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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New York in February

Wondering what to do in New York this February? Don’t worry – we've got you covered with the most exciting events, activities and attractions to make memories that should last a lifetime. Whether you’re looking to see the sites, attend a film festival, or go ice skating right in the center of Central Park, there’s more than enough to keep you busy. If you’re planning to make the trip, have a look through our comprehensive guide of all that the city has to offer. Make the best out of your travel experience with our All-Inclusive pass and Explorer pass. With Go City, you can see more, for less. See the Sites Don’t let the cold weather keep you stuck inside! The city is home to some of the most revered cultural amenities in the world. Built into an authentic subway station that was shut down in 1936, the New York Transit Museum is the biggest repository in the United States dedicated to public transportation. 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One of the best things to do on a chilly New York afternoon is to go to visit a quintessential landmark up close. Situated in a district of the same name, the Flatiron Building is most certainly a sight to behold. Designed by Chicago architect Daniel Burnham and constructed in 1902, the building’s distinctive triangular shape originally served to allow it to properly fill the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Broadway. Today, the dramatic structure stands as an iconic symbol of the city, drawing in millions of visitors each year. Get Cultured Since New York is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the United States, it's no surprise that the area presents many great festivals celebrating the area’s diversity in culture. A spectacular fiesta of fun and festivities, the Lunar New Year parade marches down Mott and Canal Street each year, eventually culminating at Sara D. Roosevelt Park. Lively and totally over-the-top, the event features stunning floats, traditional dancing, and delicious food. With its incredible atmosphere and so much to see, we couldn’t think of a better way to experience the city. If you’d like to experience the cultural prowess of New York City on your trip, we recommend looking into Off-Broadway Week. That’s right – in the wintertime, one of the city’s most famous creative amenities spreads its wings to offer theater fans something a little different. Running from the beginning of the month, visitors should be able to find a wide array of interesting performances taking place at intimate New York venues. From comedies and dramas to musicals and Cirque du Soleil performances, there’s a little something for everybody here. February is Black History Month, with many of the city’s best cultural institutes celebrating in style. Running for three weeks, the Lincoln Center hosts its New York African American Film Festival, recognizing the community’s finest creatives and resounding resilience through the arts. Showing a broad selection of classic fictional narratives, short films, and documentary pieces, there's more than enough to choose from. Those who are particularly interested in African American filmmaking can also attend workshops, public talks, and discussions with the filmmakers. Find Fun Activities Another one of our favorite things to do for the month of February in New York is attending Winter Jam NYC. Totally admission free and set against the urban wonderland that is Central Park, this annual snow sport extravaganza is the perfect family day out. As joyful as it is memorable, the extravagant pop-up includes ice-skating, sledging, snowboarding and more. In addition, eventgoers can enjoy live ice carving, a sculpture garden and bobsled and snowcat photo opportunities right in the city center. Hey, what’s not to love? New York is well-renowned for its delicious culinary offerings. To grab a slice of the action, check out New York Restaurant Week. Running from the start of the month, the event grants visitors with the opportunity to eat at favorite NYC restaurants at bargain prices. A total dream for any gastronome, the festival features a broad array of cuisines including French, Korean, Mexican and much, much more. Whether you’re looking to try out one of the city’s fine dining establishments or grab a bite at a unique Brooklyn bistro, you’ll be able to find some great deals. Amateur Night at the Apollo is the ultimate New York entertainment experience. Since its establishment in 1934, the classic talent competition has gained wide recognition for launching the careers of many world-renowned performers, such as Ella Fitzgerald, Lauryn Hill, and Machine Gun Kelly. Eclectic and serious in its intentions, the competition attracts performers from all around the globe working across a wide variety of art forms – meaning you never know what you might get. Here’s how it works: artists take to the stage and are subject to the harsh critique of the audience. If people applaud, they continue. However, if the public boos, they must leave the stage. Presenting an incredible atmosphere and a fun interactive experience, there’s no way you’ll want to miss out on this one! The air is brisk, the nights are long, and the crowds have thinned out – but that’s never stopped New York from having a good time. Sure, the colder months aren't exactly known for music festivals and hitting the shores, but February brings a whole host of interesting activities, exciting events, and world-class attractions for you and your loved ones. Whether you’re looking to see a play, taste some of the finest cuisine in the area or crush the cold at one of the city’s famous museums, New York offers so much to do well beyond the holiday season. Make the most out of your travel experience and create unforgettable memories with our All-inclusive pass and Explorer pass. To find out more, check us out on Instagram and Facebook.
Sarah Harris
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New York in October

Searching for interesting activities and exciting events in New York this Autumn? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re planning a fun family trip or travelling solo, the city provides a wide array of engaging experiences to keep you busy in the fall. Those looking for stunning architecture, delicious food and world-class art will not be disappointed. If you’re planning to make the trip, read on for some of our top things to do in New York during October. Explore the City If you’re looking to avoid those rainy Autumn afternoons, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Built into a stunning building overlooking the Hudson River, The Cloisters specializes in European medieval art, with an emphasis on the Romanesque and Gothic periods. A total must-see for art lovers, the repository holds an expansive collection of over 5,000 paintings, sculptures, tapestries and more. Fascinating and exciting, this place provides a delightful educational experience for those of all ages. Those who are interested in exploring the history and culture of New York might want to check out the Merchant’s House Museum. Though once serving as a home to the Tredwells, a prospering merchant-class family, this fully intact row house now seeks to provide an intimate glimpse into Old New York. Listed as a National Historic Landmark, this small venerable building is considered to be one of the best remaining examples of Greek Revival and late-Federal architecture. Visitors can take self-guided walking tours to view the elaborate plasterwork and rare art pieces whilst learning more about those who lived there. Don’t let the weather ruin your vacation. If you’re wanting to stay dry whilst soaking up some culture, why not check out the New York Film Festival? Standing out amongst other fantastic attractions in the city, this event is one of the longest-running and most prestigious film festivals in the United States. Screening a broad selection of feature films, short pictures, and documentary pieces, there's more than enough to choose from. Those who are particularly interested in learning more about cinema can also catch special events, masterclasses and talks. Find Interesting Activities There’s always a fun event to attend in the city. Attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, the New York Wine and Food Festival brings together some of the world’s most celebrated chefs and sommeliers together for this annual four-day extravaganza. A great stop for all foodies, the event offers a wide array of culinary events, including walk-around tastings, intimate dinners, culinary demonstrations and late-night parties. Elegant, relaxing and affordable all at once - what's not to love? The city presents a wide variety of indoor attractions once the weather starts to cool down. If you’re interested in pop culture, you might want to check out New York Comic Con. Since establishing itself in 2006, the event has grown to become one of the biggest Comic Cons of them all, celebrating all things nerdy! The festival features everything from exciting workshops and artist and celebrity Q&A panels, to lightsaber battles and cosplay contests right in the center of Manhattan. With previous guests like Adam West, David Harbour and Bryan Cranston, you won't want to miss out on this one! How could we talk about October in New York without mentioning Oktoberfest? Running from the start of the month, this traditional Bavarian festival is undoubtedly one of fall’s finest delights. Celebrations take place across all five boroughs at various restaurants, bars and outdoor spaces. Soak up the suds at the biergarten, dig into a hot bratwurst straight off the grill or enjoy an authentic music performance – the choice is yours! Arguably, one of the greatest things about New York City is its delicious gastronomic offerings. Those who are looking for a taste of the city should head down to the Brooklyn Bagelfest for an unparalleled cultural and culinary adventure. Enjoy the best bagels from a wide variety of favorite New York vendors, as well as craft beer on tap. As if that wasn’t enough, the festival also features bagel-themed activities, art and music. Get Festive October is Halloween season, and we refuse to just ignore it. If you’re looking to kick the spookiness into high gear, you might want to look into Central Park’s Pumpkin Flotilla. Amongst the best fall foliage in the city, you can hear ghost stories, check out a costume parade, and carve out a delightful pumpkin! After the festivities, watch fifty gourds glow up the Harlem Meer at twilight. Feel free to dress up for the occasion! Another one of our favorite October events is the Village Halloween Parade. Drawing in millions of spectators each year, the event is recognized as the world’s largest Halloween procession. Billed as ‘’New York’s Carnival’’, the spectacular parade features around 50, 000 costumed participants, exceptional marching bands, remarkable floats and enormous puppets. A little quirky and a whole lot of fun, the festival delivers a one-of-a-kind holiday experience to remember for years to come. If you were thinking that Halloween was the only way to celebrate in New York in October, you were wrong! A national holiday for many, Columbus Day celebrates the discovery of the New World whilst also serving as an important festival for the Italian American community. Drawing in around a million spectators each year, the Columbus Day Parade brings a whole host of family-filled fun, complete with colorful floats, lively musical performances and dancing. Those who are travelling during the federal holiday should keep in mind that other attractions may be closed for the rest of the day. The East Coast dazzles all year round, but we particularly love New York in the vibrant autumn months. The air is brisk, the colors are changing, and the city comes alive with a whole host of seasonal experiences. Whether you're looking for fun Halloween events like the Pumpkin Flotilla, or something cozier like a quiet museum day, the city presents a wide array of engaging experiences to keep you busy in the fall. Explore the city to its maximum potential with Go City’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook.
Sarah Harris
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Things to Do Near Edge: Your Guide to Sky-High Fun

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

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