Go City New York Explorer Pass
The Go City New York Explorer Pass lets you choose 2 to 10 of New York’s top attractions for one fixed price — with 30 days to use them after your first scan. From observation decks and harbour cruises to world-class museums, explore NYC at your own pace without paying full price at each stop.
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The Go City New York Explorer Pass is one of the most flexible ways to see New York City. With 90+ attractions across all five boroughs and a 30-day window after your first scan, it suits both short visits and longer stays. The key is choosing the right tier — anchor your choices around the pricier experiences like observation decks and harbour cruises, and the savings are substantial.
What works
- 90+ experiences across all five boroughs
- Choose attractions as you go
- 30-day flexible window after activation
- Up to 50% off individual ticket prices
- Instant digital delivery
Watch out for
- No subway or transit included
- Advance reservations required for top spots
- Attraction list can change without notice
- Poor value for 1–2 attraction visits
- Peak-season slots sell out weeks ahead
What is the Go City New York Explorer Pass?
New York is one of the most expensive cities on earth to sightsee properly. The Empire State Building will cost you $44 at the door. Top of the Rock is another $40. A harbour cruise runs $50+. The Go City New York Explorer Pass is a prepaid credits system that lets you lock in a set number of these experiences at a bundled rate — so the bill doesn’t quietly balloon through the week.
You choose how many attraction visits you want — 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 10 — at purchase time. Once you scan in at your first attraction, a 30-day window opens for the rest. No consecutive-day pressure. No “use it all today or lose it” rush. Just New York, at your pace.
“New York charges premium prices for everything. The Explorer Pass is one of the few things that works in the other direction.”
Explorer vs New York CityPASS®: The CityPASS gives you a fixed set of 5 specific iconic attractions valid for 9 consecutive days — ideal for first-timers who want the classics. The Explorer Pass gives you a flexible choice of 2–10 from 90+ options over 30 days — better for repeat visitors or anyone with a more personal list. Want the full breakdown? See our comparison guide.
What’s included
The pass unlocks admission to a rotating pool of 90+ New York City experiences. Below are the most consistently available highlights — always confirm the live list in the Go City app after purchase.
Check the live list before you plan: The attraction lineup updates regularly. Open the Go City app after purchase to confirm what’s currently available, and verify opening hours before heading out each day.
What’s not covered
- Subway, bus, or taxi fares
- Food and drinks at venues
- Gratuities
- Premium upgrades at attractions
- Skip-the-line guarantee (varies by venue)
- Return visits to same attraction
- Special or temporary exhibitions
- Airport transfers
Pricing
The pass is priced by number of attractions — buying more visits upfront reduces the cost per experience. Prices below are indicative; check the live rate at checkout as offers change.
| Attractions | Adult (approx.) | Child 3–12 | Ideal trip length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | from $89 | from $74 | Day trip or weekend |
| 3 | from $109 | from $89 | 2–3 day stay |
| 4–5 Popular | from $129 | from $99 | 3–5 day trip |
| 6–7 | from $165 | from $129 | Full week |
| 10 | from $219 | from $169 | Extended stays |
Promotional codes occasionally offer an extra 10% off on passes with 3+ choices. Check current offers before completing your purchase.
Validity and how activation works
Before your first visit
Once purchased, your pass sits dormant for 1 year from the date of purchase. Buy it now, travel in autumn — the clock only starts when you actually scan in at your first attraction.
After your first scan
That first scan opens a 30-day window. All remaining credits can be used any time within that period — on consecutive days or scattered across a longer stay. The only rule: all credits must be used within one 30-day window.
Activation timing: At certain attractions, collecting a timed ticket at the Will Call desk can activate your pass before you’ve entered the venue. Plan which attraction you’ll use first and be deliberate about it — don’t trigger the 30-day clock earlier than intended.
One redemption per attraction
Every attraction on the list can only be redeemed once. A return visit to the same museum requires a separate ticket.
When to visit — timing your New York days
New York is busy year-round, but smart timing transforms your experience. These windows consistently deliver the best value with the Explorer Pass.
How to use the pass
- Purchase online — choose your number of attractions and complete checkout. Your digital pass arrives instantly by email.
- Download the Go City app — iOS and Android. Your pass QR code lives here. A printable PDF is also available.
- Browse the live attraction list — check current inclusions, opening hours, and booking requirements. Do this before planning each day.
- Make advance reservations — for timed-entry attractions, book your slot through the app before your visit day. This step is non-negotiable at popular venues.
- Scan to enter — show your QR code at each attraction. One scan = one credit used.
- Track remaining credits — the app shows visits remaining and days left in your 30-day window.
Reservations — the step most visitors miss
A valid pass does not guarantee walk-in entry everywhere. Several of NYC’s most visited venues require a timed reservation — and arriving without one can mean being turned away at the door even with a pass in hand.
Attractions that typically require advance booking
- Top of the Rock — especially sunset time slots
- Edge at Hudson Yards
- 9/11 Memorial Museum
- Statue of Liberty ferry departures
- Circle Line Cruises — specific sailing times apply
Book immediately after purchase. Sunset observation deck slots and Statue of Liberty sailings can fill 2–3 weeks ahead in summer and public holidays. The moment your pass is confirmed, open the app and lock in your priority experiences.
How to get the most value
Lead with the expensive attractions
The pass pays off fastest when used for pricier experiences. Observation decks, harbour cruises, and premium museum entries typically retail at $35–$50 each when bought individually. Use the pass for two or three of these and you’ve likely already covered the cost of a mid-tier pass before visiting anything else.
Group attractions by neighbourhood
New York is spread across five boroughs and transit adds up. Cluster your visits by area: Midtown for observation decks and Rockefeller Center; Lower Manhattan for the 9/11 Memorial and harbour cruises; Upper West Side for AMNH; Brooklyn for bridge walks and food tours. Reducing crosstown travel keeps your budget predictable.
“The biggest mistake is treating every attraction as equal. Use the pass for the $45 deck ticket. Buy a $5 coffee with what you saved.”
Activate early in the morning
Your 30-day window starts the moment you scan at your first attraction. Activating early on Day 1 means you’re not burning half a calendar day before the clock starts counting. Start your first visit in the morning.
Always have a backup attraction
Attraction lists change and your preferred time slot may be unavailable. Each morning, check the app for the day’s availability and have a second-choice venue lined up so you’re never without options.
Budget for transit separately
The pass covers admissions only. A single subway ride costs $2.90; a 7-day unlimited MetroCard is around $34. Factor these into your total trip cost before comparing the pass price against individual tickets.
Who should buy the Explorer Pass?
Great fit if you…
- Plan 3 or more major paid attractions
- Want flexibility over a fixed daily schedule
- Are comfortable managing bookings via app
- Prefer visits spread across several days
- Want one pass instead of multiple tickets
Consider skipping if you…
- Only plan 1–2 attractions in total
- Need public transport included
- Prefer fully guided tour packages
- Can’t commit to booking time slots
- Mostly visiting free attractions
How it compares to other New York passes
| Pass | Format | Best for | Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Go City Explorer Pass | Choose 2–10 attractions | Flexible, relaxed trips | Not included |
| Go City Attraction Pass | Unlimited, consecutive days | Packed 2–3 day visits | Not included |
| New York CityPASS® | 5 fixed + choice attractions | Classic first-timer itinerary | Not included |
Cancellation and refund policy
Non-activated passes are generally refundable within 30 days of purchase. Once you scan the pass at any attraction, it is considered activated and refunds are not available. Always read the cancellation terms on your checkout page before completing your purchase, as terms can vary by reseller.
