Are you looking to explore the culture of the Big Apple without breaking the bank? Look no further than the NYC Borough Pass! With this pass, you can gain access to some of the city’s top cultural attractions for one bundled price. Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or just looking for a fun day out, the NYC Borough Pass has got you covered. So what are you waiting for? Let’s start exploring!
The Apollo (©Kate Glicksberg/NYC & Company)
A New Way to Explore New York City’s Boroughs
“A few years back, I was on my lunch break walking down Fifth Avenue, and I got stuck behind a family of four that was being led by a tour guide,” Chief Stewardship Officer of NYC Borough Pass, John Marshall, told us. “The guide was pointing out places of interest, and the father, easily the most excited member of the group, exclaimed, “There’s so much to do!” The guide responded, “Yes, everything is on Fifth Avenue.” My immediate internal reaction was, “Dude! There’s a whole world off of Fifth Avenue.” That moment inspired me to find a way to connect travelers to that world.”
The list of included attractions and activities was carefully curated to cater to cultural enthusiasts who want a more in-depth look at New York City. “In order to be considered for inclusion, experiences must either a) be in a borough outside of Manhattan or b) uplift the stories of cultures, people or places that represent NYC,” Marshall explained.
New York Botanical Garden (©Tagger Yancey IV / NYC & Company)
Admission to all of the attractions on the pass website is included; however, some of the locations are actually free to enter. In those cases, a suggested donation is already built into your NYC Borough Pass, so make sure to “redeem” the pass at entry so that the location can receive the donation, It doesn’t cost visitors anything extra, but it definitely helps the attractions stay afloat. “Museums are often underfunded institutions, and that impacts their operations, facilities and staffing,” Marshall said of the suggested donation program. “Museum staff are some of the most dedicated and resourceful people I’ve been around, but they can only do so much. When pass holders redeem at a museum, they’re helping to ensure that the museum can still operate and serve the community. Suggested donations exist to ensure that there isn’t an economic barrier to entry, but anyone who can afford the suggested amount should pay at least that amount.”
The NYC Borough Pass is a fun and unique way to enjoy new areas of the Big Apple that visitors might be unaware of initially. “The best feedback we’ve gotten for the pass is that people weren’t aware of so many of the experiences that are included,” Marshall told us. “That’s the whole point of this product – to show travelers and locals that there is no one way to experience New York City.”
(Courtesy Museum at Eldridge Street)
