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

Visiting New York City is like stepping into a live postcard—iconic landmarks, bustling streets, and endless energy. The New York CityPASS® offers a straightforward way to experience five major sights while saving a significant chunk of change. We’ve looked into this ticket package based on countless traveler reviews, and here’s what you need to know to make the most of it.

What immediately catches the eye is how convenient and flexible it is—instant mobile delivery, nine days to use the tickets, and the ability to adjust reservations. Many travelers appreciate the cost savings of up to 41%, especially since it covers some of the city’s most famous landmarks. The only catch? Some attractions, like museums, may require advance booking or face-to-face scheduling, which can be a slight hassle for tight schedules. This pass is perfect for first-timers or travelers wanting to maximize their time and budget.

This tour package suits those who enjoy self-paced exploration, value convenience, and want to skip long lines. If you’re a bit of a planner or love the idea of an all-in-one ticket that covers the essentials, then the NYC CityPASS is well worth considering.

Good To Know

• Significant Savings: Up to 41% off on five major attractions.
• Flexible Use: 9 days to activate and use all tickets.
• Mobile Convenience: Tickets delivered instantly and accessible via app.
• Includes Top Sights: Empire State, Natural History Museum, Top of the Rock, Statue of Liberty ferry, and more.
• Reservation Options: Easy to rebook or amend times, with some attractions allowing last-minute adjustments.
• Ideal for Short Trips: Perfect for travelers with limited time who want to see the highlights.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What’s Included and How It Works

The NYC CityPASS grants entry to five attractions, carefully selected for their popularity and iconic status. It’s a straightforward way to avoid the hassle of buying separate tickets, especially during busy seasons when lines can stretch for blocks.

Once purchased, your tickets are accessible via a mobile app or the official website. Present your mobile ticket at each attraction for quick scanning, avoiding long ticket lines. Many reviewers highlight how easy and stress-free this process is. For example, travelers mention that the instructions are clear and that staff at most attractions are helpful, making the entire experience smooth.

You get to choose which three attractions from a list that includes options like the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Top of the Rock Observation Deck, and the Intrepid Museum. This flexibility is handy, especially if weather or personal interest shifts your plans. Some reviewers, like Dawn from the UK, appreciated this aspect but noted that museum visits sometimes required lines or reservations that weren’t entirely clear upfront.

The Attractions: What You Can Expect

Empire State Building Observatory

The Empire State Building remains a staple of New York’s skyline. With your AM/PM Experience, you gain entry to both the 86th Floor Observatory and the 2nd Floor Museum. Plus, there’s the chance for a bonus same-night visit if you time it right—great for experiencing the city by day and night.

Reviewers like Laresa from the US appreciated the “really well-organized” ticket system, which let her change the time when weather disrupted her plans. The views from the observation deck are genuinely stunning, offering a 360-degree panorama of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and beyond. For many, it’s the highlight of the trip.

American Museum of Natural History

This museum is a true crowd-pleaser, especially if you’re travelling with kids or dinosaur enthusiasts. Your entry covers permanent exhibits across over 40 galleries, from the iconic giant blue whale to impressive dinosaur fossils. You can also choose one ticketed special exhibit, the Davis Family Butterfly Vivarium, a giant-screen film, or the Hayden Planetarium.

Travelers frequently mention how booking ahead can make entry faster—particularly for popular exhibits—and that you can spend hours wandering through the vast halls. Some reviewers, like Joshua from the US, noted that other attractions allowed direct entry, but the museum’s check-in process still moved smoothly, with some waiting in line for ticket exchange.

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Top of The Rock Observation Deck

Situated atop Rockefeller Center, this observation spot offers arguably the best view of Central Park and Lower Manhattan—a must for photo ops. Many visitors, including those reviewed by Simon from the UK, appreciated the easy booking and flexibility to reschedule if weather was uncooperative.

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

This ferry ride, operated by Statue City Cruises, gets you close to the iconic statue and into the historic Ellis Island Immigration Museum. Keep in mind that Pedestal and Crown access are not included. Reviewers like Alexander from the UK raved about the knowledgeable guides and well-organized trip, noting that the weather can impact the experience, but the overall trip is worth it.

Additional Options

You can also choose from 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Circle Line Cruises, and the Intrepid Museum. Many reviews highlight how booking reservations in advance really helped, especially for attractions like the Circle Line cruises, which offer different routes and sunset options.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of Your Pass

• Plan ahead: While some attractions offer flexibility, others might need reservations or specific times, so scheduling early can save stress.
• Use the app: Downloading the My CityPASS® app allows you to reserve times, view details, and make modifications easily.
• Prioritize your must-sees: With nine days, you have plenty of time, but it’s still good to have a rough itinerary to avoid feeling rushed.
• Be prepared for lines: Some attractions, especially museums, may require waiting for tickets or reservations, so arrive early or during off-peak hours.
• Bring comfortable shoes: Expect a lot of walking, especially around outdoor observation decks and museums.

Authentic Experiences and Hidden Gems

Reviewers often mention the knowledge of guides on the ferry trips or at attractions, making the experience more enriching. Several appreciate the ability to change reservations last-minute, which is invaluable if weather turns or plans shift unexpectedly.

For instance, Dawn from the UK found the American Museum of Natural History somewhat tricky due to the line, but overall, the flexibility and ease of use made the trip enjoyable. Others highlight the stunning daytime and nighttime views from the Empire State and Top of the Rock, which give a new perspective on the city.

Price and Value Analysis

At $154 per person, the CityPASS isn’t the cheapest ticket option but offers considerable savings—up to 41%—compared to purchasing individually. When you factor in the cost of tickets like the Empire State or the museum, it quickly adds up.

Travelers consistently mention that booking in advance and the convenience of digital tickets makes this a worthwhile investment, especially if you plan to visit multiple attractions. The ability to skip lines and reschedule adds to the value, particularly for first-time visitors eager to tick off major sights without wasting precious time.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

• First-time visitors to NYC who want an overview of top sights without the hassle.
• Travelers on a tight schedule who want to maximize their sightseeing in 9 days.
• Families or groups looking for a cost-effective way to visit multiple attractions.
• Those who appreciate flexibility and convenience, especially with mobile tickets and rescheduling options.

Final Thoughts: Is the CityPASS Worth It?

In summary, the New York CityPASS is a solid choice for those who want to see the city’s highlights without breaking the bank. The flexibility and ease of use are major pluses, according to reviewers who appreciated how it simplifies planning. While some attractions may require advance booking or face-to-face adjustments, these minor inconveniences are outweighed by the time saved in queues and the cost savings.

If you’re a traveler who loves efficient sightseeing, values convenience, and wants a balanced mix of iconic landmarks and cultural sites, this pass provides excellent value. It’s especially perfect for first-timers eager to cover the essentials and those who prefer a stress-free experience.

FAQ

Does the CityPASS include transportation?
No, transportation is not included. You’ll need to arrange your own travel between attractions.

Can I use the tickets on any day within the 9-day period?
Yes, the tickets are valid for nine consecutive days starting from your first use, giving you flexibility.

Is the CityPASS suitable for visitors with limited mobility?
Yes, the pass is wheelchair accessible, and most attractions are accessible as well.

Will I need to book time slots or reservations?
Some attractions, like the Empire State Building and museums, may require reservations or face-to-face scheduling, so plan ahead.

Can I use the pass for multiple visits to an attraction?
No, the tickets are valid for one-time entry per attraction within the validity period.

How do I get my tickets?
Tickets are delivered instantly via email or mobile app, ready to be scanned at each attraction.

Is the pass good for children or infants?
Infants can enter for free if you select the INFANT FREE TICKET, but some attractions might require that children over certain ages have their own tickets.

Can I change the dates or times if I need to?
Yes, many travelers, like Laresa, found the process easy and appreciated the ability to change appointments.

What happens if the weather is bad?
You can reschedule many reservations or choose alternative attractions, as the pass offers flexibility for weather-related issues.

To sum it up, the NYC CityPASS stands out as a practical, value-packed option that makes exploring New York more manageable and enjoyable. With thoughtful planning and a bit of flexibility, you’ll be well on your way to creating memorable city adventures.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby