New York CityPASS®: Save up to 41% at 5 Top Attractions

Traveling to New York City is like stepping into a living postcard, packed with iconic sights, buzzing neighborhoods, and countless stories waiting to be uncovered. The New York CityPASS® offers a convenient way to experience this vibrant metropolis, giving you access to 5 must-see attractions for $154 per person. Over the course of 9 days, you can take your time soaking in the views, wandering through museums, and enjoying the city’s energy at your own pace.

What makes this pass especially appealing? First, it saves you up to 41% compared to buying individual tickets, which adds up when you’re planning a busy itinerary. Second, the flexibility to change your reservation times—sometimes even at the last minute—means you can adapt on the fly, crucial for unpredictable weather or spontaneous discoveries.

That said, a potential consideration is that some attractions—like the American Museum of Natural History—may require you to wait in line to exchange your pass for actual tickets, which could eat into your sightseeing time. Still, for those who value ease and cost savings, this pass is a solid choice. It’s best suited for first-time visitors who want to hit the highlights without stress and appreciate having their sightseeing organized and paid for upfront.

Key Points

• Significant savings of up to 41% on five major attractions.
• Flexible scheduling allows you to change your visit times, even on the same day.
• Includes popular sights like the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, and the American Museum of Natural History.
• Enjoy the convenience of instant mobile ticket delivery and easy access.
• A great value for first-time visitors who want a curated experience without the hassle of individual bookings.
• Some attractions may require waiting in line to exchange your pass for tickets, so plan accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the New York CityPASS®

What’s Included and How It Works

The CityPASS offers entry to five top attractions across New York, with options to customize your experience by choosing three additional sights from a list of popular destinations like the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Circle Line Cruises, or the Guggenheim Museum. The core package includes access to the Empire State Building’s 86th Floor Observatory—plus an American Museum of Natural History visit that includes over 40 galleries and an additional ticketed exhibit or show.

We loved the simplicity of mobile tickets—just scan your phone at each site—making the process quick and hassle-free. The 9-day validity means you can spread out your visits, perfect for travelers who want to avoid the rush and really enjoy each location. The bonus same-night Empire State Building entry adds a special touch, offering a chance to see the city lit up after sunset—a view that never disappoints.

Visiting the Major Attractions

Empire State Building: Standing in line here can be the biggest time sink. The “AM/PM Experience” lets you visit twice—once during the day and once at night—giving a fuller experience of the city’s skyline. Reviewers praise the stunning views and the ability to reschedule if weather turns sour.

Top of the Rock: Located at Rockefeller Center, this deck provides panoramic views of Manhattan, including the Empire State Building. Many visitors like how accessible and less crowded it feels compared to the Empire State, with flexible ticketing allowing last-minute adjustments.

American Museum of Natural History: For many, this museum is a highlight—filled with impressive dioramas, dinosaur skeletons, and space exhibits at the Hayden Planetarium. Some reviews note that waiting in line to exchange the pass for tickets can be a minor frustration, but others appreciate the value of included access to so many galleries.

Ferry to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: You get a single ferry ride with audio guides and access to the Statue of Liberty Museum and Ellis Island Immigration Museum. Be aware, Crown and Pedestal access are not included, but the views from the ferry and the museums are well worth it.

Additional Choices: You can select three attractions or experiences from options like the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Circle Line Cruises, or the Guggenheim. Many reviews highlight the ease of scheduling these visits through the app, though some mention lines at the American Museum of Natural History to exchange tickets.

What to Expect: Planning and Practicalities

The CityPASS app is your best friend—allowing you to view attraction details, make reservations, and keep track of your schedule. Many reviews commend the ease of booking and the flexibility to change your plans, even last-minute, which proves invaluable amid NYC’s spontaneous vibe.

Since transportation isn’t included, you’ll want to budget for subway or bus fare and consider walking—many attractions are within easy reach of each other. The recommended packing list includes comfortable shoes, water, and a daypack—especially for a full day of sightseeing. The inclusion of printed or digital tickets means you avoid ticket lines, most of the time.

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Authenticity and Value

Travelers consistently praise the value for money, highlighting that the cost savings often outweigh the initial investment, especially when visiting multiple sites. As one reviewer notes, “This Citypass offered us the ability to experience all the main things we wanted to see while being able to save a bit of money at the same time.” Others appreciate the pre-booking system that skips long lines—a real plus during busy seasons.

A notable advantage is the ability to adapt the schedule—some reviewers, like Laresa, mention that changing times was easy, and they missed no attractions. On the flip side, the waiting lines at the American Museum of Natural History to convert passes are a minor inconvenience, but not a dealbreaker for most.

How It Compares to Other Options

This pass is well-suited for those who want a curated experience with organised access. Reviews indicate that many travelers find this more cost-effective and less stressful than buying tickets individually. Alternative passes like the Explorer Pass or NYC Summits may offer different options, but the simplicity of the CityPASS—five attractions with flexible timing—remains a strong selling point.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re visiting NYC for the first time and want to maximize your experiences without breaking the bank, this pass is a winner. It’s perfect for short trips—as reviews suggest, it suits those who are planning a quick, intense sightseeing spree.

However, if your plan involves more than five attractions or special access (like the Crown at Statue of Liberty), you might want to explore additional options or add-ons. Still, for most newcomers eager to see the highlights—Empire State, Top of the Rock, the Museum, and the ferry—the CityPASS provides great value and convenience.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

In our view, the New York CityPASS® hits the sweet spot between cost savings, convenience, and authentic experiences. It’s a practical choice for those who want to see the best of NYC without hassle, especially with the included skip-the-line privileges and flexibility. Many travelers appreciate that they can customize their itinerary and avoid the stress of ticket purchases or long waits.

While some attractions might involve waiting in line to exchange your pass—and the American Museum of Natural History can be a bit crowded—the overall experience is positive and value-packed. The stunning viewpoints from Top of the Rock and Empire State alone make this worth considering, along with the ease of access to iconic sights.

For first-time visitors, families, or those pressed for time, the CityPASS offers a well-organized, money-saving way to experience New York’s highlights. It’s not just about ticking boxes but about enjoying each moment—and that’s what counts when you’re exploring a city as lively and unpredictable as NYC.

FAQ

Does the pass include transportation?
No, transportation is not included. You’ll need to budget for subway, bus, or taxi fares to get from one attraction to another.

Can I change the times for my reservations?
Yes, many reviews mention the flexibility to change appointment times, sometimes even last-minute, which is a major plus.

Are all attractions accessible with the pass?
Most attractions are included, but some, like the Statue of Liberty Crown, are not. Also, at the American Museum of Natural History, you’ll need to wait in line to exchange your pass for tickets.

How long is the pass valid?
You have 9 consecutive days from first use to visit your five attractions, giving you plenty of time to plan around your schedule.

Is the pass good for families with children?
Yes, children under certain ages can use the Infant Free Ticket, but some attractions may require separate tickets for kids, so check ahead.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, water, lightweight clothes, a packed lunch, and a daypack are recommended for a full day of exploration.

To sum it up, the New York CityPASS® offers a practical, cost-effective way to see the city’s highlights, especially for first-timers eager to avoid planning stress. Its emphasis on convenience, savings, and flexibility makes it a strong choice for those looking to make the most of their NYC trip without the fuss. Whether you’re aiming for iconic views, world-class museums, or a glimpse of history, this pass can be your ticket to a memorable adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: