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

Planning a trip to New York City can be overwhelming—so many attractions, tours, and neighborhoods to choose from. That’s where the New York Pass comes in. It promises to simplify your visit, save you money, and give access to more than 100 of the city’s top sights and experiences. We haven’t personally tested every detail, but based on reviews and the tour outline, it’s a compelling option for those who want to maximize their time in the Big Apple.

What we really like about this pass is the flexibility—there are options for 1 to 5 days, so you can tailor your trip without feeling rushed or overspending. Plus, it covers some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, from the Empire State Building to the Statue of Liberty, along with museums and unique attractions. However, a potential downside is that some reservations and line waits can be frustrating, especially if you’re not familiar with the booking process or don’t have US phone/data access.

This pass is best suited for travelers who love a packed itinerary, enjoy seeing a variety of sights, and want to avoid the hassle and cost of buying individual tickets for each attraction. If you prefer a relaxed pace or only plan to see a handful of sites, it might be less ideal. Overall, it’s a good fit for first-timers eager to cover a lot of ground in a limited time.

Key Points

• Flexibility: Offers 1 to 5-day passes to suit your schedule.
• Cost-effective: Saves money compared to buying individual tickets for major attractions.
• Wide range: Access to over 100 NYC sights, museums, and tours.
• Convenience: Mobile ticket and digital guide streamline planning.
• Reservations: Some activities require advanced booking, so plan ahead.
• Line waits: Be prepared for some attractions to involve waiting, even with the pass.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary and Highlights

Starting Strong with the Empire State Building

No trip to NYC feels complete without a visit to this emblematic skyscraper. The pass includes admission to the Empire State Building, offering breathtaking views that span up to 80 miles on clear days. You’ll see Central Park, Manhattan, New Jersey, and even parts of Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. The views are genuinely impressive, especially if you go after sunset; the city lights make for a spectacular scene.

Note: Reservations are required, and the pass doesn’t let you choose sunset hours. We’ve read reviews noting some frustration with booking times, but the advice is to plan ahead and enjoy the city lights at night after your daytime visit.

One World Observatory and the Statue of Liberty

Moving south, the One World Observatory provides a modern, interactive way to appreciate NYC’s skyline and its cultural and financial history. The quick SkyPod elevator ride (47 seconds to the top) is fun, with the interactive displays enhancing the experience. Expect some waiting in line for your time slots, so arriving early helps.

The Statue of Liberty tour is another highlight. While the pass covers ferry access to Liberty Island and Ellis Island, it doesn’t include pedestal or crown tickets—those are additional. The experience of seeing Lady Liberty up close can be quite moving, and exploring Ellis Island offers a glimpse into American immigration history. Remember, reservations are essential, so book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Towering Views from Top of the Rock and Edge NYC

The Top of the Rock promises one of the best city vistas, with a clear view of the Empire State Building. It’s a perfect spot for photos and skyline views, day or night. Similar to other observation decks, you’ll need to wait for your time slot, but the view is worth the effort.

Edge NYC, the newest high-altitude attraction at Hudson Yards, features an open-air glass platform 100 stories above the city. The thrill of standing on a glass floor with Manhattan sprawling below is unforgettable. The process involves reserving a time slot at a kiosk outside the entrance, so arrive prepared for some line waiting here.

Reflecting at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum

A visit to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum is an emotional and educational experience. The memorial pools are serene and contemplative, while the museum’s artifacts and testimonies tell a profound story. Expect to wait in line for your time slot, and be aware that some reviews mention the museum’s closed days or lengthy wait times. Still, many find this stop deeply meaningful and well worth the visit.

Modern Marvels and Unique Attractions

The Edge NYC and MoMA provide a mix of architectural marvels and contemporary art. MoMA, housing iconic works from artists like Warhol and Picasso, is a must for art lovers, while Edge offers a high-adrenaline perspective of the city from above.

Other standout attractions include Yankee Stadium, where baseball history comes alive, and Circle Line cruises, allowing you to see Manhattan’s skyline from the water—an experience many reviews praise for its scenic views.

Museums, Neighborhoods, and Cultural Experiences

You’ll find countless museums like the American Museum of Natural History, Guggenheim, and Museum of the City of New York. The pass includes several of these, making it easy to explore NYC’s art, science, and history.

Walking tours of Harlem, Chinatown, or Little Italy—some of which need reservations—offer authentic neighborhood experiences. For a more relaxed activity, bike rentals in Central Park and the High Line are great ways to see the city at your own pace.

Fun and Quirky Stops

The Madame Tussauds, with its iconic wax figures and interactive experiences, adds a fun element, especially if you enjoy pop culture. The Museum of Sex is for adults looking for something edgier, while Sunset or harbor cruises provide scenic, leisurely breaks from walking.

Transportation and Planning

While the pass includes many attractions, it’s important to note that transportation to and from sites isn’t covered. Using public transit, like subways and buses, remains the most efficient way to get around. Many reviews mention the hassle of booking some activities, especially if you don’t have US phone/data, so planning ahead and using the Go City app is crucial.

Real User Experiences and Insights

Some travelers have found the reservation process tricky, with reports of long waits even with the pass, and difficulty securing time slots at popular attractions like the 9/11 Museum or Empire State Building. A few reviewers noted the cost of additional tickets for crown or pedestal access or for special tours, which can add up beyond the initial price.

Others highlight the value for money, especially when combining multiple paid attractions into one pass. “Every attraction we visited was exactly how advertised for entry,” said a user, emphasizing the convenience.

However, a few reviews warn about booking issues, like not being able to find the pass or delays in reservations, which can be frustrating if you’re trying to maximize your days. One reviewer pointed out that reserving activities within the app could be more straightforward, an area for improvement.

Who Is This Pass Best For?

If you’re a traveler who loves to see as much as possible in limited time, this pass can be a real money-saver. It’s well-suited for first-time visitors eager to hit the major landmarks without the hassle of buying individual tickets. However, it requires some advance planning—especially for reservations—and patience with potential line waits.

Those who enjoy flexible itineraries and are comfortable with digital tickets will find this especially useful. On the other hand, if you prefer a slow-paced visit or are traveling with very young children, the crowded attractions and reservation requirements might be less appealing.

FAQs

Do I need to make reservations for attractions included in the pass?
Yes, several attractions such as the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty ferry, 9/11 Memorial & Museum, and Edge NYC require advanced reservations, so planning ahead is a good idea.

Can I visit the same attraction twice with the pass?
No, each attraction can only be visited once as part of the pass, so be sure to plan your visits accordingly.

Is the pass valid for multiple days or just consecutive days?
You can choose a pass valid for 1 to 5 days, and it’s active on consecutive days from the first use.

What if I can’t find my pass or have booking issues?
Some users have experienced difficulty locating or using their passes, so contacting customer support early is recommended. The digital app makes it easier to manage reservations once set up.

Are there any attractions that are not included or require extra payment?
Most included attractions are covered, but some, like crown access at the Statue of Liberty or special tours, are additional and must be purchased separately.

Is transportation to attractions included?
No, transportation isn’t covered—using the subway or buses is the easiest way to get around.

Final Thoughts

The New York Pass is a practical choice for those who want to pack their visit with iconic sights and cultural experiences without the stress of buying individual tickets. Its strength lies in the variety of attractions, the convenience of a mobile ticket, and the potential savings, especially if you plan your days well.

While it does require some advance planning, especially for reservations, many users find that the overall value makes it worth the effort. The views from the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, and Edge NYC are unforgettable, and the access to renowned museums and neighborhoods adds layers of richness to your trip.

If you thrive on exploring new places with a busy schedule, this pass could be your passport to a comprehensive New York experience. Just keep in mind that some attractions might involve waits or additional costs, so a little prep work goes a long way.

Happy planning, and enjoy your trip to the city that never sleeps!