Paris City Pass: 50+ world-class museums and famous landmarks

Terrible Time in Paris using Turbo Pass

Turbo Pass was recommended by a friend. He said it got you in to all the important places in Paris. We looked it over but did not find it easy to understand exactly how it works. The first and most important item that should be in large bold words is “BOOK YOUR OWN TICKETS WE DON’T DO THAT FOR YOU!!!!” That should be done far in advance of your visit. Again not explained. It should also be explained that the QR code can only be scanned using a Turbo Pass scanner. The Toot people scanned it and it was some random medical websites. We were not impressed with the lack of explanation/details on how to use the Turbo Pass. So we would not recommend Turbo Pass to others nor will we use it ever again. The Toot Bus, which is almost useless, is only good for one day. If you’re only in Paris for a short visit then there’s no way using Turbo Pass makes any sense considering how much you have to pay for it. Sure it lists lots of museums and sights but you can’t go to them all unless you stay for at least a week. Also Paris is very difficult to get around. You need a good GPS and a working knowledge of French as they don’t speak much English.

How to use the museum pass

I read about the museum pass in Rick Steves and it does help to save money and a longer wait. I think the key is planning what is important for you to see when in Paris. I picked the six day pass even if we planned a longer trip. We only paid for one admission and it was to the small Delacroix studio museum which we did on a Saturday with no lines. I paid for the pass on line and picked it up at the office near the Louvre on Pyramids. We did this the day before we planned to use it. I made a chart of what were museum times and days closed. I did not want to go to a popular museum on a weekend even so the Musée D Orsay and the Louvre was packed even in shoulder season on weekdays. After you buy the pass on line at home and plan to pick it up. Go to each website before you travel, for each museum and see if you need also to book an appointment time. Most museums give you an hour window for this appointment so plan ahead. Some do not require times but many do. Try to group Museums in an area if you wish to do two or more in a day. Personally I want to spend time and one museum a day is fine with me. We found nice restaurants at the Louvre, Museum d Orsay and Pompidou Center which is important as the pass does not allow readmittance. Even with all the planning going to a major museum in Paris is much like a major art show in a big city Prepare yourself with time to spare and comfortable clothes. Do not bring large bags as security is strict. We had little folding umbrellas which are allowed through security. They can in handy one day as we waited in heavy rain for San Chappell.

Citypass Paris not a good idea.

I would not recommend this for families with teens. Better to buy transport tickets in packs of 10 and a Museum pass for adults. Teens are free. The tiny, flimsy (multiday) transport tickets failed day after day! After replacing with new RATP carnets, Turbopass refunded them but the embarrassment of tickets being rejected on buses and metro - awkward! Seine cruise not worth it. EiffelTower not included. Multiple sites shut down due to Covid. Won’t buy city passes again.