The Go New York Explorer Pass allows you to choose from over 100 attractions, sights, and tours while saving up to 50% off the standard admission prices. I’m a huge fan of this sightseeing pass and have used it multiple times during my twenty-plus visits to New York City.
What should you anticipate learning from my article about the Go New York Explorer Pass? I aim to demonstrate how you can save money in New York without sacrificing experiences. I’ll address all your questions, including:
By the way, if you have further questions about the Explorer Pass, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me directly at steffen@loving-newyork.com — I’m always here to help!
A Quick Overview of The Go New York Explorer Pass
- The Explorer Pass lets you choose from over 100 attractions; all major sights and tours are included, except for the new Summit One Vanderbilt.
- Once purchased, this pass serves as your ticket to attractions, meaning no additional payments at each location. Just show it at the attraction’s ticket booth to receive your admission ticket.
- The Explorer Pass is available for visiting 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 10 attractions.
- Two key points to note: You can visit each attraction only once, and an additional free-time ticket is required for the Empire State Building, which you can obtain through this link.
- Remember to use my promo code “GO5LOVING” for an extra 5% off 👇
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What is the Go New York Explorer Pass?
The Go New York Explorer Pass is a discounted pass that grants you free access to over 100 attractions in New York City. You can select whether to visit 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 10 attractions, and you don’t need to make your decisions before arriving in NYC. The flexibility to decide as you go is a major advantage.
What I love about these attraction-based passes is their time flexibility, allowing you to space out your visits over several days without impacting your savings.
How does the Go New York Explorer Pass work?
- After purchasing, you’ll receive your individual Explorer Pass number, which you can use to access their free app.
- While in New York, simply present your New York Explorer Pass at each attraction…
- …where it will be scanned at the ticket counter, and you’ll receive your admission ticket. It’s that simple!
Which attractions are included in the Go New York Explorer Pass?
The Go New York Explorer Pass covers many of the iconic sights and attractions that make the city famous. Most major boat tours, walking tours, hop-on hop-off buses, and observation decks (excluding Summit One Vanderbilt) are part of the package.
Top Attractions Included with the Go New York Explorer Pass
With over 100 attractions available, you’ll find that nearly all the prominent ones are included. Here are a few highlights:
For a full list of attractions covered by the Go New York Explorer Pass as of 2023, keep reading.
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours
One of the most popular options is the hop-on hop-off bus tours, which are complimentary with the Go New York Explorer Pass. The current provider is BIG BUS, easily recognized by their burgundy color. Included is the 1-day ticket, valid for both Uptown and Downtown loops, counting as just one attraction.
I FIND THE DOWNTOWN LOOP IS BEST SINCE IT PASSES BY MAJOR SIGHTS!
Other notable bus tours include the NYC TV & Movie Bus Tour, the Woodbury Common Bus Tour, and the Insider Tour of Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx.
Boat Tours Available with the Go New York Explorer Pass
With the go New York Explorer Pass, you have access to all the top boat tours. My personal favorite is the Best of New York boat tour, which takes you all around Manhattan!
MAKE SURE TO TAKE A BOAT TOUR! IT’S RELAXING AND OFFERS A WHOLE NEW VIEW OF NEW YORK!
- 2-hour boat tour “Best of New York” by Circle Line
- 1.5-hour “Landmarks Cruise” by Circle Line
- Ferry to the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
- Boat Tour to the Statue of Liberty by Circle Line (without disembarking)
- Harbor Lights Cruise by Circle Line (evening tour)
- Sailing tour on the tall ship Clipper City (seasonal)
- Liberty Super Express Cruise
Walking Tours
One of the standout features of the Explorer Pass is the walking tours, which provide an exciting opportunity to explore different neighborhoods with a knowledgeable New York guide. There is an extensive variety of tours available, from food explorations to in-depth tours of the trendiest parts of the city!
How much does the Go New York Explorer Pass cost?
Prices vary depending on the number of attractions you wish to visit:
|
Go New York Explorer Pass for |
Prices (Adults) |
Prices (Child) |
|---|---|---|
|
$79 |
$69 |
|
|
$107 |
$89 |
|
|
$137 |
$112 |
|
|
$164 |
$127 |
|
|
$184 |
$144 |
|
|
$204 |
$164 |
|
|
$278 |
$230 |
👇 Remember to use my promo code “GO5LOVING” for an additional 5% off 👇
BUY Explorer PASS
Compare prices at GetYourGuide
My Tip: If you’re visiting New York City with children aged six or younger, I recommend not purchasing a sightseeing pass for them, as many attractions offer free admission for that age group.
Is the Go New York Explorer Pass Worth It?
Whether the Explorer Pass offers good value depends on the attractions and tours on your itinerary. Generally, the more expensive individual tickets are for the attractions, the more you’ll save.
How Easily Can You Save Money in New York City?
To understand how quickly and simply you can save with the Pass, check out my 3-day travel plan, which could also be stretched into five enjoyable days.
|
Travel Plan for Day 1 |
Price |
|
Times Square |
– |
|
Macy’s |
– |
|
Flatiron Building & 5th Avenue |
– |
|
Travel Plan for Day 2 |
Price |
|
Circle Line Landmarks Cruise |
$37 |
|
Central Park |
– |
|
American Museum of Natural History |
$28 |
|
SoHo, Little Italy & Chinatown Walking Tour |
$39 |
|
$46 |
|
|
Little Island |
– |
|
Travel Plan for Day 3 |
Price |
|
Ferry to Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island |
$24 |
|
$28 |
|
|
Go New York Explorer Pass for 10 Attractions |
|
👇 Don’t forget to use my promo code “GO5LOVING” for an extra 5% off! 👇
BUY Explorer PASS
Compare prices at GetYourGuide
If you’re uncertain about which pass is right for you, try our free New York Pass Consultant! It calculates whether a New York City Attraction Pass is worth buying and helps determine the best option for your needs.
Go New York Explorer Pass vs. New York Sightseeing Flex Pass
Both discount passes are fantastic ways to save money, but choosing between the Explorer Pass and the New York Sightseeing Flex Pass really comes down to two factors, as the rest are quite similar.
- Do you want to take the ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island? This boat tour is only included with the Go New York Explorer Pass, not with the Flex Pass!
- If the Statue of Liberty isn’t on your itinerary, the second point is worth considering. With my discount code LNYOffer, the New York Sightseeing Flex Pass becomes significantly cheaper, as shown in the price table.
My Experience with the Go New York Explorer Pass
Why do I consistently choose the Go New York Explorer Pass? I appreciate being able to save money on attraction admissions without the hassle of sightseeing ticket purchasing!
Unlike day-based discount passes, like the New York Pass or New York Sightseeing Pass, with the Go New York Explorer Pass, I can plan rest days in between sightseeing days without losing the cost-saving benefits of buying a pass.
I’ve had nothing but positive experiences with the Explorer Pass; it’s well-recognized at all attractions, has an extensive selection to choose from, and the app functions seamlessly. While I initially opted for the larger options with 7 or 10 choices during my earlier trips, I now prefer the smaller passes with 3 to 5 selections.
My conclusion: This discount pass is excellent, and I wholeheartedly recommend it!
👇 Don’t forget to use my promo code “GO5LOVING” for an extra 5% off! 👇
BUY Explorer PASS
Compare prices at GetYourGuide
