New York Explorer Pass 2025: The Ultimate Guide to NYC's Top Attractions Including Edge

Planning a trip to the Big Apple but worried about the sky-high prices of NYC attractions? You're not alone. With observation decks costing $40-60, museums ranging from $20-35, and tours reaching $70+, a New York vacation can quickly break the bank. Enter the New York Explorer Pass – a flexible, money-saving solution that lets you experience the city's top attractions, including the thrilling Edge at Hudson Yards, while keeping more cash in your wallet.

What is the New York Explorer Pass?

The New York Explorer Pass by Go City is a flexible attraction-based pass that puts you in control of your NYC adventure. Unlike time-based passes that pressure you to cram activities into consecutive days, the Explorer Pass lets you choose 2 to 10 attractions from over 100+ options and gives you 60 days to experience them at your own pace.

How It Works:

1. Choose your attractions: Select 2-10 experiences from 100+ options

2. Purchase online: Get instant mobile delivery

3. Download the Go City app: Access your digital pass and make reservations

4. Explore at your pace: 60 days to use all your choices

5. Scan and save: Present QR code at each attraction for entry

"The New York Explorer Pass is worth the money if you use it towards observation decks, tours, bike rentals and sightseeing cruises. These expensive attractions create large savings when using the Explorer Pass." - Serena's Lenses

Top Attractions Included: NYC's Must-See Experiences

Iconic Observation Decks ($160+ value)

• Edge at Hudson Yards ($47) - Western Hemisphere's highest outdoor sky deck with heart-stopping glass floor

• Empire State Building ($44) - Classic Art Deco icon with 360-degree city views

• Top of the Rock ($44) - Best views of Empire State Building and Central Park

• One World Observatory ($39) - Ground Zero's soaring memorial with immersive experiences

World-Class Museums ($150+ value)

• 9/11 Memorial & Museum ($29) - Moving tribute to September 11th victims

• American Museum of Natural History ($28) - Dinosaurs, planetarium, and iconic exhibits

• Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) ($28) - Premier modern and contemporary art collection

• Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum ($36) - Aircraft carrier with space shuttle Enterprise

• Guggenheim Museum ($30) - Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural spiral masterpiece

Premium Tours & Experiences ($200+ value)

• Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour ($72) - 2-day unlimited sightseeing transportation

• Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise ($48) - Scenic harbor tour past Statue of Liberty

• Central Park Bike Rental ($25) - Full-day cycling through America's most famous park

• Food Tours ($50+) - Guided culinary adventures through NYC neighborhoods

• Walking Tours ($30-60) - Expert-led explorations of historic districts

Real Savings: What You'll Actually Save

Example 1: First-Timer's Dream (5 Attractions)

AttractionRegular PriceEmpire State Building$44Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off$72American Museum of Natural History$28Circle Line Cruise$489/11 Memorial & Museum$29Total Individual Cost$2215-Choice Explorer Pass$169Your Savings$52 (24%)

Example 2: Photography Enthusiast (7 Attractions)

AttractionRegular PriceEdge at Hudson Yards$47Top of the Rock$44One World Observatory$39Brooklyn Bridge Walking Tour$39High Line & Hudson Yards Tour$35Central Park Bike Rental$25Statue of Liberty Cruise$42Total Individual Cost$2717-Choice Explorer Pass$219Your Savings$52 (19%)

"With a 7 day pass (9 trip including travel time), My daughter and I "saved" $562 with our 2 passes." - TripAdvisor Review

Current Pricing (2025)

Explorer Pass Options & Pricing:

• 2 Choices: $84 adult / $69 child

• 3 Choices: $109 adult / $89 child

• 4 Choices: $144 adult / $119 child

• 5 Choices: $169 adult / $134 child

• 6 Choices: $194 adult / $154 child

• 7 Choices: $219 adult / $174 child

• 10 Choices: $289 adult / $239 child

Pro Tip: The more attractions you choose, the better the per-attraction value. The 10-choice pass costs just $29 per attraction versus $42 per attraction for the 2-choice option.

Explorer Pass vs. Competition: Why It Wins

New York Explorer Pass vs. NYC CityPASS

FeatureExplorer PassCityPASSAttractions100+ options8 fixed optionsFlexibilityChoose any combinationMust visit 5 of 8Validity60 days9 daysPrice (5 attractions)$169$138CustomizationFull controlLimited choice

Explorer Pass vs. All-Inclusive Pass

FeatureExplorer PassAll-InclusiveBest ForFlexible travelersAttraction marathonersPressure LevelLow - 60 days to useHigh - consecutive daysValuePay for what you useUnlimited but time-limitedRecommended ForFirst-timers, familiesSpeed tourists

"If it was our first time in NYC and we wanted to cram all the major attractions into 3-5 days, we'd get the all-inclusive pass. But we would buy the explorer pass if we only wanted to see a select few expensive things like two observation decks and Big Bus because it would be more cost effective." - Where Are Those Morgans

Spotlight: Edge at Hudson Yards

One of the Explorer Pass's crown jewels is Edge at Hudson Yards – the Western Hemisphere's highest outdoor observation deck. Here's why it's worth experiencing:

What Makes Edge Special:

• Height: 1,100 feet above ground (100th floor)

• Glass Floor: Walk on transparent panels suspended over the city

• Angled Platform: Unique 80-degree angle extends 65 feet from the building

• 360° Views: Unobstructed panoramas of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and beyond

• Photo Opportunities: Instagram-worthy shots you can't get anywhere else

Edge Experience Highlights:

• Sky Steps: Climb exterior stairs for the ultimate thrill

• Champagne Bar: Premium drinks with premium views

• Less Crowded: Newer attraction means smaller crowds than Empire State Building

• Modern Design: State-of-the-art facility with smooth entry process

"Edge is definitely worth visiting for the unique views and experience, but I wouldn't recommend paying extra for the express pass—it only saved around 10 minutes in the lift queue." - TripAdvisor Review

Who Should Buy the Explorer Pass?

Perfect For:

✅ First-time NYC visitors wanting flexibility
✅ Families who need to pace themselves
✅ Museum lovers who want to linger
✅ Photography enthusiasts seeking multiple viewpoints
✅ Business travelers with scattered free time
✅ Budget-conscious tourists wanting guaranteed savings
✅ Repeat visitors focusing on missed attractions

Not Ideal For:

❌ Speed tourists trying to see everything in 2-3 days
❌ Free activity lovers who prefer parks and street exploration
❌ Spontaneous travelers who dislike planning
❌ Single attraction visitors (just buy individual tickets)

Insider Tips for Maximum Value

Strategic Planning:

1. Choose expensive attractions first - Observation decks, tours, and cruises offer best value

2. Make reservations early - Popular attractions like Empire State Building require advance booking

3. Visit attractions geographically - Cluster nearby experiences to save time and transport costs

4. Use the app - Download Go City app for real-time availability and mobile tickets

Money-Saving Hacks:

• Sign up for newsletters - Get additional 5% discount codes

• Book 60 days ahead - Prices increase closer to travel dates

• Avoid peak seasons - Summer and holidays have highest prices

• Mix with free activities - Balance paid attractions with free experiences like Central Park

Timing Strategies:

• Weekday mornings - Shorter lines at major attractions

• Late afternoon - Best lighting for observation deck photos

• Off-season visits - Better availability and lower prices

• Book sunset slots early - Most popular times sell out quickly

What's NOT Included (But Worth Knowing)

Major Omissions:

• The Metropolitan Museum of Art - Pay-what-you-wish for NY residents

• Summit One Vanderbilt - Newest observation experience (not on any pass)

• Broadway Shows - Separate ticket purchase required

• Statue of Liberty Crown Access - Special security clearance needed

Additional Costs to Consider:

• Food & Drinks - Not included at attractions

• Transportation - NYC subway/taxi separate

• Parking - Not included except at select attractions

• Premium Experiences - Some attractions charge extra for VIP access

Booking Your Explorer Pass

Step-by-Step Purchase:

1. Visit official website - Only buy from authorized sellers

2. Select your choice number - Based on planned activities

3. Download Go City app - Essential for reservations and entry

4. Make attraction reservations - Book popular experiences immediately

5. Plan your itinerary - Cluster geographically similar attractions

Important Booking Notes:

• 2-year validity before activation - Don't worry about exact travel dates

• 365-day refund policy - Full refund on unused passes

• Mobile tickets only - Ensure phone battery stays charged

• One-time entry - Can't revisit same attraction (except Empire State Building day/night with CityPASS)

Real Visitor Experiences

"Definitely worth the price! With a 7 day pass (9 trip including travel time), My daughter and I "saved" $562 with our 2 passes." - TripAdvisor Reviewer

"The New York Explorer Pass is worth the money if you use it towards observation decks, tours, bike rentals and sightseeing cruises. These expensive attractions create large savings." - Travel Blogger Review

"It's perfect for chill people who don't like to plan too much and want flexibility during their NYC trip." - Explorer Pass User

The Bottom Line: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely – if you're strategic about it. The New York Explorer Pass delivers genuine value when you:

• Choose high-value attractions (observation decks, tours, cruises)

• Plan efficiently to maximize your selections

• Take advantage of the 60-day flexibility

• Mix expensive experiences with the pass and free activities separately

Best Value Scenarios:

• Observation deck lovers: All 4 major decks = $170+ value for $144 (4-choice pass)

• Museum enthusiasts: 5 major museums = $150+ value for $169 (5-choice pass)

• Tour takers: Big Bus + 2 walking tours = $130+ value for $109 (3-choice pass)

When to Skip It:

• Only want 1-2 attractions

• Prefer completely free exploration

• Visiting during peak times when reservations are impossible

• Have less than 3-4 days in NYC (All-Inclusive Pass better)

Ready to explore NYC like a local while saving like a savvy traveler? The New York Explorer Pass removes the stress of high attraction costs while giving you the flexibility to discover the Big Apple at your own pace. From the thrilling heights of Edge to the cultural treasures of world-class museums, your NYC adventure awaits.

Book your Explorer Pass today and transform your New York experience from expensive to extraordinary.

Have you used the New York Explorer Pass? Share your experiences and money-saving tips in the comments below!