Difference between GoCity New York Explorer Pass and New York Essentials Pass

What is the difference between the Go New York Explorer Pass and the New York Essentials Pass? The main difference between these two discount passes is that with the Explorer Pass, you have much more choice of attractions and sights, while with the Essentials Pass, you choose from a smaller list. Below, I will tell you more about the differences between these two discount passes.

Go New York Explorer Pass vs. New York Essentials Pass

With the GoCity Explorer Pass, you choose how many attractions you want to visit with the pass. There is a pass for 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 10 attractions. To fill these attractions, you can choose from a list of 100 attractions and tours, with 30 days to visit them from the first time you use the discount pass.

The New York Essentials Pass is more limited. With this pass, you choose 1 observation deck from a list of 4 options, and 2 attractions from a list of 9 options. This pass is also valid for 30 days from first use.

How do the passes work?

With both passes, you choose which attractions to visit, although with the Essentials Pass, the options are more limited due to the set choice of attractions included.

The Essentials Pass gives you access to a total of 3 attractions, and with the Explorer Pass, you have the option of 2  up to 10. You can visit each attraction once with both passes.

After purchasing your pass, you’ll receive a QR code by email. This is the same for both passes. You can print the QR code or show it on your phone to access the attractions in New York.

What can you do with the passes?

With both the Explorer Pass and the Essentials Pass, you can visit several key attractions in New York. For example, with both passes you can visit the Empire State Building, the 9/11 Museum and take a boat trip.

The primary difference between the two passes is that with the Explorer Pass, your choices are significantly greater. With the Essentials Pass, you have a total of 13 attractions to choose from, while with the Explorer Pass, there are 100.

In addition, the Essentials Pass allows you to visit only one observation deck, while the Explorer Pass allows you to visit several. So if you want to go to Top of the Rock AND Edge, for example, you can’t do this with the Essentials Pass, but you can with the Explorer Pass.

Pass prices

To properly compare the prices of the two passes, it is fairest to look at the price of the Explorer Pass for 3 attractions. After all, this allows you to do as many things as the Essentials Pass.

Just remember that with the Explorer Pass for 3 attractions, you have more to choose from than with the Essentials Pass, which gives this pass a clear added value.

The price per attraction of the Essentials Pass: $31
The price per attraction of the Explorer Pass with 3 attractions: $40

Which pass should I buy?

Here are the benefits of the Go New York Explorer Pass and the New York Essentials Pass:

Go New York Explorer Pass

• With the Explorer Pass, you can choose from 100+ attractions and tours.
• You will have the opportunity to visit several observation decks.
• Popular attractions such as the Hop-on Hop-off bus, Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Ferry and Madame Tussauds are included in this pass.
• Reservations can or must be made for some attractions.

New York Essentials Pass

• The opportunity to visit three of New York’s top attractions.
• An inexpensive option if you want to visit exactly those sights that fall within the pass.
• Reservations can or must be made for some attractions.

Buy the New York Explorer Pass here