Everything you need to know about The New York Pass®

Exploring the Big Apple? A New York Pass is your ultimate sightseeing sidekick, helping you save money while hitting all your must-see attractions!

By <a href="#author-bio">Alice Padfield</a>
By Alice Padfield
Published: April 23, 2025
new york attractions collage with 100+

Exploring the Big Apple? A New York Pass is your ultimate sightseeing sidekick, helping you save money while hitting all your must-see attractions 

Plus, with our extensive lineup and range of pass options, you’ll discover some hidden gems along the way too! 

Here’s everything you need to know about using a pass, from activation to pro tips for making the most of your visit. 

How does the New York Pass® work? 

First things first: what is The New York Pass?  Well, there are a few different pass types, but they’re all digital sightseeing passes which give you access to 100+ attractions and experiences across the city. 

Instead of buying individual tickets, you pay once and then use your pass to visit as many included experiences / choices as you like. Handy, right?

Buying & activating your pass

new york pass on a mobile phone

  1. Purchase online – buy your pass through our official website or app for the best price and dedicated customer service.  

  1. Download the app and sync your pass – your pass lives in the Go City app, making it easy to scan at attractions. You’ll get a magic link in your confirmation email to add your pass to the app. The app also contains key info about each attraction, including opening hours and reservation requirements (if there are any).  

  1. Activate your pass – your pass is activated when it gets scanned for entry at your first attraction, easy. 

Using your pass on the day

Using The New York Pass is as simple as showing your phone at the entrance of an attraction and staff there scanning the pass. Then you’re in! No more scrolling through months of emails for a load of individual e-tickets! 

Which attractions are included?

collage of NY attractions

With over 100 attractions, The New York Pass gives you access to some of the city's most famous landmarks, exciting experiences, and local favorites.  

Here are just a few highlights: 
 

Whether you're after stunning skyline views, world-class museums, or unique local experiences, you'll find plenty to explore and enjoy. 

Plan ahead to maximize your time 

trip planning tool image

NYC is big, and you don’t want to waste time stuck in the subway sweating any more than you have to. Group attractions by neighborhood to make your sightseeing more efficient. 

We know, we know, not everyone has that planning gene. If that’s you, then let our free trip planning tool do the scheduling for you. Just pick what you want to see and how many days you have, and it will map out your itinerary, show you how to get everywhere and collate all your attraction details in one place. Now you’ve really got no excuse!

Tips & tricks for making the most of your pass 

Want to get the most value out of your New York Pass? Here are our top insider tips to make your experience seamless.  

1. Start early 

Most attractions open around  9–10 AM. The earlier you start, the more you can fit into your day. Since your pass counts down in calendar days (if you have The New York Pass), activating it early means you’ll get the most sightseeing time possible. 

2. Check for reservations 

Some attractions (like the Empire State Building) require advance reservations. All the details on how to book are in the app, so be sure to check before heading out. 

3. Mix & match attractions 

Pair iconic experiences with hidden gems. Sure, you’ll want to see the Statue of Liberty, but why not also check out the Museum at Eldridge Street or St Patrick’s Cathedral?  A mix of famous spots and off-the-beaten-path attractions makes for a well-rounded trip. 

4. Use the app’s interactive map 

The Go City app has a built-in map showing nearby attractions, making it easy to plan on the go. If you find yourself with unexpected free time, check out what’s close by and make the most of your pass. 

5. Remember, it’s a numbers game! 

The more you see, the more you save—it’s that simple, with a New York Pass! To get the best value, aim to visit at least 2-3 attractions per day. A single attraction ticket in NYC can cost upwards of $40, so hitting multiple stops quickly adds up to huge savings. 

Reservations required? No problem! 

Some of NYC’s top attractions require reservations—but don’t worry, booking is easy via the Go City app and all the information you’ll need is in there. 

We’re kind of popular, but don’t just take our word for it…

Check out some of our Trustpilot reviews, taken from the Trustpilot website, accurate as of Wednesday, April 23rd 2025.
review from trustpilot

Trustpilot review left on the 21st March 2025

Trustpilot review left 13th March 2025

Trustpilot review left on the 13th March 2025

The bottom line 

Using The New York Pass is like having an all-access VIP pass to the city. With a little planning, an early start, and a strategic mix of attractions, you’ll get the most out of your pass and see the best of NYC. 

So, charge your phone, put on your comfiest shoes, and get ready to explore the city that never sleeps—all while saving big! 

 

Enjoyed this? Check out which travel apps will save you time and money or read our 7 days in NYC itinerary!

Step up your sightseeing with The New York Pass®. We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets. 

See more, do more, and experience more with The New York Pass® – just choose a pass to get started!  

Alice Padfield
Alice Padfield
Content Manager

Alice is a copywriter in the Content team at Go City®, where she combines her love for travel, literature, food and theatre to craft inspiring content for cultural explorers. From blog articles to TikToks, she creates engaging stories that help travellers uncover hidden gems and must-see spots in every city. Passionate about exploring new destinations, Alice shares her discoveries to help others curate unforgettable itineraries.

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Blog

The Best Spots to People Watch in NYC

If you think New York’s only attractions are its skyscrapers and pizza joints, think again. The real show in NYC is the constant parade of locals, visitors, artists, and dreamers weaving through its parks, plazas, and sidewalks. A cup of coffee in hand, an open park bench, and a front row seat to the city’s never-ending theatre—that’s our idea of sightseeing done right. We’re sharing our favorite spots to settle in and soak up real New York moments, offering not just a view but a vibe you won’t want to miss. Wondering where to start? Let’s go people-watch at these unforgettable locations.  Our favorite NYC people-watching spots include:  Central Park (especially Bethesda Terrace)  Washington Square Park  The High Line  Union Square  Times Square  Bryant Park  DUMBO and Brooklyn Bridge Park  Grand Central Terminal  Chelsea Market  Tompkins Square Park  Central Park (Bethesda Terrace & Mall)  It’s impossible to pick just one great spot in Central Park, but if you’re up for premium people-watching, Bethesda Terrace and the nearby Mall (the park’s promenade) deliver every time. On weekends, musicians fill the air with jazz and show tunes, street performers set up shop, and rollerbladers in rainbow outfits slalom among strollers and dog walkers. This stretch is also prime for admiring New Yorkers in their natural habitat: marathon runners, nannies airing out babies, artists sketching horse carriages, and children racing remote control boats on the pond.  Why do we love it? The sheer variety of characters means you’re never bored. Some visitors are twirling in wedding dresses for photos, while others pose with busking cellists or simply zone out on the steps. Grab a coffee and join the crowd—you might even get drawn into a spontaneous dance or chess match. The mix of tourists, locals, and performers creates a classic NYC buzz that will leave you energized.  Washington Square Park  Looking for classic New York energy? Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village is the place. Actors, chess hustlers, dog walkers, fashion students, and jazz quartets all share this historic square every day. The vibe shifts throughout the day: mornings bring dog playdates, afternoons fill the benches with guitar strummers and NYU students, and evenings are made for spontaneous dance parties or soap bubble artists by the fountain.  There’s always a conversation to overhear, a dance-off to witness, or a comedian auditioning for laughs. Picnic, people-watch, or just prop yourself on the fountain—Washington Square is where NYC feels both lively and laid-back at once.  Union Square  Crowds here pulse with New York’s trademark energy. The year-round greenmarket draws foodies, the chess area brings strategy lovers, and the open plaza fills with dancers, skateboarders, political rallies, and spontaneous performances. On any given day, you’ll catch a cross-section of NYC life: activists, artists, tech bros from nearby offices, buskers on guitar, and plenty of curious visitors.  Bring a snack from the market and let the parade unfold. Union Square’s constant motion guarantees you’ll never spot the same characters twice, making it our pick for urban energy at its best.  Times Square  Is it touristy? Absolutely. But for pure sensory overload, Times Square delivers. Stand on the red steps above the TKTS booth at dusk and you’ll feel like you’re inside a living postcard. Billboards flash, street performers in superhero costumes pose for photos, office workers rush to the subway, and wide-eyed visitors take it all in.  It’s a mashup of every city stereotype in one place—cosplayers, bucket drummers, theatergoers in sparkles, and families scanning for the M&Ms store. Grab a jumbo pretzel or a hot dog from a street vendor and settle in for a show that never stops.  Bryant Park  Central Midtown can be hectic, but Bryant Park brings a breath of fresh air—and all kinds of people—to its sunny lawn. In summer, lunchtime becomes a runway for fashionistas and business suits on break, while outdoor yoga classes stretch across the grass nearby. Winter brings the holiday market and ice skaters, making people-watching just as fun but with extra scarves.  The café tables are perfect for sipping a La Colombe latte while admiring elegant chess players, rollerbladers breezing by, or New Yorkers flipping through novels under plane trees. Plus, free events—like summer movie nights—mean the crowd is always in a good mood.  Grand Central Terminal  It’s rush hour, but in Grand Central, chaos comes with beauty. Look up at the famous celestial ceiling, but then watch the commuters—some racing for a train, others gliding with coffee and confidence, and travelers wheeling suitcases past snack kiosks. The whispering gallery beneath the archways is a hotspot for acoustic surprises (try it!). Pop into the Grand Central Market and observe city dwellers debating cheese.  The constant motion here proves why New Yorkers never miss a beat, making it a must-stop even if you’re not riding the subway.  Chelsea Market  This indoor food hall serves up winner people-watching alongside dumplings, tacos, and coffee. Wander the stalls to spot foodies sampling new cuisines, chefs teasing passersby with samples, and local office workers on lunch breaks. The industrial décor and communal tables encourage strangers to chat—making for prime eavesdropping opportunities.  Grab a lobster roll from Lobster Place or one of Fat Witch Bakery’s brownies and tuck in at a table. From local families to tourists awed by the neon-lit taco stands, the Chelsea Market scene is always evolving.  Tompkins Square Park  Nestled in the East Village, Tompkins Square Park is where NYU students, punk rockers, dog walkers, and street musicians all mix it up. The atmosphere here leans creative and a little rebellious—just what you’d expect in this neighborhood. Stroll by the colorful playground, pick a shady bench near the dog run, or wander the walking paths where artists and musicians hang out.  Pigeon feeders hold conversations with joggers, basketball players compete at the courts, and the nearby café Scene Tea offers great coffee for your bench-side spectating. Come for the counter-culture, stay for the inspiring cast of locals.    NYC’s greatest treasures are its people, and the best way to feel the city’s pulse is to claim a spot and watch the story unfold. From the sunny benches of Bryant Park to the bustling corners of Washington Square and the sky-high strolls along the High Line, every neighborhood gives you a new snapshot of life in the city. So pack a snack, pick a perch and get ready to experience the “real” New York—one fascinating character at a time.    Enjoyed this? Check out Brooklyn’s best bits, and get from the airport to the city in style.   Step up your sightseeing with The New York Pass®  We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.  See more, do more, and experience more with The New York Pass® – just choose a pass to get started! 
friends having a picnic in nyc
Blog

Blanket, Basket, Bliss: Where to Picnic in New York

When the sun’s shining and the city buzzes, nothing beats an outdoor picnic in New York. Whether you crave leafy lawns, skyline backdrops, or a breezy riverbank, NYC dishes up parks and green spaces that transform simple snacks into memory-making meals. We’re highlighting our favorite picnic spots across the five boroughs—with tips for what to bring, nearby foodie finds, and those little extra touches that make each park a distinct New York adventure. So pack your favorite eats and let’s plot your alfresco afternoon.  Our favorite picnic spots in NYC include:  Central Park  Brooklyn Bridge Park  The High Line  Prospect Park  Bryant Park  Hudson River Park (Pier 45 & Pier 96)  Governors Island  Fort Tryon Park  Domino Park  New York Botanical Garden  Brooklyn Bridge Park  Picnic with a view? Brooklyn Bridge Park nails it. This riverfront wonderland lines the East River with grassy lawns, long benches, and nighttime views that nearly upstage your sandwich. Roll out a blanket on Pier 1’s Harbor View Lawn—watch the boats zip past and snap that Manhattan skyline shot while you nibble.  What’s for lunch? Smorgasburg sets up just north on summer weekends, with taco stalls, donut carts, and food you’ll crave all year. Nearby, Fornino serves wood-fired pizzas right by the water, or grab ice cream at Ample Hills for dessert. Feeling active? Rent bikes, bring a frisbee, or stroll the waterfront promenades while you digest.  The crowd is as diverse as the city itself—families, couples, friend groups and plenty of friendly pups. The buzz is upbeat but not chaotic. Time your picnic for sunset and watch the city light up, picnic-style.  The High Line  For an urban picnic with altitude, head to the High Line. This elevated park weaves above Chelsea’s streets, serving up flowers, public art, and views you’ll definitely want to frame. Seating options run from wooden loungers to quiet benches tucked among wildflowers.  Want to keep it casual? Grab empanadas from Los Tacos No. 1 at Chelsea Market or pick up sandwiches at Breads Bakery. There’s no lawn to sprawl on, but the benches make for cozy picnic perches overlooking city streets and the Hudson River.  This spot feels like stolen city tranquility—just elevated. You’ll hear laughter and music drifting up from the avenue, mixed with bird calls and train whistles. It’s perfect for couples, solo adventurers, or friends sharing a simple meal with plenty to watch.  Prospect Park  Brooklyn’s laid-back heart beats in Prospect Park, where sprawling meadows circle forests, waterways, and gentle hills. It’s less touristy than Central Park yet just as welcoming—bring a basket, choose from Long Meadow or the lawns around the boathouse, and relax.  Nearby highlights include the local favorite, Lady Bird Bakery, for sweet treats, or grab Mediterranean fare from Olmsted To Go. Prospect Park’s spaced-out lawns let you picnic in peace, even on weekends. People bring dogs, guitars, and bocce balls; the vibe’s friendly but unhurried.  After lunch, tour the Brooklyn Botanic Garden or paddle a rowboat (rentals available in season). Whatever you do, linger—the park’s shady trees and big skies seem to slow the city down just for your picnic.  Hudson River Park (Pier 45 & Pier 96)  For waterfront lounging, Hudson River Park’s grassy piers deliver. Pier 45’s long lawn out in the river draws sunbathers and mellow music lovers. The breeze off the Hudson keeps things cool, and you’re right near the action-packed West Village when snack cravings hit.  Pick up bagels from Black Seed or sushi from Beyond Sushi before stretching out. At sunset, the skyline glows on one side, while strings of fairy lights flicker in the park. Over at Pier 96, you’ll find kayak rentals (in season) to work off your cheese and crackers.  Hudson River Park is perfect if you want a picnic with both space and city excitement just steps away. Bring friends, a board game, and let the river be your soundtrack.  Governors Island  Hop aboard a quick ferry and enter a world away—picnics on Governors Island mean breezy lawns, bike trails, and hammocks strung between trees. The car-free vibe instantly chills everyone out. Find open meadows along Picnic Point, shaded tables by the Liggett Terrace food court, or even climb up to the Hills for breezy skyline views.  Don’t feel like packing food? Try Taco Vista’s inventive tacos or Island Oyster’s lobster rolls with riverside seating and unbeatable views. There’s always an event—yoga classes, art installations, concerts—so you get a picnic, plus an experience.  Bonus: oversized yard games, artsy sculptures, and that “secret city escape” feel you won’t find anywhere else in NYC.  Fort Tryon Park  Perched on a bluff in upper Manhattan, Fort Tryon Park serves sweeping Hudson views and serene European garden vibes. Find a quiet spot in the Heather Garden (especially lush in spring) or spread out on lawns overlooking the Palisades.  Bring a baguette and cheese from nearby shops on Dyckman Street or visit New Leaf Cafe for picnic-friendly pastries and local brews. If you’re feeling cultural, check out The Cloisters museum—a medieval castle filled with art and quiet corners.  It’s peaceful, usually uncrowded, and full of hidden nooks and benches for your picnic feast. The views alone make the trek north worthwhile.  Domino Park  Williamsburg’s sleek riverfront park delivers picnic envy in full swing. Sit among art deco fountains, playgrounds, and rolling grass, all set against the backdrop of the Williamsburg Bridge and Manhattan skyline. There’s ample space to lounge, plus people-watching aplenty.  Wolf down tacos from Tacocina—set right in the park—or bring takeout from nearby Smorgasburg vendors. Butterbeer Bar is a must for a quirky dessert and a playful pick-me-up.  Domino Park is family-friendly, lively, and made for Instagram. Perfect for a casual meal before exploring the neighborhood’s shops and galleries.  New York Botanical Garden  Shake up your picnic routine and head up to the Bronx for the grand lawns and floral displays of the New York Botanical Garden. With 250 acres to explore, picnicking here feels extra special—think rolling grass, leafy shade, and the perfume of thousands of blooms.  After spreading out your blanket near the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden or in the designated picnic areas along Daffodil Hill, you’ll wonder why every lunch isn’t paired with a chorus of birds and a floral breeze. The ambiance here is infinitely peaceful—families and couples take things slow, soaking in garden beauty while nibbling sandwiches or treats from the garden café.  Packing your own goodies? Swing by Arthur Avenue beforehand, where you can grab Italian hero sandwiches, pastries, and fresh fruit—a picnic-worthy feast. If not, the Garden’s own Pine Tree Café offers everything from salads and artisanal pizzas to espresso and sweets, perfect for fueling a mid-day stroll.  Ready to Picnic in NYC?  From grassy lawns in Manhattan to breezy Brooklyn waterfronts and serene gardens in the Bronx, New York does outdoor dining with style. With every spot offering its own flavor of fun—whether it’s skyline views, live music, picnic tables or hammock naps—your only job is to pack your favorite bites, bring your sense of adventure, and enjoy a true NYC moment, one sandwich at a time.    Enjoyed this? Check out the spots to avoid in the city, and the top attractions to get some steps in!  Step up your sightseeing with The New York Pass®  We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.  See more, do more, and experience more with The New York Pass® – just choose a pass to get started! 
harry potter butterbeer experience
Blog

New York for witches, wizards and magic-obsessed muggles

New York might not have Diagon Alley (yet), but look closely, and the city is full of magic. From wizard-approved shops and Fantastic Beasts filming locations to old libraries, hidden symbols and enchanting attractions, this is a city that rewards the magically curious.
Alice Padfield
Alice Padfield

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