Traveling to a new city can be an overwhelming experience. There’s so much to see and do, but steep entrance fees and endless hours spent in ticket lines can dull the fun. That’s where city passes come in, acting as your golden key to a city’s most iconic attractions, often bundled with discounts, skip-the-line privileges, or free public transport. Sold in cities around the world, these passes can turn your trip into a stress-free adventure—and they’re often surprisingly budget-friendly.
On a recent trip to Prague, I decided to use a city pass after hearing how helpful they were from fellow travelers. What started as a way to save a little money quickly turned into one of the best decisions of my trip! With that said, whether you’re planning a casual getaway or a jam-packed exploration, here’s everything you need to know about city passes.
What Are City Passes and Why Use Them?
City passes are essentially all-in-one tickets that grant you access to multiple attractions over a set amount of time—usually anywhere from 24 hours to a week or even longer. Most passes bundle entry fees, discounts, and perks like public transport access into one price. Their main selling points are convenience and cost savings, especially if you’re planning to visit a lot of sights.
Here’s why they’re worth it:
- Cost Savings: Paying for individual tickets at every stop can add up fast. Many city passes drop the per-attraction cost significantly when bundled.
- Time Efficiency: Some passes offer skip-the-line privileges—an absolute game-changer at crowded landmarks.
- Curated Experiences: They help streamline your itinerary by pointing you toward must-see attractions.
- Bonus Perks: Additional benefits like river cruises, guided tours, or discounts at restaurants make them more appealing.
City Passes You’ll Love Worldwide
Here are some global options to consider for your next trip:
The Prague Visitor Pass
If Prague is on your radar, the Prague Visitor Pass is a comprehensive ticket to over 70 landmarks, experiences, and museums around the city. It also includes unlimited public transport (even to and from the airport) and attractions like the Old Town Hall, Prague Castle, and Vyšehrad.
When I used this pass, it felt like a VIP invitation to experience the best of Czech culture. My favorite part? A serene Vltava River cruise—effortlessly booked using the pass. The Prague Visitor Pass is available in 48-hour, 72-hour, or 120-hour versions and comes in both physical and digital formats for added convenience. Prices start at 2,400 CZK for adults, but trust me, the included access and ease make it worth every koruna.
London Pass (UK)
The London Pass gives you access to over 80 major attractions (including the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and Shakespeare’s Globe). It also lets you skip ticket lines at popular spots—a lifesaver in high season. Add a travel card for public transport, and getting around becomes hassle-free. Prices start at £84 for one day, but they can quickly pay for themselves if you pack a lot into your trip.
Anecdote Alert: I used this pass once during my first London visit and managed to squeeze in St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Churchill War Rooms, and a riverboat ride all in one day. Exhausting? Maybe. Worth it? Absolutely.
New York CityPASS (USA)
America’s cultural capital can be daunting, but the New York CityPASS makes it manageable. This pass focuses on quality over quantity, featuring nine attractions like the Empire State Building, the American Museum of Natural History, and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. You get to choose five destinations, giving you flexibility without too many options. Prices start at $138 for adults, but considering the Empire State Building alone can cost over $40, it’s great value.
Paris Passlib’ (France)
When you’re in the City of Light, the Paris Passlib’ unlocks major treasures like the Louvre Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Musée d’Orsay—all with skip-the-line access. It also comes with a Seine River cruise and unlimited Metro rides. You can customize it depending on how long you’re staying, with options starting at €44 for a mini pass. A solid choice for romantics and culture-seekers!
Rome OMNIA Pass (Italy)
Visiting Rome without standing in never-ending lines? Yes, please. The OMNIA Pass includes the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica, plus a 3-day travel card that also covers Roman public transit. It starts at €129, so it’s not the cheapest, but in a city packed with must-see spots, it’s a time-saver.
Amsterdam City Card (Netherlands)
This gem gives you free entry to attractions like the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum, plus a canal cruise and free public transport across the city. Prices start at €65 for 24 hours, scaling higher for multi-day use. If you’re an art or bike enthusiast, you’ll love how easy it makes exploring the city.
Tokyo Grutto Pass (Japan)
For travelers heading to Japan, the Tokyo Grutto Pass offers admission to over 95 museums and attractions—including some quirky spots like the Yayoi Kusama Museum or Edo-Tokyo Open-Air Architectural Museum. Valid for two months, it’s a steal at only 2,500 JPY (about $17).
How Do You Choose the Right Pass for You?
- Think About Duration
- Short trip? Pick a pass that covers marquee attractions and plan tightly-packed days. Longer trip? Choose one with relaxed time validity for a more leisurely approach.
- Compare Attractions with Your Interests
- Not all passes are created equal. Double-check that the attractions included excite you—otherwise, it won’t feel worthwhile.
- Use Public Transport Perks
- Some passes include transit options that are lifesavers, whether it’s the Paris Metro or Prague's efficiency-packed tram system.
- Skip the Lines at Major Spots
- If standing in line drives you crazy, look for passes emphasizing skip-the-line access. Nothing beats walking straight into famous landmarks.
- Plan Ahead but Stay Flexible
- City passes usually come with suggested itineraries that help maximize value. Follow these loosely—you don’t want to burn out racing from one attraction to another.
City passes essentially put a local tour guide in your pocket—showing you the best experiences, saving money, and eliminating the guesswork from daily sightseeing. Whether you’re cruising down Prague’s Vltava River, admiring Michelangelo’s frescoes in Rome, or cycling through Amsterdam, these passes deliver value you’ll never regret.
On your next adventure, consider snagging a city pass so you can soak in all the sights without sweating over logistics. And don’t forget to pack comfortable shoes—you’ll need them!
