New York CityPASS

New York CityPASS is a handy way to bundle five major sights into one plan: the Empire State Building Observatory and American Museum of Natural History are fixed, then you choose three more. I like the nine-day window, which gives you room to spread out visits, and the mix of skyline views, museums, and harbor outings.

The pass is listed from $163.90, and can save money if you choose attractions you would otherwise pay to enter separately. One catch: some visits require advance reservations, and a pass does not erase every queue. Plan ahead, especially for the ferry and popular observation decks.

At a glance

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• Two attractions are set: Empire State Building Observatory and American Museum of Natural History.
• Choose three more: Options include Top of the Rock, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island ferry access, Circle Line cruises, Intrepid Museum, the Guggenheim, Edge, and the Whitney.
• Use the pass over nine consecutive days: The clock starts when you scan into your first attraction, not when you buy the voucher.
• Reserve key visits early: The Empire State Building, 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Statue ferry, Circle Line, and Intrepid require reservations.
• Mobile tickets keep things simple: The My CityPASS app provides tickets, attraction details, and reservation access.
• Transport is not included: You’ll still need to get between sights on your own.

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How the five-attraction pass works

Think of CityPASS as a compact sightseeing plan, not an all-access ticket to New York. It covers five admissions: the Empire State Building Observatory, the American Museum of Natural History, and three attractions you select from the available choices. You visit each included attraction once, with the notable exception that the Empire State ticket includes a same-night return admission.

That mix suits a first visit. You get two major anchors, then decide if the rest of your days should lean toward city views, museums, or a boat ride. The flexibility is useful, but it does not mean every attraction is automatically booked at the time you buy the pass. Check reservation requirements and secure time slots as early as you can.

The voucher can be used within 365 days of purchase. Once you scan it at your first attraction, the pass is active for nine consecutive days, including that first day. That longer window is generous for a short city break, but it is still a countdown, so avoid activating it on a day when you only have time for one quick stop.

Empire State Building, twice in one day

The Empire State Building Observatory is one of the two fixed visits, and it comes with a useful twist: general admission to the 86th Floor Observatory and the 2nd Floor Museum, plus a same-night general admission. You can see the city in daylight, then return later to watch the lights come on. If you value changing views more than adding another museum, this is a strong part of the pass.

The observatory is a classic New York stop, but the skyline has more than one worthy perch. That is why it helps to think about your optional choices before booking. Top of the Rock, Edge, and the Empire State Building all offer elevated views, but each uses one of your three choices. Pick more than one only if comparing different angles is part of the fun for you.

Reservations are required for the Empire State Building. Check current opening details and book a time that leaves room for your other plans. The pass gets you admission, but it does not make the day’s timetable disappear.

American Museum of Natural History, with an extra choice

The American Museum of Natural History is the other fixed attraction. Admission includes the permanent Museum Halls and one additional option: a special exhibition, the Davis Family Butterfly Vivarium, a film, or the Hayden Planetarium Space Show, depending on availability. That extra inclusion can make the museum visit feel less like a basic entry ticket, though you should confirm what is available on your date.

This is a substantial museum, so give it the time it deserves. It sits at 200 Central Park West, making it easy to pair with time around Central Park rather than treating it as a quick stop between far-flung sights. You can choose a few halls that interest you most instead of trying to cover the whole building in one go.

Children aged 0 to 2 enter free. For older children, check the attraction’s current ticket rules and how the pass handles admission, since some venues may require a separate child ticket at the main ticket line.

Pick three: harbor, history, art, or another skyline

The choice of three additional attractions is where CityPASS becomes personal. Here’s what each option adds, and what to consider before spending one of your limited selections.

Top of the Rock Observation Deck gives you another city-view stop at Rockefeller Plaza. It is a natural choice if you want to compare the skyline with the Empire State Building, or if a second observatory suits your schedule. It is popular, so check availability and plan ahead.

9/11 Memorial & Museum offers a deeply affecting visit focused on the September 11 attacks and their aftermath. General admission is included, but the museum asks for a reservation. Set aside enough time to visit thoughtfully, and consider how this emotionally weighty stop will fit into the rest of your day.

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island is the pass’s most involved outing. It includes one Statue City Cruises ferry ride to and from Liberty Island and Ellis Island, audio guides, the Statue of Liberty Museum, and the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. Crown tickets and pedestal access are not included, so those hoping to climb higher should look into those separately. The ferry departs from Battery Park in Manhattan or Liberty State Park in New Jersey, and reservations are required. Check the departure point and schedule before you go.

Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises includes one regularly scheduled Landmarks Cruise, Liberty Midtown Cruise, or Liberty Super Express Cruise. Choose a sailing that fits your day and departure pier, either Pier 83 in Midtown or Pier 16 at South Street Seaport. A boat trip gives your feet a break while letting you see the city from the harbor, but it is still a scheduled activity, not a hop-on, hop-off transport service.

Intrepid Museum includes general admission to the museum, the Space Shuttle Pavilion, the submarine Growler, the Kamikaze experience, and temporary exhibitions. It is a good pick if aircraft, space exploration, or naval history appeal to you. Reserve in advance, and check the opening schedule so you do not spend one of your pass days arriving when it is closed.

Guggenheim Museum covers general admission to the collection and special exhibitions, a free daily architecture tour, and a digital guide. The building itself is a major part of the visit, so this is a good choice if you enjoy both art and architecture. The museum is on Fifth Avenue, near Central Park.

Edge Observation Deck & Immersive Experience adds another viewpoint to the list. If you choose Edge, think about whether you want several observation decks or would rather use one of your limited selections for a museum or boat outing.

Whitney Museum of American Art is also included as an option. It gives you a chance to focus your pass on art rather than using all three choices for city views and sightseeing. Check the museum’s current admission details and hours before settling on your schedule.

The real savings depend on your choices

At a starting price of $163.90, the pass is most compelling if you plan to visit several included attractions that you would otherwise buy separately. CityPASS advertises savings of up to 51 percent, but your own result depends on the attractions you select, current individual ticket prices, and whether you actually use all five admissions. Do a quick comparison before buying, particularly if you already have free or discounted access to any of the museums.

The value is not only about the price. A single mobile pass means fewer separate ticket purchases, and you can use the nine-day period without cramming every visit into a day or two. That flexibility is especially helpful in New York, where attractions are spread across different parts of the city and travel between them takes planning.

Still, do not mistake bundled admission for a line-free guarantee. The pass can save you from buying an individual ticket at each counter, but some venues have timed reservations, security checks, or other entry procedures. Keep your reservation details and QR codes easy to reach. If you buy for a group, make sure you can access each person’s ticket in the app or other ticket account you are using.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is not among the listed options. If it is high on your list, budget for it separately and compare the CityPASS price with a different pass or individual tickets.

Plan the days by neighborhood, not by ticket list

New York CityPASS does not include transport, so build your itinerary around geography. The American Museum of Natural History and Guggenheim are both on the Upper East or Upper West side of Central Park area, while the Statue ferry and 9/11 Museum are downtown. The Intrepid and Circle Line’s Pier 83 are on the west side of Midtown. Grouping nearby stops helps you spend more time at the sights and less time crossing town.

The nine-day validity gives you room to leave gaps between major visits. That matters because the Statue ferry, a large museum, and an observation deck each take a different kind of time and energy. Avoid stacking several demanding attractions into one day just because the pass allows you to use it often.

Check operating hours and reservation availability before finalizing the order. Hours and sailing schedules vary by attraction, and not every option will have a slot that suits your preferred day. The My CityPASS app is the practical place to review ticket details and make reservations where required.

Mobile tickets and the small print

You receive a digital voucher after purchase, and the pass activates when you scan it at your first attraction. You can use the My CityPASS app or visit my.citypass.com to access tickets, attraction information, and reservations. At each included stop, your mobile ticket is scanned for entry.

A little preparation can prevent a frustrating pause at the entrance. Reserve the Empire State Building, 9/11 Museum, Statue of Liberty ferry, Circle Line cruise, and Intrepid Museum ahead of time. Keep your phone charged, and save ticket or reservation information where it is easy to retrieve if you have trouble loading a webpage on site.

The pass is for the same person throughout its validity and allows one visit to each attraction. Children aged 0 to 17 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Some attractions offer free admission to young children, with age limits that differ by venue, and may require you to collect a child ticket at the main ticket line. Check the relevant attraction’s rules before you arrive.

The voucher is refundable before redemption under the stated terms, but once you have used a ticket or visited an attraction, refunds are not available. In other words, compare your plans and make reservations before activating the pass.

Who should book New York CityPASS?

I’d consider CityPASS if you’re visiting New York for the first time, want to see several headline attractions, and can commit to five visits within nine consecutive days. It works particularly well for families or small groups who want one digital ticket system and the freedom to choose a mix of museums, skyline views, and harbor outings.

It is less useful if your plans are built around attractions that are not included, if you only want one or two paid sights, or if timed reservations make your schedule feel too rigid. The pass offers a strong menu, not every New York landmark. Pick your three optional attractions with care, reserve the popular ones early, and check the math against current individual prices.

If the Empire State Building and American Museum of Natural History already fit your plans, the pass gives you a straightforward way to add three more major stops. If those two are not on your list, compare other attraction passes before you buy.

FAQ

How many attractions does New York CityPASS include?

The pass includes five attractions. The Empire State Building Observatory and American Museum of Natural History are included, and you choose three additional attractions from the available options.

How long is the pass valid after I start using it?

It is valid for nine consecutive days, including the day you first use it. The voucher itself can be redeemed within 365 days of the booking confirmation date.

Do I need reservations?

Yes, reservations are required for the Empire State Building Observatory, 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Statue of Liberty ferry, Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, and Intrepid Museum. Reserve as early as possible because capacity may be limited.

Does the pass include transportation between attractions?

No. Transport between attractions is not included. The pass covers admission to the selected attractions only.

Can I visit an attraction more than once?

Each attraction can be visited once. The Empire State Building ticket also includes a same-night general admission, as part of that attraction’s included AM/PM experience.

Are Statue of Liberty crown tickets included?

No. The pass includes ferry access to Liberty Island and Ellis Island, audio guides, and admission to the Statue of Liberty Museum and Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. Crown tickets and pedestal access are not included.