New York CityPASS®

When planning a trip to the Big Apple, the idea of fitting in all the iconic sights can feel overwhelming. The New York CityPASS® promises to streamline your experience by bundling admission to some of the city’s most famous attractions at a discounted rate, giving you nine days to enjoy them at your own pace. While this pass is popular among travelers looking to maximize their time and savings, it’s worth examining the details to see if it truly fits your style of exploring.

Two things we really appreciate about the CityPASS are the convenience of mobile tickets valid for nine days and the ability to skip long lines at popular spots. These features can save you precious time in a city where every minute counts. On the flip side, some travelers report frustrations with ticket reservations and the need for pre-planning, which might be a hassle if you prefer spontaneous adventures. This pass is best suited for visitors who want to hit major highlights without the stress of buying individual tickets each time—especially if you’re planning to visit multiple attractions across several days.

Key Points

• Valid for nine days from the first use, offering flexibility
• Includes skip-the-line access to major NYC sights
• Offers discounted entry to five main attractions, plus options for three more
• Ideal for travelers who want to plan ahead and save money
• Not including transportation or certain upgrade options
• Best suited for those comfortable with pre-booking or reservations

What’s Included and What’s Not

The CityPASS® offers a thoughtfully curated selection of five core attractions, with the option to add three more depending on your interests. It’s a straightforward way to experience the highlights without the hassle of buying tickets on the spot. The inclusions are: the Empire State Building, American Museum of Natural History, Top of the Rock, 9/11 Memorial & Museum, and a Statue of Liberty ferry ride. Plus, you can choose three additional attractions from options like the Guggenheim Museum, Circle Line Cruises, Intrepid Museum, or more.

However, keep in mind that transportation to and from attractions isn’t included**, and certain upgrades like Crown access to the Statue of Liberty are not part of the package. If you’re considering visiting these special areas, be prepared for additional costs. Also, some reviews mention that the pass does not include some premium experiences, which might require extra tickets directly purchased at the site.

The Itinerary: What You’ll Experience

1. Empire State Building
This is a classic start, and the AM/PM Experience combines a visit to the 86th-floor observatory with a peek at the 2nd Floor Museum. You’ll get a panoramic view of Manhattan—worth the early wake-up or evening visit. The inclusion of bonus same-night general admission is a nice touch, though some find the crowds at peak times challenging.

2. American Museum of Natural History
A favorite among families and science buffs alike, this museum offers over 40 galleries featuring everything from dinosaurs to gems. The ticket includes access to a special exhibition of your choice, the Davis Family Butterfly Vivarium, a giant-screen film, or the Hayden Planetarium—which can be a highlight, especially if you’re into astronomy. Reviewers praise the well-organized exhibits but note that a full visit can take up to four hours if you want to see everything.

3. Top of the Rock
Offering a different perspective on the city skyline, this observation deck is located at Rockefeller Center. Many appreciate its less crowded atmosphere compared to the Empire State Building, and the views of Central Park are stunning. Expect about three hours for a leisurely visit.

4. 9/11 Memorial & Museum
A somber but important stop, this site honors those lost and provides a space for reflection. The general admission grants access to the pools and the memorial museum. Reviews mention the powerful exhibits but also advise setting aside around three hours to fully absorb the experience.

5. Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
This ferry ride is a highlight for many, offering close-up views of Lady Liberty and the chance to explore the Statue of Liberty Museum and Ellis Island’s Immigration Museum. Keep in mind that pedestal and crown access are not included, but the ferry and audio guides are. The whole trip usually takes about three hours.

6. Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises
A great way to see Manhattan from the water, the Landmarks Cruise or Liberty Midtown Cruise offers iconic views like the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge. It’s a free included activity but does require timing coordination.

7. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
This museum appeals to those interested in military and space history, with exhibits like the Space Shuttle Pavilion and a historic submarine. It’s a lively experience, taking about three hours to see thoroughly.

8. Guggenheim Museum
This architectural marvel by Frank Lloyd Wright is as much a work of art as the collections inside. The general admission lets you explore the collection, and the daily architecture tour adds insight into this iconic building. Access via your mobile device makes it easy to navigate.

Visitor Experience and Practicalities

Many reviewers highlight the ease of booking and the flexibility of the nine-day validity. For instance, some praised how easy it was to modify plans and how the pass helped them hit all their must-see sights efficiently. One user commented, “Very easy to organise time slots and amend when necessary,” which is key when traveling in a busy city.

However, some travelers encountered frustrations. Several reviews mention difficulty with reservations or unexpected technical issues, like the “get tickets” option not working smoothly. One reviewer noted that the pass did not specify that reservations needed to be made beforehand, leading to confusion. This suggests that pre-planning is essential to maximize the pass’s benefits, especially at popular attractions.

The cost of $154 per person might seem steep initially, but when you consider the price of individual tickets for these high-profile spots, the pass often offers significant savings. For example, the Empire State Building alone costs around $50, and the Museum of Natural History is about $23. Add in tickets to the Statue of Liberty and the other attractions, and the pass can easily pay for itself if you’re visiting multiple sites.

Most travelers find the skip-the-line feature particularly valuable, especially during peak tourist season when lines can stretch for hours. The convenience of mobile tickets — which are valid for nine days — allows for a relaxed itinerary, spreading out the attractions across several days.

What to Keep in Mind

While the CityPASS is generally praised for good value and convenience, it’s important to plan ahead. Make sure to reserve time slots where necessary, especially for attractions like the Empire State Building or the 9/11 Museum. Some reviews suggest that buying individual tickets at each location might be easier if you prefer last-minute decisions.

Also, consider your interests. If you’re a museum lover, the American Museum of Natural History and Guggenheim offer enriching experiences. For iconic views, the Empire State and Top of the Rock provide contrasting perspectives. Water-based sightseeing and the Statue of Liberty round out the experience, giving a well-rounded taste of what makes New York City special.

Who Will Enjoy This Pass?

This package is perfect for first-time visitors wanting to cover the major highlights without the hassle of purchasing multiple tickets. It’s also a good fit for families or groups aiming for a cost-effective way to see the city’s top spots. Travelers who value time-saving features like skip-the-line access will find this especially useful. However, those who prefer spontaneous plans or are on a very tight budget might prefer to buy tickets individually or select specific attractions.

Final Thoughts

The New York CityPASS® offers a practical, money-saving way to view the city’s most iconic sights, especially if you prefer a structured plan. Its nine-day validity provides flexibility, and the skip-the-line tickets save you from long waits. While some users report reservation challenges, most agree that the overall value justifies the upfront cost.

If your goal is to see key landmarks without the hassle of organizing every ticket on the fly, this pass can be a real help. Just remember to plan ahead, reserve where necessary, and enjoy the convenience of exploring NYC at your own pace.

This pass is especially useful for those who want a balanced mix of museums, iconic views, and water tours—and who are comfortable with a bit of pre-trip planning. For the savvy traveler, it’s a great way to make the most of your time and money in the city that never sleeps.

FAQ

Does the CityPASS® include transportation?
No, transportation to and from attractions isn’t included, so you’ll need to plan your travel separately.

Are the tickets valid for consecutive days?
No, the tickets are valid for nine consecutive days starting from your first use, giving you flexibility to spread out your visits.

Can I upgrade my tickets?
Some attractions may offer additional upgrades available directly at the site, but these are not included in the pass.

What if I want to visit attractions not on the list?
The pass is designed for specific attractions, so visits outside the package are not covered and will require separate tickets.

Are mobile tickets easy to use?
Yes, most travelers report that mobile tickets are straightforward, and you can present them on your device for quick entry.

What happens if I need to cancel?
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once purchased.

Is it worth it if I only plan to visit a few attractions?
Probably not. The real value comes when you visit multiple included sites, making the pass a cost-effective choice for busy sightseeing days.

In short, the New York CityPASS® is a practical, well-designed tool for ambitious visitors eager to see the highlights efficiently. With some pre-planning, it’s an excellent way to carve out a memorable NYC adventure without breaking the bank.