Paris Museum Pass vs Go City Paris Pass

If you are planning a trip to Paris, you will probably see different tourist passes, and two of the most popular are the Paris Museum Pass and the Go City Paris Pass (also called the Paris Pass by Go City). Many travelers are confused because these passes sound similar, and in some cases they even include the same museums. However, they are very different passes and are designed for different types of travelers.

In this detailed guide, you will learn the difference between the Paris Museum Pass and the Go City Paris Pass, what each pass includes, which one is cheaper, and which one is better depending on your travel style.


What Is the Paris Museum Pass?

The Paris Museum Pass is focused only on museums and monuments in Paris and the Paris region. It gives access to more than 50 museums and monuments, including major attractions like the Louvre, Versailles, and Musée d’Orsay. (Go City)

Examples of attractions included:

  • Louvre
  • Palace of Versailles
  • Musée d’Orsay
  • Sainte-Chapelle
  • Arc de Triomphe
  • Panthéon
  • Rodin Museum
  • Orangerie
  • Cluny Museum
  • Château de Fontainebleau
  • Saint-Denis Basilica

The pass is available for:

  • 2 days
  • 4 days
  • 6 days

This pass is best for people who want to visit many museums in a short time.


What Is the Go City Paris Pass?

The Go City Paris Pass is an all-inclusive sightseeing pass that includes not only museums but also many other tourist activities. The important thing to understand is that the Go City Paris Pass actually includes a Paris Museum Pass inside it, plus many extra attractions and experiences. (Savvy Backpacker)

The Go City Paris Pass includes:

  • Paris Museum Pass (for museums)
  • Eiffel Tower guided climb
  • Seine river cruise
  • Hop-on hop-off bus
  • Walking tours
  • Montparnasse Tower
  • Wine tastings
  • Food experiences
  • Various tours and attractions

So the Go City Paris Pass is more like a complete sightseeing package.


The Main Difference Between the Two Passes

Here is the most important comparison:

FeatureParis Museum PassGo City Paris Pass
MuseumsYesYes
MonumentsYesYes
Eiffel TowerNoYes
Seine cruiseNoYes
Hop-on busNoYes
ToursNoYes
PriceCheaperMore expensive
Best forMuseum visitorsFirst-time tourists

The biggest difference is simple:

The Paris Museum Pass is only for museums.
The Go City Paris Pass is for museums + tourist activities.


Price Difference (Important)

The price difference between the passes is significant.

Example prices:

  • Paris Museum Pass (4 days): about €70–75
  • Go City Paris Pass (3 days): about €160–170
  • Go City Paris Pass (4 days): about €190–200 (Wonderful Museums)

This means the Go City Pass can cost 2–3 times more, but it includes more attractions.

So the question is not which pass is better — the question is which pass fits your travel style.


When the Paris Museum Pass Is the Better Choice

The Paris Museum Pass is usually better if:

  • You want to visit many museums
  • You want to visit Versailles
  • You want to visit Louvre and Orsay
  • You like art and history
  • You plan your own itinerary
  • You want the cheapest option for museums
  • You do not need guided tours
  • You do not need a hop-on bus
  • You do not care about the Eiffel Tower tour included

This pass is best for museum-focused travelers.


When the Go City Paris Pass Is the Better Choice

The Go City Paris Pass is better if:

  • It is your first time in Paris
  • You want to do many activities
  • You want a Seine river cruise
  • You want an Eiffel Tower tour
  • You want a hop-on hop-off bus
  • You want guided tours
  • You want an all-in-one pass
  • You do not want to plan everything yourself

This pass is best for first-time visitors who want to see everything.


Example Tourist Comparison

Tourist Type 1 – Museum Visitor

Wants to visit:

  • Louvre
  • Orsay
  • Versailles
  • Sainte-Chapelle
  • Arc de Triomphe
  • Rodin
  • Orangerie

Best pass:

Paris Museum Pass


Tourist Type 2 – First Time in Paris

Wants to:

  • Visit museums
  • Visit Eiffel Tower
  • Do boat cruise
  • Do bus tour
  • Do guided tours

Best pass:

Go City Paris Pass


Important Tip: The Go City Pass Includes the Museum Pass

This is something many people do not know:

The Go City Paris Pass already includes the Paris Museum Pass.

So if you buy the Go City Paris Pass, you do not need to buy the Paris Museum Pass separately. (Savvy Backpacker)


Simple Overview – Which Pass Should You Choose?

SituationBest Pass
Visiting many museumsParis Museum Pass
Visiting VersaillesParis Museum Pass
Budget travelerParis Museum Pass
First time in ParisGo City Paris Pass
Want Eiffel Tower includedGo City Paris Pass
Want boat cruiseGo City Paris Pass
Want guided toursGo City Paris Pass

Final Advice

The Paris Museum Pass and the Go City Paris Pass are not really competitors, because the Go City Paris Pass actually includes the Paris Museum Pass plus many extra tourist activities like the Eiffel Tower tour, Seine river cruise, and hop-on hop-off bus. The Paris Museum Pass is usually the best choice if your main goal is to visit museums and monuments, while the Go City Paris Pass is better if you want an all-in-one sightseeing pass that includes tours and activities in addition to museums.