A pass with credits instead of paper tickets. That alone cuts down on the usual London ticket chaos, and the Go City app makes it easier to plan days around what you actually want to see. You’re also getting the fun mix London is famous for, from The View from the Shard to cathedrals, museums, and even games and football tours.

I especially like two things: the flexibility to pick 2 to 7 attractions (so you don’t waste money on sights you won’t do), and the way the pass fits a relaxed rhythm—see something huge, then stop for a walk, food, and a museum without rushing. One thing to keep in mind: the most popular attractions require reservations, so you’ll want to line up those bookings early.

Key highlights that matter for your trip

• Choose 2–7 attractions with one credit per entry, over 30 days
• 90+ options spanning landmarks, museums, tours, food stops, and fun activities
• Big-name anchors like Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s, Tower Bridge, and The Shard
• Two-day Hop-On Hop-Off and 24-hour Thames River options for easy sightseeing routes
• Instant digital credits plus a planning app that helps with reserving and directions
• Your pass starts when you use it, so it’s flexible around your arrival day

London Explorer Pass in plain English: credits and how you actually use them

The London Go City Explorer Pass is built around a simple idea: you buy a bundle of digital sightseeing credits, then redeem them for entry to 90+ top attractions, landmarks, museums, and tours.

You choose how many you want in advance—2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 attractions. Each time you visit an included place, you use one credit. Then you have 30 days from your first attraction visit to use the rest. That matters because it lets you pace your trip without feeling trapped into doing everything back-to-back.

In practice, this is great if you like structure but hate clockwork. You can plan one “big hit” morning (like a major landmark), keep your afternoon light (shopping, a walk, a café), and add a museum or tour later when you’re ready.

Pick 2 to 7 attractions so the pass doesn’t feel like a gamble

People often buy passes for the savings. That’s fair—but the better win here is matching your pace to the credit count.

• If you’re doing a short stay in London or you prefer a “fewer, better” style, the 2- or 3-attraction option can make sense.
• If you want a more packed itinerary (but still not frantic), 4–6 attractions is usually the sweet spot for London first-timers.
• If you’re the type who tours first, naps later, the 7-attraction option can be worth it—especially because London has a lot of included categories beyond just museums.

A key point: your pass stays valid for a full 30 days, but it activates on day one of actual use. So if your trip has travel days or jet lag, you can still choose when you start—just remember that once you use the first credit, the clock starts.

Big landmark days: The Shard, Tower Bridge, Tower of London, Westminster Abbey

London really shines when you anchor your itinerary with the iconic stuff, and the Explorer Pass includes several of the most “yes, I’m glad I did it” stops.

The View from the Shard is an easy “top of the city” choice. It’s the kind of viewpoint that helps you get oriented fast—after you see the river bends and street grid from above, the rest of your sightseeing feels easier to navigate on foot later.

Tower of London and Tower Bridge are another strong pairing. Even if you don’t go deep into every detail, you’ll still come away with a sense of scale and history in one concentrated area. If you’re visiting close together, plan enough time for queues and walking between sites.

Westminster Abbey is a classic must. If you’re planning it on a busy day, give yourself breathing room. Cathedrals and major landmarks can involve lines and time slots, and you’ll get more out of the visit if you’re not sprinting between stops.

Practical tip: build at least one day around landmarks that cluster. London’s layout rewards smart grouping.

Cathedrals and classic London museums: St Paul’s, Transport Museum, Kew, Greenwich

If you like cultural stops that also help you understand the city, this pass can power that kind of day.

St Paul’s Cathedral is a major highlight. It’s the sort of place that turns into a whole experience once you start paying attention to the scale and design—not just a photo-op.

For a different angle, London Transport Museum is a smart choice if you want something engaging and very London-specific. It’s also a good “weather plan,” because indoor time can save your day when the sky decides to act up.

Two more nature-and-science options that are worth considering:

• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew if you want a calmer pace with iconic British garden scenery.
• Royal Observatory Greenwich & Prime Meridian if you want a place that feels both educational and meaningful.

And don’t overlook Cutty Sark, which fits well if you’re mixing maritime history with Thames-area exploring.

One practical takeaway: these museums and institutions often take longer than you think. Plan to spend real time, not just “arrive, take two photos, leave.”

River and skyline sightseeing: Big Bus hop-on hop-off plus City Cruises

Some sightseeing is best when it’s structured but not restrictive. That’s where the included transport options shine.

The 2-day Hop-On-Hop-Off London Bus tour (Big Bus Tours) is a very practical way to see a lot without constantly figuring out routes and connections. You can choose when to hop off based on your energy level, which is perfect if you’re trying to hit many areas in limited time.

For a slower, more scenic route, the Explorer Pass also includes City Cruises 24 Hour Thames River Pass. The Thames view changes constantly, and the river adds a sense of space that you don’t always get when you’re moving street-to-street.

One caution: London traffic can slow bus routes. That doesn’t mean the pass is “bad”—it just means you should expect variable travel times. If you’re timing a later reservation, build in extra buffer.

Tours that add variety: Globe, football stadiums, mystery games, and more

A pass isn’t only about famous buildings. One of the better values here is how many “experience” options are included, so you’re not stuck with only museums.

Shakespeare’s Globe Exhibition & Theatre Tour is a great choice if you want a cultural stop that feels hands-on and theatrical. London does not do “halfway” with Shakespeare, and this gives you a structured way to connect the story to the setting.

If you’re into sports, the Explorer Pass includes stadium tour options like:

• Chelsea FC Stadium Tour & Museum
• Arsenal Stadium Tour
• Tottenham Hotspur FC Stadium Tour
• Wembley Stadium Tour
• Twickenham Stadium Tour & World Rugby Museum
• plus Kia Oval Ground Tour

Even if you’re not a die-hard fan, these can be surprisingly fun because you’re seeing a real venue, not just a museum display.

For a break from “standing in lines at history sites,” there are activity options like:

• All Star Lanes (bowling)
• Swingers Crazy Golf
• Solve a Mystery: The Murder at Trafalgar Square
• The Official Live Game Sherlock
• and Up at the O2 (another big view choice)

These are especially useful if you’re traveling with teens or you just want one day that feels less museum-heavy.

Using the Go City app: how to avoid the annoying parts

The pass lives in the digital world, so your biggest job is setting it up correctly.

You get instant delivery of your digital sightseeing credits package, and the Go City app is meant to help you plan, reserve when needed, and get directions. For the smoothest experience, follow the instructions that come with your confirmation to sync your Explorer Pass with the app.

Here’s what I’d do before leaving your hotel in the morning:

• Open the app and check that your attraction shows as ready to use
• Look up the entrance instructions inside the app, since access points can vary
• If your chosen stop requires a reservation, confirm you already have the right time slot

Also, remember this line of logic: your pass activates at the first attraction visit. That’s helpful for flexibility, but it also means you should decide which attraction you want to count as your starting point.

Value check: when the Explorer Pass saves you money (and when it might not)

The headline promise is save up to 50% versus buying individual tickets, based on sample itineraries. In real life, the savings depend on what you select and how you schedule it.

This pass is most likely to pay off if you:

• choose several top attractions that are usually pricey on their own
• pick a mix that you would actually do anyway (not just “add one because it’s included”)
• can use the 2-day bus or the Thames river pass, since those can cover a lot of areas with one purchase

It may not feel as cost-effective if you:

• use only one or two credits and skip the rest
• choose mostly lower-cost or free/cheap alternatives outside the pass
• end up paying more later because you missed required reservations

One signal to watch: some people find that value is great when they use multiple attractions, but it can feel less impressive if the plan stays light. So pick your credit count based on your real sightseeing energy, not your best-case fantasy itinerary.

Planning tips for reservations, timing, and crowded landmarks

London is great, but it runs on schedules. The pass works well, as long as you treat it like a tool—not a magic wand.

Two planning tips are worth repeating:

1. Reserve early for popular activities. The pass notes that top picks often require reservations, and you don’t want your big day to get derailed.
2. Don’t build your day like a checklist. Cathedral visits, museums, viewpoints, and tours can take longer than expected. If you schedule two “major” stops in the same window, you’ll feel rushed fast.

Also, if you’re traveling during a holiday period, check opening hours ahead of time. London attractions can shift schedules around peak periods.

Who this pass suits best

The London Explorer Pass works best for people who:

• want control without daily ticket buying
• like mixing big-name landmarks with a museum or two
• prefer a plan that lasts 30 days instead of only a couple of frantic sightseeing hours
• enjoy transportation-based sightseeing like bus routes and river views

It’s also a strong fit for first-timers. The included sights hit major areas and help you get your bearings quickly.

If you’re a super-structured traveler who wants every minute booked far in advance, this pass can still work—but you’ll get more value by choosing attractions with the most predictable timing first, then filling gaps around them.

Should you book the Go City London Explorer Pass?

I’d book it if you’re planning to use at least several included attractions—especially a mix of landmarks like Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s, the Shard area, plus one of the sightseeing transports like the Big Bus or Thames river pass.

I’d hesitate if you know you’ll only manage one or two entries, or if your schedule is so tight that you can’t realistically handle reservations. In that case, individual tickets might fit you better.

If you want an easy way to see a lot of London without the constant ticket hunt, the Explorer Pass is a solid choice.

FAQ

How many attractions can I visit with the London Explorer Pass?

You can redeem 2 to 7 attractions depending on the credit option you choose. One credit equals one attraction visit.

How long is the Explorer Pass valid?

It’s valid for 30 days from your first attraction visit. After you use the first credit, the remaining attractions must be redeemed within that 30-day window.

Do I have to reserve attractions ahead of time?

The pass notes that the most popular activities require reservations, so you should reserve well in advance to avoid disappointment.

How do I get into attractions with the pass?

You’ll receive a digital sightseeing credits package and use the Go City app to plan and access attractions. The pass should be synced to the app following the instructions in your booking confirmation.

Can I choose which attractions I want?

Yes. You can choose any 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 attractions from the included list.

Are bus and river cruises included?

Yes. The included options list a 2-day Hop-On Hop-Off London Bus tour (Big Bus Tours) and a City Cruises 24 Hour Thames River Pass.

What are some major landmarks included?

Some of the included top options are The View from the Shard, Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey, and St Paul’s Cathedral.

What if my plans change?

You can get free cancellation with a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

Can I reserve now and pay later?

Yes. The pass offers a Reserve now & pay later option, letting you keep plans flexible.

When do I receive the pass?

You get instant delivery of your digital sightseeing credits package.