New York CityPASS®

Planning a trip to New York City often means navigating a maze of tickets, lines, and expensive entry fees. The New York CityPASS® promises to make things simpler, offering a bundle that grants you access to some of the city’s most iconic sights at a discounted rate, valid over nine days. We’ve taken a close look at what this pass includes, what travelers are saying, and whether it’s worth investing in for your next NYC adventure.

What we particularly like about the CityPASS® is how it consolidates entry to top attractions like the Empire State Building and the American Museum of Natural History, saving you both time and money. Plus, the flexibility of a nine-day window to visit attractions suits those who prefer a more relaxed pace. On the flip side, some reviews mention frustrations with reservations and app usage, which can add a layer of stress if you’re not prepared. This pass is probably best suited for visitors who want to cover several major sights without the hassle of buying individual tickets—and are comfortable managing digital reservations.

Whether you’re a first-timer eager to tick off all the classics or someone wanting to maximize a limited trip, the CityPASS® could be a solid choice—but clarity on booking procedures is essential. Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what this pass offers, how it performs in real-world use, and who might find it most beneficial.

Key Points

• Flexible 9-day validity allows you to plan visits at your own pace.
• Skip the long lines at popular attractions, saving valuable sightseeing time.
• Includes five main attractions plus options to customize three additional visits.
• Great value for money if you plan to visit multiple paid sites during your trip.
• Requires reservation management—especially for some venues like the American Museum of Natural History.
• Mixed reviews highlight the importance of understanding app and booking processes before your trip.

What Is the CityPASS® and What Does It Cover?

The New York CityPASS® is a digital ticket that offers discounted access to nine of the city’s top sights over a span of nine days. For $154 per person, you’ll get entry to some of the most iconic landmarks, including the Empire State Building and the American Museum of Natural History. What’s handy is that you also get to choose three additional attractions from a list that features the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise, Guggenheim Museum, Top of the Rock, Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Ferry, Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, and more.

This setup makes the CityPASS® flexible—it’s not just a one-day pass, but a way to see key spots at your own pace. The fact that tickets are valid for nine days from first use is perfect for travelers who like to spread out their sightseeing or take a more relaxed approach.

The Itinerary in Detail

The core of the pass revolves around your ability to access five major attractions with included tickets, plus the opportunity to pick three more based on your interests. Here’s what each of the main stops entails:

Empire State Building

Starting with the Empire State Building, the AM/PM Experience includes 86th-floor Observatory and access to the 2nd Floor Museum. This is a straightforward, iconic experience that gives you sweeping city views—definitely a highlight. One reviewer mentioned that this was a “great experience,” especially seeing the city lights at night, which is worth planning for if you can.

American Museum of Natural History

A trip to NYC isn’t complete without the Natural History Museum. The pass grants access to permanent halls, which cover a staggering number of exhibits—over 40 galleries making it a sprawling, fascinating stop. You can also choose one ticketed exhibition, the Davis Family Butterfly Vivarium, a giant-screen film, or the Hayden Planetarium show, depending on your preference and availability.

Top of the Rock

For a different perspective of the city, the Top of the Rock Observation Deck provides panoramic views from Rockefeller Center. It’s a favorite among visitors, offering a fantastic skyline vista, especially at sunset. Expect about three hours for this visit, giving enough time to enjoy the view and take some photos.

9/11 Memorial & Museum

A more sobering, but deeply meaningful spot, this site offers a chance to reflect amid powerful exhibits. The general admission gets you in to see the Memorial pools and the Museum, which many reviews describe as moving and well worth the visit.

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

The Statue of Liberty visit is done via the Statue City Cruises ferry**, which takes you to Liberty Island and Ellis Island. The ticket includes audio guides and access to the Statue of Liberty Museum and Ellis Island Immigration Museum. Note, Crown Tickets and Pedestal Access are not included, which is common but worth noting if you’re eager to go higher.

Additional Attractions

You can select three from options like Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, the Intrepid Museum, or Guggenheim Museum. For instance, the Circle Line Cruises are appreciated for their relaxing sightseeing experience, with reviews highlighting how enjoyable and informative they are.

What Travelers Say: The Good and the Not-So-Good

The reviews paint a balanced picture. Many travelers appreciate the easy booking process, great value, and the ability to visit major sights without the hassle of buying individual tickets. For example, one reviewer called it a “great buy” that helped them hit all their planned spots efficiently.

However, some frustrations emerge around reservations and app usage. Several reviews point out that managing reservations can be tricky, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the process. One reviewer noted that some attractions, like the American Museum, required long waits or voucher exchanges, which could be disappointing after a long day of sightseeing. A couple of travelers mentioned issues with tickets not working smoothly in apps or confusion about reservation requirements, emphasizing that some pre-planning is necessary.

The Challenges

A common complaint is about reservations at attractions. While most sites require booking ahead—particularly for timed entries—some travelers found that the process was not always clear or convenient, leading to stress. One reviewer summed it up: “Reservations were required at each venue, so that forced us to plan everything else on this vacation around reservations.” For those who prefer spontaneous sightseeing, this rigidity might be a downside.

The Highlights

On the flip side, many also shared positive experiences. The Empire State Building was described as a “iconic” experience, and the views from Top of the Rock were called “amazing.” The Circle Line cruises were seen as relaxing and scenic, perfect for unwinding after busy days. The 9/11 Memorial & Museum was frequently highlighted as a moving, worthwhile stop that provided a deeper understanding of the city’s history.

Is the CityPASS® Good Value?

Pricing at $154 per person might seem steep at first glance, but when you compare it to individual ticket costs, it often offers significant savings, especially if you plan to visit multiple sites. One reviewer pointed out that if you would otherwise pay separately for each attraction, the pass would be a “great value,” saving both time and money.

However, some travelers felt the savings were not substantial enough if they only managed to visit a few attractions or if they encountered delays. The real benefit is for those who want to maximize their sightseeing without the hassle of buying tickets on the fly.

Considerations to Keep in Mind

• Reservations are necessary at most attractions, so you need to be organized.
• The 9-day window is flexible, but if you don’t plan carefully, you might run into scheduling conflicts.
• Some reviews warn about hidden costs, such as transportation to/from attractions or upgrades for certain areas like the Statue of Liberty Crown, which are not included.
• The app experience can be mixed—some find it straightforward, while others struggled with managing tickets or reservations.

Who Will Benefit Most from the CityPASS®?

This pass is ideal for travelers who want to cover several major sites during their trip and prefer a pre-planned schedule. It’s especially suited for those who value saving money and avoiding lines, so long as they’re comfortable with some reservation management.

If your visit is short and you aim to see the big ticket attractions, the CityPASS® can streamline your experience. Conversely, if you’re the type who likes to explore spontaneously or prefers individual ticketing to avoid reservation hassles, it might not be the best fit.

Final Thoughts

The New York CityPASS® offers a solid way to see many of NYC’s most famous sights without the stress of buying multiple tickets or waiting in long lines. The included attractions are iconic, and the flexibility of nine days allows for a more relaxed pace—something many travelers will appreciate. That said, it’s not without its pitfalls, notably the reservation requirements and app challenges that some visitors have faced.

For those who enjoy structured planning and want to maximize their sightseeing with a budget-friendly approach, the CityPASS® is a compelling option. It’s especially worthwhile if you’re eager to visit the Empire State Building, the Natural History Museum, and at least a few other major attractions.

However, if you prefer spontaneity or have a tight schedule, you might find that buying individual tickets as needed or choosing specific tours works better. Always do a bit of prep beforehand to understand reservation policies, and you’ll get the most out of your experience.

FAQ

Do I need to book reservations in advance with the CityPASS®?
Most attractions do require reservations, especially for timed entries. It’s wise to check the specific site and plan ahead to avoid missing out.

Are the tickets valid for all attractions on the list?
Yes, the pass grants access to the listed attractions within the nine-day window from first use. You can pick your preferred three extra attractions, giving some flexibility.

Can I use the pass for the Statue of Liberty?
Yes, the pass includes a ferry ride to Liberty Island and Ellis Island, along with admission to the museums. Crown and Pedestal access are not included.

Is the CityPASS® suitable for families?
While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, the attractions included are generally suitable for most ages. Just consider reservation requirements and timing.

What if I want to visit only a few attractions?
If your plans are limited, buying individual tickets might be more cost-effective. The pass benefits most when you plan to visit multiple sites.

Can I buy the tickets on the day of my visit?
You can, but to maximize value and avoid long lines, it’s better to purchase and plan ahead, especially for popular attractions with reservation policies.

Choosing the right sightseeing approach depends on your travel style. The CityPASS® offers a convenient, money-saving package for those eager to experience NYC’s highlights without the hassle—just make sure to do your reservation homework first!