Everything you need to know about Go City’s Boston passes

Two flexible pass types, dozens of Boston attractions and tours, and heaps of ways to save. Walk the Freedom Trail, tour Little Italy’s foodie hotspots, cruise the harbor—it’s Boston, the easy way.

Boston Freedom Trail

Planning a trip to Boston? Brick lanes, waterfront breezes and centuries of stories set the tone here—plus Red Sox baseball, world‑class museums, leafy campuses and clam chowder you’ll talk about for years. With two flexible passes and access to dozens of top attractions and tours, Go City Boston helps you do more while keeping plans (and costs) under control; use it for fast-moving weekenders, family breaks, history-hunting strolls and more. 

The basics: what is the Go City Boston pass?

 

Think of it as your passport to easy Boston sightseeing. One purchase unlocks entry to a big lineup of attractions and experiences, with two ways to explore: the All-Inclusive Pass or the Explorer Pass.

All-Inclusive Pass

  • Choose a 1, 2, 3, 5 or 7-day pass.
  • Best when you want to see a lot—mix tours, museums and cruises without micro‑planning every ticket.
  • Visit as many included attractions as you like each day that your pass is active (one visit per attraction).
  • Great for first‑timers and families who want Boston’s greatest hits—Freedom Trail walks, harbor cruises, science and sea life.

Explorer Pass

  • Choose 2, 3, 4 or 5 attractions.
  • Best for relaxed itineraries—sprinkle sightseeing between meals and strolls.
  • You’ll have 30 days to use your choices from first activation.
  • Ideal if you’ve got a short list (say, the Freedom Trail, a harbor cruise and a museum or two) or you’re on a return visit to Boston and you’re chasing the highlights.

Both options are fully digital, live in the Go City app and typically save a chunk compared with buying separate tickets.

Buying and activating your pass

 

  1. Buy online: Head to the Go City website or app for the best price and live support.
  2. Download the Go City app: Your attraction details, maps, opening hours and booking links all live here. Log in with the email you used at checkout and your pass appears automatically.
  3. Activate when you’re ready: The All-Inclusive Pass activates at your first scan and runs for your chosen number of consecutive calendar days. The Explorer Pass activates at first scan and stays valid for 30 days, so you can pace yourself.

Using your pass

Boston Go City app

Show your attraction QR code in the app at the entrance or check‑in desk and you’re set—no separate tickets to juggle. Each attraction allows one visit with your pass. Hours, directions, reservation notes and any age or height requirements sit right in the app, so you can decide on the fly or plan day‑by‑day. We like to start early on All‑Inclusive days, stack a guided tour with an indoor museum during midday heat (or winter winds), then time a harbor cruise for late afternoon light. Keep your phone charged; screenshots help when cell service dips.

What’s included?

 

With over 45 attractions, tours and experiences to choose from, there’s something for every sun-chaser, thrill-seeker and history buff.

History and heritage

 

  • Follow the red‑brick line with a Freedom Trail Foundation walking tour. Guides pack in punchy stories at Boston Common, the Old State House and the Granary Burying Ground, bringing Revolutionary Boston to life block by block.
  • Step inside revolutionary spaces at the Old State House and Old South Meeting House. Exhibits connect the dots between everyday Bostonians and the sparks that lit the American Revolution.
  • Get hands‑on at the USS Constitution Museum in Charlestown. Build a mini‑ship, test your sea legs and learn how ‘Old Ironsides’ earned its nickname—then stroll the Navy Yard to see the ship herself.

Boats and harbor views

 

  • See the skyline from the water on a Boston Harbor sightseeing cruise with live narration. You’ll glide past the Harbor Islands, Long Wharf and the waterfront’s working side, with plenty of photo ops along the way.
  • Or see the city skyline lit up from the water on a sunset sailing.
  • Want flexibility between far‑flung sights? A hop‑on hop‑off trolley day ticket is a breezy way to connect the Seaport, North End, Downtown and Back Bay while getting your bearings.

Museums and campus culture

 

  • Make time for the Museum of Science. Lightning shows, hands‑on exhibits and kid‑approved experiments turn a couple of hours into a fun science sprint—great for mixed‑age groups.
  • At the Harvard Museum of Natural History, glass flowers, gemstones and a walk‑through of New England’s wildlife pack serious wow into a compact space—ideal to pair with a Harvard Yard stroll.
  • Head to the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem for a day trip. From maritime treasures to contemporary installations and a stunning historic Chinese house, it’s a rewarding add‑on to coastal north‑shore exploring.

Family fun and easy days

 

  • Budding builders love LEGOLAND Discovery Center Boston in Somerville. Rides, build zones and a mini Boston skyline keep little hands busy for hours.
  • Animal lovers can roam Franklin Park Zoo. Giraffes, gorillas and a big playground make it an easy win when you want open air and wiggle room.

Plan ahead

Harvard Museum of Natural History

A little planning goes a long way in Boston, especially during summer weekends and school holidays. We like to cluster by neighborhood to cut down on crisscrossing. Do Freedom Trail stops, the Old State House and the North End together. Pair the aquarium with a harbor cruise and a stroll through the Seaport. Tackle the Museum of Science and a river cruise the same day, then swing through Beacon Hill or Back Bay. Save Cambridge for a half‑day—Harvard Yard, museums and coffee on Massachusetts Ave make a tidy loop. If Salem is on your list, hop the commuter rail from North Station and make a day of it with the Peabody Essex Museum and harbor wanderings.

Set must-do experiences first—guided Freedom Trail walks, harbor cruises and kid‑favorite spots can fill up fast. Check availability and reservation notes in the app, then build the rest of your day around those times. Keep an eye on opening days; some museums close early or shut one day per week. Boston weather swings fast, so layer up, stash a compact umbrella and pivot indoors if winds pick up on the waterfront. Most spots open earlier than you’d think; starting at opening time helps you fit more in, especially with an All‑Inclusive Pass. Lastly, factor in food—North End cannoli, Quincy Market bites or a quick lobster roll make great refuel stops between attractions.

Reservations

 

Some experiences require or recommend advance booking—think guided Freedom Trail walks, certain cruises and popular family attractions. The app lists what require a reservation, and includes links to book, plus any special instructions. Use the same name and email tied to your pass so venues can verify quickly. Check each provider’s cancellation window in the app, arrive 10–15 minutes early to check in, and bring photo ID if requested.

What’s the main advantage of Go City Boston passes?

 

  • Real savings when you visit multiple Boston attractions and tours.
  • Flexibility: choose your number of days with the All-Inclusive Pass or number of attractions with the Explorer Pass
  • One app for entry, maps, hours and reservations—scan and go.
  • Freedom to try new experiences you might skip if buying individually.
  • Simple budgeting: pay once, then focus on all-important chowder vs cannoli decisions.

Is buying a pass worth it?

Piggy bank savings

If you’re planning a few big‑ticket experiences—say a harbor cruise, a Freedom Trail tour, the Museum of Science and the View Boston Observation Deck—you’ll typically come out ahead, with less admin and more spontaneity. Prices for top attractions can run upwards of $30–$50 individually, so it doesn’t take long for the pass to pay for itself. 

Let’s say you get a 3-day All-Inclusive Pass and visit: 

Day 1

  • Freedom Trail Tour ($17)
  • Old State House Museum & Old South Meeting House ($15)
  • Paul Revere House ($6)

Day 2 

  • View Boston Observation Deck ($34) 
  • Sightseeing harbor cruise ($49) 

*Plus, hop on and off the CityView Trolley for both days ($92) 

Day 3:

  • Museum of Science ($33)
  • Plimoth Patuxet and Mayflower II Combination Ticket ($44)

That’s $280 worth of tickets on a $134 pass. That’s some serious savings of $144 or around 52%!* 

*prices accurate as of 13th October 2025

Looking for more Boston inspiration? Check out our guide to things to do in Beantown after dark and make plans for a classic Boston New Year’s Eve.

Step up your sightseeing with Go City®

We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets. 

See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® - just choose a pass to get started!

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This article was generated with the help of AI to provide accurate and up-to-date information. The Go City team has reviewed and curated the content to ensure it meets our quality standards for accuracy and relevance.

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Where To Stay in Boston

Heading to Boston for your vacation, but wondering which area to hoist your holiday flag? Never fear; we're here to give you the play-by-play on the best districts in the city. Read on, and learn where to stay in Boston! Including: Downtown North End & Waterfront Beacon Hill Seaport Back Bay and more! Downtown Arguably the most popular tourist destination in the city, Boston's Downtown district is also its financial hub. Within, you'll find the biggest collection of landmarks and hotspots, from the Freedom Trail to the Boston Harbor. Given its central position, it's also a great place to use as a home base, with plenty of travel opportunities to neighboring districts. Combine all that with a large number of bars, restaurants, and Independence-inspired attractions, and it's just about perfect for shorter or longer-term stays. If you're wondering where to stay in Boston, Downtown could be just the tip. 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Back in the 19th-century, it was a thriving black community even before the Civil War and the abolishment of slavery. As such, an absolute must-see is the Black Heritage Trail, which winds its way through the district. Other notable attractions include the Nicols House Museum and the Massachusetts State House. Alongside all the things to see, you'll find plenty to eat and drink too! There are plenty of places to eat on Charles St and Cambridge St, with a wide variety of globe-spanning cuisines available. You'll also be in sneezing distance of Boston Common, the city's biggest green space. It's the perfect place to go and unwind if your legs need a rest on your vacation. Seaport These days, Seaport is one of Boston's most attractive vacation destinations. Given its name, you can expect amazing views of the waterfront and a bevy of eateries, watering holes, and other tourist trappings. However, that wasn't always the case. Only ten years ago, it was a relatively barren area of car lots and the grizzled fishing docks. Modern Seaport has all the usual suspects you'd expect from a modern American city. You've got your craft beers at Harpoon Brewery, your prime seafood at Legal Sea Foods, and your upmarket steaks at Del Frisco's. For the little ones, there's Boston Children's Museum, and for the rest of us, there's a wealth of shops, snack bars, and The Lawn on D for fun and games! Back Bay Looking for the perfect mix of bustling Boston and the charming residential districts? Look no further than Back Bay. There, you'll find a wealth of shopping opportunities, from local boutiques to nationwide chains. This sophisticated area of the city also has plenty of cozy art galleries, hidden cafes, and great sea views. It also backs onto Boston Common, if you're looking for a big green space with plenty to do. As far as landmarks and attractions, you have to go and see Boston Public Library and Trinity Church, two of the city's most recognizable icons. And, if you want to see more of the city, it has great travel connections and is in walking distance of Downtown and Bay Village! South End Boston's own boho-chic location is undeniably South End. It's about as far removed from tourism as you can get, for better or worse. While that means there won't be as many attractions to see or landmarks to snap, it does mean you'll find an amazing selection of restaurants, bars, and shops. Along Columbus Ave, you'll discover a boatload of cafes, taverns, and our pick, Charlie's Sandwich Shoppe. Great food in great time, head there early to sample one of their many delicious breakfast options! For a classier night on the town, check out Barcelona Wine Bar. Their menu is dripping with delicious New American dishes, and their wine selection is predictably sublime. 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And yes, you may have to cross the Charles River to actually get there from Boston proper. However, it's here that cultural powerhouses MIT and Harvard reside. Two of the world's best higher education institutions in one city. Not bad. Cambridge is massive, so you may need some wheels if you want to get about easily. If you do, head to the Harvard Museum of Natural History and the Harvard Art Museums. And, while you're there, why not take a tour of the university? And those are our recommendations for where to stay in Boston! Want more? Check out the city's best museums.
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10+ Things to Do in Boston Labor Day 2019 Weekend & September

The end of summer, traditionally marked by Labor Day, is a great time to enjoy that last getaway before school and work pick back up again. If you're taking a Labor Day weekend trip to Boston, you won't be short of things to do. Many fun local activities and attractions in Boston offer special events or exhibits at the end of August into September, so there's a lot of promise in late summer vacations. So make the most of the last few days of summer in Boston! If you’re looking for things to do in Boston Labor Day weekend 2019 and into September, check out our list of the best local activities and attractions. A few ideas include: St. Anthony's Feast New England Aquarium Whale Watch Fenway Park Tour Swan Boats of Boston Somerville Fluff Festival And more! Save on Attraction Admission Regular admission to a number of these Boston attractions are included on the Go Boston® pass. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Please note, the special events taking place at these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included on the Go Boston pass. Searching for more events later in the fall? Check out our Boston Fall Events post for fun activities in October and November. St. Anthony’s Feast August 22-25, 2019 The North End Headlining the weekend before Labor Day is the very Boston-esque St. Anthony’s Feast. This has long been famous as the largest Italian religious festival in New England. It’s a huge affair that takes over much of the North End neighborhood: part parade, part pageantry, part ceremony, and all excitement. The actual procession begins at noon on Sunday. The Santa Lucia festival brings up the rear on Monday, a shorter but no less grand celebration. This is a must do for a local Labor Day experience -- be sure to add it to your itinerary. For a full schedule of events, consult the St. Anthony’s Feast website Getting In: Admission to St. Anthony's Feast is free. New England Aquarium Whale Watch Fenway Park Tour Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour Go for a Bike Ride Swan Boats of Boston The Boston Children’s Museum While there are tons of great museums in the Boston area that appeal to the whole family, the Boston Children’s Museum is truly the perfect candidate for keeping the kids happy. You’ll find tons of interactive exhibits that focus on everything from science and environmental awareness to culture and the arts. The kids will enjoy playing while the learn - it's the best of both! Be sure to check their events calendar for any special exhibits or attractions that may occur during your visit. Getting In: Boston Children's Museum tickets are included on the Go Boston pass. All Hands to Mischief! at the USS Constitution Museum August 31 - September 3, 2019 Charlestown Navy Yard Come to the USS Constitution Museum this Labor Day weekend to learn about how sailors spent their spare time at sea. The hands-on, interactive activities are great for kids. You can practice writing with a quill pen, play your hand at a nineteenth century board game, and get a temporary nautical tattoo. If you're interested in Old Ironsides herself, consider a cruise like the USS Constitution Cruise which escorts you out to the ship in Boston's Inner Harbor and past other major sights like the Bunker Hill Monument and the Boston Tea Party boat. Getting In: Admission to the USS Constitution Museum is separately ticketed and is not included with the Go Boston pass. For more information about this attraction and to purchase tickets, visit the attraction website. USS Constitution Cruise tickets are included with the Go Boston pass. The Boston Arts Festival September 8 & 9, 2019, 11:00 am - 6:30 pm Christopher Columbus Park “Summer in the City” Movie Series Tuesday – Friday, all summer Boston Harbor Hotel What the Fluff? September 21, 2019 Union Square, Somerville This delightful event is perfect for visitors of all ages. Now in its 13th year, this fun festival celebrates all things fluff -- the delectable marshmallow treat that was invented right in Somerville back in 1917. The festival incorporates live music, toys and games for kids, beverages for adults, and tons of fluff-related food items. There's even a cooking contest for the best inventive fluff recipe. Deadline for submissions is September 18! Somerville is located just a little bit north west of Boston proper -- you can get to Union Square easily via bus. Getting In: Admission to the Fluff Festival is free. Remember to Save on Attraction Admission So there are a few examples of fun and exciting things to do in Boston during Labor Day Weekend and into September. There is so much to do in Boston that you're sure to have a great end to your summer vacation. Remember, some of these great attraction options are included on the Go Boston pass, where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Please note, the Labor Day weekend events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included with the Go Boston pass. We hope you consider visiting some of these attractions to help round out your summer vacation in Boston in style.
Katie Sagal

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