You’ve probably been there. You are sitting on your couch, three browser tabs deep into a New York City itinerary, and you’re staring at a checkout screen for a Go City pass. The price for a family of four looks like a small mortgage payment. You start hunting for a new york explorer pass promo code because, honestly, paying full price in this city feels like a rookie mistake.
But here is the thing: most of those "90% OFF" sites you find on the first page of a random search are total junk. They are clickbait loops designed to make you click "Show Code" only to reveal a blank box or a code that expired when the iPod was still a thing.
I’ve spent way too much time testing these. Last year, I stood in the middle of Times Square trying to get a code to work while my kids complained about being hungry, and it was a mess. If you want a real discount on the New York Explorer Pass in 2026, you have to look where the actual travel nerds look.
Where to Actually Find a Working New York Explorer Pass Promo Code
Stop clicking on the coupon farms. They don't have the "secret" codes. The best way to shave 5% to 10% off the top is usually staring you in the face on the official Go City site, but we’re so conditioned to ignore pop-ups that we miss it.
- The Newsletter Trap (The Good Kind): If you open the site in an incognito window, you’ll almost always get a pop-up offering 5% off just for giving them your email. Use a burner email if you hate spam. That code arrives in about two minutes and it actually works.
- The "WINTER" Trick: Right now, in early 2026, the code WINTER is knocking an extra 10% off most passes. This is a seasonal play. They swap it to SPRING or SUMMER later in the year. It’s simple, but it stacks on top of the already discounted sale price.
- The Partner Codes: Real travel blogs—the ones that actually visit the museums—often have unique codes. I’ve seen ERICNYC5 and GO5LOVING work consistently for 5% off. It’s not a huge amount, but on a 10-choice pass, that’s a few extra pastrami sandwiches at Katz’s.
Is the Explorer Pass Even Worth It?
I get asked this constantly. "Should I get the All-Inclusive or the Explorer?"
Basically, the All-Inclusive is a marathon. You have to hit three or four attractions a day to make the math work. The New York Explorer Pass is for people who want to sleep in. You buy a set number of "choices" (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 10) and you have 60 days to use them.
You’ve got to be smart about what you pick, though.
If you use a choice on a $15 walking tour, you are losing money. Use them on the heavy hitters:
- The Edge: Usually $40+
- Empire State Building: $44+
- Top of the Rock: Around $40
- Big Bus Tours: These can be $70-$80 if you buy them on the street.
If your "per-choice" cost is $30 and you're visiting a $50 attraction, you’re winning. If you use it for the Museum of Sex (which is fun, don't get me wrong), just check the gate price first. Sometimes it's cheaper to just pay out of pocket for the smaller spots.
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The Costco and Groupon "Secret"
Don't sleep on Costco. Occasionally, they sell the 4-choice Explorer Pass for a flat rate that beats almost any new york explorer pass promo code you’ll find online. The catch is you have to be a member, and they don't always have them in stock.
Groupon is another story. You’ll see the pass on there, but read the fine print. Often, the "discount" on Groupon is the exact same as the sale price on the Go City website. There’s no point in adding a middleman to your transaction if the price is identical. Plus, the Go City app is actually pretty decent for managing your reservations, and sometimes third-party vouchers make the syncing process a headache.
Reservations are the Real Boss
Listen, having a promo code won't help you if you can't get in. In 2026, NYC is busier than ever. You cannot just rock up to the Empire State Building at sunset and expect to walk in because you have a digital pass.
You need to book your time slots.
Once you buy the pass—hopefully using a code like WINTER or the newsletter 5%—download the Go City app immediately. Link your pass. Then, go through the "Reservations Required" list.
- Liberty Island/Statue of Liberty: Book weeks out.
- 9/11 Memorial & Museum: Usually needs a day or two lead time.
- The Edge: Sunset slots go fast.
Actionable Steps to Save Money Right Now
If you are ready to buy, do this exact sequence to get the lowest price:
- Go Incognito: Open your browser in private mode.
- Sign Up: Grab that 5% newsletter code.
- Check the Banner: See if there is a site-wide sale (like the 10% off "Winter Sale").
- Test the Stacking: Put the pass in your cart and try the newsletter code. Sometimes they let you stack it on a sale price, sometimes they don't. If the newsletter code doesn't work, try GOPROMOCD or TRAVEL10.
- Compare to Costco: If you have a membership, check their site for the 4-choice pass. It is often the gold standard for value.
- Use High-Value Attractions: Save your pass choices for things that cost more than $35. Pay cash for the cheaper stuff.
NYC is expensive. There is no way around that. But there is a huge difference between being a tourist who gets fleeced and a traveler who knows how to work the system. Lock in your price, book your slots, and spend the money you saved on a better dinner in Hell's Kitchen.