bus tour, and a few major landmarks, all within a 30-day window.

Some downsides are worth noting. A few reviews mentioned issues with ticket validation, particularly when purchasing through third parties like Viator, which caused delays or frustrations. Also, some attractions, like Madame Tussauds or certain museums, might require additional upgrades or reservations, so it pays to double-check and plan.

Price and Value

At around $74.18 per person for a basic 2-activity pass, the cost seems reasonable, especially if you’re planning to visit several of the bigger attractions. The reviews emphasize that it’s worth it if you already know what sites you want to see and can maximize the included visits. It’s less valuable if you only plan to do one or two activities, so consider your itinerary carefully.

Who Is This Pass Best For?

This pass is ideal for independent travelers who like to customize their sightseeing experience. If you prefer a flexible schedule, enjoy skipping lines, and want to save money on entry fees, it’s a smart choice. It’s especially helpful for those who want to cover multiple major sights without the hassle of buying individual tickets or waiting in lines.

It’s less suited for short stays of a couple of days, unless you plan to visit several of the listed attractions. Also, if you’re only interested in a specific site or two, individual tickets might be more straightforward and possibly cheaper.

The Sum Up

The Go City London Explorer Pass offers a compelling package for travelers eager to see London’s highlights at their own pace. Its biggest advantages are flexibility, cost savings, and convenience, especially with the skip-the-line benefits at popular spots. It’s a good fit for those who like to plan ahead but also want the freedom to explore spontaneously.

However, it’s important to be aware of potential reservations and extra costs for some attractions. It works best if you have a rough idea of your must-see list and are comfortable using a digital pass. The reviews suggest that many users find it very worthwhile, especially when combining attractions like the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and the Thames river cruises.

In the end, if you’re a curious, adventure-loving traveler who wants to make the most of your time in London without the stress of ticketing and lines, this pass could be a real help. Just take a little time to plan ahead and you’ll be set for an enjoyable, streamlined experience in one of the world’s most exciting cities.

FAQ

Does the pass include skip-the-line entry?
Some attractions, like Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London, offer skip-the-line access for pass holders, saving you time during busy periods.

How long is the pass valid?
Your pass is valid for 30 days once you start using it at your first attraction, giving you plenty of flexibility to plan your trip.

Can I use the pass for multiple attractions in one day?
Yes, you can visit multiple attractions within your 30-day window, but be mindful of opening hours and reservation requirements.

Do I need to print my tickets?
No, everything is digital. You can access your pass and booking details on your mobile device through the Go City app.

Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?
Some attractions may require reservations or upgrades. Always check the details in the app or digital guide to avoid surprises.

Can I use the pass for transportation?
Transport to and from attractions isn’t included, but the pass covers entry to many major sites and experiences.

What’s the best way to maximize savings?
Plan your visits around your interests, and try to include a few high-cost attractions. The pass offers significant savings if you visit multiple sites.

The Go City London Explorer Pass is a flexible, money-saving way to see London’s top sights—especially if you’re eager to explore without the hassle and long queues. Just remember to plan ahead, reserve where needed, and enjoy your time in this vibrant city.