New York Explorer Pass Itinerary

By Katie Waller

Did you know you can save up to 43% with an Explorer Pass? 

If you visited the below 5 attractions without our pass, you'd spend $279.09. With our Explorer Pass, it's only $159. 

That's a total saving of $120.09.

Read on for some NYC inspiration and discover how you can save on your sightseeing.

New York itinerary with Empire State Building

Choice 1: Empire State Building

Where better to have that “Oh my gosh, I’m in New York” moment than at the tip-top of the world’s most famous skyscraper? Before heading to the observation deck to recreate that perfect Sleepless in Seattle moment (or King Kong impression, we ain’t going to judge), be sure to take some time to peruse the Empire State’s indoor galleries, which document the history and cultural significance of this iconic landmark.

Price without an Explorer Pass: $51.17

New York Big Bus

Choice 2: Big Bus Hop on Hop off 1-Day Classic Ticket

Have you ever heard public transport being described as enjoyable? Skip the cramped subway (sometimes it's not better to do as the locals do!) and get comfy on a Big Bus tour. With two routes to choose from, it's easy to hit up all the must-see NYC spots including Times Square, Wall Street, Little Italy and SoHo. Get on and off as much as you wish, or just sit back and tune in to their digital commentary - it's a great way to learn all about The Big Apple!

Price without an Explorer Pass: $80

New York itinerary with Edge

Choice 3: Edge

Can you ever really ever get bored of gazing over Manhattan from high above? Probably not. But, if you’re looking to make your skyscraper experience even more exciting, Edge is probably the place to go. Travel 100-stories high and take in those views from its tilted glass walls. They'll make you feel like you're literally, well, er, on the edge. You can also test your vertigo with a stroll across their glass-bottomed deck.

Price without an Explorer Pass: $50.08

New York itinerary with Central Park

Choice 4: Central Park Bike Tour

We don't know if you've heard, but Central Park is quite big. So biking is definitely a good option for exploring it. Better yet, take this bike tour from Unlimited Biking. Not only will you stop off at the park's most famous spots, but you'll also learn all about the park's history from your local guide. Notable spots you'll visit include Strawberry Fields, Belvedere Castle and Shakespeare Garden.

Price without an Explorer Pass: $56.84

New York itinerary with landmarks cruise

Choice 5: Circle Line NYC Landmarks Cruise

Did somebody say photo op!? Take to the water for a close-up look at Lady Liberty along with plenty of other famous landmarks on the Best of NYC Cruise. Onboard tour guides will give you a heads up when you're about to pass another unmissable view, so you can just sit back and take in the sights with ease. 

Price without an Explorer Pass: $41

By visiting these 5 attractions with an Explorer Pass, you'll have saved 43% on your sightseeing. So, what you waiting for? It's time to get planning that NYC adventure now!

We calculate our savings by comparing the Go City price to the combined normal ticket values - these were last updated on April 1, 2023.

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Things to do Alone in New York

In many ways, New York is the perfect destination for the solo traveler. Aside from its undeniable beauty, the city presents no shortage of fun and interesting things to do. Whether you’re looking to learn about the history of America, view some world-class art, or walk the High Line, you’ll find countless reasons to love the Big Apple. In a city presenting so many opportunities for adventure, you’ll never be bored. If you aren't sure where to start, have a read through our guide of the best things to do in the area. With Go City, you can see more, for less. See the Sites Travelling alone provides great opportunity for sightseeing and discovery. Gifted to America by the French in 1884, the Statue of Liberty is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the United States. To marvel at this historic landmark up close, take the ferry over to Liberty Island. Bearing a torch in her right hand above her crowned head, this neoclassical sculpture stands out as a true emblem of freedom and possibility. Whilst you’re there, you should take time to visit Ellis Island, since these two attractions come hand in hand. Once the United States' main immigration point of entry, the area now presents many interesting activities for those looking to learn more about the development of the United States. Check out the Ellis Island National Immigration Museum, delve deeper in American history with a Hard Hat Tour, or take a boat trip around the area. Presenting such an interesting background that’s still relevant to this day, this site is a moving experience for many visitors. Some things are perhaps best enjoyed on your own – like the spectacular architecture of the city, for instance. Standing out against the towering skyscrapers and modern structures, the Brooklyn Bridge is a mainstay of NYC culture with its own claim to fame. Built in the late 19th century, it was the first roadway to connect Manhattan with Brooklyn and is recognizable today for its stunning gothic arches. Set aside an hour or so to walk the bridge and check out the spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline and the East River. Don’t forget to bring your phone to capture the magic! Get Cultured If you’re looking for art and culture, New York City is the place to be! A well-recognized hub of innovation and creative thought, the city boasts some of the best galleries in the world. Located along the Museum Mile, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is a total must-see for all artsy types. Drawing in millions of visitors each year, the museum exhibits over 5000 years of art across all disciplines. Highlights include Van Gogh’s Starry Night, Monet’s Water Lillies, and Pablo Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d'Avignon. Another one of our favorite things to do alone in the city is visit the Morgan Library. Formerly the private collection of financier J. Pierpont Morgan, this place is recognized as one of the largest on-paper repositories in the world. Indeed, situated in a striking palatial building on Madison Avenue, you can view an expansive collection of art across a wide variety of disciplines, including drawings, prints, and musical works spanning from 4000 B.C. right through to the 21st century. Highlights include Charles Dickens’s manuscript of A Christmas Carol, the only manuscript of Milton's Paradise Lost, and letters written by Jane Austen. Going to see a play of your own choosing can be pretty liberating. Luckily, New York is brimming with options for theater lovers - no matter what your style may be! If you’re a musical fan, Broadway should be right up your alley. Attracting millions of visitors each year, this iconic playhouse is recognized for shaping the landscape of popular theater as we know it today. Still, if you’re looking to see something a little different, you’ll have plenty of places to choose from. Located in Greenwich Village, the Cherry Lane Theatre is known for being the oldest continuously running off-Broadway theater in New York City. Here, you’ll find everything from total classics and tragedies to side-splitting comedies and political works all under one roof. Whether you’re an actor, a drama student, or a dedicated fan of the performed arts, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes. Relax! New York, we love you, but you can be a little tiring sometimes! For those looking for a refuge among the mayhem, don’t worry – we've got you covered. Running from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District right through to Hudson Yards, the High Line offers visitors a great chance to soak up the city without too much of a fuss. There are flowers, benches, and public art installations to be enjoyed. Go for a casual stroll, have a picnic, or sit back and enjoy the sunset over the skyline – the world’s your oyster! Visiting a market is a fantastic solo travel activity and New York has some of the best. Drawing together artisans and tastemakers from all over the city, Chelsea Market offers a rewarding experience for any visitor. Its main draw is its vibrant food hall, which has over 30 vendors selling dishes and ingredients from around the world. The market also has many interesting shops and kiosks to explore. Browse the book stores, check out the jewelry, pick up a jar of raw wildflower honey, or watch an interactive art installation at Artechouse. Hey, what’s not to love? Forever interesting and bustling with life, New York is the perfect destination for the solo traveler. Whether you love art, history, or just simply want to admire the cityscape, the Big Apple is where you want to be. Looking to learn more about the background of the city? Head over to Ellis Island for a trip back in time. Are you fostering a deep love of the performed arts? Make a trip to Broadway for some of the best live entertainment in the country. Harnessing a sweet tooth? Check out Chelsea Market for some delicious eats. Wherever your interests may lie, New York has plenty of things to do, and even more to see. Explore the city to its fullest 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 the Empire State Building

When people come and visit the Big Apple, they are often overwhelmed by the number of attractions that there are to visit. It can be a challenge to decide what to see. One of the can't-miss stops is the Empire State Building. As one of New York City's most recognizable landmarks, people come from all over the world to visit this towering skyscraper. Standing at over 100 stories tall and built in an Art Deco style, the Midtown Manhattan skyscraper has made its way onto postcards, T-shirts, souvenirs, and is one of the signature architectural feats in the United States. It was originally built in 1931 and stands at over 1,454 feet tall. Deriving its nickname from the "Empire State" of New York, countless attractions have also sprung up around the skyscraper. When people come to visit the Empire State Building, what are a few of the other things to do near the Empire State Building? 1. Empire State Building Credit Empire State Building Official Website Of course, the first attraction to check out around the Empire State Building is this behemoth skyscraper itself. For those who might not know, the building is located on the west side of Fifth Avenue in between W 33rd and W 34th Streets. In the 1800s, the land was owned by the Astor Family and the famous Waldorf-Astoria Hotel went up on the site in the 1890s. The hotel was eventually sold in the 1920s and eventually ended up in the hands of John Raskob and Al Smith, a former governor of New York. Originally, the Empire State Building was supposed to be a 50-story office building. Eventually, the building ended up in the form it is seen today. At the time it was built, it was the world's tallest building, towering over the Chrysler Building. Clearly, the skyscraper is the marquee attraction in this area of Manhattan and there are numerous popular restaurants nearby, including STATE Bar and Grill and Tacombi. What are some of the other popular sites and attractions that are nearby? Getting in: Empire State Building tickets are an included attraction option on the New York City Explorer Pass. 2. Madison Square Garden All-Access Tour Another of the main attractions in the immediate vicinity of the Empire State Building is Madison Square Garden. Without a doubt, the top way to see the Garden is an All-Access Tour. This famous arena is home to professional sports teams such as the New York Knicks and the New York Rangers. The arena also hosts numerous other high-profile sporting events and concerts throughout the year. The Garden first opened in 1968 and welcomes millions of people through its doors every year. One of the biggest advantages of taking the All-Access tour is learning about the iconic moments in sports and entertainment that took place inside of the building. Visitors can view Elton John's autographed set list, learn about the famous moments in Knicks' history, and see the liturgy book from Pope Francis's Papal Mass! Getting in: Madison Square Garden All Access Tour tickets are an included attraction option on the New York City Explorer Pass. 3. Museum of Sex The Museum of Sex is one of the other main attractions situated near the Empire State Building. Known for its unique exhibitions, popular events, and edgy content, this is a popular stop for everyone (who is age-appropriate). Visitors will be treated to one of the foremost attractions on human sexuality and will learn about how it has evolved over the past few decades. The museum also specializes in holiday events, birthday parties, and even bachelorette parties! Swing by and check out the current exhibits! Getting in: Museum of Sex tickets are an included attraction option on the New York City Explorer Pass. 4. Food on Foot Tours In order to truly complete a visit to New York City, visitors need to take in the cuisine that makes this place special. New York is one of the world's melting pots and visitors are able to sample authentic food from all over the world. The Food on Foot Tours welcomes visitors behind the popular tourist attractions and into the largest buffet that the world has to offer. Along the tour, visitors will see where the residents live and eat. The tour travels both by subway and by food. They also offer special packages including sports packages, Feasts and Finds, and even a self-guided tour! Getting in: Food on Foot Tour tickets are an included attraction option on the New York City Explorer Pass. 5. The Fashion Windows Walking Tour For those who would like to plunge into the famed New York City Fashion Industry, this is the way to do it. Take a look at the most famous stores in the world and grab this opportunity to shop the latest and most famous fashions in the world. The Fashion Windows Walking Tour lasts around two hours and takes visitors on a journey throughout the fashion district of New York City. Take the opportunity to view a wide variety of unique store displays from the world's most well-respected designers. The tours are led by an experienced tour guide who will teach everyone about the world's most famous fashion icons. Getting in: Fashion Windows Walking Tour tickets are an included attraction option on the New York City Explorer Pass. 6. Bank of America Winter Village Bryant Park Ice Rink This ice rink is open seasonally and is the only free ice rink in New York City. This ice rink is made possible by the generosity of Bank of America. During the winter seasons, visitors able to take to the ice for free. Soak in one of the most popular and affordable entertainment options in New York City. A great place to hang out with friends, get some exercise, and enjoy the winter night, don't pass up an opportunity to enjoy the Bank of America Winter Village Bryant Park Ice Rink! Getting in: Bryant Park Ice Rink tickets are an included attraction option on the New York City Explorer Pass. 7. Herald Square Herald Square is one of the most famous intersections in New York City and is not far from the Empire State Building. Herald Square is bordered by Broadway, Sixth Avenue, and 34th Street. The square was named after a newspaper called The Herald, which is no longer in operation. The flagship store in this area is Macy's, one of the largest department stores in the world. Over the years, Herald Square has been renovated several times and is maintained by the 34th Street Partnership. Take some time to wander down to Herald Square and check out what the locale has to offer! Getting in: Herald Square is free and open to the public. 8. Koreatown Koreatown is just a block away from Madison Square Garden and is modeled after Seoul, South Korea. The businesses are stacked on top of each other, so people actually pass through the area quickly and might not even know it! This section of Manhattan welcomes all visitors and is known for its shopping and restaurants. One of the restaurants is even named "Miss Korea" for those who truly miss South Korea! When walking through Koreatown, be sure to swing by the restaurants and take a look at the fake food displayed. It gives a good idea of what awaits the diners inside. Getting in: Koreatown is free and open to the public. 9. The Flatiron Building The Flatiron Building is one of the most unique structures in New York City. The building is 22 stories tall and has a distinctive shape. An architectural marvel of the world, the building was finished in 1902 and is synonymous with New York City. The building is bordered by three streets (5th Avenue, Broadway, and East 22nd Street) which gives the building its shape. A short walk from the Empire State Building, everyone should check it out! Getting in: Viewing the Flatiron Building is free and open to the public. Conclusion: Tips for Visiting Without a doubt, there is plenty to do in New York City and the Empire State Building is only one of the many skyscrapers vying for the attention of visitors and residents alike. Some of the tips for visiting this area include: Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes Plan the trip around the subway schedule Keep those eyes open for cyclists Make sure to stay to the right side of the sidewalk to allow people to pass Always allow extra time when moving between attractions Don't forget to check out the other attractions that reside new the Empire State Building. This is part of the New York City experience and you will be glad that you did! Save on admission to things to do near the Empire State Building If you’re exploring the Empire State Building area, you’re bound to visit a few attractions and do a little NYC sightseeing – make the most of your time and save on admission to popular attractions, tours, museums, cruises, and more with The New York City Explorer Pass. Many of the great activities and attractions mentioned in this post are available on our New York attractions passes, where you can save up to 50% on combined admission vs. paying at the gate.
Go City Expert
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Fun Things to Do in New York - The Ultimate Tourist Guide for Your Trip

Greatest city in the world? You decide. From a skyline populated with more skyscrapers than we can count to the expansive green that is Central Park, there’s one thing that can’t be argued: New York City has something for everybody. Whether you’re traveling with kids, planning a romantic getaway, meeting up with friends, or just going solo, our travel guides have all the information you need to plan the perfect trip and make sure you see it all (and then some). What are some popular attractions to visit? Hop On Hop Off New York Bus Tour - A must do for first-time visitors, this sightseeing tour is not only the perfect introduction to New York, but you can hop on and hop off to visit other attractions included in your Pass. Empire State Building - Spend some time at one of the most iconic and world famous landmarks. Top of the Rock Observatory - From high atop Rockefeller Center, this is one of the best places for unmatched views of the city. Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Immigration Museum - Visit the grounds of Liberty Island for unbeatable views of Lady Liberty and downtown Manhattan. 9/11 Memorial & Museum - located at the World Trade Center site, bears solemn witness to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and February 26, 1993. American Museum of Natural History- One of the largest museums in the world, with collections of more than 32 million specimens and artifacts. The Museum of Modern Art - Its extraordinary exhibitions and collections are dedicated to helping you understand and enjoy the art of our time. These are just a few. Want more fun ideas for things to do in New York? Head over here for more New York attractions to see during your trip. How long are you visiting? Whether you're visiting New York City for 24-hours or a whole week, we've put together sample itineraries that include a ton of the most popular things to do in the city. From top-rated tours to iconic landmarks, these itineraries give you the best New York City experience based on the time you have. One Day in NYC - sample itinerary 2 Days in New York City - sample itinerary 3 Days in New York - sample itinerary A Week in New York - sample itinerary New York staycation ideas for a fun weekend near home Who are you visiting with? No matter who you're traveling with, there are a ton of things to do in New York City for everyone. We've put together a list of top attractions and activities tailored to every type of traveler, from young kids to couples and even nerds. Things to Do in NYC with Kids Things to Do in NYC with Teens Things to Do in NYC for Couples Things to Do in NYC for College Students What type of activities interest you? Whether you're envisioning yourself checking off all of the city's top museums or you just really want to be part of a live audience, our New York City local experts put together a few 'best of' lists to help you streamline your itinerary. Top Museums in New York City How to Get Saturday Night Live Tickets Best Places to Take Pictures in NYC Visiting New York on a budget more coming soon! What parts of New York City are you visiting? We highlighted a handful of the top attractions and places to see by neighborhood so you can maximize your time in each location. NYC Neighborhoods Guide Things to Do in Times Square Things to Do in Lower Manhattan Things to Do in and around Central Park Things to Do in Midtown Manhattan When are you visiting? New York City offers a different experience with each season, weather, and holiday. Check out our lists of things to do in New York City throughout the year to make the most of your itinerary and experience unique, calendar-based events. Things to Do in New York in the Spring Things to Do in NYC in the Summer Things to Do in New York in the Fall Things to Do in New York City in the Winter Things to Do in NYC When it Rains Things to Do in New York When It’s Hot Out What's the best way to get around? NYC is easy to navigate and there are lots of options for transportation, including public transportation, taxis, and shared ride services. Hop-on, hop-off tours: A hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus tour, like Big Bus New York, is a great way to get acquainted with the city and visit popular attractions. Tours follow a specific route and time schedule, so plan accordingly if you have timed tickets or reservations. Public transportation: the MTA subway and bus system is the most popular way to get around the city. You can purchase a reusable MetroCard from vending machines at most subway stations. The subway is often faster than relying on cabs due to traffic. Tip: get the free moovit app for point-to-point trip planning and real-time updates for both subway and bus routes. Taxis: taxis are available and easy to hail down. Looking for more info? Check out our post on getting around New York for tourists. Where should you stay? There are plenty of great places to stay in the area. Below are a handful of hotel suggestions located near popular tourist attractions and fun things to do. The Gotham Hotel Langham Place, New York, Fifth Avenue The Plaza Hotel Hilton Garden Inn New York-Times Square Central Hudson New York, Central Park Where should you shop? In between sightseeing, try and find some time to pick up some souvenirs. Here are a few popular areas to get some of the best shopping in New York. Woodbury Common Premium Outlets Bloomingdales Macy's Herald Square SoHo Upper East Side Make sure to check out all of the extra discounts and savings available on the New York City Explorer Pass. Where to Eat? Go on a tour of New York City’ foodie scene with our top picks for family-friendly places to eat in New York City. We’ve included top picks for every appetite and even made note of nearby attractions so you can sightsee while you taste your way through New York City’s culinary destinations. No judgment. Fun Info from a Local Despite what you may hear, literally, honking is illegal in NYC. Approximately 1 out of every 21 New Yorkers is a millionaire. New York City is the most linguistically diverse city in the world. Almost half of its residents speak a language other than English at home. The MTA subway system consists of 722 miles of track. New York City was the original capital of the United States. Share your adventure with us! Tag us when you upload photos from your trip to Instagram: @GoCity or #GoCityCard.
Casey Makovich

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