New York Explorer Pass 2 to 10 Attractions

Observation decks above Manhattan

Seeing New York from above is a highlight of any visit, and the pass list usually includes several of the city's observation decks. Choices often range from the classic Art Deco towers of Midtown, with views of Central Park and the Empire State Building, to the modern glass decks of the west side and Lower Manhattan, some with outdoor terraces or glass floors high above the streets.

Each deck shows the city from a different angle, so many travellers pick one by day and another at sunset. Check the digital guide for the current list and for the decks that require a time reservation. If you want to know the best time to visit a New York observation deck, sunset gives the most dramatic light, but early mornings are quieter.

Harbour cruises and the Statue of Liberty

The pass list typically includes sightseeing cruises in New York Harbor, a relaxing way to see the skyline and the Statue of Liberty from the water. Cruises sail past the towers of Lower Manhattan, out towards Liberty Island and Ellis Island, and often under the Brooklyn Bridge on the East River, with live commentary about the city's history.

A harbour cruise is a great choice for families and for days when you want to rest your feet while still sightseeing. Most leave from piers in Midtown or at the southern tip of Manhattan. For the best photos of the Statue of Liberty, sit on the side of the boat facing the statue as the cruise heads south, and bring a light jacket for the breeze.

Museums and exhibitions

New York is one of the world's great museum cities, and the pass list covers a wide range: art museums with world-famous collections, science and natural history museums, the historic aircraft carrier museum on the Hudson River, and interactive exhibitions that appeal to children and teenagers. Some include special exhibitions or shows, depending on the attraction.

Choosing a museum is a good way to balance a busy itinerary, especially on rainy or very hot days. Check opening hours in the digital guide, as many museums close one day a week and some require advance time slots. Plan two to three hours for a large museum, and combine nearby attractions to save travel time.

Guided sightseeing tours

Alongside the attractions, the pass list also features guided sightseeing tours, such as bus tours of the main districts and themed tours of neighbourhoods like Lower Manhattan, Midtown and Brooklyn. These are a good way to understand the layout of the city on your first day and to hear stories about the places you will visit later.

With passes of four choices or more activated by 4 January 2027, you also receive a bonus two-day hop-on hop-off bus tour, which links many of the city's landmarks and makes moving between attractions easier. If you choose the default three-attraction pass, consider including one tour to get your bearings before visiting the decks and museums on your own.

How to choose your attractions and plan your visit

The Explorer Pass is designed for travellers who know what they want to see. Start by listing the places that matter most to you, then pick the number of choices that fits your stay: two or three for a short city break, five to seven for a week, ten for a long visit. Booking a pass with more choices usually works out better value per attraction.

Your pass is delivered digitally with a guide that explains how to reserve time slots where needed. Group attractions by area to save time: Midtown decks and museums one day, Lower Manhattan and a harbour cruise another. The best time to visit New York is spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and the parks are at their most beautiful.