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).

Continue reading

Blog

An All-Weather Guide to New York

New York City is one of our favorite vacation destinations for plenty of reasons. Sports fans will appreciate the strong athletic history of the city, just as artsy folks will love the museum, theatre, and gallery scene. Those who crave adventure and excitement can opt for any number of cruises, tours, bike rides, excursions, and more. Of course, what you might do on your NYC vacation probably depends on the time of year, and the weather. New York weather can be unpredictable, but it’s also fairly consistent depending upon the time of year. There are advantages to traveling to NYC pretty much any time of year, but you may wish to carefully consider any potential drawbacks before making your travel plans. To make your vacation planning a little bit smoother, we’ve put together this all-weather guide to New York. You can’t predict the weather in NYC, but you can make a few plans to make sure that you’ll have a blast regardless of the temps. New York Weather in Spring Spring is one of the best times to visit NYC. The temperatures range from chilly to pleasant, and many of the outdoor attractions like cruises that have been closed from the previous winter will start to open up again. Some of our favorite things to do in New York during the spring include: riding a bike through Central Park, walking the High Line, exploring the burgeoning blossoms at the New York Botanical Garden, or simply enjoying a good lunch on a patio. Keep in mind that you will need to dress in layers, and be prepared for unexpected rain. You should have a light jacket and/or sweater, umbrella, and good shoes. Avoid sandals, as the spring rains could make the streets pretty dirty. New York Weather in Summer Summer is among the more popular times to visit New York, with many families taking advantage of the summer vacation to explore the Big Apple. The temperatures can get quite hot in NYC in the summer, so it’s important to prepare for a lot of direct sun. If you’re looking to stay cool in the summer in NYC, we like the idea of a cruise. The cool breezes will make the heat more bearable, and it’s a fun way to get unique vacation photos. Take a landmark cruise around Manhattan to see all the best sites, or hop aboard the ferry to see the Statue of Liberty. If it should get too hot to be outdoors at all, cool off with a few hours wandering around the Met and scoping out their vast artistic and cultural collections. Credit: Anthony Quintano (license) New York Weather in Autumn Fall in New York is one of our favorite times. The leaves of Central Park are changing color, the air is crisp, and everything is celebrating the flavors of the season. And while many folks are back to work and school, it’s actually a top time for school trips and weekend getaways. See the fall foliage from above with a trip to the top of the Empire State Building. Or, if the weather isn’t too chilly, try a Central Park Tour to see the leaves up close. You could also enjoy a cruise or two before they close for the winter. Autumn also ushers in a bevy of new special exhibits at the city’s best museums, from the American Museum of Natural History to the MoMA. Try ice skating in Central Park for a memorable winter New York City activity. New York Weather in Winter Don’t be scared away from visiting NYC in the winter. It’s true that the air is cold, the snow can pile up (and often in very inconvenient places on the sidewalk), and certain attractions like cruises won’t be operating. At the same time, this is your opportunity to see the city with fewer crowds and more space to explore. Snap photos with your favorite celebs at Madame Tussauds, tour Madison Square Garden (or take in a Knicks game), or check out the Top of the Rock Observatory. If you’ll be visiting around the holidays, join up with this holiday market walking tour or try your hand at ice skating. Keep in mind that NYC is very busy during the December holidays, but it’s worth the congestion to see the gorgeous store windows and the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. Tips for Visiting New York in All Kinds of Weather Wear sunblock. Even if it’s winter, if you’re walking around at all you’re going to be exposed to sunlight and it’s important to protect your skin. Carry an umbrella at all times. A small collapsible one will save you when it starts to suddenly downpour in the summer or winter. Wear comfortable walking shoes and avoid sandals. You’re going to be walking quite a bit, whether you’re strolling the sidewalks or poking around indoors at a museum, and you’ll need the support. Bring layers, even in warm weather. If you’re hot outside in the summer, you’re going to freeze inside in the air-conditioning. Plan back-up transit. If it does suddenly rain, get windy, or start snowing, walking may not be the best way to get between attractions. We like the hop-on-hop-off Big Bus tour for linking many attractions together. Check the weather on an app before your trip, and regularly during the trip. While East Coast weather is less fickle than in other places in the country, it can still be unpredictable. You’ll want to be sure to keep up on the most current forecast. Reserve some indoors activities for colder, rainy, or otherwise unfavorable days. Check out our recommendations for things to do when it rains in NYC. If you’re visiting in winter, we recommend waterproof boots. While it may not have snowed in a while, half-melted piles of slush can stick around for quite some time. Save on New York Attractions Year-Round Whenever you’re making your trip to NYC, be sure to bring a Go New York pass with you. Save up to 50% on admission to nearly 100 of the city’s best attractions. With something that’s just perfect for any time of year, we’re sure you’ll make the most of this money-saving pass. Share Your Adventure with Us Tag @GoCity in your vacation photos and we'll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook pages for competitions, special offers, and events and inspiration for your chosen destination, too!
Katie Sagal
Blog

Ultimate New York Bucket List

There are more exciting, amazing adventures to have in NYC than you could tackle in a single vacation. From inspiring cultural attractions to outdoorsy activities, even New York locals have a hard time deciding what to do on a given weekend. Prioritizing what to see and do in New York City is possible, however, with the help of this ultimate New York bucket list. Check off a few at a time to get to know one of the most diverse cities in the world. New York Bucket List 1-10 Compare the views. Visit both the Empire State Building and the Top of the Rock to make the final determination for yourself on which is better. Enjoy real NYC pizza. Avoid the stuff in Times Square and head into Little Italy for an authentic slice. Snap a photo of Lady Liberty. There are many ways to see the Statue of Liberty, from a cruise to a visit to Liberty Island itself. Climbing up to the crown is worth it, too. Honor the fallen at the 9/11 Memorial. This sobering attraction is an important place for all Americans to visit at some point with its enduring influence on modern culture. Attend a taping of Saturday Night Live. It can be tricky to manage, but we’ve got a few tips on how to get Saturday Night Live tickets. Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. It’s a rite of passage. You could also bike across, or make it part of a larger tour including DUMBO. Visit The Strand. This legendary bookstore features 18 miles of new, used, and collectible volumes. It’s an experience just to roam the stacks. Marvel at the vastness of the universe. The Rose Center for Earth & Space, at the American Museum of Natural History, is the premier place on the East Coast for space reflections. See the original soup cans. Andy Warhol’s iconic soup cans can be found at the MoMA, which is also home to some famous paintings by Monet, Van Gogh, and hundreds more. Explore an Ancient Egyptian Temple. The Met houses the reconstructed Temple of Dendur, which was originally built around 15 BCE. New York Bucket List 11-20 Look up in Grand Central Terminal. This historic train terminal is renowned for its unique artwork—especially the “celestial ceiling” in the Main Concourse. Tour a WWII-era aircraft carrier. The USS Intrepid, once host to more than 50,000 men who served during various campaigns, is today part of the Intrepid Sea, Air, & Space Museum. Take in a show or game at MSG. Madison Square Garden is among the most iconic performance venues in the entire world. See the Knicks, a concert, or any of other popular events they host each year. Peek at the windows in NYC’s Fashion District. Enjoy some active window-shopping (or pull out that plastic) while you stroll 5th Ave. to explore the city’s legendary fashion culture. Visit the New York Public Library. The reading rooms at the NYPL feel like something out of a Harry Potter movie. Ice skate at the Rockefeller Ice Rink. Featured in several movies, this is also a romantic thing to do in NYC. You could also take a tour of the Rockefeller Center for the full experience. Count the sculptures in Central Park. While tallying them all is impractical on one trip, a tour of Central Park will highlight things like Cleopatra’s Needle and Angel of the Waters. Walk the High Line. This massively popular elevated park offers great views alongside an infusion of nature in the concrete jungle. Check out our guide to the High Line[insert link here when it’s up] for more info. Pay a visit to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The largest Neo-Gothic Catholic Cathedral on the continent, their stained glass windows alone are worth the visit. Eat like a New Yorker. There are culinary adventures to be had across the city, from Chinatown to Hell’s Kitchen to Harlem. We’ve got some foodie recommendations, too. New York Bucket List 21-15 Take your significant other to the Museum of Sex. This quirky, unique museum manages to engage both the intellect and the libido. Visit historic Coney Island. One of the most iconic amusement parks in the country, Coney Island offers nostalgia and fun in equal doses. Check out Luna Park for the rides, too. Get pictures of the cherry blossoms. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is one of the few places in the country to feature these lush Japanese trees. See Shakespeare in the Park. This beloved summer tradition means inexpensive or free performances of the Bard’s plays in various locations throughout the city. Pick up some new art. The galleries in Chelsea—a booming neighborhood—frequently play host to up-and-coming artists and are a good place to hunt for that next art investment. Save on New York Bucket List Ideas Many of these ultimate New York bucket list ideas are included with the New York City Explorer Pass. Snag one today to save up to 50% versus buying individual tickets. Share Your Adventure with Us Tag @GoCity or use the hashtag #GoCityPass in your vacation photos and we'll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook pages for competitions, special offers, and events and inspiration for your chosen destination, too!
Katie Sagal
Things to Do Near Edge: Your Guide to Sky-High Fun
Blog

Things to Do Near Edge: Your Guide to Sky-High Fun

From sky-high thrills to local eats, discover what’s near Edge.

Get your free guidebook!

Plan your perfect trip with our insider guide – top attractions, itineraries and local tips straight to your inbox.