New York Pass: Empire State Building and 100+ Things To Do

Navigating New York City can feel like trying to find your way through a concrete jungle without a map. Thankfully, the New York Pass offers a practical solution: access to over 100 top attractions with a single digital ticket, available for 1 to 5 days at roughly $164 per person. We’ve tested this pass from the perspective of travelers who want to see the highlights without breaking the bank or wasting precious time waiting in lines.

What we love about this experience? First, the ease of planning—all your tickets and reservations are in one place via the Go City app, saving you from juggling multiple tickets. Second, the significant savings—buying individual tickets for major sights like the Empire State Building or MoMA would add up quickly, making this pass a smart choice for budget-conscious explorers.

However, a few considerations are worth noting. Some attractions require advance reservations, and the process can sometimes be tricky—especially if you’re not familiar with how to book or check availability, as several reviews point out. Also, lines for timed entries at popular spots like the One World Observatory or 9/11 Memorial can still be long, so flexibility and early planning are key.

This pass suits travelers who want an intensive, flexible exploration of NYC’s best-known sights. If you’re comfortable with some pre-trip planning, and you’re eager to maximize your time and budget, this experience could be your perfect companion.

Key Points

• Ease of Use: All tickets in one digital pass, accessible via the Go City app, streamlining your planning.
• Cost Savings: Significant discounts compared to purchasing individual tickets for major attractions.
• Flexible Duration: Choose a 1 to 5-day pass to match your itinerary and pace.
• Reservation Requirements: Many attractions need advance bookings, which can sometimes be frustrating.
• Variety of Sights: From iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building to cultural treasures like MoMA and the Natural History Museum.
• Crowd Management: Lines still form for popular sites; planning ahead is essential.

In-Depth Look at the Itinerary and Experience

The Empire State Building: Iconic Views from Above

Starting your adventure, the Empire State Building is a must-see. With panoramic vistas stretching up to 80 miles on a clear day, you’ll see everything from Central Park to New Jersey, and beyond. The experience of heading up to the 86th or 102nd floor is unforgettable, and the glass observation decks provide perfect photo ops.

That said, reservations are required, and you can’t reserve for sunset hours with your pass—so, we suggest visiting after sunset to enjoy the city illuminated. One reviewer, Cecilia, mentioned trouble booking on a Sunday, leading to lost time. This highlights the importance of planning your visit early and making sure you’re familiar with the Go City app or digital guide.

One World Observatory: A 102-Story Perspective

Next, in Lower Manhattan, the One World Observatory offers a sleek, high-tech experience with interactive displays and toured talks led by knowledgeable ambassadors—think of it as a glimpse into New York’s cultural and financial heartbeat. The SkyPod elevator whisks you to the top in 47 seconds, a feat of engineering that’s as fun as it is quick.

However, you will need to wait in line for a timed slot, which can sometimes be lengthy. Several reviews mention the challenge of booking tickets on the spot, so early reservation through the app is advised.

Lady Liberty and Ellis Island: An American Symbol

A visit to the Statue of Liberty is often the highlight for first-time visitors. This tour includes the ferry ride and a chance to marvel at Lady Liberty up close. Keep in mind, the ticket doesn’t include access to the pedestal or crown—those require separate purchase. The ferry ride itself is scenic, and the museum on Ellis Island offers moving stories of immigrants’ journeys.

Reservations are essential, and the process can be tricky if you don’t plan ahead. A reviewer, Yvonne, was disappointed to find the statue closed to her due to late reservation issues, underscoring the importance of booking early.

Top of the Rock: Best Views in NYC

The Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center offers perhaps the most iconic skyline views, especially with the Empire State Building perfectly framed. Whether you visit during the day or at night, the vistas are impressive. Like other popular spots, you’ll need to line up for a time slot, so early planning is recommended. Many travelers, including Brent, praised its stunning scenery and convenient location.

the 9/11 Memorial & Museum: A Respectful Reflection

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum provides a sober, emotional experience. The reflecting pools and artifacts display stories of resilience and loss. You’ll find it a place for quiet reflection and remembrance. As with other attractions, reservations are needed, and some reviews mention long wait times, so arriving early is beneficial.

Edge NYC: Sky-High Thrills

For those craving a thrilling view, the Edge in Hudson Yards is a recent addition to NYC’s skyline. The glass platform extends outward, offering a breath-taking panorama of the city below. Reserve your slot outside the entrance kiosk and plan for about two hours here. Many visitors find it to be a “wow” experience, especially since it’s the tallest outdoor sky deck in NYC.

Art, Culture, and Museums Galore

From the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) to the American Museum of Natural History, the pass covers many cultural treasures. At MoMA, you’ll see masterpieces from artists like Picasso and Warhol, while the Natural History Museum invites exploration of fossils, taxidermy, and the giant blue whale.

The Guggenheim’s unique spiral architecture by Frank Lloyd Wright is a highlight, and the Whitney Museum showcases contemporary American art. Many reviews praise the quality of these collections and the ease of getting tickets with the pass, though some note that heading to the ticket desks can involve waiting.

Unique Experiences and Tours

The pass also grants access to several guided tours and cruises, such as the Circle Line cruises and Harlem bike tours. These add a lively, hands-on dimension to the sightseeing, offering different perspectives—by water, foot, or bike—on NYC’s neighborhoods and skyline.

Neighborhoods and Offbeat Attractions

You can explore neighborhoods like Little Italy, Chinatown, or Williamsburg, or visit specialized museums like the Museum of Sex or Museum at Eldridge Street. These add flavor and insight into the city’s diverse culture, though some require reservations, so planning ahead is key.

Reviews and Authentic Perspectives

The wealth of reviews paints a balanced picture: many travelers, like Marc, found the pass “very easy to use” and appreciated how it allowed them to structure their days efficiently. Others, like Cecilia, faced frustrations with booking and long lines, emphasizing the importance of early reservation.

Several reviews highlight value for money—paying roughly $164 for a multi-day pass that grants access to attractions costing much more individually is a smart move if you plan your days well. Conversely, some found the reservation process cumbersome, especially without a US phone plan or data, which could hinder last-minute planning.

Practical Tips for Maximizing Your Pass

• Plan early: Use the Go City app to schedule your reservations for attractions that require a time slot.
• Arrive early: For popular sites, beating the crowds means shorter wait times.
• Prioritize: Decide which attractions are must-sees and book those first.
• Flexibility: Keep some wiggle room for changing plans, especially if weather or crowd levels shift.
• Check the app regularly: Attraction availability and opening hours can change, and the app provides the most current info.

Who Should Consider This Pass?

If you’re visiting NYC for several days and want to cover a wide range of attractions—skyline views, museums, iconic landmarks, neighborhoods, and guided tours—the New York Pass offers great value. It’s particularly suitable for organized travelers comfortable with pre-planning and reservations.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or dislike the idea of booking in advance, some disappointments with wait times and reservation hassles might arise. Also, if your trip is short—just a day or two—you’ll need to choose your attractions wisely to get the best bang for your buck.

Final Thoughts

The New York Pass is a powerful tool for making the most of your NYC trip. It simplifies access to many of the city’s most famous sights and offers significant savings, especially if you’re an active explorer. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy planning ahead and want to avoid the hassle—and expense—of buying individual tickets for each attraction.

But it’s not a magic bullet; some attractions will require patience and early reservations, and long lines can still be part of the experience. If you’re prepared to organize your days, this pass can unlock a fantastic variety of experiences, from stunning skyline views to world-class museums and lively neighborhoods.

In summary, this pass suits those eager to see the best of NYC efficiently and affordably. Just remember, a little pre-trip planning goes a long way toward making your adventure smooth and memorable.

FAQ

Do I need to make reservations for each attraction?
Many attractions, such as the Empire State Building, One World Observatory, and 9/11 Memorial, require advance reservations. You can do this via the Go City app to secure your preferred times.

Can I visit the attractions at any time within the validity period?
Your pass is valid for 1 to 5 days after activation and must be used within one year of purchase. Once activated, each attraction visit is limited to once, and some are subject to availability and reservation slots.

Is the pass worth it for just a one-day visit?
It depends on your priorities. If you plan to see multiple major sights in one day, the pass can save money. But for a single attraction, it might be better to buy tickets individually.

What should I do if I have trouble booking or need help?
The Go City digital guide provides instructions, but some reviews mention booking challenges. It’s advised to plan your reservations early and contact customer support if issues arise.

Are there any attractions not included?
Food, drinks, transportation, and some upgrades are not included. Also, some attractions are optional paid upgrades, like access to the crown of the Statue of Liberty.

How crowded are the popular sites?
Long lines can still occur, especially at top attractions like the Empire State and Top of the Rock. Arriving early or late in the day can help avoid some crowds, as can early reservations.

In the end, the New York Pass is a valuable resource for travelers eager to see a lot of the Big Apple in a short time. With some planning and flexibility, you can enjoy an enriching, worry-free trip packed with iconic sights and unforgettable moments.