With the Go New York Explorer Pass, you can choose from over 100 sights, attractions, and tours and save up to 50% off regular ticket prices. I’m a big fan of this sightseeing pass and have used it multiple times over my 20+ visits to New York City.
What will you find in my article about the Go New York Explorer Pass? I want to show you how easy it is to save money in New York without compromising. I will answer all your questions, such as:
by the wayIf you have any further questions about the Explorer Pass, feel free to contact me directly anytime at steffen@loving-newyork.com
A quick guide to the Go New York Explorer Pass
- With the Explorer Pass, you can choose from over 100 attractions, and all major sights and tours are included except for the new Summit One Vanderbilt.
- Once you pay, your ticket will be your admission to the attraction, so you don’t have to pay extra at each attraction – just present it at the attraction’s ticket booth to receive your admission.
- The Explorer Pass is available for 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 10 attractions.
- Two important things to remember: Each attraction is limited to one visit. An additional Free Time ticket is required for the Empire State Building. From this link.
- Don’t forget to use the promo code “GO5LOVING” to get an additional 5% off 👇
What is the Go New York Explorer Pass?
of New York Explorer Pass is one of the discount passes for New York City that, when purchased, gives you free access to over 100 different attractions in New York City. With your Go New York Explorer Pass, you can choose 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 10 of these attractions. You don’t have to decide in advance which attractions you want to see; you can decide once you arrive in New York City. You have the flexibility to choose exactly what you want to see.
The great thing about these attraction-based passes is that they offer time flexibility, which is exactly why I’m a big fan of them – you can spread out your visits to the attractions you want over several days without sacrificing your savings.
How does the Go New York Explorer Pass work?
- Once you’ve booked, you’ll be issued with a personal Explorer Pass number that you can use to log into the free app.
- While in New York, simply present your New York Explorer Pass at each attraction…
- …scan it at the ticket counter and receive your admission ticket. It’s that easy!
What attractions are included in the Go New York Explorer Pass?
The list of attractions your Go New York Explorer Pass covers includes many of New York City’s best-known and beloved landmarks and attractions. All major boat tours, walking tours, hop-on hop-off buses, and observation decks (except Summit One Vanderbilt) are included.
The most popular attractions covered by the Go New York Explorer Pass
In total there are over 100 attractions to choose from, including almost all major tourist attractions. Some of the most popular attractions are (not limited to):
This is Complete list of attractions covered by the Go New York Explorer Pass as of 2023.
Hop-on hop-off bus tour
One of the most popular tours is the hop-on hop-off bus tour, which is also included for free with the Go New York Explorer Pass. The current provider is BIG BUS. The buses are easy to spot because of their burgundy color. Included are: 1-day ticket,this is Valid for both the Uptown and Downtown LoopsEven though there are two loops, they count as one attraction, not two.
I think the Downtown Loop is the best because it passes through the main tourist attractions.
Other popular bus tours include New York City TV & Movie Bus Tours, Woodbury Common Bus Tours, and Insider Tours of Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx.
Boat tours available with the Go New York Explorer Pass
When it comes to boat tours, your Explorer Pass gives you the choice of all the great tour companies and routes. My favorite is the “Best of New York” boat tour that circles around Manhattan.
Take a boat tour – it’s relaxing and allows you to see New York from a whole new perspective.
- Circle Line 2-hour “Best of New York” Boat Tour
- Circle Line 1.5-hour boat tour “Landmark Cruise”
- Ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
- Circle Line Boat Tour to the Statue of Liberty (No Disembarkation at the Statue of Liberty)
- Circle Line Harbor Lights Cruise (Sunset Cruise)
- Sailing tour on the Clipper City Tall Ship (warm season)
- Liberty Super Express Cruises
Walking tours
One of the highlights of the Explorer Pass is the walking tours. They are a lot of fun if you want to get to know some of the city’s neighborhoods with a New York guide. The tour options are huge. From food tours to tours through the city’s hippest areas, the options are endless.
How much does the Go New York Explorer Pass cost?
Prices vary depending on how many attractions you want to visit.
New York Explorer Pass |
Price (adult) |
Price (children) |
---|---|---|
$79 |
$69 |
|
$107 |
$89 |
|
$137 |
$112 |
|
$164 |
$127 |
|
$184 |
$144 |
|
$204 |
$164 |
|
$278 |
$230 |
👇 Don’t forget to use the promo code “GO5LOVING” to get an additional 5% off 👇
Compare prices on GetYourGuide
My advice: If you are visiting New York with children aged 6 or under, we recommend not purchasing a tourist pass as admission to many attractions is free for children of that age.
Is the Go New York Explorer Pass worth buying?
Whether the Explorer Pass is truly a good deal will depend on which attractions and tours are included in your itinerary. Essentially, the more expensive the single-use ticket for an attraction, the bigger the savings.
How easy is it to save money in New York City?
To see how quickly and easily you can save money, check out my 3-day itinerary here. You can also split this plan into 5 days for a more relaxed experience.
Day 1 itinerary |
price |
Times Square |
– |
Macy’s |
– |
Flatiron Building and 5th Avenue |
– |
Day 2 itinerary |
price |
Circle Line Landmark Cruise |
$37 |
Central Park |
– |
American Museum of Natural History |
$28 |
SoHo, Little Italy and Chinatown Walking Tour |
$39 |
$46 |
|
Little Island |
– |
Day 3 itinerary |
price |
Ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island |
$24 |
$28 |
|
New York Explorer Pass with 10 attractions |
|
👇 Don’t forget to use the promo code “GO5LOVING” to get an additional 5% off 👇
Compare prices on GetYourGuide
If you’re not sure which pass is best for you, try our free New York Pass Consultant. We’ll calculate for you every day whether it’s worth buying a New York City Attraction Pass and, if so, which one is best for you. You can find out which New York Pass is best for you here.
Will you choose the New York Explorer Pass or the New York Sightseeing Flex Pass?
Both discount passes are great and using both can save you a lot of money. The difference between the Explorer Pass and the New York Sightseeing Flex Pass really comes down to two factors: otherwise, they’re pretty much the same.
- Want to take a ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island? This boat tour Included only with the Go New York Explorer Passnot a Flex Pass!
- If the Statue of Liberty isn’t on your itinerary, the second element is completely irrelevant. Use my discount code LNYOffer and New York Sightseeing Flex Passes get big discountsAs can be seen from the table.
Go New York Explorer Pass Experience
Why do I continue to choose the attraction-based Go New York Explorer Pass? Because I want to save money on attraction admission fees and at the same time, it eliminates the hassle of sightseeing!
Unlike daily discount passes such as the New York Pass or New York Sightseeing Pass, the Go New York Explorer Pass allows you to plan non-sightseeing days in between your sightseeing days without losing the cost-saving benefits of purchasing the pass.
I have only had good experiences with the Explorer Pass – it works at all attractions, the attraction selection is huge, and the app works flawlessly. On my first few trips to NYC I always used the big pass with 7 or 10 choices, but now I use the smaller pass with 3-5 choices.
My conclusion: The discount passes are great and I highly recommend them!
👇 Don’t forget to use the promo code “GO5LOVING” to get an additional 5% off 👇