Go City: New York Explorer Pass: 90+ Things to Do Including Edge

The Go City New York Explorer Pass presents a flexible way to explore over 90 top attractions in the city at a cost of $89 per person. Valid for up to 30 days from the first use, this pass lets visitors choose 2 to 6 activities from a broad list, including famous landmarks like the Empire State Building, Edge, Top of the Rock, and Statue of Liberty. Designed for those who want to customize their itinerary and avoid the rush of single ticket purchases, the pass promises easy access via mobile tickets or a digital guide.

While reviews highlight the great value and wide selection of attractions, some experiences depend on advance reservations, and the pass does not cover food, drinks, or transportation. It suits travelers who plan to visit several major sights over multiple days and prefer the convenience of a self-paced exploration. However, potential issues such as timing restrictions or technical problems with tickets have been reported, so preparation and timely planning are key.

Key Points

• Flexible 30-day validity from first activation
• Includes 2 to 6 attractions out of over 90 options
• Highlights: Empire State Building, Edge, Statue of Liberty, Top of the Rock, Circle Line Cruises, and more
• Requires advance reservations for some stops like Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty
• Easy to use via mobile tickets and the Go City app
• Suitable for self-paced exploration with cost savings compared to individual tickets

Extensive Access to Iconic NYC Landmarks

The Explorer Pass grants entry to major landmarks, including Empire State Building, Edge NYC, and One World Observatory. Each offers breathtaking views of New York City from different vantage points. The Empire State Building provides panoramic vistas from its open-air promenade and climate-controlled galleries, but reservation is required, and sunset visits are not available with the pass.

Edge NYC is the city’s newest sky-high attraction, perched 100 stories above Hudson Yards. Visitors ride a glass elevator to a vast outdoor platform with views over Manhattan. The Top of the Rock offers three observation decks with 360-degree sights including Central Park, the Hudson River, and Connecticut on clear days.

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and City Cruises

The Big Bus Tours included in the pass are excellent for topping off your sightseeing at your own pace. The panoramic routes cover Uptown and Downtown Manhattan, providing useful commentary via pre-recorded guides available in ten languages.

A highlight for many is the Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, which take around 1.5 hours and offer magnificent views of the Manhattan skyline. These cruises operate by reservation once the pass is activated, ensuring flexibility and avoiding long lines.

Visiting the 9/11 Memorial & Museum and Statue of Liberty

The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum honors those affected by the attacks and features reflecting pools in the original Twin Towers footprint. This stop requires a reservation and can take about 2 hours, making it a meaningful part of the itinerary.

The Statue of Liberty visit includes grounds on Liberty Island with views of Lady Liberty and downtown Manhattan. The ferry ride also grants access to Ellis Island’s Immigration Museum. Note that access to the Pedestal and Crown of the Statue of Liberty is not included and requires separate bookings. Reservations are needed well in advance due to limited availability.

Art and Culture Stops with No Reservations Needed

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and American Museum of Natural History are among the popular cultural experiences accessible with the pass. While MoMA allows visitors to advance scan their pass and enter during next available slots, the Natural History Museum requires prior reservations, so planning ahead is crucial.

The Guggenheim Museum offers a visit with an architecturally distinctive building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The Museum of the City of New York and The New-York Historical Society provide insights into the city’s past and present, perfect for travelers interested in local history.

Unique and Themed Experiences

For entertainment and entertainment-themed stops, the Madame Tussauds features interactive wax figures, while The Museum of Sex explores human sexuality through artifacts and exhibits. The Museum of Broadway showcases costumes, memorabilia, and behind-the-scenes insights into Broadway productions.

Plus, the Harlem Jazz Series and Harlem One Stop Cultural Tours highlight Harlem’s vibrant music and cultural scene, offering guided exploration of historic sites, jazz clubs, and Revolutionary War landmarks.

Active and Outdoor Adventures

The pass includes bike rentals in Central Park and surrey bike rentals on Governors Island, perfect for those who want to explore outdoors. The High Line walking tour covers Chelsea’s trendy neighborhood, emphasizing food and urban art.

For a more interactive experience, Escape Virtuality offers virtual reality games, while LEGOLAND Discovery Center provides indoor fun for families, with three-hour access to LEGO-themed attractions.

Shopping and Unique Tours

Shopping fans can visit Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, which offers discounted designer brands with roundtrip transportation included. The On Location Tours take visitors on a TV and movie sites bus tour, covering over 60 filming locations throughout the city.

Historical and neighborhood tours such as Chinatown, Little Italy, and Greenwich Village provide guided walks into local culture, food scenes, and bohemian history.

Practicalities and Tips for Use

The pass is activated when a first attraction is scanned. From there, it remains valid for 30 days. Some stops, like Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, and One World Observatory, require reservations, which should be scheduled via the Go City app or digital guide.

Most attractions are near public transportation, making it easy to move between sites. The mobile ticket system simplifies entry, but reviews note that technical issues or ticket errors can occur, so travelers should double-check their bookings and arrive early for reservation-based activities.

Limitations and Considerations

Some reviews mention difficulties with ticketing and customer support, especially when dealing with reserving time slots or technical glitches. The pass does not include food, drinks, or transportation costs outside of specific tours.

Visitors should also be aware that some attractions like Crown Reserve or Pedestal access require additional bookings and sell out months in advance. Weather conditions might affect the availability or view quality at certain attractions like the Empire State Building.

Final Thoughts on the New York Explorer Pass

The Go City New York Explorer Pass offers a cost-effective, flexible way to experience many of New York City’s most celebrated sights. Its multi-attraction structure and validity of 30 days give visitors the freedom to plan their days without feeling rushed.

While some reservations are necessary and technical issues may arise, the overall value and variety of included attractions make this pass suitable for self-directed travelers who enjoy customized itineraries and saving money on major landmarks. For those who prefer guided tours or instant access without pre-booking, some limitations should be kept in mind.

The Explorer Pass is an efficient way to see the best of New York City without the hassle of purchasing individual tickets for each site, making it a strong choice for first-time visitors and repeat travelers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the pass include transportation within New York City?
No, the pass covers entry to attractions and tours but does not include public transport or other transportation costs unless specified.

Can I visit the same attraction more than once?
No, each attraction can only be visited once with the pass, but you can select different attractions within the valid period.

Are reservations needed for popular attractions?
Yes, attractions like Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, and One World Observatory require advance reservations through the Go City app or digital guide.

What should I do if my ticket doesn’t work or I experience technical issues?
Some reviews report ticket problems or customer service delays. It’s recommended to double-check your reservations early and contact Go City customer support promptly if issues arise.