How We Saved Almost $200 with the Go City New Orleans Pass
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New Orleans might be famous for jazz and jambalaya, but let me tell you—it’s also home to one of the best city passes we’ve ever used.
When my husband and I celebrated our 25th anniversary in the Big Easy, we wanted to pack in as much culture and fun as possible without breaking the bank. Plus, we wanted this to be a super chill, come-and-go-as-we-please kind of trip. Spoiler alert: the Go City New Orleans Pass helped us do just that.
This is not my first experience using a Go City All-Inclusive, and it won’t be my last!
Here’s exactly how we made the most of a one-day pass, what we saved, and why I think it’s a fantastic option for families or couples planning a New Orleans adventure.
What Is the Go City New Orleans Pass?
The Go City New Orleans Pass is an all-in-one digital pass that gives you access to top attractions throughout the city. With options for 1, 2, 3, or 5-day all-inclusive passes, you can explore at your own pace. Pricing starts at $84 for a 1-day adult pass and goes up to $189 for five days. For families, it means skipping individual ticket lines, budgeting with ease, and avoiding the hassle of buying admission at every stop.
Pass types:
- 1-Day Pass: $84
- 2-Day Pass: $129
- 3-Day Pass: $149
- 5-Day Pass: $189
You simply download the app, scan your pass, and you’re in.
🎟️ Want to simplify your New Orleans adventure? Get your Go City Pass now and skip the hassle of ticket lines.
Our 1-Day Go City Itinerary: Every Stop We Made
Mardi Gras World
This was a personal bucket list item for me, and it didn’t disappoint. Seeing the behind-the-scenes work that goes into building those iconic Mardi Gras floats was nothing short of magical. Bonus: the tour includes a slice of king cake!
Vue Orleans
High above the city, Vue Orleans gave us sweeping panoramic views and an engaging multimedia introduction to NOLA’s rich history and culture. It was the perfect stop to get our bearings and feel the city’s rhythm.
Historic Museum Hopping
We dove into the French Quarter’s layered past with four museums:
- New Orleans Pharmacy Museum: An unexpected gem showcasing historic medical tools and practices.
- 1850 House: A look at antebellum life in the city.
- Presbytère: Hurricane Katrina exhibits and Mardi Gras artifacts.
- Cabildo: Louisiana’s colonial and early American history, right next to Jackson Square.
Southern Meal at MRB Restaurant
This was our biggest surprise! An actual sit-down meal included with the pass? Yes. MRB may look modest, tucked away in a French Quarter alley, but it served up one of the best meals we had all trip—complete with chargrilled oysters and local flair.
📲 Planning a day like ours? Buy your Go City Pass today and follow our exact one-day itinerary to maximize fun and minimize stress.
What We Spent vs. What We Saved
Here’s a breakdown of what we would have spent without the Go City Pass:
- Mardi Gras World: $29.95
- Vue Orleans: $29.50
- Pharmacy Museum: $10
- 1850 House: $5
- Presbytère: $7
- Cabildo: $10
- MRB Meal: ~$23
Total: $114.45 per person
We paid $84 per person for the one-day pass, saving us over $30 each. That’s more than $60 as a couple—and for families, those savings can really add up.
💰 We saved over $60 as a couple in just one day. Click here to get your pass and start saving on your own family getaway.
What We’d Do with a 2-Day Pass
If we had more time, we definitely would have added:
- The National WWII Museum (a must-see for history buffs)
- New Orleans School of Cooking Demo
- Walking or ghost tours to explore even more of the city’s unique character
Adding just those three attractions could easily increase your value:
- WWII Museum: $31.50
- Cooking Demo: $38
- Walking Tour: ~$25
That’s another $94.50 in value. Combine that with the $114.45 from our original day, and the total is about $208.95. The 2-day pass costs $129, which means a savings of nearly $80 per person.
For families or anyone who wants to explore without rushing, the 2-day pass is the sweet spot—a great balance between cost and access to a wide variety of experiences.
✨ If you’re planning to travel during busy season, some attractions can fill up. Get your pass early to avoid sold-out time slots!
Full List of Go City Attractions in New Orleans
Here’s everything included at the time of writing:
| Attraction | Estimated Cost | Family Friendly |
|---|---|---|
| The National WWII Museum | $31.50 | ✓ |
| Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Cruise | $39 | ✓ |
| Ultimate Swamp Adventures | $32 | ✓ |
| Vue Orleans | $29.50 | ✓ |
| Adventures in New Orleans Bus Tour | $44 | ✓ |
| Mardi Gras World with Transportation | $29.95 | ✓ |
| New Orleans School of Cooking Demo | $38 | ✓ |
| Southern Meal at MRB Restaurant | $23 | (ages 21+) |
| Walking Scavenger Hunt | $20 | ✓ |
| French Quarter History / Voodoo Tour | $25 | ✓ |
| Cajun Pride Swamp Tour by Boat | $27 | ✓ |
| New Orleans Pharmacy Museum | $10 | ✓ |
| Southern Food and Beverage Museum | $10 | ✓ |
| Longue Vue House and Gardens | $12 | ✓ |
| New Orleans True Crime Tour | $25 | |
| Le Musée de f.p.c. | $10 | ✓ |
| Cities of the Dead Cemetery History Tour | $25 | ✓ |
| 1850 House | $5 | ✓ |
| Presbytère | $7 | ✓ |
| The Cabildo | $10 | ✓ |
| New Orleans Jazz Museum | $10 | ✓ |
| Ghost & Vampire Combo Tour | $25 | |
| Garden District Tour | $25 | ✓ |
| Edgar Degas House | $12 | ✓ |
| Saints & Sinners Tour | $25 | |
| Tremé Tour | $25 | ✓ |
| Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience | $15 | ✓ |
Tips for Using the Go City App
To make the most of your Go City Pass experience, here are a few practical tips:
- Download the App in Advance: The Go City app is your digital pass. Make sure it’s installed and logged in before your trip.
- Plan Your Day: Browse the attractions in the app and add them to your “favorites” list so you can see their hours and locations at a glance.
- Activation Timing: Your pass becomes active the moment you visit your first attraction. That starts your 1, 2, or 3-day countdown.
- Start Early: Most attractions open between 9 and 10 a.m. Begin your day early to maximize the number of places you can visit.
- Double-Check Hours: Opening times can vary, especially for museums or seasonal experiences. Always confirm times the night before.
- Offline Access: Save a screenshot of your QR code in case of Wi-Fi issues.
These little planning steps make the Go City experience smooth and help you get the best bang for your buck.
Final Thoughts: Is Go City New Orleans Worth It?
Absolutely—especially if you plan ahead. Whether you’re a couple on an anniversary trip like us or a family trying to squeeze the most out of a few vacation days, the Go City Pass offers convenience, cost savings, and unique experiences. Our 25th anniversary was made even more special thanks to the access and ease the pass provided.
If I were buying it myself, I’d opt for the 2- or 3-day pass to explore even more at a relaxed pace.
Want more tips for visiting New Orleans? Check out these helpful reads:
Ready to Roll Through New Orleans with Go City?
✅ Ready to stop stressing about what to do and start making memories?
Grab your Go City New Orleans Pass here and build your perfect family itinerary — just like we did.
FAQs Go City New Orleans
What’s included in the Go City New Orleans Pass?
Access to 25+ attractions, including museums, tours, food, and cruises.
Is the Go City Pass worth it for families?
Yes! Many attractions are family-friendly and educational. Read my full review here.
Can you skip lines with the Go City Pass?
Some attractions offer fast-track entry, but not all. Always check the app.
How do you activate your pass?
Your pass is activated when you visit your first attraction. You then have the number of days you purchased to use it.
