Everything you need to know about Go City’s New York passes

Sky-high observatories, sightseeing cruises, museums and more: how to choose, use and get the best value out of the Big Apple.

Published: January 28, 2026
NYC snow globes

Planning a trip to New York City? A veritable banquet of Big Apple bucket-listers awaits. Think sky-high observatories, ferry rides past Lady Liberty, world-class museums, and enough New York pizza to fuel a marathon. With two flexible options and access to more than 100 tours, activities and attractions, Go City New York makes it easy to do more for less, whether you’re here for a whirlwind weekend or a slow-down-and-take-it-all-in stay. Families love the easy budgeting, solo travelers love the freedom to roam, and planners and freestylers alike find a rhythm to suit them. Here’s how the passes work, what’s included and how Go City can help you ace your NYC adventure…

The basics: what is the Go City New York pass?

Short story: it’s a money-saving digital pass that unlocks access to stacks of top NYC attractions for a single, upfront price. Just pick the pass type that suits your sightseeing style, then scan and go at your choice of 100+ New York attractions. Passes sit conveniently in the Go City app alongside maps, opening hours and more, and can deliver substantial savings versus buying individual tickets at the gate.

All-Inclusive Pass

  • Choose a 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 or 10-day pass.
  • Visit as many included attractions as you like on consecutive calendar days.
  • Best for first-timers and energetic sightseers who want to stack observatories, cruises, museums and tours into several days of solid sightseeing.
  • Great for first-timers seeking major sights, variety-loving families, and anyone who thrives on energy and momentum.
  • Savings stack quickly vs buying individual tickets when you plan three or more attraction visits per day.

Explorer Pass

  • Choose a 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 10-attraction pass.
  • After your pass activates, you’ll have 30 days to pick and visit attractions from the line-up, so you can keep the pace relaxed.
  • Best for relaxed trips, repeat visitors, and anyone who wants to blend a few big hitters with some quirky finds.
  • It’s set-it-and-forget-it value. Pick your must-sees, keep your schedule open, and explore at your own pace.

Buying and activating your pass

  1. Buy online: Purchase direct on the official Go City site or app for the best prices and live support.
  2. Download the Go City app: Your pass QR code sits in the app alongside handy info like attraction opening hours, maps, booking links and more.
  3. Activate in your own time: All-Inclusive passes activate on first use and run for your chosen number of consecutive calendar days. Explorer passes activate the same way but stay valid for 30 days while you use up your choices.

Using your pass

What’s included?

Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline

From sky-deck stunners to landmark cruises, the lineup is extensive, and mixes the Big Apple’s greatest hits with a few lesser-known gems you might otherwise miss. Just check the app to confirm which attractions are included with your pass type and you’re good to go!. A few NYC favorites…

Sky-high views

Get classic Art Deco vibes at the Empire State Building Observatory, complete with exhibits on the building’s history, before you ride up to the 86th floor. For Midtown panoramas (and a perfect angle on the Empire State Building itself), head to Top of The Rock. Prefer edgy design and glass-floor thrills? Edge at Hudson Yards puts you on the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere. At Manhattan’s southern tip, One World Observatory pairs jaw-dropping views with immersive elevator visuals that trace the city’s rise.

On the water

Sail around the skyline with Circle Line Sightseeing – opt for the Landmarks Cruise to sweep past the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty, or time an evening sailing for twinkling skyscrapers. Want to get closer to Lady Liberty and Ellis Island? The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Ferry gets you to both islands, plus access to the excellent Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. Short on time? Quick harbor cruises still deliver those postcard photos and sea breezes.

Museums and culture

Eyeball mesmerizing modern masterpieces at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), from starry nights to bold contemporary installations. Aviation and space fans can step aboard a historic aircraft carrier at the Intrepid Museum (don’t miss the amazing Space Shuttle Pavilion here!). Architecture lovers can stroll the Guggenheim’s spiral galleries, while the Museum of the City of New York offers a punchy look at the city’s past, present and future through engaging exhibits.

Tours, bikes and neighborhoods

Have yourself a wheely good time with a Central Park bike rental – your ticket to covering way more ground among the park’s iconic lakes, bridges and leafy lanes. Join a guided Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO walking tour to catch skyline shots and cobblestone charm, or explore SoHo, Little Italy and Chinatown with a local who knows all the best eats. Sports and entertainment buffs should check for behind-the-scenes stadium tours—when they’re running, they’re a fun peek into New York’s big-stage magic.

Plan ahead

  • Group by neighborhood. A little prep goes a very long way in NYC. Start by shortlisting your non-negotiables – maybe an observatory, a museum, and something on the water – then group them by neighborhood to cut down on transit time. The app makes this easy with maps and attraction details.
  • Start your sightseeing early. Aim for early starts to squeeze in more stops, especially if you’re using the All-Inclusive Pass – sunrise to sunset can comfortably fit an observatory, a museum, a cruise and a neighborhood tour with breaks. With the Explorer Pass, spread things out – pair a major attraction with a lower-key experience and leave plenty room for pizza-and-bagel-based detours.
  • Book big hitters in advance. Some places operate on timed entry, so secure reservations as soon as your dates are set. 
  • Check opening hours. Some museums close on certain weekdays, and last-entry times are often earlier than you might expect. You’ll find up-to-date details in the Go City app. 
  • Travel smart. Keep an eye on travel time. The subway is usually fastest; if you’re hopping on the Big Bus panoramic tour, use it as both sightseeing and transport when it lines up with your route.

Reservations

Go City app

A handful of popular spots require advance bookings or timed entries, especially observatories, select museums and some tours. You’ll find clear reservation instructions, links and any special steps right in the Go City app. Book early for peak times (weekends, holidays, sunset slots), and arrive a little before your timeslot with your pass ready to scan.

What’s the main advantage of Go City New York passes?

  • Two flexible ways to explore: cram in the sights or take it slow.
  • Real savings versus buying separate tickets for every attraction.
  • Mobile tickets in the app, so no paper and no lines to buy at the door.
  • Freedom to try new experiences you might skip when paying as you go.
  • Huge lineup: observatories, ferries, museums, tours, bike rentals and more

Is buying a pass worth it?

Bethesda Terrace and fountain in Central Park

Absolutely! If you’re planning to tick off New York’s biggest hitters – think Lady Liberty, MoMA, the Empire State Building, and harbor cruises – the value quickly adds up with a Go City New York pass. Grab the pass that best matches your sightseeing style, line up your hotlist of must-sees, and get ready to experience the very best of NYC – and leave plenty of cash in your pocket for those all-important bagel stops to boot!

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

Day 1

  • Top of The Rock Observatory ($59)
  • Museum of Modern Art ($30)
  • Harbor lights cruise ($55)

Day 2 

  • Big Bus 2-day hop-on hop-off tour ($87)
  • Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Ferry ($26)
  • Intrepid Museum ($38)

Day 3:

  • Central Park bike tour ($49)
  • Brooklyn and DUMBO walking tour ($49)
  • New York Yankees game tickets ($66)

That’s $459 worth of tickets on a $274 pass. That equals serious savings of $185 or around 40%!* 

*prices accurate as of January 2026

Seeking more inspiration for your New York experience? Discover the city’s most Instagrammable spots and read our guide to how many attractions you should choose on the Explorer 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!

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