I went back to the Big Apple 30 years later – here's how I saw more and spent less

We caught up with John Fernandez to find out how he used our very own Explorer Pass to plan a nostalgic vacation to NYC.

By Selina Whitby
Published: March 2, 2026
Brooklyn Bridge

New York in ’94 was all about WuTang on the Walkman, Home Alone 2 in the theaters, and actual paper maps to get from A to B. Some things have changed – and some haven’t – as John discovered when he returned to New York to relive his ‘90s childhood vacation.  

Here’s how our Explorer Pass helped him reconnect with the New York he remembered. From revisiting the landmarks that defined that first trip to discovering new perspectives high above the skyline, the pass gave him the flexibility to explore at his own pace while making the most of every moment.

So, tell us about New York in the 90s, what was that first trip like?  

It was magical. I was 14 and we visited over Christmas when it was snowing. Home Alone 2 had just been released and I couldn’t wait to see all the sights from the movie – the Rockefeller Center tree, the Empire State Building and, back then, the Twin Towers. 

These days, only guests can go into the Plaza Hotel, but when I visited you could wander straight in, go up and down in the lift and run around the corridors. It was a very different time! 

That trip turned out to be our last big family vacation, and since my parents are no longer with us, returning was incredibly emotional but I enjoyed reliving those happy times.  

That famous Rockefeller Center tree 30 years apart!

Sounds like it was a really special trip, did you revisit many of the same sights? 

Yes, and some new ones too. I went back to the Empire State Building and did the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Ferry. Both gave me that unmistakable New York feeling – they’re the sights everyone should see at least once.  

I also visited One World Observatory which was especially meaningful as last time I’d been to the top of the Twin Towers. Looking down from One World and seeing the spot where the buildings once were was incredibly moving and hard to put into words. 

The American Museum of Natural History was a new one for me. I didn’t get to go as a kid, but I’m so glad I did this time as I’m a big museum fan. I also loved Edge. I went at sunset, and the views were incredible. Watching the sun go down over the city from there was unforgettable.   

Views from the Empire State Building – then and now

You used Go City’s Explorer Pass to visit all of those attractions, how did that work out for you? Was it easy to use? 

Absolutely! It was amazing. The flexibility of the Explorer Pass was the best part, sometimes I made reservations on the spot just minutes before entering an attraction. And I could take my time visiting everything. I had a week-long stay, so there was no need to hurry.  

I did find myself wishing I’d chosen a pass with more attractions. When I visited One World, I realised I would have liked to experience the 9/11 Museum as well. Now you can upgrade your choices, so I’m glad that option is available for next time.  

Did the pass feel like good value to you? 

Yes, without a doubt, it allowed me to visit all the major attractions I wanted to while saving a significant amount. The money I saved went towards other experiences on the trip so I could get the most out of being in New York. If you’re travelling on a budget, Go City’s passes are a must. 

Serene winter scenes in Central Park

Speaking of budgets, how else did you save money in New York? 

Hotels were very expensive because I went during the first week of December, right around the Rockefeller Christmas Tree lighting. So instead of staying in Manhattan, I rented a room in a house in Harlem. It was two blocks from the subway and just 15 minutes to the center. It was comfortable, safe, and much more affordable as you can buy groceries and prepare simple meals compared to eating out every day.  

I’d recommend staying in neighborhoods like Harlem or Queens instead of central Manhattan, just make sure you’re close to a subway station. Also, buy the unlimited MetroCard if you’re staying for a week. It really pays off because you’ll use the subway a lot.

The flexibility of the Explorer Pass was the best part – sometimes I made reservations minutes before visiting an attraction!

John Fernandez

What about food highlights? What did you enjoy most on this trip? 

I had to try the classic New York pizza of course. I went to Joe’s Pizza in Times Square – there was a line, but it was well worth it. For dessert, I tried the ice cream at Anita Gelato, which was great, even in the cold! And while I was on the move and walking around all day, Paris Baguette was perfect for quick sandwiches and snacks.  

Finally, if your trip was a movie, what would the title be? 

Chasing Memories: A Journey Through Time in Their Honor 

John’s 5-choice Explorer Pass itinerary 

Empire State Building 
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Ferry 
One World Observatory 
American Museum of Natural History
Edge 
 
>> See all pass options 

Enjoyed this little slice of New York? 

Check out our guide to getting around New York or the top 20 things to do in NYC for first timers. 

With Go City's New York passes, you can skip the stress and save big on Empire State, Top of the Rock or Edge tickets plus dozens of other must-see attractions, all with one easy-to-use pass.

🗽 We help you decide how many attractions to choose  
💰 How much can you really save in NYC?   

Selina Whitby
Content Lead

Selina is a copywriter and seasoned backpacker who has visited over 50 countries if you count Vatican City, which she does. Her most memorable travel experiences include tubing in Vang Vieng, doing New Zealand’s Nevis Bungee with a fear of heights, and taking a nine-hour flight with a toddler. On her bucket list is Rio Carnival in Brazil, walking the Camino de Santiago, and flying First Class (when she wins the EuroMillions).

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Batman Vs. Superman. Freddie Vs. Jason. Kramer Vs. Kramer. It seems that, as a species, we have a fascination with face-offs. We even have a classic 1997 action thriller named after them! So, clearly, humans love a good head-to-head. In the spirit of healthy competition, let's pit two of New York's best attractions against one another and see which comes out top. The Edge Vs. the Empire State Building. Young blood versus the old guard. Youth Vs. Experience. Who will win? Does visiting both make you the real winner? Let's explore. Round 1. Fight! Edge Vs. Empire State Building: Backstories The Empire State Building likely needs no introduction. Once the proud owner of 'the world's tallest building' moniker, it has since been beaten by some ungodly tall creations in the past 50 years. Still, it's arguably one of the most recognizable landmarks on the planet. At nearly 1,500ft tall, it towers over the rest of Manhattan like a beacon of capitalist excess. Around 4 million people ascend its many floors to look out over the city every year. So it's probably going to win the popularity contest. Image courtesy of Mike Van Moonlight/Shutterstock The Edge, on the other hand, is the guitarist of U2. Wait, that's not right. Just going to check our notes. No, this Edge is, in fact, a massive observation platform found in the gentrified redevelopment of Hudson Yards. Surrounded by new builds and moderno architecture, its tower of sights is unmissable. As it's so new, there isn't much backstory to mention here. But, given the comparisons between its name and a certain stadium-rock guitarist, one could only imagine there is some crossover there. Just to be clear, there isn't. We had to say that for legal reasons. But one can imagine. Edge Vs. Empire State Building: Cinema stylings Image courtesy of Drop of Light/Shutterstock The Empire State Building has a rather storied history on celluloid. Who could forget King Kong climbing the tower's summit with damsel in hand while planes pepper them with gunfire? But that's just one of many. In fact, it's likely one of the most photographed landmarks in cinematic history. How does Edge measure up? Well, given its relative infancy, not so well. In fact, no matter how hard we looked, we couldn't find a single film that featured it. However, while it may not be in any movies, you can actually watch movies up there. Yes, the Edge has its own outdoor cinema thanks to a partnership with NY's Museum of Modern Art. Beat that, Empire State Building! What can you do at Edge When you arrive, you'll likely want to see the view from the top and discover what all the fuss is about. So, head inside and ride the elevator a might 100 stories up. Then, step out onto the open-air viewing platform and see for yourself. Oh, did we mention that platform has a glass floor? No? Well, if you're already up there, you'll learn the hard way. Once you're braving it, dare to sip some champagne and look out on the city's skyline in wonder. Take some snaps too, because a chance like this should not go begging. Then, when you're done soaking up the views, head down into Hudson Yards. You'll find plenty of places to eat, drink, and even shop in this new development, so go ham. What can you do at the Empire State Building While it may be tempting to head straight to the top of the Empire State Building, settle down. Take it slow and soak it all in. Start at the bottom, where you'll be greeted by the recently-restored Art Deco lobby, which boasts 24-karat gold and aluminum leaf ceiling murals. Enough opulence! Time to move on. Next, immerse yourself in the Empire State's interactive museum, which features a dozen galleries that explore the history of the building, from its conception and creation through to today. Selfies ahoy with the large King Kong statue on display. Then, head up to the 80th floor and wander the art exhibits that are all dedicated the icon of the NY skyline. Now, yes, it's finally time to make your way to the summit and experience the best views in the city. You'll get a 360-degree view of the city that is as Grammable as any other skyline. Come rain, shine, or freezing temperatures, your time in the summit will be aided by state-of-the-art heaters that will keep you warm and toasty during New York's most arctic months. How to get to Edge For starters, head towards Hudson Yards. You can get there on the subway by taking the Number 7 through Times Square to Penn Station. Bus-wise, the M34-SBS, M12, and M11 bus lines stop within a few minutes walk of the tower. You could even hop on two wheels and bike there. Cycle to the Hudson River Park along the West Side Highway and follow the trail down the Hudson Yards. Easy, peasy, and good for the ol' heart! How to get to Empire State Building If you're in New York City, you're halfway there. However, there's no need to live on a prayer, because it's pretty easy to see it with the eye test. Just look up from most places in the city, because you'll be able to orient yourself with no problem! If you're heading in from further outside the city center, the nearest metro stations are Herald Square and Penn Station. Or, if you're getting the train, disembark at Grand Central, and it's a short 10-minute walk from the station. We've even got a blog dedicated to the best times to visit the Empire State Building. So, if you're not sure when to head there, have a look and see what we suggest! Save on New York Activities and Attractions The battle is over. But who won? That's up to you to decide. No matter who reigns victorious in the Edge Vs. Empire State Building face-off, you should definitely check out both when you visit New York. And, when you're in the city that never sleeps, make sure your itinerary is loaded up for a full 24 hours with Go City. Thanks to our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see Edge, the Empire State Building, and New York's best of the rest at one low price!
Dom Bewley

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