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

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

Image of City, Metropolis, Urban, High Rise, Photography, Cityscape, 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

Image of City, Urban, Metropolis, Downtown, High Rise, Cityscape, Shoe, Person, Handbag, Walking, Road, Street, Pants, Fun, Tourist, Vacation, 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

Image of People, Person, Urban, Adult, Female, Woman, Shoe, Child, Girl, Sandal, Handbag, Skirt, Celebrating, Lamp, 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 39/11 Memorial & Museum

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 City Explorer 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.

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Things to Do in NYC in Summer

New York City is beautiful all year-round but when the sunshine hits the streets, the city comes alive. There are dozens of free events, fun festivals, and exciting attractions for the whole family to enjoy, you’ll never want to leave. If you’re planning a visit and looking for things to do in NYC in summer, check out our list of the top attractions and activities going on this year, including... Central Park American Museum of Natural History Museum of Modern Art Landmarks Cruise The Met Clipper City Tall Ship Brooklyn Bridge Tours Brooklyn Botanic Garden Food Tours Heading to the area to celebrate Independence Day? Then check out our post on things to do in NYC 4th of July Weekend. You should come back towards the end of summer too - if you do, here are some things to do in New York Labor Day Weekend. Explore Central Park One of the nation’s most beloved urban parks, Central Park is considered by many the true the heart of Manhattan. It spans almost 850 acres and is filled with everything from picnic spots and baseball diamonds to works of art. It's also home to attractions like the Central Park Carousel in the Victorian Gardens, skating rinks, and more. Be sure to check out the famous Ramble or spend an afternoon sitting by the lake. A delightful way to spend a warm summer day is by going on a bike ride through Central Park. With this full day’s bike rental, you can customize your own day of sightseeing without the hassle of needing a rental car or having to sprint to catch a cab. Hit the paths of Central Park, head to the world-famous Museum Mile, or simply ride wherever your heart desires! Alternatively, a walking tour is a great option for those looking for a more leisurely experience of the city's famous park. Learn all about Central Park and it's history as you take a stroll around the landmarks such as Bethesda Fountain and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir with a knowledgable guide. American Museum of Natural History The American Museum of Natural History, conveniently located adjacent to Central Park, is a family favorite. This museum is most famous for its huge collections of dinosaur fossils and striking gemstones, the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life, and the Hayden Sphere. They also have a number of special programs and rotating exhibitions that run during the summer months, so be sure to add it to your New York City itinerary! Museum of Modern Art Fans who prefer contemporary to classical will love the MoMA. This world-famous modern art museum has often been estimated to be the greatest collection of modern art in the world. This is certainly a must-visit for museum and art lovers looking for things to do in NYC in the summer. Some of the top artists and works of art you’ll see in their collections span the gamut from Picasso to Pollack, including Warhol’s Soup Cans, Van Gogh’s Starry Night, and more. They've also got a few special exhibits running over summer, featuring everything from painting to photography and sculpture. Landmarks Cruise One of the best ways to explore NYC's most significant sites is with a cruise. Manhattan is, after all, an island! Hop aboard a Landmarks Cruise to showcase all the best highlights of the New York skyline. Get a great view (and those all-important photos) of sights like the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, One World Trade Center, Battery Park, Wall Street, and many, many more. This amazing sightseeing cruise will also take you under a number of bridges and within 100 feet of Lady Liberty for those perfect snapshots. Plus, you will experience panoramic views of both upper and lower Manhattan. Metropolitan Museum of Art The Met is among the best art museums in the world, and for good reason. This top tier museum has some of the most extensive collections of art and artifacts in the world, numbering more than 2 million distinct items. Highlights of The Met collections include their Ancient Egypt wing, their collection of artifacts from classical antiquity, plus paintings and sculptures from all the biggest European masters. Clipper City Tall Ship Sail Another fun way to explore NYC waterways is which a charming historic cruise. For history buffs and especially boating aficionados, the chance to set sail on the 120-foot Clipper City Tall Ship is a real treat. Work on your summertime glow as you soak up the sun and enjoy a complimentary drink while you take in this bustling city from a maritime vantage point. Sit back and enjoy your journey into the waters off Manhattan, and return refreshed by the sea air and relaxed by the intimate experience. Brooklyn Bridge Tour Although there are dozens of tours you can choose from – including TV or movie-themed tours, food tours, and cultural heritage tours – the Brooklyn Bridge walking tour is one of our favorites. Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and into the trendy DUMBO neighborhood for great views and fun shopping and dining opportunities. Another fun way to explore this neighborhood is on two wheels. Hire a bike and cruise over the famous Brooklyn Bridge; you'll defiinitely want to stop for some snaps on the way over! Brooklyn Botanic Garden If you love the great outdoors but prefer the feel of a cultivated garden, then you’ll delight in a visit to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Be sure to check out the "Plants in Bloom" section of their website before your visit; it will highlight the plants that are at their finest so you know what to look out for. This gorgeous collection of flora is also conveniently located next to the prestigious Brooklyn Museum, which features fascinating and inspiring exhibits from around the globe. Combine visits to both into one educational day! Another fun option if you love nature and botanical gardens is the New York Botanical Garden, nestled in the Bronx. NYC Food Tours Many people -- and certainly New Yorkers themselves -- think that NYC cuisine is among the best in the world. With its diversity of culinary experiences and cultural offerings, there's so much to taste. It's nearly impossible to get a sense of NYC's real dining scene on your own. That's why a guided Food on Foot Tour is a fun idea! It allows you to sample a wide variety of New York delights, with a focus on cuisine, neighborhood, or type of meal. Try the World Famous Sweet Tooth Tour, get your fix on the Ice Cream You Scream, join the Midtown Mix away from the typical tourist haunts or take part in the East Village Variety with six delicious stops. There are so many options! Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival This event is an annual showcase of current hip-hop artists plus artists who have influenced the genre. You’ll also find fun family activities, a film festival, hip-hop exhibition, informative lectures, and food and clothing vendors. Don't miss the "Brooklyn's Finest" gallery. It showcases artwork inspired by legendary Brooklyn-based artists including the one and only Biggie Smalls. SummerStage Concert Series For over 30 years, this prestigious free concert series has featured a diversity of performances from theatrical shows to musical performances from hip-hop to opera to folk and everything in between. Events are rain or shine, so don’t forget to bring a blanket or umbrella. Held each year in Central Park since 1986, SummerStage is an arts and culture festival for locals and visitors alike. The festival was designed to serve as a public resource to enrich the lives of New Yorkers. Today it continues to be a great summer activity for New Yorkers of all ages. Save on Summertime Activities There you go. A few things to do in NYC in the summer, including some special events, and other seasonal activities in June, July, August, and September. Regular admission to a number of these attractions are available with a pass for New York by Go City®. Choose as you go from popular attractions and save on combined admission vs paying at the gate – click here to find out more.
Katie Sagal
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Things to Do in New York City for Couples

New York City is an ideal destination for couples. With delicious restaurants, exhilarating views, romantic cruises, inspiring museums, and much more, this city has tons of attractions to choose from when crafting that perfect vacation for just adults. If you're looking for fun activities and other things to do in NYC for couples, check out our list of the top attractions and activities, including... Popular Observation Decks New York City Art Museums Unconventional Museums Beautiful Botantical Gardens Central Park Picnics & Bike Rides Sports Venue Tours Food & Drink Tours Fun City Explorations Romantic Water Cruises Live Jazz Concerts Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Popular Observation Decks Some of the most romantic places in New York City can be found in unexpected places – like way up high on an observation deck. More romantic scenes and proposals have happened at places like the Top of the Rock Observatory and the Empire State Building than you'd think – just consider movies like An Affair to Remember! Head to the stellar Top of the Rock for excellent sweeping views of the city below. You could also opt for a trip up the iconic Empire State Building to make your own movie moment. If you're not sure which observation deck to choose, check out our post comparing Top of the Rock vs Empire State Building! New York City Art Museums While there are way too many museums in NYC to visit them all on one trip – or even several – a few of our favorites make for excellent couples' destinations for the art-loving duos out there. The Museum of Modern Art is famous for its fabulous collections of modern and contemporary art, including legends like Jasper Johns, Jackson Pollack, and more. The Guggenheim Museum is home to the works of Cézanne, Gauguin, Manet, Monet, Picasso, Pissarro, and Renoir. From Impressionist and Post-Impressionist to sculpture and the Avante Garde, this museum is an art lover’s paradise. Unconventional Museums Love museums, but are looking for something a little outside the box? A visit to the Museum of Sex is definitely a must for adventurous adults. It features not only an informative history of human sexuality and the way cultures across time and around the globe have perceived the human body, but it also has some really quirky exhibits to enjoy. The Beauties of Nature New York City may seem to be the archetypal urban landscape, but the more you explore, the more you realize that the great outdoors is just as beautiful here as any forest or park. If you're a true lover of nature, there's the lush New York Botanical Garden which is home to over one million plants. Explore over 50 different themed exhibits and gardens and immerse yourself in unique flora and fauna. Another delightful option is the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and its companion institution, the Brooklyn Museum. Explore the wonders of nature and then switch to marveling at culture. Bike Rides If you're looking for some larger green spaces to explore, head to the world-famous Central Park. Here, you'll find space for everything from picnics to bike tours and beyond. Plus, holding hands while walking through the park is a time-honored NYC date tradition! For a stress-free lunchtime picnic experience, pre-order a Perfect Picnic. This way, you can simply grab and go – an easy, yet delicious, solution while enjoying the sights of the city. You could also opt to rent a bike for some leisurely pedaling around the park, or throughout the city. It's a fun way to get out and get some exercise together on your vacation, too. Sports Venue Tours For first-time visitors and even repeat customers, tours are an excellent way to explore the many facets of New York City life and culture. If you're a sports fan, you're definitely going to want to scope out the many amazing sports venues that you'll find in NYC. For one, Yankee Stadium is an iconic park where one of Major League Baseball's most storied teams plays. Go behind the scenes to scope out the dugout, the bullpen, a luxury box, and more. Or, if you prefer hockey and basketball, then a trip to Madison Square Garden is in order. MSG has also been home to many famed concerts over the years, so there's a lot of territory to explore there. Foodie Tours You can even take a food-centric walking tour that allows you to sample the area's best and most famous cuisines. Try the food that real New Yorkers eat – not just the stuff for tourists. And explore new neighborhoods while you're at it, bringing out beyond the scope of what an average visitor might see on their vacation. (And afterwards, you may want to embark on a bike tour to work it off -- perhaps someplace new like Brooklyn?) Boozy Tours If you love the idea of a culinary tour, but were perhaps hoping more booze was involved, then a Spirits on Foot Tour sounds like it's right up your alley. You and your friends can stroll around top NYC neighborhoods and hit up some of the best bars in the city while enjoying informative narration and insider info from your guide. Sample drink specials, or order from the regular menu to try what the locals drink. Whether you're a beer snob, a wine connoisseur, or just love some tasty cocktails, you'll find a drink to enjoy on this tour. Insider Tip: There are walking tour options in NYC that cover everything from street art to monuments to specific neighborhoods – check out your choices to see what suits your fancy the most! City Explorations So you want to see more of the city, but don't want to feel like you're taking the same tour every other tourist in the city takes? Check out New York's most innovative tour – THE RIDE. It's a funny, creative, and delightful way to explore the city aboard your own luxury motor coach. There's even the occasional karaoke involved! Another option that's just as much fun is THE TOUR, which is a little bit longer and includes different sites. So be a little silly with your partner or friends, learn a little something, and have a great time. A Fun & Romantic Cruise Another exciting yet romantic way to explore the city is via an evening cruise. After all, there's something so special about seeing the city lights by night. Try a Harbor Lights Cruise for some beautiful views and even more beautiful moments. It's fun for friends, too – you'll get to enjoy the illuminated skyline and see major sites like Ellis Island, Wall Street, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Empire State Building, and many more. Discover Harlem's Jazz Music Scene If you fancy taking a break from the hustle and bustle of city sightseeing, what could be better than listening to live music in New York City's home of jazz? Sit back, relax and soak up the soulful and soothing beats of Duke Ellington, Ella Fiztgerald, Miles Davis and many more at the Harlem Jazz Series. You're sure to leave here with a smile on your face, ready to take on the rest of your NYC vacation. Visit the Statue of Liberty Of course, you simply can't leave New York City without paying a visit to its most famous resident - the iconic Lady Liberty herself. History buffs and fans of U.S. culture in general will want to take the trip out to see Liberty Island themselves, so hop aboard a ferry and let the adventures begin! Don't forget to explore the nearby Ellis Island, too, once home to the country's immigration center. The museum located there is poignant and informative and is great for curious travelers. Plus, you may find the name of one of your ancestors on the engraved wall! Unbeatable Shopping New York City is rightfully considered one of the shopping capitals of the United States. Quite literally, you can buy almost anything you can dream of in NYC. Whether you're roaming the couture boutiques of Madison Avenue or scouring the shops of SoHo for that perfect deal, you'll be able to shop to your heart's content in this city. Just be nice to your partner and buy them something! Another great (and budget-friendly!) option is to take a trip out to the Woodbury Common outlets. Hop aboard a bus to avoid the hassle of driving and parking, and spend a few hours shopping to your heart's content. Save on Popular New York City Attractions As you can see, there are so many things to do in NYC for couples that it's hard to narrow down the list. While you most likely can't squeeze all of these activities into one trip, you can select several to craft that perfect couples vacation. Remember, many of these great activities are included with a pass for New York by Go City ®, where you can save on combined admission vs paying at the gate.
Katie Sagal
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Win a private Manhattan photo shoot and dining experience this Black Friday

Our Black Friday Giveaway has now ended. WIN a private photo shoot and dining experience for two Head downtown and get a dose of celebrity treatment, on a private photo shoot with acclaimed American fashion and celebrity photographer MACKY. Owner of the popular Masters of the Camera NYC Rooftop Photo Shoot, MACKY will take you to the absolute best vantage points in Lower Manhattan, capturing your NY adventure in high-definition with a selection of 52-megapixel images. After working up an appetite posing for the camera, you’ll head to One World Trade Center to begin your VIP dining experience. Admission to One World Observatory is included, so take in the panoramic views over 100 stories up before you find your window-front table at One Dine. Both you and your guest will receive a choice of two drinks, one appetizer, one entrée and side, one dessert, and one unforgettable view! How to enter For a chance to win this incredible prize, all you have to do is purchase any of our New York passes between 9AM Tuesday 22 November 2022 and 11:59PM Tuesday 29 November 2022. Once you’ve purchased, you’ll be automatically entered into the giveaway. Easy! If you’re the lucky winner, we’ll contact you by email by December 15, 2022, so look out for us in your inbox. Click here to view giveaway terms and conditions
Jessica Basi

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