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

Planning a trip to New York City can feel overwhelming—so many iconic sights, neighborhoods, and experiences. The New York Pass promises to streamline your visit, providing access to over 100 attractions with one digital pass, all while saving you money. We’ve taken a close look at what this pass offers, and here’s what you need to know before you buy.

What we love about this experience? First, the ability to skip the hassle of buying individual tickets for each attraction is a big plus—saving time and often reducing stress. Second, the diversity of included experiences means you can tailor your trip to your interests, whether you’re into art, history, or sky-high views.

One thing to consider is that some attractions require advance reservations, which can add a layer of planning to your trip. Also, reviews indicate that while many users find good value, there can be hiccups like long lines or technical issues with booking.

This pass suits travelers who want a flexible, economical way to hit the highlights of NYC without the fuss of planning every detail separately. It’s best for those who enjoy organized sightseeing, want to maximize their time, and are comfortable with some pre-trip planning.

Key Points

• The pass covers more than 100 attractions, including major landmarks and museums.
• It offers flexible durations from 1 to 5 days, making it adaptable to different trip lengths.
• Reservations are often required—be sure to plan ahead to avoid lines or missed experiences.
• It’s a good value for those who plan to visit multiple sites, with some reviews noting the ability to skip lines at certain attractions.
• The pass includes easy-to-use digital access via the Go City app, simplifying trip planning.
• Some reviewers mention technical or booking frustrations, so patience and early planning are recommended.
• The experiences are diverse, from sky-high views to museums, boats, and unique neighborhoods—ideal for a comprehensive NYC experience.
• The pass is not inclusive of food, drinks, or optional upgrades, so budget accordingly.
• The average rating of 4.0/5 reflects broad satisfaction, tempered by occasional booking hurdles.

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary and Attractions

The Empire State Building

Starting with a true New York icon, the Empire State Building offers panoramic views that can stretch up to 80 miles on a clear day. Standing tall since the 1930s, it’s one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, and a must-see for first-timers. The pass includes admission tickets, allowing you to skip the long lines—although with a caveat: reservations are required, and you cannot reserve for sunset hours.

Reviewers mention that visiting after sunset is highly recommended for stunning city lights, even if it means a bit of extra planning. Expect about 3 hours for this stop, including time to enjoy the views, take photos, and soak in the atmosphere.

One World Observatory

Perched 102 stories above the city in Lower Manhattan, the One World Observatory delivers a modern, interactive experience. The SkyPod Elevator whisks you to the top in 47 seconds, where panoramic views of Manhattan, New Jersey, and beyond unfold. The interactive displays about NYC’s culture and finance make this more than just a viewpoint.

Lines may form for a designated time slot, so arriving early or later in the day might help beat the crowds. Expect about 2 hours for this visit, and don’t forget—it’s included in the pass.

The Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

No trip to NYC is complete without a ferry ride to Lady Liberty and Ellis Island. The pass grants access to the ferry, but note it doesn’t include entry to the pedestal or crown—these require separate tickets. The ferry ride is about 4 hours, covering the journey there and back, plus time to explore Ellis Island’s immigration museum.

Many reviews highlight the importance of advanced reservations for this activity, so plan ahead. While some find the experience moving and iconic, others mention long waits, so early start is advisable.

Top of the Rock

Offering arguably the best panoramic views of NYC, Top of the Rock is a favorite among visitors. Its location provides a stunning view of the Empire State Building and the city skyline. It’s suitable for day or night visits, though lines may require waiting for a time slot. About 2 hours should suffice, giving you plenty of time to take photos and enjoy the scenery.

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum

This deeply respectful site offers a somber but important perspective on recent history. The Memorial Pools and the Museum’s artifacts create a reflective atmosphere, honoring those lost. Expect about 2 hours, including time to walk around the pools, read exhibits, and absorb the ambiance.

Lines can form, so arriving early or late can improve your experience. Many visitors find it a moving and essential part of their NYC visit.

Edge NYC

The newest high-rise on the block, Edge NYC features a glass platform 100 stories above the city, with incredible views and sleek architecture. Reservations are necessary, but you can book at kiosks outside the entrance. It’s an exhilarating experience, especially on clear days when you can see miles in every direction.

Art and Cultural Museums

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), Guggenheim, and American Museum of Natural History offer world-class collections. The pass includes tickets, but head to the ticket desk to secure a time slot. Reviewers love MoMA’s iconic masterpieces and the Guggenheim’s unique spiral design.

The Natural History Museum features the blue whale and dinosaur skeletons, appealing to families and science buffs alike. Expect about 2-3 hours at each, giving plenty of time to explore.

Unique Experiences and Neighborhoods

Beyond the iconic sights, the pass includes cruises with Circle Line, visits to historic neighborhoods like Harlem and Chinatown, and cycling tours through Central Park. These add layers of local flavor and variety to your trip.

The Brooklyn Bridge walk and DUMBO exploration are high points for photographers and architecture lovers. Many reviewers mention that walking across the bridge offers great photo opportunities and a real sense of the city’s scale and history.

Offbeat and Adult-Only Attractions

For something different, the Museum of Sex showcases sexuality’s history in a tasteful, artful way—though it’s adults-only. Similarly, the Skyscraper Museum and Fashion District tours provide insight into NYC’s architectural and cultural evolution.

The Bus Tours

The Big Bus and The Ride NYC tours are popular, especially if you prefer to relax while someone else navigates. The hop-on hop-off system allows maximum flexibility, but reviews suggest that some bus routes may be suspended during events like pride parades.

Special Tours & Seasonal Experiences

From Harlem jazz nights to boat cruises on the Staten Island Ferry or Tall Ship rides, the pass offers options for every interest. Many travelers appreciate the guided tours that bring NYC’s neighborhoods and history to life, and the interactive elements like VR experiences and photography galleries add a modern touch.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of the Pass

• Reserve in advance for popular attractions, especially the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, and museums like the Natural History Museum.
• Use the Go City app to check operating hours, reserve time slots, and plan your itinerary. Many reviews mention that some attractions don’t offer a true “skip the line” experience, so early reservations help.
• The pass is valid for one year from purchase and activated on your first visit, so don’t rush to use everything if your trip is a few months off.
• Be prepared for lines at some attractions—arriving early or late can help avoid crowds.
• Budget extra for food, drinks, and optional upgrades. While the pass covers entrance fees, meals and souvenirs are on your own.
• The group size is limited to 15 travelers, keeping experiences intimate and manageable.

Who This Pass Fits Best

This pass is perfect for organized travelers who want to see a lot in a short time without the hassle of buying tickets individually. If you’re okay with some planning and potential waiting, you’ll find it cost-effective and efficient.

It’s also ideal for families, couples, or solo explorers eager to explore a broad range of attractions—museums, stunning vistas, neighborhoods, and boat rides—at a discount. If you’re the type who likes to “hit the highlights” and enjoy flexibility, this pass will serve you well.

However, if your style is more relaxed or you prefer spontaneous visits without reservations, some attractions might be less enjoyable, and the process could be frustrating.

FAQ

Does the pass include transportation within NYC? No, the pass covers entrance to attractions, but transportation to and from these sites isn’t included unless specified.

How do I get my tickets? Your digital pass is delivered immediately after purchase through the Go City app, which you can access on your phone for easy scanning.

Are there any attractions I need to reserve in advance? Yes, many, including Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Museum of Natural History, and some tours, require reservations via the app or kiosks.

Can I visit attractions more than once? No, each attraction can only be visited once with your pass.

What if an attraction is closed or unavailable? You should check the Go City app for updates. Attractions may change, and some may be temporarily closed due to renovations or special events.

Is the pass valid for multiple days? Yes, you can choose a 1 to 5-day pass, activated on your first visit, and it remains valid for that number of consecutive days.

Can I upgrade my pass for special experiences? Some attractions offer upgrades, but these are sold separately and aren’t included in the pass.

What should I do if I have technical issues with my pass? Contact the customer service via the email provided or through the app for assistance.

Is this a good value? For travelers planning to visit numerous major sights, the pass often provides significant savings compared to purchasing tickets individually, especially if you take full advantage of multiple attractions.

Final Thoughts

The New York Pass offers a practical way to see a broad swath of what NYC has to offer, from towering skyscrapers to engaging museums. Its biggest strength is the convenience of one digital ticket for over 100 attractions, combined with the potential for skipping lines at popular sites—valuable timesavers in a city that never sleeps.

It’s best suited for organized visitors, those who enjoy planning ahead, and want to make the most of their time and money. While some reviews highlight booking frustrations or long waits, careful planning and early reservations can significantly improve your experience.

For a trip focused on covering all the iconic sights without the hassle of individual ticket purchases, this pass provides solid value and variety—a true all-in-one ticket to the Big Apple.

Additional Information

• Price: $164 per person (for a 1-day pass; longer durations offer more flexibility)
• Duration: Valid for 1 to 5 days, depending on your choice
• Includes: Digital pass, Go City app, and access to 100+ attractions
• Not Included: Food, drinks, optional upgrades, transportation (unless specified)
• Customer Feedback: Mixed reviews with praise for value and views, but some frustrations with booking and queues

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned NYC explorer, the New York Pass can be a handy tool—just remember to plan ahead to avoid missing out on the best experiences this vibrant city offers.