London Explorer Pass vs The London Pass - A Comparison

So, you know you should get a attraction pass to maximise your money when visiting London, but you're not sure which one to go for. Don't worry, here's some top tips to help you make your choice.

By Casey Makovich
The London Eye

Planning a trip to London and want to save on combined attraction admission? Compare two popular attraction discount passes: London Explorer Pass vs. The London Pass, to see which one is best for your trip and the attractions you want to visit. Be sure to check the website for both passes for the most current prices, available attractions, and more info relating to each product.

How the passes work & how you save

Big Ben in spring

The London Explorer Pass® lets you choose how many attractions you want to visit while The London Pass® lets you choose how many consecutive calendar days in a row you want to sightsee.

So for the London Explorer Pass, your savings are most dependent on which attractions you choose to visit, while The London Pass savings are highly dependent on how many attractions you're able to fit into the number of days you purchased.

With both passes, you could save up to 50% vs paying separately for each attraction at the gate.

London Explorer Pass

discover-breathtaking-london-skyline-featuring-shard

The London Explorer Pass includes admission to your choice of up to seven London attractions for one low price. The pass comes in several options, from two-to-seven London activities, tours and attractions, and you can pick and choose as you go from a selection of over 100 included options. Show your pass at each attraction and you're in, it's that easy. Savvy travelers can save up to 50% off combined admission and will pay nothing at the gate. All you need to do to maximize the value is make sure you visit all your attractions within 60 days of first using your pass.

The London Pass

big-ben-westminster-bridge-red-double

The London Pass includes admission to almost 100 attractions for 1–10 consecutive days. Simply choose attractions, tours and activities as you go and show your pass at each attraction to get in.

London Attractions Available on the Pass

Both passes include the option to visit many popular London attractions, but they don't offer exactly the same attractions. So, be sure to check each website for the most up-to-date information and make sure all the ones you want to do are included on your chosen pass. There's nothing worse than realising too late that you'll have to pay separately for one of your must-sees.

London Explorer Pass:

Choose from over 100 attractions, including:

  • The Lastminute.com London Eye
  • Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus London Sightseeing Tour
  • Madame Tussauds
  • Westminster Abbey
  • Tower of London
  • Shakespeare's Globe
  • The View From The Shard
  • Wembley Stadium Tour
  • Kew Gardens
  • London Zoo
  • St Paul's Cathedral
  • SEA LIFE London Aquarium
  • Popular walking tours, river cruises and more!
  • and more

The London Pass:

Choose from over 90 attractions, including:

  • The Lastminute.com London Eye
  • Madame Tussauds
  • Tower of London
  • Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
  • Thames River Boat Cruise
  • Hampton Court Palace
  • Westminster Abbey
  • London Bridge Experience
  • Windsor Castle
  • London Zoo
  • Kensington Palace
  • Shakespeare's Globe
  • and more!

Let's recap on the pros and cons of each pass

London Explorer or London Pass?

With the London Explorer Pass, you can choose how many attractions you want to visit and take up to 60 days to decide what you want to see from an epic selection of over 100 attractions, activities, and tours. If that sounds good to you, grab a London attraction pass and save while you sightsee!

Alternatively, The London Pass allows you to choose how many consecutive days you want to spend visiting attractions in London, and then try to pack in as many as you can from a 90+ selection over the number of days you've opted for.

If you're still figuring out what you want to do when visiting London, check out our things to do in London for tips!

Casey Makovich
Go City Travel Expert

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A woman returns here rental bike after enjoying a ride around London
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Cheap things to do in London

You might scoff at the idea of there being cheap things to do in six-pounds-a-pint London. However, for those in the know it doesn’t take too much effort to find attractions that will eke out your savings. In fact, there’s very little you can’t do in London on a budget. Much of the city’s history, as well as its modern culture, thriving food scene and even many events can be enjoyed for very little money if you know where to head! Cheap museums and galleries in London The permanent exhibitions at the likes of the British Museum, Natural History Museum and Tate Modern are free to enter year-round, making for a very cheap day out in London. Many smaller museums and galleries can’t quite match this price point, but nonetheless include amazing objects within their collections. The Royal Observatory Greenwich’s modest admission allows visitors to get up close and personal with a giant of scientific discovery. Visitors are able to stand on the original prime meridian line denoting the eastern and western hemispheres, before going on to learn how the site changed the way we see the world with regard to both time and space. Within a fine example of Georgian architecture is the Benjamin Franklin House museum. The only remaining residence of the American Founding Father, its collection helps to detail Franklin’s life in London over 15 years through a mix of period furnishings and audiovisual displays. London’s budget eats If there’s one thing about traveling on a budget in London which worries visitors it’s staying well fed and watered. Whilst headlines about Salt Bae’s $1000 steaks and bar menus quoting $14 for a lager are common enough, there’s never been a better time to eat well for less. Just behind Euston train station, north west London’s Drummond Street rivals Brick Lane when it comes to cheap eats from the Indian subcontinent. Further north still, there’s plenty of options amidst the fashion stalls of Camden Market, with traditional fish and chips competing for attention against hotdogs and burritos. The converted shipping containers of Boxpark are another great option. Providing shared seating and a plethora of independent places to eat, there are three sites to look out for, in Wembley, Shoreditch and up-and-coming Croydon. London’s best value views For a bird’s eye view of the capital without the sky-high costs there are a number of potential attractions to consider. The best known is the covered Sky Garden topping out 20 Fenchurch Street – the Walkie Talkie building. Promising 360° views from London’s highest public garden, it’s free to visit, although you’ll need to pre-book a time slot. Less well known is the external balcony that sits beneath the bronze horse-drawn chariot carrying the goddess Victory on Wellington Arch at Hyde Park Corner. Its views extend across several Royal Parks. Tucked behind more recent buildings at the northern end of London Bridge lies The Monument. Built by Sir Christopher Wren of St Paul’s Cathedral fame to commemorate the Great Fire of London in 1666, its vertigo-inducing viewing platform puts you roughly 60 meters above ground level. The height marks its distance from the fire’s starting point on Pudding Lane. Low-cost nights out in the capital If your budget doesn’t stretch to a show in the West End, fear not, you don’t need to remove seeing a show from your list of cheap things to do in London just yet. The brutalist architecture of the Southbank Centre has long been the haunt of skaters and street artists, who together create a heady mix of spontaneity and art for passersby. The highest form of art has to go to the plays of The Bard. To experience the playwright’s greatest works as they were intended to be seen, head for the standing-only Groundling Yard of Shakespeare’s Globe. For the cost of a pint, you get closer to the stage than you probably thought possible. Also be sure to check out the listings sections of the weekend papers for details of London’s public events. June’s Trooping the Colour, August’s Notting Hill Carnival, and December’s Christmas markets lead a long list of events. Switch underground for overground The London Underground has been getting Londoners where they need to be for over 150 years. Ride the right double-decker buses instead, and you’ll get a tour of some of London’s top attractions thrown in for free. Jump aboard the number 24 from Victoria Station to whiz past Westminster Abbey, Downing Street and Trafalgar Square, or flag down the number 11 to travel along Piccadilly to the Royal Albert Hall. Another alternative to the tube is London’s Santander Cycles, known to almost everyone as Boris Bikes after the former mayor Boris Johnson, who brought them to the capital’s streets and kick-started a cycling revolution in the process. Ride as far as you want (a few have made it all the way to Paris and back) for a set price that can see you recreating The Beatles’ Abbey Road album cover and free-wheeling across Tower Bridge. Take a walk in the park Whichever part of London you find yourself in, it’s very likely there’s a public park nearby. The Westminster area boasts the triple alliance of Hyde Park, St James’s and Green Park, with Regent’s Park to the north and Battersea Park lining the Thames’ south bank. Elsewhere, Highgate Cemetery is a historic burial place with grand tombs and the unofficial status of a nature reserve. One of London’s ‘magnificent seven’ graveyards, it has around 170,000 interments. Amongst them are famous faces including poet Christina Rossetti, singer George Michael, novelist George Eliot, socialist thinker Karl Marx, and if legend is to be believed, the Highgate Vampire too. The cheap things to do in London don’t end there Of course, there is another way to explore London in a budget-friendly way without having to miss out on the big-ticket attractions that brought you to the British capital in the first place. Go City lets you visit the London attractions you want to, when you want to, whilst giving you incredible savings on attraction admission. That trip to London doesn’t look so expensive after all, does it?
Ian Packham
A view of the Thames including Tower Bridge and The Shard
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Things to do in London during the day

There are so many potential things to do in London during the day that it can actually be quite difficult to know where to start. What’s hot, and what’s not? What’s worth your time – and money – and what isn’t? If you’re feeling dazed by the sheer array of days out in London you can fill with exciting attractions, you’ll want to take note of our suggestions for the perfect day in and around the River Thames. Top tips for enjoying London during the day Before we delve into the delights of all the things to do in London during the day, here are a few top tips that will help you make the most of your time in the capital. Have a lie in If you’re anything like us, the temptation after arriving into a new city is to wake up as early as possible to squeeze in as many attractions as you can. But for all London’s hustle and bustle, many popular attractions don’t open their doors until 10AM. Arrive any earlier than this, and you’ll not only be left hanging around outside, but you’ll also end up traveling during the morning rush hour. Lasting from 7:30 – 9AM, it's not many people’s idea of a fun way to start the day. Public transportation is often uncomfortably crowded as people head to work, and you’ll be paying more for the privilege. Instead, enjoy a relaxed breakfast and kick off your day the right way. Maps aren’t just for atlases It can seem like you only have to walk a few steps before stumbling upon a noteworthy feature on the London skyline. Whilst many attractions are within walking distance of one another, many are much further apart. Don’t forget that London is one of Europe’s biggest cities. It’s therefore a good idea to have a vague understanding of where attractions are located. Dividing them between west, central and east London will suffice. Bring a reusable water bottle Concerns about single-use plastics are resulting in free water fountains popping up all over London. Many cafés will also refill a bottle for free, so save your cash for what really matters by bringing a reusable water bottle with you. They can also be a godsend when using the Tube in the summer. The best things to do in London during the day If you’re thinking about what to do with your time in London, you’re in for a treat! Although you can tackle the capital in any way you fancy, we’ve come up with what we think might be the very best day the capital has to offer. Spend the morning in east London Start your exploration of the capital with your head in the clouds at the ArcelorMittal Orbit tower, standing at the southern end of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Relive the iconic moments from the 2012 Summer Olympics at the park’s famed venues, before rising to the top of the twisting structure – Britain’s largest artwork. Designed by sculptor Sir Anish Kapoor, not only are the views extraordinary, but it offers a very different tube experience, boasting the world’s longest slide at 178m long. The various attractions of Greenwich, including the Royal Observatory and National Maritime Museum, lie to the south. Head roughly westward instead, through Jack the Ripper’s Whitechapel, and you’ll soon arrive at the Tower of London, which has guarded the banks of the Thames since 1066. Palace, armory and prison in turn, the Tower can easily fill the rest of your morning. Take a tour led by one of the team of beefeaters to learn the stories behind highlights including Traitor’s Gate, the Crown Jewels and the building’s all-important ravens. Enjoy lunchtime at St Paul’s Step aboard a Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing bus from outside the Tower of London for the short but culturally-rich journey to St Paul’s Cathedral. Along the way you’ll pass by the Monument to the Great Fire of London, standing just meters from its ignition point in a baker’s shop on Pudding Lane, as well as Mansion House – the impressive residence of the Lord Mayor of London. A symbol of London for centuries, the views towards the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral are considered so important they are protected by law. Built by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire destroyed Old St Paul’s, it was – maybe ironically – paid for by a tax on coal. From the crypt containing the mortal remains of Admiral Nelson, victor of the Battle of Trafalgar, to the Whispering Gallery, St Paul’s is one of London’s most ornate religious spaces. The location for a multitude of events of international importance, it has hosted the funeral of wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill, the marriage of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer and even a speech by Martin Luther King Jr on route to collecting his Nobel Peace Prize from the committee in Oslo, Norway. Marrying new with old is the pedestrian Millennium Bridge, crossing the Thames from outside the cathedral steps. A landmark in its own right, it leads to Shakespeare’s Globe and the galleries of the Tate Modern. Devote the afternoon to tea and cake Whilst it’s no longer entirely true that the capital grinds to a halt at around 3PM for tea, it is true that a traditional afternoon tea remains an excellent way to celebrate the city’s culinary history. The Piccadilly area has some of the best choices, with the capital’s grand hotels like The Ritz welcoming those keen to sample the best snack you’ll probably ever have. Consisting of sandwiches and cakes, it was invented by Anna, Duchess of Bedford. A lady in waiting to Queen Victoria, she simply couldn’t endure the middle hours between lunch and dinner. If jumping’s still possible after such a feast, jumping onto the Victoria or Piccadilly Line of the Underground from Green Park will have muggles at King’s Cross Station before they can mutter expelliarmus. As any Harry Potter fan will know, the Hogwarts’ Express departs from the station’s Platform 9 3⁄4, where you can get your photograph snapped beside a disappearing luggage trolley. Similarly magical are the 1080 jets together making up the pavement fountains of nearby Granary Square. Dancing in time and displaying a range of colors, they make for a great place to relax during the summer months. At this time of year they take on the air of an urban beach and glow even brighter as dusk settles over another day in London. Save on the top things to do in London If you’re keen to follow our pick of the best things to do in London during the day there’s just one thing to do first, and that’s grab the London Explorer Pass. Doing away with the need for paper tickets, you’ll save at many of the city’s main attractions without having to do away with flexibility. For a sneak peak of all you can experience be sure to check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook, where you can also share your vacation snaps. Don’t forget to smile!
Ian Packham
the london eye on a sunny day
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Free Fun Near London Eye: Explore Without Spending a Penny

Standing beneath the London Eye, it’s easy to get swept up in London’s energy—and yes, you might worry your wallet could take off faster than a capsule! But here’s some good news: this buzzing area is packed with experiences that don’t cost a thing. Whether you’re a history buff, people-watcher, or just want to soak up riverside vibes, we’ve uncovered vibrant culture, stunning views, leafy escapes, and those quirks that make London unforgettable—all for free. Ready to wander beyond the ticket queues and see what the South Bank (and beyond) really has to offer? Let’s fill your day with London Eye neighbor gems that your budget will love.  Our favorite free things to do near the London Eye include:  South Bank Walks  Tate Modern  Jubilee Gardens  The National Theatre Foyer  BFI Southbank  Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel  The Palace of Westminster (from the outside)  Covent Garden Street Performers  St James’s Park  Gabriel’s Wharf and Riverside Murals  South Bank Walks  If you’re after atmosphere, the South Bank always delivers. Start right at the London Eye and wander east along the Thames. You’ll pass buskers, pop-up food stalls, book markets beneath Waterloo Bridge, and open-air art installations. The river views are ace: catch locals whizzing by on roller skates, violinists with sweeping soundtracks, and families soaking up city life. The path is flat and accessible, with ever-changing street theatre, pop-up exhibitions, and snapshots of classic London landmarks on both banks. Golden hour here—especially with the London skyline glowing across the water—simply can’t be beat.  Jubilee Gardens  A patch of green in the middle of city buzz, Jubilee Gardens is tailor-made for picnics, sunbathing, or just kicking back after a morning on your feet. Sunflowers, fountains, and sweeping lawns give you loads of space to relax—and the views of the Eye looming overhead make every selfie pop. There’s a children’s playground for families, plenty of benches for people-watching, and on weekends, the park hosts local events and entertainers. Bonus: it’s an ideal stop to refuel with a supermarket meal deal!  The National Theatre Foyer  Pop inside the National Theatre (no ticket required!) and you’ll find public spaces filled with changing art displays, comfy chairs, and riverside views. Free WiFi and plenty of quiet corners make this a local’s favourite for reading or people-watching. Check out pop-up exhibitions, seasonal flower displays, and on some days, you might even stumble into a lunchtime classical concert or a rehearsal happening in the lobby. It’s creative, cosseting, and right at the heart of London’s cultural buzz.  BFI Southbank  Film buffs, this one’s for you. The British Film Institute’s riverside home opens its stylish lounge, film posters and memorabilia displays, and media mediatheque archive for free visitors every day. Curl up in a mid-century chair and watch rare British films or newsreels in the mediatheque or browse fascinating archives along the foyer walls. The buzz is creative and relaxed, a great hideout for appraising movie history—especially handy on a rainy London day.  The Palace of Westminster (From the Outside)  Sure, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament need no introduction, but have you truly soaked in their grandeur from across the river? Wander to Westminster Bridge (mere minutes from the London Eye) for the very best photo ops. Often, you’ll find street musicians playing dramatic anthems in the background, as red buses whoosh past and seagulls wheel overhead. You don’t need a tour or a ticket to enjoy some of London’s most famous views for absolutely nothing.  Covent Garden Street Performers  A delightful 15-minute stroll from the London Eye brings you to Covent Garden—a hub of free entertainment every day of the week. The historic piazza buzzes with magicians, musicians, living statues, and theatrical performers (juggling flaming torches is just the warm-up). The atmosphere is vibrant and cheeky: expect laughter, gasps, and the occasional magic trick right in front of you. Street entertainers have been thrilling crowds here for centuries, and the tradition is alive and kicking. Pull up a spot on the cobbles and enjoy a truly “London” spectacle.  St James’s Park  Stretch your legs with a scenic wander through St James’s Park, one of London’s oldest and most beautiful green spaces—less than 15 minutes’ walk from the Eye. Think sweeping flower beds, swans gliding across the lake, and, of course, views of Buckingham Palace at one end. The unusual pelicans (a gift from a Russian ambassador hundreds of years ago!) are always a crowd-pleaser. The park’s wide avenues and peaceful gardens offer a much-needed escape from city clamor without ever leaving the center.  Gabriel’s Wharf and Riverside Murals  Tucked along the South Bank’s river walk, Gabriel’s Wharf is a pocket-sized haven for art lovers and explorers. Follow the trail of eye-catching murals and witty signage, then enjoy the quirky vibe at the wharf itself—free riverside seating, lively outdoor sculptures, and lovely people-watching. It’s a little oasis of creativity, and while the indie shops and cafes do tempt you, the experience—and the riverside murals—come at no charge.    And there you have it—ten ways to fill your itinerary, see fresh sides of London, and keep your spending on the fun side of sensible. Happy exploring!    Enjoyed this? Check out our comprehensive guide to the London Eye, and learn even more about Southbank.  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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