How the Go City Boston Pass Saved Our Sanity (and Over $250)
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Boston has turned into one of my favorite places to travel. There’s so much to see and do, exciting history, thrilling sea adventures, yummy food. And my one saving grace every time I go to Beantown, getting a Go City Boston attractions pass to save me time and money.
I used both the All-Inclusive and the Explorer Pass on trips to Boston, and they’ve both worked great.
This pass saved our family over $250—and even more valuable, it saved our time and energy. We got into the city’s biggest attractions with one QR code and zero stress.
If you’re juggling teens, tight schedules, and a need to keep costs low while seeing the best of Boston, here’s how this pass made it all possible—and how it can do the same for you.
How the Go City Boston Pass Gave Our Family Flexibility and Savings
When I first used the Explorer Pass in 2017, I chose 3 attractions for my son and me—our picks: a whale-watching tour, the Freedom Trail, and a dual ticket to the Old State House Museum and Old South Meeting House. That set me back about $69, while the combined attraction cost was $88, so we saved $19 per person firsthand.
Fast forward to 2023, and I went back with a 2‑day All-Inclusive Pass (currently priced at $94) to enjoy more freedom and add experiences in Salem and Boston. While the attractions I chose came to $89.80, making it just under the pass cost, the flexibility—and the peace of mind—was worth every penny.
Here’s a clearer look at how the two passes compare:
Explorer Pass vs. All-Inclusive Pass: Side-By-Side
| Feature | Explorer Pass (3 attractions) | All-Inclusive Pass (2 days) |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Select few must-dos | See as much as you want |
| Example cost | $69 | $94 |
| Attractions picked | Whale-watching, Freedom Trail, Old State House & South Meeting House | Flexible mix in Boston & Salem |
| Total attraction cost | $88 (paid individually) | $89.80 |
| Savings vs. pay-at-door | $19 per person | Strategic value if full days planned |
| Flexibility | Locked into 3 picks | Unlimited access in 2 days |
| Valid timeframe | 30 days from activation | Consecutive calendar days |
🌆 Skip the overpriced tours—grab a Go City Boston Pass and unlock 40+ attractions with one ticket!
My 2017 Explorer Pass Adventure: Pay Only for What We Knew
In 2017, we used the Explorer Pass to hit Boston highlights without overcommitting:
- Whale-Watching Tour (retired) – unforgettable and best for kids who love nature.
- Freedom Trail – classic and crowd-pleasing.
- Old State House + Old South Meeting House – rich history packed into one ticket.
We also paid $6 each at the door for the Mapparium and Paul Revere House—it added spontaneity without breaking the bank.
Explorer Pass outcome: Saved $19 per person, but didn’t offer any wiggle room.
My 2023 All-Inclusive Pass Trip: Flexibility for Unlimited Exploration
The 2023 All-Inclusive Pass gave me total flexibility across 2 full days in Boston. Here’s what I covered:
Day One (Boston):
- Paul Revere House – $6
- Freedom Trail Foundation Walk – $16.80
- King’s Chapel – $5
Day Two (Salem):
- Salem Witch Museum – $17.50
- House of Seven Gables – $12
- Old State House & South Meeting House combo – $16
- Real Pirates Salem – $16.50
Total spent: $89.80. While that’s slightly under the pass cost, I gained two key advantages:
- Ultimate freedom: Stay or get away from Boston whenever I wanted.
- Reliability: Attractions changed due to off-season—but I didn’t feel stuck.
What the All-Inclusive Pass Could Be Worth If Fully Utilized
If instead I had stayed in Boston the whole time, I could’ve done this:
- Historic Sightseeing Cruise – $40
- New England Aquarium – $34
- Boch Center Wang Theatre tour – $20
- Buckman Tavern – $8
- North End Little Italy food tour – $35
- City View Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley – $78
Add it up: $258.80. That makes the $94 pass a total bargain, especially if weather, teens, or timing allow you to hit all the big draws.
With the All‑Inclusive Pass, your family gets unlimited access to 45+ top-rated Boston attractions, including:
- CityView Hop‑On Hop‑Off Trolley (2‑day) – a convenient way to sightsee at your own pace.
- Historic Sightseeing Cruise – a scenic and educational waterfront experience.
- Museum of Science, Museum of Fine Arts, and Harvard Museum of Natural History – perfect for curious minds.
- Paul Revere House, King’s Chapel, USS Constitution Museum, and Old State House & Old South Meeting House – for a deep dive into colonial history.
- View Boston Observation Deck – breathtaking 360° views from the Prudential Tower
- Franklin Park Zoo and Boston Children’s Museum – great for families with younger kids.
- LEGOLAND Discovery Center, Boston Harbor Walk & Seafood Tour, and Boston Harborwalk for fun and adventure
- Seasonal extras like Swan Boats, Sunset Cruises, and the Salem Witch Museum expand your itinerary
Mix and match these experiences however you like—with one convenient digital pass, you’re free to customize your family’s Boston story.
✨ Planning a Boston adventure? Get unlimited access to the top attractions for one low price!
Why These Passes Matter for Families
- Explorer Pass is great for low-risk, specific plans—perfect if you want the whale tour or Freedom Trail with minimal fuss.
- All-Inclusive Pass offers full roam and stress-free planning—ideal for families who want to see it all or swap things in runtime.
Depending on your family style—set plans or flexible exploration—pick the pass that fits your pace.
Tips to Maximize the Go City Boston Pass (From a Real Family)
We made the most of our pass using a few practical tricks:
- Start early. Boston attractions fill up fast—especially on weekends.
- Mix it up. Alternate high-energy activities (like the Aquarium) with slower ones (like the harbor cruise).
- Use the app. It tracks what you’ve done and what’s nearby.
- Stack your day smartly. We paired shorter attractions like the Skywalk and Trolley Tour in one day—it maximized value without wearing us out.
💡 Pro Tip: Bring snacks and water. Museum food is overpriced, and Boston walking adds up fast.
📱 Instant access, no stress—Go City Boston puts sightseeing in your pocket.
What We’d Do Differently (So You Don’t Make the Same Mistakes)
We loved the Go City Boston pass—but here’s where we’d tweak things next time:
- Build in downtime. Our teens need more chill time than we expected. Planning back-to-back attractions left everyone a bit fried.
- Double-check reservation rules. Some museums fill up early—we missed out on one exhibit because we didn’t book in advance.
- Leave room for spontaneity. One of our best meals was at a hole-in-the-wall we wandered into between attractions.
The pass gave us freedom, but that doesn’t mean we had to use every minute. Balance matters.
Which Go City Boston Pass Should You Pick?
Go City offers two flavors of their Boston pass, and picking the right one can seriously boost your savings:
| Feature | All-Inclusive Pass | Explorer Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Packed itineraries | Slower-paced trips |
| Access | 40+ attractions in 1–7 days | 2–5 attractions over 60 days |
| Savings | Up to 55% | Up to 45% |
| Example Price (Adult) | ~$134 for 3 days | ~$74 for 3 attractions |
Buy Your Go City Boston Pass and Save
- Explorer Pass (2–5 picks): from $49–$94, covers what you care about most.
- All-Inclusive Pass (1–7 days): from $79–$174, unlimited access to 45+ attractions.
➡️ Ready to simplify your next family trip and let your teens lead the fun?
Grab your Go City Boston pass here—choose what fits your family’s pace and preference.
Should You Get the Go City Boston Pass?
If you want to make the most of Boston without wasting time, overthinking every ticket, or blowing your budget, then yes—absolutely.
This pass made our trip smoother, more fun, and yes, cheaper. The biggest win? Less time stressing, more time making memories.
➡️ Ready to save and simplify your Boston trip? Grab your Go City Boston pass here and start planning your own adventure.
Final Thoughts: Our Family’s Go-To Sightseeing Hack
If you’re heading to Boston and want to balance cost, convenience, and coverage, the Go City Boston pass is a no-brainer. It made our trip smoother, more affordable, and more enjoyable.
We’ve used the Go City New Orleans Pass as well. Check out our savings in The Big Easy.
FAQs
What’s the difference between the Explorer and All-Inclusive Pass?
Explorer lets you choose a set number of attractions over time. All-Inclusive lets you see as much as you want in a limited number of days.
Do I need to reserve attractions in advance?
Some, yes. Check the app for each attraction’s policy—better safe than sorry.
Can teens use the pass?
Absolutely. They’ll need their own pass, but prices are usually lower for kids and teens.
Is the Go City Boston pass refundable?
Yes, if it’s unused and returned within the refund window (typically 90 days—double-check before you buy).
