Planning a trip to Paris and wondering “Is The Paris Pass worth it”?
Many cities, like Paris, have bundled tickets for your sightseeing costs that can save you money and time compared to buying individual entry to each place you want to visit. The trick to coming out ahead is making sure it’s the right strategy for your Paris itinerary.
Paris is full of incredible sights, museums, and experiences. I’ve been to Paris several times and every time, I discover a new museum or sight I hadn’t visited before. All of this, of course, comes at a cost. However, this is where a sightseeing pass like The Paris Pass comes in to help keep your travel budget under control.
So, in this Paris Pass review guide, I’ve done the math for you. You’ll find all the important details you need to know about The Paris Pass, as well as how and when it can save you money and time.
Keep reading to find out if The Paris Pass is worth it for your trip.
Is The Paris Pass Worth It…Really?
I get it. Who wants to spend money on something only to discover later that it wasn’t a great deal? That’s never a good feeling. Traveling to Western Europe, Paris included, can get pricey depending on the time of year you visit and how much the flights and hotels cost.
To help with your Paris trip planning and budget, I’ve laid out this Paris Pass review in a step-by-step way, breaking down everything, so that you can make the best decision for you and your travel companions.
I’ve used The Paris Pass for my trips to Paris and have recommended it to my own family and friends. Having the pass has saved me a significant amount of money. But as with any sightseeing pass, what it offers has to align with your travel plans to get the best value from it.
For me, what The Paris Pass offered made sense with the things I wanted to see and do. Had I bought separate tickets for each sight, museum, and experience, these things would have cost me a lot more. Add to this the value of having skip-the-line or fast-track privileges for some popular places and the advantages only increase. I was able to seamlessly visit places without wasting hours in line.
So, as you ask yourself whether or not purchasing The Paris Pass is worth it, look at the things to do in Paris on your list. Then, let’s calculate the value you’d get from The Paris Pass together.
What Is The Paris Pass?
Imagine exploring the beauty of Paris, moving from one attraction to the next without the fuss of buying individual tickets or waiting in long lines. In a nutshell, this is what The Paris Pass allows you to do.
The Paris Pass is a complete, all-in-one sightseeing pass that allows you to bundle admission costs into a discounted price so that you can save money on Paris’s museums, sights, tours, and experiences.
The Paris Pass includes entry to 90+ of Paris’s top attractions. You choose the pass duration, either 2, 3, 4, or 6 days depending on how much time you’ll be staying in Paris.
Then, The Paris Pass is valid for that number of days starting from when it’s first activated at one of the included top Paris attractions. The day you activate your pass is Day 1 of your Paris Pass followed by the number of consecutive days included with the pass duration you purchased.
This gives you easy access to the sights and main attractions The Paris Pass provides, for the number of days you choose, whenever you’re ready to activate the pass.
Just be careful about activating your Paris Pass later in the day when museums and other sights are getting ready to close because this will still count as Day 1. Ideally, you want to have full days to use for each day your pass is valid to get the best value from it.
But is The Paris Pass worth it?
If you’re planning a trip to Paris with the goal of sightseeing and museum-hopping, then the quick and simple answer is yes, The Paris Pass is definitely worth it.
But let’s do some number crunching to see exactly how much money you’ll save.
Here are the Perks & Benefits You’ll Get with The Paris Pass.
The Paris Pass Attractions: What’s Included?
The All-Inclusive Paris Pass has 2 components. First, The Paris Pass includes entry to top Paris sights and attractions. But also, your purchase includes a Paris Museum Pass which gives you access to the best museums and galleries in the city.
Together, you get free entry to 90+ top destinations, activities, and experiences in Paris.
With The Paris Pass, you’ll have access to:
Plus, you can try these experiences and walking tours:
Then combined with the Paris Museums Pass, you’ll get to visit:
I’ve highlighted some of the top things to do with your Paris Pass. For a full list of attractions, tours, and experiences, you can check out The Paris Pass’s official website.
Keep in mind that your All-Inclusive Paris Pass only guarantees general admission to the sites themselves, and might not cover entry to exclusive exhibits and special events within the site.
It’s important to know that when you purchase a 4 or 6-day All-Inclusive Paris Pass, you get a Paris Museum Pass of an equal duration. However, if you purchase a 2 or 3-day All-Inclusive Pass, you get a 2-day Paris Museum Pass.
Also, it’s important to pay attention to any sights, museums, or tours that may require reservations before you go. The Paris Pass includes a handy guidebook with all the information you need to book your slots or reservations in advance, ensuring a smooth trip.
Paris Monuments and Historic Buildings
The history of Paris extends back further than 2,000 years. This means any visit to this city will be rich in historical experiences, monuments, and buildings just waiting to be explored.
The Paris Pass gives travelers access to some of the most renowned monuments in the whole of France – let alone its capital. Aside from the Eiffel Tower which needs no introduction, here are a few of these monuments and buildings. You’ll want to make note of which ones align with your ideal Paris itinerary.
The Panthéon
The building is located in the Latin Quarter in Paris, which is one of the best areas to stay in Paris as a tourist. Originally built as a church, the iconic dome and beautiful interior are now one of the city’s most popular attractions. Equally as fascinating is the crypt and final resting place of many famous people including Victor Hugo, Voltaire, and Marie Curie.
Arc de Triomphe
Inaugurated by King Louis-Philippe in 1836, the Arc de Triomphe is a monument, located at Place de l’Etoile at the top of the Champs-Elysees, dedicated to the armies of the revolution and the Empire. Today, the monument holds the same historical weight and offers sweeping views of Paris from the terraced balcony, especially at night when the Eiffel Tower is lit!
Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles has inspired many stories with its opulent Hall of Mirrors, the King’s Grand Apartments, and perfectly manicured gardens. The palace was a royal residence beginning with the reign of Louis XIV until it was abandoned during the French Revolution. The Palace has undergone renovations and restorations over time and has since been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sainte-Chapelle
Sainte-Chapelle was part of the royal palace where several Kings of France lived. The Gothic chapel was built during the 13th century. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site with incredible stained glass windows also dating back to the same time period. They’re arguably the most beautiful you’ll see in all of Europe.
Cháteau de Fontainebleau
Also known as the Palace of Fontainebleau, the Medieval Cháteau de Fontainebleau is one of the largest French royal cháteaux. It’s another UNESCO World Heritage Site located 40 miles outside of Paris. It’s a great idea for a morning day trip into the French countryside. Trains take about 45 minutes from the Gare de Lyon in Paris.
Paris Museums
Paris is synonymous with art. Some of the world’s most treasured works of art are on display throughout the city’s trove of museums. The Paris Pass includes the Paris Museum Pass and gives you access to the popular museums below plus many others.
Louvre Museum
Famed around the globe as the world’s largest art museum, the Louvre doubles up as an iconic historic monument in Paris. The central landmark was originally a royal palace but now houses some of the most celebrated artworks in the world – including the Mona Lisa and the Venus of Milo. (Even with The Paris Pass, you must remember to pre-book a timeslot on the Louvre’s website.)
Musée d’Orsay
On the banks of the Seine River and situated in a former train station, the Orsay Museum is filled with French art that dates back to the 1840s. You can admire Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings and sculptures from masters like Renoir, Monet, Van Gogh, and many others.
Musée de l’Orangerie
Located on the far end of the Tuileries Garden not far from the Place de la Concorde, the Musée de l’Orangerie showcases Monet’s famous water lily paintings. The iconic panels cover entire walls for a take-your-breath-away effect. Downstairs, the museum displays art from renowned artists such as Cezanne, Renoir, and Picasso, as well as other temporary exhibitions. No matter how many times I’ve been to Paris, I always go back to this museum. It’s that special!
Centre Pompidou Museum of Modern Art
Also known as the Pompidou Centre, the building’s design contrasts against the historical buildings in the city. Built in a high-tech architectural style, the building is home to a large public library and is the largest museum for modern art in Europe.
Rodin Museum
Dedicated to the artist whom the museum was named, the Rodin Museum is filled with sculpted artworks by famed artist, Auguste Rodin. The small museum is located near the Eiffel Tower and was once the artist’s home. In spring, the grounds come alive around the statues and highlight just how beautiful Paris is.
War Museum at Les Invalides (and Napoleon’s Tomb)
The French Revolution and both World Wars are important parts of French history and the constant fight for independence. The War Museum, also known as Les Invalides, is the national military museum of France. It houses more than 500,000 military paraphernalia and also serves as Napoleon’s last resting place.
Other Paris Activities and Experiences
In addition to fantastic museums and historical monuments, there are plenty of fun experiences that The Paris Pass includes.
Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise
Paris is not only a historical city, but also a breathtakingly beautiful one! Hopping aboard a cruise down the River Seine allows travelers to experience the city from a completely different angle. The city is gorgeous from the water and the atmosphere so peaceful from the busy streets above.
Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus
If you’d like to discover Paris with the help of a guided route, the 1-day hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus tour is perfect. You can sit back, relax, and enjoy seeing the city and listening to the guided audio or use the bus to hop on and off at 10 central stops to position yourself where you need to be.
Les Caves du Louvre Wine Tasting
The Les Caves du Louvre is a historic wine cellar where you can learn about and taste different French wines from a knowledgeable sommelier. French wines, of course, are known around the world for their fine flavor, making wine tasting a must-do activity – for those of legal age.
Montmartre & Sacre Coeur Walking Tour
One of several neighborhood walking tours included with The Paris Pass, this popular neighborhood has the feel of its own “village” within the city. Situated in the 18th Arrondissement, you can’t miss seeing the white domes of the Sacre Coeur Basilica from many points throughout the city. The neighborhood holds endless stories from the Moulin Rouge to the famous artists like Monet, Degas, and Modigliani who once lived here.
The Paris Pass Attractions: What’s Not Included?
The Paris Pass includes 90+ attractions, activities, museums, and experiences. But some Paris sights might be on your itinerary that your Paris Pass won’t cover. Some notable excluded sights are:
To see these Paris attractions, you’ll need a separate ticket to visit each one. For any attraction that offers it, book tickets in advance to avoid lines, sold-out dates and potentially to save money. (Some same-day tickets may cost more compared to booking in advance.)
For these Paris sights that aren’t included with The Paris Pass, consider carefully how they might fit into your Paris itinerary.
You can plan to see and do these things before you activate your pass or once the pass duration is finished. Or plan them around included activities so that you are still coming out ahead each day on the overall value of your pass.
Also note, The Paris Pass does not include the cost of public transportation. You do have access to a 1-day ticket for the Hop-on-Hop-off Bus. But to use the Paris Metro (which is a great way to get around when needed), you’ll have to pay separately.
Paris Pass Math: Cost & Savings Breakdown
Now that we have looked at what’s included with The Paris Pass and its benefits, let’s look at the costs and determine your possible savings.
After all, the only way to answer your question – Is The Paris Pass worth it? – is to look closely at the numbers.
I compiled the chart below to help you quickly compare individual entry costs for top Paris sights and museums, along with the hop-on-hop-off bus and a couple of experiences that come with The Paris Pass.
| The Paris Pass | vs. | Individual Entry Tickets |
|---|---|---|
| Included | Eiffel Tower Guided Climb | A: €38 C: €33 |
| Included | Louvre Museum | A: €22 C: Free (under 18) |
| Included | Hop-on-Hop-off Bus | A: €47 C: €26 |
| Included | Arc de Triomphe | A: €16 C: Free (under 18) |
| Included | Notre Dame Archaeological Crypt Experience | A: €36 C: €30 |
| Included | Tour Montparnasse | A: €20 C: €10 (4-11 yrs) €15 (12-17 yrs) |
| Included | Palace of Versailles | A: €21 C: Free (under 18) |
| Included | Musee d’Orsay | A: €16 C: Free (under 18) |
| Included | Orangerie Museum | A: €12.50 C: Free (under 18) |
| Included | Sainte-Chapelle | A: €13 C: Free (under 18) |
| Included | Pantheon | A: €13 C: Free (under 16) |
| Included | Centre Pompidou | A: €18 C: Free (under 18) |
| Included | Montmartre & Sacre Coeur Walking Tour | A: €36 C: €31 |
| Included | Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise | A: €18 C: €9 |
| 6-Day Paris Pass Cost: €299 | Savings: €27.50 | Total: €326.50 |
I chose to go with the 6-day Paris Pass for this table simply because if you did each of these sights and experiences above, it would be a lot to cram into just 4 days. As you can see from the table, you’d save €27.50 per adult if you did all of these things with The Paris Pass compared to individual tickets.
You could also modify the example just a bit. Let’s remove the Palace of Versailles and the Centre Pompidou just for the sake of time and purchase the 4-day pass instead. Individual adult tickets in this scenario would cost €287.50. The 4-day Paris Pass costs €254 for a savings of €33.50 per adult.
In both comparisons, you can see how the savings could add up as you tweak the itinerary and maximize your time to buy only the pass duration you’d need. Plus, this savings multiplies depending on how many adults are traveling.
All-Inclusive Paris Pass Prices
Let’s look more closely at the options for The Paris Pass depending on the different durations.
Travelers can choose from a 2-day, 3-day, 4-day, and 6-day pass. The prices differ for an adult (18+ years) and a child (2 – 17 years old). The prices for the various options are as follows:
| Number of Days | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| 2-Day Paris Pass | €179 | €94 |
| 3-Day Paris Pass | €214 | €109 |
| 4-Day Paris Pass | €254 | €129 |
| 6-Day Paris Pass | €299 | €139 |
Keep in mind, that these are regular prices. But, The Paris Pass runs promotions where you can save 10-15% on each pass. During these sales, the savings when compared to individual entry ticket purchases becomes even more advantageous.
Also, these prices include the Paris Museum Pass which is part of the All-Inclusive Paris Pass. You get a 2-day Paris Museum Pass when you purchase a 2 or 3-day All-Inclusive Paris Pass and a 4 or 6-day Paris Museum Pass when you purchase an All-Inclusive Paris Pass of the same duration.
Calculating the Value of The Paris Pass
The best way to figure out whether it’s worth investing in The Paris Pass is to map out your itinerary and the costs involved. By doing so, you’ll be able to predict how much your ideal Paris experience will cost you.
When deciding whether you should buy The Paris Pass, you need to list and plan all of the major attractions you would like to see and do in Paris.
4-Day Paris Pass Example
The best way to understand the value of the pass is to see it in action.
Using my many previous trips to Paris to plan a 4-day Paris itinerary, your estimated costs could be as follows.
Day 1:
| Attraction | Individual Entry Tickets | Paris Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Panthéon | €13 | Included |
| Luxembourg Gardens | Free | Free |
| Tour Montparnasse | €20 | Included |
| Montmartre & Sacré Coeur Walking Tour (optional) | €36 | Included |
| Petit Train de Montmartre (optional) | €10 | Included |
| Dali Museum | €14 | Included |
You’ve likely just arrived early in the morning from an overnight flight. So it’s best to find a balance today between making use of the day and fending off any jet lag. I also recommend not scheduling the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, or a morning tour in case your flight is delayed or you arrive at your Paris hotel later than you expected.
Start your trip to Paris by admiring the impressive architecture of the Panthéon and diving into its history. This iconic building is the resting place of notable figures like Alexander Dumas, Victor Hugo, Marie Curie, and more. Don’t forget to check out the giant pendulum exhibit showcasing the Earth’s rotation.
After exploring the Panthéon, take advantage of your Latin Quarter location. This historic neighborhood is home to the famous university, the Sorbonne, which dates back to the 13th century. This area is also packed with restaurants and cafes, perfect for a break before strolling into the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens.
From here, head to the Montparnasse Tower, the only skyscraper in the heart of Paris and just a 15-minute walk from the gardens. Head up to the observation deck on the 56th floor for beautiful sweeping views over the city.
Take the M12 Metro line from Montparnasse to Abbesses or the M13 to Place de Clichy near the Moulin Rouge. Spend the rest of your afternoon in the neighborhood of Montmartre.
Join the Montmartre Walking Tour included with your Paris Pass if the timing works out. Otherwise, you can ride the Montmartre train to tour the neighborhood.
Afterward, wander through this storied “village” within the city and visit the stunning Sacré-Coeur Basilica. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Dali Museum for free with The Paris Pass to admire surreal artworks by the famous artist.
ProTip: Alternatively, you could save the Tour Montparnasse for the evening if you prefer to see the city lights. This also creates more cushion if you want to do the Montmartre & Sacre Coeur Walking Tour that’s included with The Paris Pass.
Day 2:
| Attraction | Individual Entry Tickets | Paris Pass |
|---|---|---|
| The Louvre Museum | €22 | Included |
| Eiffel Tower Guided Climb | €38 | Included |
| Les Caves de Louvre Wine Tasting | €36 | Included |
| Arc de Triomphe | €16 | Included |
Begin the day fresh and ready to see some of Paris’s most iconic sights.
Start with a visit to the Eiffel Tower and do the guided climb. It’s touristy for sure but it’s an iconic symbol in Paris that you shouldn’t miss. Be sure to reserve your morning time slot as soon as you get your Paris Pass.
After your guided climb from the Eiffel Tower, take some photos of the iconic Eiffel Tower from the Champ de Mars, the large park just in front of the tower. Then, head to a nearby restaurant or cafe for some well-deserved snacks or lunch. If you have a moment, stroll down Rue Cler, one of the prettiest little streets in Paris.
With rested legs, head towards the Louvre. Depending on the available reservation times on the day you want to visit, plan to spend the afternoon and early evening at the Louvre and doing the Caves du Louvre Wine Tasting Experience. Both are included with The Paris Pass.
Most people spend between 1-3 hours at the Louvre depending on what they want to see. Make a plan that includes the highlights like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory, plus other works of art you’d like to see from sculptures by Michaelangelo to paintings by Vermeer and Delacroix to antiquities dating back thousands of years.
The French wine tasting at Les Caves du Louvre is a great way to learn more about wine, a staple of French culture. You can choose from a guided experience (reservation required) or a self-guided visit (no reservation required).
Later on, stroll down the Champs Elysees toward the Arc de Triomphe. Ideally, you’ll time your arrival as it’s getting close to sunset. Then, use the underground passageways to access the entrance to the monument. Head to the top for sparkling views over the City of Light!
Day 3:
| Attraction | Individual Entry Tickets | Paris Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Sainte-Chapelle | €13 | Included |
| Notre Dame Cathedral (Outdoor Walking Tour) | €36 | Included |
| La Conciergerie | €13 | Included |
| Musée d’Orsay | €16 | Included |
| Musée de l’Orangerie | €12.50 | Included |
Start your day in Paris doing the Notre Dame Archaeological Crypt Walking Tour. (Be sure to reserve a time.) Learn about the Cathedral’s history and admire its famous Gothic facade. In the crypt below, you’ll get to see layers of the city’s long history.
Then, spend time at Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie, both of which are included with The Paris Pass and require reservations. At Saint Chapelle, marvel at one of the world’s most breathtaking displays of stained glass.
Just near Sainte-Chapelle, visit the La Conciergerie, part of a Gothic Royal Palace. You can learn how the building evolved from palace to prison, even serving as the place where Marie Antoinette spent her last days.
After lunch, head to the Musée de l’Orangerie (reserve a time slot in advance) to admire Monet’s stunning water lily panels. If you haven’t yet and while you’re in the area, be sure to stop and appreciate the Tuileries Gardens which are in between the Orangerie Museum and the Louvre.
Then, make the 10-minute walk to the Musee d’Orsay to admire the art from different periods starting from the early 1800s to World War I. The museum has a fantastic section dedicated to Impressionism.
Day 4:
| Attraction | Individual Entry Tickets | Paris Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Palace of Versailles | €21 | Included |
| Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise | €18 | Included |
| Saint-Germain-des-Pres Walking Tour (optional) | €36 | Included |
Today, dedicate at least half a day to exploring the magnificent Palace of Versailles, located just outside of Paris. Even if you already know about the opulence of Versailles, you’ll still be blown away by its grandeur. The palace’s grand architecture, luxurious interiors, and fascinating history make it one of France’s most popular sights.
Inside the palace itself, you’ll need at least 2 hours to fully appreciate the iconic rooms, like the famous Hall of Mirrors, The Royal Chapel, The Gallery of Battles, and the private chambers of the Kings. After exploring indoors, take an hour (or more!) to wander through the expansive landscaped gardens with their fountains and sculptures.
As you head back to Paris and depending on how much time you have, take advantage of the Saint-Germain-des-Prés walking tour included in your Paris Pass.
This vibrant arrondissement is full of culture and history. You’ll find no shortage of with restaurants, cafes, and shops where you can indulge in dining and shopping. Be sure to head to the Rue de Buci, where you’ll find an intersection of little streets filled with locals enjoying a drink, a meal, or even some live street music.
End the day and your time in Paris with a Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Cruise to see the city and its iconic sights before or after the sunset.
ProTip: The RER C line is an easy way to get to and from Versailles. On the way back, the train makes a stop at the Champ de Mars near the Eiffel Tower. This is not far from where the river cruise departs if you prefer to do this first and end the night in the Saint-Germain.
What The Paris Pass Numbers Say
The total cost for this 4-day Paris itinerary adds up to €298.50. This calculation includes all the sights, activities, and museums listed in the table for each day except the walking tours on Day 1 and Day 4. (I did include the Montmartre Train.)
Compare this with the 4-Day All-Inclusive Paris Pass which only costs €254. Choosing The Paris Pass over buying individual tickets would save you €44.50 per adult. If you add either or both of those optional tours to the calculation, the savings climb dramatically. These tours cost €36 each!
Also consider that this 4-day example itinerary doesn’t make use of the Hop-on-Hop-off bus, the most expensive included item of The Paris Pass.
If you had more time in Paris and wanted to see and do the sights and activities in the example tables above, consider that the 6-day Paris Pass is only 50 cents more than what you would spend had you bought all of the tickets above individually. And with 2 extra days, you’d be able to see and do at least a couple of more things to see the savings with this longer duration pass.
Who Should Buy The Paris Pass?
Hopefully, by now you’re getting an idea of whether The Paris Pass is worth it for you. And, chances are you’re feeling pretty excited about your upcoming trip to Paris!
If you’re still deciding whether to get The Paris Pass, let me continue to break down who it’s right for…and who it’s not.
Travelers with a Full Sightseeing Itinerary
First-time visitors to Paris are likely excited to see the city’s top sights and museums. Even if you’ve traveled to Paris before, you still may have a full itinerary because Paris simply has so many things to see and do.
Regardless, if you have a full sightseeing itinerary while in Paris, things can get quite expensive when adding up the various admission costs. Buying The Paris Pass bundles the individual ticket prices into one lower-cost ticket with built-in savings.
Travelers Looking For Convenience
For many travelers, the biggest advantage of The Paris Pass after you add up the savings is not having to purchase individual tickets at every attraction you visit and you get to enjoy skip-the-line access.
Paris is a popular tourist destination, especially in the summer months, and the attractions can get quite crowded. The pass allows travelers to save a lot of time by skipping the lines and enjoying their experience without the annoying and uncomfortable waste of time.
Not to mention, when you buy your Paris Pass in advance, there’s no need to make repeat credit card purchases or worry about having cash in the local currency.
Families Traveling Together
Traveling as a family can quickly get expensive. Rather than buying one admission ticket, you’re often buying for more than 1 adult, as well as children. Not only can The Paris Pass save money compared to buying entry tickets for everyone who needs one, but having skip-the-line access can be a real lifesaver.
While The Paris Pass costs less for children, you really need to do the math to see how much (if any) savings you’ll get when you factor in all the places where kids under 18 can enter for free. What’s more likely, the adults with The Paris Pass get skip-the-line access, particularly at popular places like the Louvre, which then cuts down the time needed to wait in ticket lines with kids. Win-win for everyone!
When Is The Paris Pass Not Worth It?
Although the pass is a great option for many travelers, sometimes it may not be worth the cost.
Itineraries without a Focus on Sightseeing
If you’re not planning an itinerary around the city’s main sights and museums, you’ll likely not get the best value from The Paris Pass. The savings come when you visit several of the included attractions and museums and take part in some of the experiences.
Additionally, if you only want to visit places, like the Catacombs, or other nontouristy Paris sights that aren’t included with The Paris Pass, it may not make sense for you.
Anyone who already Qualifies for a Discount
Children under 18, students, or seniors who are eligible for discounts or free entry at some places and museums in Paris may not see the cost savings with The Paris Pass as those paying full price. For this reason, it’s really important to calculate the costs for anyone who qualifies for a discount.
If for example, though, you’re using The Paris Pass more for experiences like the Eiffel Tower climb, the hop-on-hop-off bus, or some of the walking tours, then it still could be beneficial to buy The Paris Pass for a child. These experiences, while slightly less for children, do still require tickets for travelers under 18.
What if the All-Inclusive Paris Pass isn’t exactly right for me?
If you’ve gotten to this point, it means you’ve really done your homework. Nice work! You are building your trip plans and budget in a smart and sound way.
In the end, if you’re not sure you’ll see the savings with the All-Inclusive Paris Pass based on your itinerary, there are a couple of other options to consider.
The Paris Explorer Pass
If you’re not a first-time traveler visiting Paris or you just have a few items on your itinerary list, you have the option to purchase The Paris Explorer Pass. It offers a full year for activation, which starts at the first attraction you visit. You can choose from 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 attractions out of 50+ included with the Explorer Pass.
You don’t need to decide in advance which attractions and experiences you want to do to purchase the pass, but you’ll want to have a plan for yourself to make sure you save money by buying the bundled pass.
The Explorer Pass remains valid for 60 days after the first activation and also includes skip-the-line privileges where they are offered. This type of pass might be appealing if you’re spending a longer time in Paris and want to space out your sightseeing instead of cramming everything into a few days.
Here’s the breakdown of prices for the Explorer Pass depending on the number of attractions you want to visit:
| Number of Attractions | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| 3-Choice Pass | €104 | €69 |
| 4-Choice Pass | €129 | €94 |
| 5-Choice Pass | €159 | €114 |
| 6-Choice Pass | €179 | €139 |
| 7-Choice Pass | €204 | €154 |
Keep in mind that this option is best suited for those with a limited number of sights they want to see. Generally, I’d suggest going for the 3, 4, or 5-Choice Explorer Pass. Purchasing the 6-Choice Explorer Pass is like buying an All-Inclusive 2-day Paris Pass. The difference is that the 2-day Paris Paris gives you access to potentially more sights and experiences depending on how many you do each day.
Also, the Explorer Pass is very limited when it comes to museums. If your focus is on visiting Paris’s museums, take a look at the next pass instead.
Paris Museum Pass
If you’re only planning to go museum hopping on your trip to Paris, purchasing just the Paris Museum Pass is a good option. It offers skip-the-line access to over 60 museums in and around Paris. For top museums like the Louvre and several others, advance booking of a timeslot is required, with the link provided on your voucher.
The Paris Museum Pass does not include child rates because most museums offer free admission to children.
The Paris Museum Pass also includes access to some popular Paris sights, too. These include:
Note: You can purchase the Paris Museum Pass online and in person. However, if you want to visit the Louvre or any included museum or sight that requires a reservation, I highly recommend buying the pass online in advance so you can make reservations as soon as you have the pass.
The catch? The order page on the official Paris Museum Pass webpage appears to be broken at the last update of this guide (April 2024). The workaround is to purchase the Paris Museum Pass through Get Your Guide. The website offers a hassle-free option to get this pass in advance.
Tips to Make the Most of the All-Inclusive Paris Pass
Once you have The Paris Pass, these tips can help you make the most of it. After all, the value comes from the money saved but also from how you wrangle the perks and benefits to work in your favor.
Maximize Your Time
First, arrive organized. With your Paris Pass already purchased, it’s important to map out your itinerary. Group places in similar areas. An example of this might be to visit the Notre Dame Crypt, Sainte-Chapelle, and the Conciergerie one after another because they are all close together and walkable.
Take full advantage of your first day. The Paris Pass starts the first day that you use it. The duration is not set by hours but by the number of days. So, make sure you use it for the first time as early in the morning as possible so that you can fully enjoy that day’s access.
In addition, some museums and sights are open until late into the night. Taking advantage of these late hours helps to extend the time your Paris Pass is valid. A great example of this is visiting the Arc de Triomphe after dark. You save valuable daytime hours for something else on your to-see list. Plus, from the top of the Arc at night, you’ll get incredible views of the Eiffel Tower lit up.
Avoid Free Days
Many museums and monuments are open to the public for free on the first Sunday of the month. Others have free days during specific seasons.
While that may sound like a great deal on the surface because nothing beats free, it also means these places will be incredibly busy on these days. My recommendation is to avoid using your Paris Pass on these days. And if possible, avoid visiting the most popular places on their free days.
As a New Yorker who has visited popular museums on free days in NYC, I get how tempting it is. I’ve just found that the crowds can really put a damper on the whole visit and leave you feeling unsatisfied with your visit.
Double Check The Attraction’s Details
The Paris Pass gives travelers access to 90+ monuments, museums, and experiences. Take a few extra moments to make sure you know the hours and days the various attractions are open, as well as if they require a reservation or time slot.
A few extra moments checking these details could save you a wasted trip or even a day of your pass if you start it on the wrong day thinking an attraction you wanted was open or didn’t require a reservation.
For example, did you know the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays? Or that the Musee d’Orsay is closed on Mondays?
Go for the Most Savings.
If you buy The Paris Pass to cover part of your trip, use it for the most expensive attractions like the Louvre, Eiffel Tower Climb, Versailles, or the Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus. Consider any walking tours or Paris Pass experiences like the River Seine Boat Cruise or the Wine Tastings at Les Caves du Louvre you might want to do.
You can always pay individually for something less expensive if you run out of time.
Find the Right Balance of Places to Visit in a Day.
You want to balance getting value from your Paris Pass and also enjoying each day without rushing hecticly from place to place.
In particular, be mindful of cramming too many museums into one day. Museum fatigue is real. For example, I wouldn’t visit the Louvre and the Musee d’Orsay on the same day. There’s just too much to see in each museum. You’d inevitably tire out and not fully appreciate what they both have to offer.
Also, be mindful that sightseeing passes often include numerous activities and lesser-known sights and attractions to make them seem more valuable. Some of these are absolutely hidden gems or unique, unforgettable experiences. But some are at best generic touristy experiences that maybe weren’t the best use of time.
So, when planning your itinerary, it’s crucial to prioritize your top destinations and really decide carefully how to plan your days.
Questions About The Paris Pass
- What happens if I change the date of my Paris trip?
When you purchase The Paris Pass, it isn’t tied to specific dates. You’ve got 2 years to activate your Paris Pass.
- How can I get a refund on my Paris Pass?
You can get a refund within 90 days of purchasing The Paris Pass as long as it hasn’t been activated. Contact customer service to request your refund.
- Does The Paris Pass include the Metro?
No, The Paris Pass does not cover public transportation in Paris.
- What is the best pass to use in Paris?
This all depends on your Paris itinerary.
The All-Inclusive Paris Pass includes 90+ sights, museums, and experiences. It’s best if you want to see and do a lot while in Paris. The Paris Explorer Pass is best if you want to bundle the cost on just a few specific sights or experiences. The Paris Museum Pass includes access to 60+ museums and sights including popular the Louvre and Versailles. The Paris Museum Pass does not include access to the Eiffel Tower or guided walking tours.
- Does The Paris Pass include the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe?
Yes, both the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe are included with The Paris Pass. Just be sure to make your reservation for the Eiffel Tower as soon as you purchase your Paris Pass.
- Can I use The Paris Pass to visit a sight or attraction more than once?
No. You can only visit each included attraction one time.
The bottom line is you want the best deal.
So, go back to the math and factor in the additional benefits.
With The Paris Pass, you get:
So, Is The Paris Pass Worth It?
In one word – yes! If you’re visiting Paris and want to discover as much as you can while saving money and time and avoiding any fuss, then The Paris Pass is a smart choice!
Having explored Paris over several trips (and counting!), I can vouch for the savings and many benefits The Paris Pass provides.
All that’s left to do now is to finalize your itinerary – and decide what you’re going to do with the savings that The Paris Pass gives you!
What are your questions about The Paris Pass?
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