Should I buy Go City’s Madrid pass or get individual tickets?

So, you’re heading to Madrid: tapas, grand palaces, leafy parks, football fever, and art that fills entire afternoons, all in one compact, walkable city. But what’s the best way to experience all those must-dos without breaking the bank? Go City’s catch-all Madrid pass, or paying for individual attraction tickets on the go? We’ll cover the benefits of the Madrid pass, as well as looking at when individual tickets make sense, to help you make up your mind.

Firstly, what is a sightseeing pass?

In short, it’s a digital VIP ticket that unlocks loads of top experiences for one upfront price. No more digging around for credit cards at every ticket office; just flash the Go City Madrid pass on your phone and sashay right in.

The pros of using a pass

Easier budgeting

It’s remarkably easy to lose control of the purse strings when paying for attraction tickets as you go. There’s no such risk with the Go City Madrid pass: you pay a fixed price for it upfront, so you can tick it off weeks (if not months) before your vacation even starts. And that’s it: multiple Madrid attractions unlocked, including several big hitters (lookin’ at you, Reina Sofía Museum) and a few lesser-known gems to boot. The more you see, the more you’ll save.

Real savings on big hitters

If your shortlist includes even just a couple of Madrid heavyweights, the pass will quickly have you heading for solid savings versus paying separately. Add in a walking tour, bike rental and a trip to Toledo and the gap widens.

Hunt out the hidden gems

Go City’s magical pick’n’mix of Madrid must-sees includes a number of under-the-radar gems you might otherwise overlook. The pass allows you to explore new experiences like the opulent Lázaro Galdiano Museum and small-group cycling tours fueled by churros and chocolate. Yum.

One app to rule them all

Put printout-juggling behind you forever: your pass, attraction info, maps, opening times and reservation details all live together in one place. So no more printed vouchers, no more inbox search party and – best of all – no more arguments about who lost the tickets.

Complete flexibility 

No longer must you plan every little detail decades in advance. Just wake up, check the weather, see what way the wind is blowing, and go. If your chosen attractions require reservations, the app links you straight to the booking path.

Perks, glorious perks

Some attractions on the Go City Madrid pass come loaded with bonus bits like skip-the-line entry or gift shop discounts. Just fire up the app to find out what’s included at each stop.

The pros of individual tickets 

Not everyone will benefit from bundling attractions on a fixed-price pass. If your vibe is more urban exploration than museum afternoons, you may be better off buying your entry tickets as and when.

No commitment up front

If your plan is to retire to El Retiro for some much-needed park-based downtime, and maybe to take in a single attraction or two as and when the mood takes you, paying as you go could be a good fit.

Stay spontaneous

Individual tickets let you follow whimsy, sunshine or a recommendation you got over churros that morning in a way the pass perhaps does not.

Let's compare...
 

Feature	Go City Madrid passes	Individual tickets
Upfront cost	✔ Paid in advance, easier to budget	✖ Pay per attraction, adds up fast
Total savings	✔ The more you see, the more you save	✖ No guaranteed savings
Convenience	✔ One app, one QR code, done	✖ Booking and managing multiple tickets separately
Extra perks	✔ Skip-the-line access, shop discounts, food offers, free guides	✖ None – you get what you pay for
Food & drink deals	✔ Includes some options and offers	✖ Not included
Hidden gems	✔ Curated line-up by local experts	✔They’re out there, you’ll just need to do some more research
Flexibility	✔ Visit what you want, when you want	✔ Freedom to pick day-by-day
Risk of overspending	✔ No nasty surprises	✖ Hard to track daily spend

How much are you actually saving? 

Here’s an example of what a standard 2-day Madrid itinerary might cost with individual tickets: 

Day 1

• Big Bus sightseeing tour: €28
• Prado Museum guided tour: €49
• La Latina tapas tour: €29

Day 2

• Half-day Segovia trip: €42
• Bernabeu Stadium tour: €55
• Flamenco show and tapas at Torres Bermejas: €55

That’s a total cost of €258. Now compare that to a 2‑day Madrid All-Inclusive Pass, priced at €109. In this example, you’d save €149 or around 58%*, and you might still have room to squeeze in another attraction or two along the way, potentially boosting your savings even further.

Don’t forget – the pass also includes the handy app, extra perks and peace of mind that you won’t need to buy expensive tickets on the fly. 

*prices accurate as of January 2026

Final verdict: should you go for the pass?

In a word: yes. If you’re in Madrid to catch the must-sees, add a few tours and take in a flamenco show, a Go City Madrid pass will nearly always come out on top for price and convenience. Individual tickets make sense if you’re planning just one or two paid attractions and want total freedom without any upfront spend. But once your list hits three or more, the numbers favor Go City, and the simplicity of having everything all together in one app is tough to top.

Looking for more Madrid inspiration? Find fun things to do after dark and get yourself more fully acquainted with the different types of Go City Madrid pass. 

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!