Explore New York with your best companion

Sightseeing is probably the number one reason to visit New York City. Naturally, you probably have a list longer than Santa’s, full of all the attractions and events taking place that you hope to tick off your bucket list. Eric from NewYork.co.uk has helped us to gather some invaluable advice, such as that it is more expensive to pay into each attraction on the day. Who wants to spend their precious time standing in the long queues too? Other than your passport, it is important to make sure that another important item is not missing from your suitcase, a discount pass. The New York Explorer Pass is the best way to start your holiday off, happy as Larry and stress-free.

A pass for everything

There are many different discounts passes available, which let’s be honest, can be a little overwhelming. However, I recommend the New York Explorer Pass because it offers many benefits and access to some of the Big Apple’s most famous attractions. Even better is the flexibility that it provides; simply plan your days according to your mood or in the pure Irish style, the weather. You don’t need to set your plans in stone with exact dates and times. You only pay a fixed amount for the number of attractions and with certain cruises a supplement of $10. Determine the number of attractions you wish to visit in advance and you're ready to go!

Explorer Pass Attractions

Your key to sightseeing New York City!

What can you do with the pass? A whole lot! With over 80 attractions to choose from, it’s best to start planning the different attractions, tours and activities you want to do and see before you go. To give you some inspiration and limit this overwhelming paradox of choice, let’s pick the top 7 most exciting things the New York Explorer Pass has to offer!

Hop on and Hop off the bus around the Big Apple

Start your first day off with a sightseeing tour on the Hop on Hop Off Bus. With the New York Explorer Pass you can redeem a classic 24-hour ticket from Big Bus. Take the Uptown and Downtown route on the first or second day to see Manhattan from a different perspective, learn exciting facts about the sights, and get familiar with the city for the days ahead. If you already know the streets and location of the sights, the rest of the stay will surely be a breeze!

Empire State Building - See the city of blinding lights

A visit to New York’s most iconic landmark, the Empire State Building is a must during your trip, especially for any first-timers! The view from the 86th floor is simply breathtaking. With extensive views before you of the bustling Midtown District, you will finally realise the sheer magnitude and density of the small island of Manhattan. Count the many skyscrapers and taxis from up here and admire the 360-degree panoramic views. I advise you to visit the Empire State Building at night for an even more impressive view. During the day you can visit the Top of the Rock also with the New York Explorer Pass. From here you can see Central Park in all its glory and wave at the Empire State Building.

9/11 Museum - a poignant site of remembrance

You can also use the New York Explorer Pass to visit the historic 9/11 Museum. It is a very touching place of remembrance for those who lost their lives in the 2001 terror attacks. The focal point of the museum is on the artefacts later found after the collapse of the iconic Twin Towers and the subsequential historical course of events and aftermath of this tragic day. The museum is very profound and tastefully carried out, with the memory of the victims always in the foreground.

By boat from the Hudson River to the East River

Manhattan is an island surrounded by water. It is a very special experience to see the skyline from an observation lookout, but also its surrounding waters; the Hudson River and the East River. Take the New York Explorer Pass aboard the Circle Line Landmarks boat tour to do a different kind of sightseeing tour. Among other things, you can see the Empire State Building from a new perspective, and admire the eye-catching Statue of Liberty on this boat tour.

Next stop - The Statue of Liberty!

If you prefer to have an up-close and personal view of the Statue of Liberty, you can also redeem a ferry ticket with the New York Explorer Pass. This trip consists of both a visit to Liberty Island and Ellis Island. It’s the perfect opportunity to take a selfie with Lady Liberty herself! The ferry will proceed to Ellis Island, the official entryway and final port of call before you return to Battery Park. Curious to trace your ancestors? There is a computer with official archives that allows you to do a little investigation.

Shop until you drop at Woodbury Common

What is a trip to New York without paying the shops a little visit? For big bargains on numerous high-end designer brands, Woodbury Common is your one-stop-shop. Located only one hour outside of Manhattan, the New York Explorer Pass includes a day trip to Woodbury Common. With your guaranteed seat on the bus, you will depart from ROW NYC Hotel and on request from Hotel Pennsylvania or Lexington Hotel. With a few different buses departing in the morning, return times are flexible, meaning you can maximise your stay to fill those empty suitcases before you return to Manhattan.

Hallelujah! Experience a gospel tour

Other than paying St. Patrick’s Cathedral an obligatory visit to light a candle, religion probably isn’t on the top of your list when visiting New York. Forget your traditional quiet Sunday mass and step into the inspiring world of energetic gospel soul. Another highlight of the New York Explorer Pass is the Gospel Tour in Harlem. Other than the gospel music, you will also learn more about the famous district, the culture and gain a deep insight into the community. Due to popular demand, you must reserve your seat early for this tour, as it has a limited number of seats available.

The proof is in the pudding as they say - The New York Explorer Pass is a true all-rounder when it comes to sightseeing in New York. Another plus is that the pass is valid for a full year from the date of purchase. Start planning your trip to New York today with the New York Explorer Pass.

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