New York Explorer Pass Itinerary

By Katie Waller
Published: May 16, 2024

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.

Katie Waller
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.
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New York in July

New York really comes alive in the summertime. With interesting activities and exciting events cropping up all over the city, you’ll find many reasons to love the area this time of the year. Whether you’re looking for fun ideas for Independence Day, or something a little more off the beaten track, we’ve got you covered. So, if you’re planning a great summer vacation, make sure to check out some of our best things to do in New York during the month of July. Get Festive Travelling on Independence Day? You might want to consider checking out Macy’s July Fireworks Spectacular. Attracting a large crowd and broadcast live on NBC, the department store’s legendary display is noted as the largest in the country. Each year, thousands of fireworks shoot from four barges on the East River, granting mesmerizing views of the city skyline as you’ve never seen it before. As if that wasn’t enough, the event also features powerful performances from some of your favorite musical megastars. As exciting as it is magical, you won’t want to miss this one. If you’re looking to view the brilliant display in comfort and style, you might want to think about booking an evening cruise. While sailing across the Hudson River, guests can enjoy the light summer breeze, a delicious sea-food centric dinner and unbeatable views of famous landmarks. In addition, the cruise offers a live DJ playing your favorite party hits and all-you-can-drink beer and wine. Don't forget to take some snaps of the fireworks illuminating the night sky! Another one of our favorite things to do for the month of July in New York is visiting Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Standing out as two of the most popular attractions in the city, these outstanding monuments tell the profound story of how America became a nation. A total must for history buffs, Ellis Island provides a great educational experience for those of all ages - take a walking through the Immigration Museum, check out the historic hospital, or cruise around the city’s most notable landmarks - the choice is yours! And of course, a trip to Ellis Island wouldn’t be complete without checking out the Statue of Liberty. Not only a photo opportunity, this majestic statue stands as a beautiful symbol of hope and freedom. Get Cultured Are you looking to try out some of the city’s best culinary offerings? Well, look no further! Situated in a state park across the East River waterfront, Smorgasburg fest provides a total treat for the senses. With over 100 artisanal vendors serving up pretty much every speciality under the sun, you can feast on Korean rice hot dogs, rainbow empanadas, and souffle pancakes. Order a beer, grab a bite, and enjoy the sunset – what's not to love? Summertime in New York can only mean one thing – music festivals! Combining the stunning backdrop of Central Park with an incredible lineup of world-famous artists and emerging talent, Summerstage festival provides the quintessential New York experience for music lovers. Previous performers have included Patti Smith, the Indigo Girls, and Galactic among others. In addition, the event produces free dance, theater, film and spoken word programs for those who are interested. Summertime in New York brings a whole host of wonderful outdoor events. Held annually against the backdrop of Central Park, Shakespeare in the Park gives travellers the opportunity to enjoy prime theater under the beautiful night skies. Notable past performances have included Meryl Streep in The Taming of the Shrew, Philip Seymour Hoffman in The Two Gentlemen of Verona, and Al Pacino in The Merchant of Venice. This magical, one-of-a-kind experience should be at the top of everyone’s itinerary! Find Fun Activities to Do Those who are looking for a fun and unique way to explore the city might want to head over to Little Island. Floating high above the Hudson River and entirely admission free, this attractive urban landscape would make the perfect day trip for you and your loved ones. The perfect place for kicking back on a sunny July’s afternoon, this stunning green space is home to a wide variety of wildlife and provides magnificent views of the city skyline. On top of it all, the park serves as a venue for a whole host of great outdoor events and first-class musical performances. Take a lazy summertime stroll, watch your favorite side-splitting comedians in action, or catch a drag show– the choice is yours! Though New York is well-recognized for its renowned cultural amenities and fabulous towering structures, the city’s history-rich neighborhoods really shine in the summertime. Situated at the Southern tip of Brooklyn, Coney Island provides the perfect way to catch some rays complete with a lively beach, wooden boardwalk, and dozens of attractions and rides. Whilst you’re visiting, make sure to check out the most famous hotdog stand in the world, which has been operating since 1916. Don’t forget to bring your bathing suit! Want to amble through vast fields of purple and experience the natural beauty of New York State in all of its glory? Well, now you can! Known as one of the largest lavender farms in the United States, Lavender By The Bay provides the perfect relaxing retreat from the city. Here, visitors can take walking tours to admire the breathtaking sight of over 80, 000 colorful shrubs. July is the perfect time to amble through the preservation since the lavender should be in full bloom. Thoroughly Instagram-worthy and relaxing, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend a summery July’s afternoon! There’s nothing quite like New York in the summer. With so much to see, do, and explore, it’s impossible to be bored in this sprawling metropolis. Whether you’re looking to celebrate the fourth of July to its fullest, amble through some lavender gardens, or watch Shakespeare under the stars, the city presents a wide array of exciting activities for every traveller. And now, you don’t have to miss out – with our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can find an exhaustive array of things to do, for cheaper. For more information, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
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