New York City Explorer Pass Review - My Exciting 3-Day New York City Sightseeing Itinerary

By Katie Sagal

This New York City Explorer Pass review was submitted by Ryan C, as part of our Blog Ambassador Program – a fun way to visit top New York City attractions for free, share your experience and be featured on our blog. [clear-line] This year, I was really excited to be able to try out the New York City Explorer Pass for myself. I’ve been reading reviews and product comparisons for a while, and finally decided to go for it. I chose a 5-attraction New York City Explorer Pass because I was going to be in the Big Apple for a three-day weekend. The pass allows you to visit your choice of the 70+ attractions included in their program, which encompasses an amazing selection of top attractions like museums, observation decks, and fun tours. The best part? I saved a ton on admission to the best attractions in New York. It was easy to use, convenient, and even eco-friendly if you choose to go digital (which is something that also matters a lot to me when I travel). Read on to find out why I highly recommend the New York City Explorer Pass.

My 3-Day Itinerary

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I recently spent a long weekend in New York City and decided to use the New York City Explorer Pass to save time and money on my attraction visits. If you’re traveling to NYC and want to avoid renting a car, I recommend taking some time to get to know the subway system. It can seem confusing, but it just takes a little time to get used to. Plus, learning the subway will save you time avoiding traffic and money. I planned where I wanted to go in advance, so I also spent some time thinking about how to get between attractions via mass transit. I decided to buy a multi-ride MTA pass to save money, and I recommend that, too. Or, if it seems too confusing, then Uber and Lyft are great alternatives, as well as regular taxis (though can be very pricey). So, here’s an overview of what I saw during my vacation with the 5-Choice New York City Explorer Pass.

  • Day 1: Top of the Rock & NFL Experience, Times Square
  • Day 2: Metropolitan Museum of Art & Madame Tussauds New York
  • Day 3: 9/11 Museum & Memorial

DAY 1 Top of the Rock

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My first day in NYC, I wanted to see what the fuss was all about. I decided I only had time and space to see one observation deck, and although I heard good things about both the Top of the Rock and the Empire State Building, I opted for the Top of the Rock observation deck. This observation deck provides stellar unobstructed views of the city (including the iconic Empire State Building) and the building itself has some gorgeous Art Deco details. From this amazing vantage point you can see practically everything – like the Chrysler Building, the Flatiron Building, Central Park, and plenty more. Even on a cloudy day! I also enjoyed exhibits showcasing the history of the building and of Rockefeller Center itself, which provided a cool overview of this famous cultural center in NYC. I would definitely recommend going early in the morning as I did – it saves you time waiting in line.

NFL Experience, Times Square

As a major football fan (go Pats!), this recently opened attraction in Times Square (just a short walk from Top of the Rock) was at the top of my list of things to do in New York City. I ended up spending about 2.5 hours doing all of the activities, like measuring the speed and accuracy of my long throw up against some of the best players in the NFL and practicing some of the major combine events, in addition to checking out all of the authentic memorabilia (my favorite was the collection of every Super Bowl ring to date). My New York Explorer Pass' NFL Experience ticket included the 4D theater/thrill ride experience, which I felt made it worth a visit to the NFL Experience alone--highly recommend, it was one of the coolest experiences if you've ever wondered what it's like to be a pro NFL athlete. Afterwards, I headed back towards Rockefeller Center to enjoy the sights and take in some people watching. It’s also by plenty of shopping, so there was ample opportunity to indulge in some sartorial fun.

DAY 2 Metropolitan Museum of Art

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The next day, I wanted to spend some time in Uptown NYC to see a new area of the city and to explore more of the area adjacent to Central Park. I started my day at the Met, one of the most famous arts & culture museums in the entire world, and I was totally blown away by this place (and wonderfully surprised by the stunning experience on the museum's rooftop! (pictured above)). They have everything from one of the best collections of Ancient Egyptian artifacts in the entire world to some of the most famous European sculpture, painting, and drawings you’ve ever heard of. It truly took me much more time than I thought here, and I loved every minute of it. The gift shop also got me again – fortunately, I got a discount on my purchase with the New York City Explorer Pass!

Madame Tussauds New York

After lunch, I decided to re-visit Times Square and experience the hype of Madame Tussauds New York. I had even more fun than I expected checking out the fun and interactive exhibits on display, particularly the ones themed around Film & TV because I got to pose with my favorite late-night host Jimmy Fallon and other icons, including Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games, Jennifer Anniston from Friends, and more--but my favorite pic was definitely a posing with all the members of the Spice Girls, such a fun throwback. If you're in Times Square, a visit to Madame Tussauds is definitely worth it!

DAY 3 9/11 Memorial & Museum

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On my last day in New York, I chose to visit an attraction that I knew would be moving and tough to see, but that I knew I couldn’t miss. The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is located at the former site of the World Trade Center and is designated to honor the attacks from 1993 and 2001. The Museum itself is filled with multiple galleries of really emotional exhibits, including the Memorial Exhibition, which highlights the lives lost in the attacks on this site, and the Cover Stories exhibit, which pulls together the cover pages of different newspapers to show how they cover the events and aftermath of 9/11. The Memorial was a bit more uplifting, with some really inspiring architecture and design work that I think truly honored those lost and those who sacrificed, while also gesturing towards the renewal and rebuilding of the site/neighborhood. Afterwards, this downtown location made it easy to enjoy strolling around and popping into bookstores, indie shops, and more. There were also plenty of nice restaurants I was interested in, so I made a full day out of it even though the museum & memorial only took me about 3 hours to fully appreciate.

My Tips for Planning with Your New York City Explorer Pass

  • I would absolutely recommend downloading the Go City Card app – it makes it a lot easier to enter attractions and you don’t need to keep track of any bits of paper.
  • While none of the attractions I visited require reservations, some of them do (especially cruises), so be sure to check on what you want to do to see if you need them.
  • The guidebook is super helpful, and the New York City Explorer Pass even more so. Check it out before your trip to help you decide which attractions you want to see.
  • I would also recommend checking out the websites of the museums, etc., you want to visit, so you can see what kind of special exhibits or events are going on during your visit.
  • To get the most out of your New York City Explorer Pass in terms of budget, I highly recommend planning in advance. If you choose pricier attractions, for example, you’ll save more overall.
  • I would also be sure to budget a lot of time for attractions like museums – you never know how long it will actually take you to see what interests you, and many NYC museums are top-notch.
  • Although you can find food at most museums, etc., in New York, it’s pretty expensive and often doesn’t have much variety. I recommend eating before or after your attraction visits to be sure you’ll find something tasty.

And obviously, you don’t have to choose the attractions that I chose for my vacation! There are many cruises and tours, for example, which are great introductions to the city and are exciting to boot. With nearly 75 attractions to choose from, you’re sure to find plenty to love. With my itinerary, I would have saved over $40 with the 5-Choice New York Explorer Pass when you compare the cost of purchasing tickets at each of the attractions I visited in this itinerary. I hope this New York Pass review is useful to those of you who want to see NYC without busting the bank. I saved money, time, and energy with the New York City Explorer Pass, and I’m sure you will, too.

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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Where To Stay in New York

Planning a trip to New York and not sure where to stay? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Whether you’re a first-timer looking to see the sites or wanting a more authentic NY experience, we've put together a list of our favorite places to stay in the area. Wherever you choose to stay, the Big Apple packs so many fun attractions and hidden gems within its boundaries that it's impossible to be bored there. With Go City, you can see more, for less. See the Sites If it’s your first visit to New York, there's no greater place to stay than Midtown Manhattan. Located right in the heart of the concrete jungle, this vibrant district is the best choice for soaking up the true atmosphere of the city. Attracting millions of visitors each year, the area remains the most popular tourist destination in the entire city – and with good reason! Stay here, and you’ll be just a stone's throw away from countless emblematic attractions, including the Empire State Building, Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and more. There are also great restaurants, theaters, shopping opportunities and bars – basically, you name it, they have it! Staying here also means that you’ll have your pick of some of the most iconic hotels in the city. With the city’s big reputation and all of the excitement to match it, it’s only natural that you’d want to stay near the center of it all. Still, if Midtown isn’t quite your scene, we recommend staying on the Upper West Side. This area is a great middle-ground for first-time explorers because it has an abundance of interesting attractions but with less of a buzz. Here, you’ll find everything from fantastic museums and parks to great restaurants and markets. Undoubtedly picturesque and quintessentially New York, the Upper West Side has a certain beauty and elegance you won’t find elsewhere. Live Like a Local New York is a city of enchanting contrasts, with an animated spirit and countless great neighborhoods and districts to explore. Still, one of our top picks to stay in is Chelsea for its vibrant art scene and great nightlife hotspots. The area presents an interesting array of industrial landmarks, modern structures, and of course, galleries to boot. Stay here, and you’ll be very close to the Whitney and the Rubin, amongst countless others. Dense with creativity and humanity, Chelsea is the perfect area for any artsy types coming to visit the Big Apple. Though we might have been led to believe otherwise, New York isn’t just all about Manhattan! If you’re looking to stay further out from the city center, we recommend checking out hotels in Brooklyn. Standing out as one of the coolest boroughs in New York, the area has a more laid-back feel than Manhattan, but without giving up all of the fun and intrigue. As one of the city’s liveliest urban spaces, you’ll find everything from interesting museums and landmarks to great bars and restaurants all in one place. Stay in Brooklyn if you’re looking for something a little different from the usual New York experience. When looking at places to stay in New York, many forget about the surrounding boroughs. Well, not us! Just a short ride away from Manhattan, Queens is one of our favorite destinations for its great attractions and diversity in culture. Other than that, the best things to do in the area run the gamut; from visiting historic landmarks and art museums to trying out some of the best cuisines in the city, you’ll find many reasons to love this unique spot. Those looking to soak up the urban atmosphere without feeling overwhelmed will undoubtedly enjoy Queens. Try Something New If you’re looking to live like the locals, look no further! Most certainly one of our favorite areas of the city, the West Village is known as the birthplace of 1960's counterculture and the gay liberation movement. Today, the area is flanked with federal-style townhouses, trendy restaurants and artsy boutiques, making it one of the most picturesque areas in New York to stay in. In addition, the neighborhood is well-recognized for its historic bars, theaters, and comedy clubs. Whilst this area appeals more to a younger crowd, there are no rules here! Aside from being super famous, New York has a little something for everybody – interesting history, alluring shopping destinations, great dining, and a whole heap more! Known for being the birthplace of punk, the East Village is good for those who want to experience the grittier side of city living. For creative types and dreamers, the area presents no shortage of galleries, hip restaurants and vintage stores to be discovered. Come nightfall, you’ll be right in the center of all of the fun, with an abundance of old school bars and music venues to choose from! Painfully cool and forever exciting, the area is perfect for anybody who’s looking to see a different side of the city. Another great place to stay in New York is SoHo. Lively and rich in culture, this area is kind of like the East Village’s grown-up older brother. With its elegant cast-iron structures, trendy cafes, and cobblestone streets, this neighborhood is truly the stuff movies are made of. At night, this place comes alive with high-end restaurants, bars and wineries to be enjoyed. For art lovers and anybody with a passion for fashion, Soho would be the perfect option. New York presents so many great places to stay in, each with their own unique sights, sounds, tastes and history. The city has a lot to offer, from trendy urban boroughs to High-end residential districts. Whether you’re an art lover, a shopaholic, or a foodie, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to suit your style and itinerary amongst the city’s wealth of options. To get the most out of your visit, check out our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris
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Empire State Building vs The Shard - Comparing the Major Differences

World travelers often wonder how the globe’s most famous observation decks stack up against one another. While there are some obvious differences, when it gets down to the tiny details it can be a difficult task to sort out when the attractions are in different countries. If you’re trying to compare the Empire State Building and the Shard, we’ve put together a handy guide to help you consider which attraction appeals to you the most. Visit one, or visit them both on different trips. Both observation decks are located at significant heights above street level, and both have plenty to offer adventurers looking for an exciting view of the city below. Each is also located in a building of cultural significance. However, there are many differences between the two, the most basic of which is their location: the Empire State Building is located in New York City and the Shard is located in London. For your convenience, we’ve put together a list of the more nuanced differences and similarities between the two attractions, arranged by: What’s Included with General Admission Location Scenic Views Building History Tips for Visiting Thinking about Visiting the Empire State Building or The Shard? Save up to 50% on admission to the Empire State Building plus your choice of other popular New York attractions with the New York City Explorer Pass. Tickets to The Shard are separately priced and are not included with the New York City Explorer Pass. Another fun alternative in New York City the Top of the Rock, which also provides stunning aerial views of the city and is also available on the New York City Explorer Pass. Or, if your trip takes you to London, a great alternative is the Coca-Cola London Eye, a famous observation wheel that’s an iconic part of the London skyline. What’s Included with General Admission Both attractions include admission to the relevant observation decks, as well as informative exhibits and guides. Location Empire State Building: Located in Midtown Manhattan by Penn Station, Grand Central Terminal, and the famed NYC Macy’s. The Shard: Located in Southwark, London, near the iconic Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and the HMS Belfast. Comparing the Scenic Views Each observation deck offers unique views of their respective cities, and both are located at a significance height above ground level. The Empire State Building offers panoramic views of Midtown Manhattan, as far north as Central Park, and as far south as the Statue of Liberty. The Empire State Building offers open-air and enclosed observation decks. The Shard offers excellent views of the Thames, the Tower of London, and the London Bridge, as well as London riverfront. You can also see as far as 40 miles in any direction on a clear day. The Shard also has both open-air and enclosed observation decks. Building History The Empire State Building In 1931, the Empire State Building came into the world as a symbol of hope in a dark time. Designed and executed by the architecture firm Shreve, Lamb & Harmon Associates, this iconic NYC landmark was among the most beautiful of all Art Deco buildings in the city. Designed to honor American industrial strengths and capitalist progress, the Empire State Building still stands today as a monument to commerce. It was awarded the distinction of being classified as one of the seven greatest architectural achievements in the United States in 1955, and its reputation has only grown since. Today the building is home to a variety of companies – nearly 1,000 all told (including restaurants and bars that are worth a quick trip to snag a cocktail and some photos) – as well as the observation deck and historical exhibits. It is located on Fifth Avenue between 33rd and 34th Streets. The Shard The Shard is a much newer construction, begun in 2009 and opened to the public in July of 2012. The View from the Shard (the official name of the observation deck) opened in February of 2013. It was designed by iconic Italian architect Renzo Piano (who is also known for his work on the Art Institute of Chicago and the Whitney Museum of Art in NYC). Piano intended for the Shard to evoke the feeling of emerging from the Thames, so the design is very modern and sleek. The Shard was part of the redevelopment of the then very industrial Southwark neighborhood of London, in an effort to revamp the area and bring new business to the city. Today it is home to a number of businesses, including restaurants and a hotel on the ground floor (as well as the luxurious Shangri-La Hotel located on floors 34-52). There are also residential floors above the hotel but below the observation deck. Tips for Visiting The Empire State Building and The Shard In Summary (The Biggest Differences) Each of these attractions is incredibly popular with tourists, but both offer different views and cultural perspectives. The Empire State Building is an iconic historic structure with a long legacy of standing tall and proud in NYC’s skyline. It also features gorgeous Art Deco décor and a variety of special exhibits on multiple floors. The Shard is much newer, but also boasts a beautiful, striking design – by none other than Renzo Piano. The Empire State Building offers views in Midtown Manhattan, where you can see as far north as Central Park and as far south as the Statue of Liberty and New Jersey. The Shard offers views along the Thames waterfront, including Big Ben, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, the London Eye, and much more. Visit the Empire State Building and Save on Admission Remember to visit the Big Apple with the New York City Explorer Pass! You’ll get admission to the Empire State Building plus tickets to dozens of other top attractions in the city, like the American Museum of Natural History, a Statue of Liberty Ferry, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Top of the Rock, and many more. Save up to 50% on combined admission versus paying at the gate with the New York City Explorer Pass – it’s a smart choice for savvy travelers! If you are planning your trip to London rather than NYC, consider picking up a London Explorer Pass. You can save up to 40% on the city’s top attractions, including another great observation option in the Coca-Cola London Eye.
Katie Sagal
Van Gogh painting drawing a crowd at MoMA NYC
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