Here’s the thing about New York: it’s big. Really big. You could spend a year here and still stumble across something new every day. But since most of us don’t have a year (or the bank balance of a billionaire), the Go City Explorer Pass is the ultimate hack. You pick how many attractions you want to visit, choose from a massive list and save money while you’re at it. Easy, right?
Well, the only tricky part is deciding how many to go for. That’s where we come in…
What actually is an Explorer Pass?
Think of it like a sightseeing menu. Instead of an all-you-can-eat buffet (that’s our All-Inclusive Pass), the Explorer Pass lets you pick a set number of attractions – 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 10 – and tick them off whenever you like. You don’t need to rush, you’ve got 30 days from your first activation. Perfect if you like to mix in a Broadway show, a slice of pizza the size of your head and maybe a little shopping between sightseeing stops.
It’s flexible, it saves you money and it's way less stressful than buying tickets one by one.
Pick your sightseeing personality
Not all New York trips are created equal. Some people come for the icons, some for the hidden corners and some to pack in every single sight they can possibly manage (respect). The beauty of the Explorer Pass is that it flexes to fit your style.
So… which type of traveler are you?
The Icons Explorer (go for 3 – 4 choices)
You’re the type who wants the fridge magnet, the selfie, and the bragging rights – no messing about with side quests.
Flying through New York with only a few days to spare? You’ll want the highlights. Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, and Madame Tussauds are classic, can’t-miss experiences that give you a taste of the city’s iconic mix of skyline, history and celebrity selfies.
If you’ve got the time, going for 4 choices gives you room to sneak in another big-hitter – and trust us, you’ll want the extra when you’re trying to narrow down your bucket list.
The Balanced Explorer (5 – 6 choices)
You’re all about balance: big landmarks for the ‘gram, but with enough offbeat spots to make your friends say, “Wait, where’s that?”
Got a long weekend or maybe five days? This one’s for you. You’ll cover the big icons, but you’ll also have room to add some curveballs and a sit-down in between. Think RiseNY (a time-travel ride through the city’s culture) and Edge (because who doesn’t love a glass platform 100 floors above Manhattan?).
This is your sweet spot: enough attractions to feel like you’ve “done” New York, but without sightseeing fatigue.
The Super Explorer (7+ choices)
You’re the human embodiment of a hop-on, hop-off bus: relentless, unstoppable and absolutely going to see it all.
Alright, powerhouse. You came to New York with stamina, sneakers and probably a spreadsheet. With 7+ attractions, you can do it all – skyline views, interactive museums, sports, science, the works. You’ll get the most value here too, especially if you throw in Yankees tickets and the American Museum of Natural History.
At this point, you might even want to consider the All-Inclusive Pass – because if you’re sightseeing like a pro, that will stretch your dollar even further.
Next up, let’s talk about the savings…
Here’s the fun part: the more you see, the more you save – it really is that simple!
To show you what this looks like, we’ve lined up some sample choice selections below.
With a 3-choice Explorer Pass, you could hit:
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Top of the Rock – for those Insta-ready skyline views.
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9/11 Memorial & Museum – moving, essential, unforgettable.
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Madame Tussauds – because posing with Beyoncé is basically mandatory.
With a 5-choice Explorer Pass, add on:
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RiseNY – a unique immersive ride through NYC’s history and pop culture.
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Edge – step out onto the glass and test your nerves.
With a 7-choice Explorer Pass, you’ll unlock even more:
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New York Yankees Game tickets – catch America’s favorite pastime in action.
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American Museum of Natural History – a treasure trove of dinosaurs, space and world-class exhibits.
Here’s what you could save
You’ll see the total price of individual tickets without a pass, the pass price for that number of choices (for an adult), as well as how much you’d be saving!
*All prices accurate at the time of writing (4th September 2025)
Whichever you go for, you’ll be saving compared to individual tickets – and with some smart choices, those savings add up fast.
Ready to go?
So, how many attractions should you go for? If you’re just here for a taste, stick with the icons. Want a fuller flavor? Go balanced. And if you’re ready to squeeze every drop of juice out of the Big Apple, go super. Whatever your sightseeing style, the Explorer Pass is flexible enough to fit your trip – and guarantees you more New York for your money.
Now all that’s left is to choose your number and start planning. Just don’t forget to pack comfy shoes.
Enjoyed this?
Check out our guide to getting around New York or the top 20 things to do in NYC for first timers.
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!
