New York CityPASS®: Explore 5 Top New York Attractions and Save Up to 51%

New York City is a destination where every street seems to lead to an unforgettable experience. From the observation decks rising above Manhattan to world-renowned museums, historic landmarks, harbor cruises, and places that have shaped the story of the city and the world, New York offers more to see than most travelers can fit into a single vacation. The New York CityPASS® makes it easier to experience some of the city's most famous attractions while giving you the flexibility to explore them at your own pace.

With a New York CityPASS®, you can visit 5 top New York City attractions and save up to 51% compared with purchasing selected admissions separately. Your ticket is valid for 9 consecutive days from the first activation, giving you the freedom to spread your sightseeing across several days rather than rushing from one attraction to another.

Instead of spending your vacation worrying about buying separate tickets for every major attraction, CityPASS® brings your sightseeing plans together in one convenient ticket. You can use your pass to experience iconic skyline viewpoints, explore remarkable museums, learn about important moments in history, visit Liberty Island and Ellis Island, or take in New York's extraordinary skyline from the water.

The result is a more flexible way to experience New York City—one that lets you build your sightseeing days around your interests, your travel companions, and your own pace.

Discover New York City Your Way

New York is not a destination that needs to be experienced in only one way. Perhaps your perfect morning begins high above Manhattan, looking across a sea of skyscrapers. Maybe your family would rather spend several hours surrounded by dinosaurs, science, and fascinating discoveries at the American Museum of Natural History. You may want to reflect at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, sail toward the Statue of Liberty, explore modern and contemporary art, or simply enjoy the changing skyline from a sightseeing cruise.

The New York CityPASS® is designed around this variety.

Your ticket provides one-time admission to your choice of five attractions from the participating CityPASS® collection. The current attraction selection includes the Empire State Building Observation Deck, American Museum of Natural History, Top of the Rock Observation Deck, 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Statue of Liberty Grounds and Ellis Island, Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, Intrepid Museum, Guggenheim Museum, Edge Observation Deck & Immersive Experience, and Whitney Museum of American Art.

This selection gives travelers the opportunity to combine completely different sides of New York. You can pair breathtaking views with museums, history with architecture, or a harbor experience with an afternoon of art.

And because the pass lasts for nine days after your first activation, there is no need to turn every sightseeing day into a marathon.

Why New York CityPASS® Is a Smart Choice for Sightseeing

A New York vacation can become expensive when you purchase admission to several major attractions individually. It can also become complicated. Different attractions have different schedules, reservation requirements, locations, and ticketing procedures.

CityPASS® simplifies that process by combining admission to five attractions into one sightseeing pass.

The biggest advantage is flexibility. Rather than trying to see five major attractions in one or two days, you can spread your visits throughout your stay. This is especially useful for travelers who want to enjoy each attraction instead of simply checking it off a list.

The pass is also useful for different styles of travelers. Families can choose museums and interactive experiences. First-time visitors can prioritize iconic New York landmarks. Couples can combine skyline views with a cruise or museum visit. Art lovers can focus on institutions such as the Guggenheim or Whitney. History enthusiasts can explore the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty area.

With multiple attractions available, your New York itinerary can feel personal rather than predetermined.

Experience the Empire State Building

Few buildings represent New York City as strongly as the Empire State Building. Rising above Midtown Manhattan, this famous skyscraper has become one of the world's most recognizable symbols of the city.

With the CityPASS® admission, visitors receive the AM/PM Experience, including access to the 86th Floor Observation Deck and the 2nd Floor Museum, along with bonus same-night general admission.

The experience begins before you even reach the observation deck. The Empire State Building is deeply connected to the history and identity of New York, making a visit more than simply an opportunity to take photographs.

At the 86th Floor Observation Deck, Manhattan stretches in every direction. Depending on the weather and visibility, you can look across the city's famous skyline and see the distinctive shapes of its neighborhoods, bridges, waterways, and surrounding areas.

Standing above the city provides a completely different perspective on New York. Streets that seemed enormous from ground level become organized lines below you, while famous buildings transform into part of a vast urban panorama.

For first-time visitors, the Empire State Building can be one of the defining moments of a New York trip. For returning travelers, it offers another opportunity to appreciate the city from a new perspective.

The included museum also adds historical context to the visit, allowing travelers to connect the building with the story of New York itself.

Explore the American Museum of Natural History

For travelers who want to combine sightseeing with discovery, the American Museum of Natural History offers an extraordinary experience.

CityPASS® admission includes access to the museum's permanent halls and more than 40 galleries, together with a choice of one ticketed experience, subject to availability. Options can include the Invisible Worlds experience, the Davis Family Butterfly Vivarium, a ticketed special exhibition, or the Hayden Planetarium Space Show.

This is an attraction where you can easily spend several hours without realizing how quickly the time has passed.

The museum brings together science, nature, culture, and the history of our planet in an environment that appeals to both adults and children. Instead of simply looking at exhibits, visitors are invited to explore questions about life, the natural world, the universe, and humanity.

For families visiting New York, the museum can be an especially memorable stop. Children can encounter fascinating specimens and displays while adults enjoy the depth and scale of the collections.

Even if your New York itinerary is filled with skyscrapers and busy streets, the American Museum of Natural History gives you an opportunity to slow down, explore, learn, and discover something completely different.

See Manhattan From Top of the Rock

Another unforgettable way to experience New York's skyline is from the Top of the Rock Observation Deck.

CityPASS® includes general admission to Top of the Rock, with access to its three levels of indoor and outdoor viewing terraces, the Welcome Gallery, and The Weather Room Cafe & Bar.

From the observation decks, the city unfolds around you.

One of the pleasures of visiting an observation deck in New York is seeing familiar landmarks from a completely different angle. Instead of simply looking at the skyline, you become part of it. Midtown Manhattan surrounds you, while the city's streets, buildings, and distant horizons create an enormous urban panorama.

Top of the Rock is also a natural choice for travelers who want memorable photographs. Open-air viewing areas can provide opportunities to capture the scale of Manhattan while experiencing the atmosphere of the city directly.

Whether you visit during the day or plan your sightseeing around another time of day permitted by your ticket and attraction availability, the experience can become one of the visual highlights of your New York vacation.

Reflect at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum

New York is a city filled with stories, and some of those stories are profoundly important.

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum offers visitors an opportunity to learn about the events of September 11, 2001, and their continuing impact on New York, the United States, and people around the world.

CityPASS® admission includes general admission to the museum, including its exhibitions and rotating galleries.

This experience is different from a typical sightseeing attraction. It is a place for reflection, remembrance, and understanding.

Visitors can take time to explore the museum's exhibitions and learn about the people, events, and historical context connected to September 11. The experience encourages travelers to move beyond the skyline and tourist attractions and engage with an important chapter in New York's modern history.

Including the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in your CityPASS® itinerary can add a meaningful dimension to your trip. It reminds visitors that New York is not only defined by its famous buildings and entertainment—it is also a city shaped by resilience, remembrance, and human stories.

Visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

For many international visitors, no trip to New York feels complete without seeing the Statue of Liberty.

The New York CityPASS® provides official ferry access to the grounds of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The ticket includes a Statue City Cruises ferry ride to and from Liberty Island and Ellis Island, along with a self-guided audio tour and admission to the Statue of Liberty Museum and Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. Crown Tickets and Pedestal Access are not included.

The journey itself is part of the experience.

As the ferry moves through New York Harbor, Manhattan's skyline begins to open behind you. The perspective changes with every moment, offering a memorable view of the city from the water.

Then comes Liberty Island and one of the world's most recognizable symbols of freedom.

The Statue of Liberty has welcomed generations of visitors and immigrants arriving in New York. Seeing the monument from the harbor and walking through its grounds creates a stronger connection to the history and symbolism that have made it internationally famous.

The experience continues at Ellis Island, where travelers can explore the National Museum of Immigration and learn more about the immigrant journeys that helped shape the United States.

For international travelers in particular, this combination of landmark, harbor, and history can make the CityPASS® experience especially meaningful.

Cruise Around New York Harbor With Circle Line

Sometimes the best way to understand New York is to step away from the streets and see it from the water.

CityPASS® includes one regularly scheduled Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise, with choices that can include several cruise experiences such as Landmarks, Liberty Midtown, Liberty Super Express, Best of NYC, Harbor Lights, The Beast, Downtown Beast, or Statue at Sunset, subject to the attraction's current schedule and availability.

A sightseeing cruise offers a completely different relationship with the city.

From the water, Manhattan becomes a giant skyline rather than a collection of individual streets. Famous buildings rise above the waterfront, bridges connect different parts of the city, and the relationship between Manhattan and its surrounding waterways becomes much easier to appreciate.

For photographers, the cruise provides constantly changing perspectives. For families, it can be a relaxing break after walking through museums and neighborhoods. For couples, a cruise can add a scenic and memorable element to a New York itinerary.

It is also a great way to experience more of the city without spending the entire day walking.

Step Inside the Intrepid Museum

New York's history is not limited to skyscrapers, museums, and monuments. The city also has a fascinating connection with aviation, maritime history, science, and military technology.

The Intrepid Museum offers visitors an opportunity to explore these subjects aboard the historic aircraft carrier Intrepid.

CityPASS® general admission includes the Space Shuttle Pavilion, the Growler submarine, the immersive Kamikaze experience, and temporary exhibitions.

For travelers interested in engineering, aviation, space exploration, or military history, the Intrepid Museum can be one of the most distinctive experiences available through the pass.

The setting itself makes the visit unusual. Instead of walking through a conventional museum building, visitors explore exhibits connected with real vessels and historic technology.

It is also a strong choice for families and curious travelers because the experience combines education with the excitement of seeing large-scale machines and historic equipment up close.

Discover Art at the Guggenheim Museum

New York is one of the world's great cultural capitals, and the Guggenheim Museum offers a chance to experience its artistic side.

CityPASS® admission includes the museum's collection and special exhibitions, as well as access to an architecture tour on Monday through Saturday and a free digital guide with multilingual content available through a personal mobile device.

The Guggenheim is notable not only for what it contains but also for the building itself.

Its distinctive architecture creates an experience in which the journey through the museum becomes part of the visit. Art, space, design, and architecture come together in a way that feels very different from a traditional gallery.

For travelers who enjoy modern and contemporary art, the Guggenheim can become a memorable cultural stop during a New York vacation.

It also gives visitors a chance to slow down after the intensity of Manhattan's streets and experience a quieter, more reflective side of the city.

Experience Edge Observation Deck & Immersive Experience

For travelers seeking a modern skyline experience, Edge Observation Deck & Immersive Experience offers a dramatic perspective from Hudson Yards.

The CityPASS® experience includes general admission during non-sunset hours, with immersive indoor elements, access to New York City's highest outdoor sky deck, and expansive 360-degree skyline views.

Edge creates a very different atmosphere from traditional observation decks. Its design places visitors close to the open air and glass, creating an extraordinary sense of height and space.

From above, New York seems to stretch endlessly.

The surrounding architecture of Hudson Yards and Midtown provides a striking foreground, while the wider city extends toward the horizon. For travelers who love photography, architecture, and modern urban experiences, Edge can be a particularly exciting choice.

The immersive elements also make this more than a simple viewing platform. It combines the anticipation of rising above the city with a contemporary visitor experience designed around New York's skyline.

Explore the Whitney Museum of American Art

The Whitney Museum of American Art provides another opportunity to explore New York's cultural identity.

CityPASS® general admission includes permanent and special exhibitions, outdoor terraces with panoramic skyline views, daily public tours, and a mobile audio guide.

The Whitney offers an experience that combines art with the city itself.

As you explore the museum, you can also enjoy views from its outdoor terraces, creating a natural connection between the artwork inside and the New York landscape outside.

For travelers interested in American art and culture, the museum can provide a thoughtful contrast to New York's more traditional tourist attractions.

It is particularly appealing for visitors who want their vacation to include both famous landmarks and deeper cultural experiences.

One Pass, Five Experiences, Nine Days

One of the most attractive features of the New York CityPASS® is the ability to spread your sightseeing across nine days.

The validity period begins with the first day you visit an attraction or make a reservation, and the pass remains valid for nine consecutive days. Tickets can generally be activated within one year of purchase.

This flexibility changes the way you can plan your New York vacation.

You do not have to wake up every morning with a strict list of attractions that must be completed before sunset. Instead, you can build your itinerary around the neighborhoods you want to explore, the weather, your energy level, and the experiences that interest you most.

For example, you might spend one day exploring Midtown and visit the Empire State Building. Another day could be dedicated to Central Park and the American Museum of Natural History. On another day, you could head toward Lower Manhattan for the 9/11 Memorial & Museum and then continue toward the harbor.

A separate day could be reserved for a museum, observation deck, or cruise.

This approach makes your trip feel less like a checklist and more like a genuine exploration of New York.

A Better Way to Explore New York With Family

Family vacations can be challenging when every member wants to see something different.

The New York CityPASS® gives families the ability to combine different types of attractions. Children may be fascinated by natural history, space, ships, and observation decks, while adults may prefer architecture, art, history, and city views.

Instead of forcing everyone through the same type of attraction every day, families can balance their itinerary.

A museum-heavy day can be followed by an outdoor sightseeing experience. A long walking day can be balanced with a cruise. A historical attraction can be followed by an exciting observation deck.

This flexibility is particularly valuable during longer New York stays because it gives families more control over the rhythm of their vacation.

A Flexible Choice for Couples and Friends

New York is also an ideal destination for couples and groups of friends.

The CityPASS® allows travelers to create an itinerary around shared interests rather than following a fixed tour schedule.

Friends might choose a skyline observation deck, harbor cruise, museum, and historic landmark. Couples might combine panoramic city views, art, waterfront sightseeing, and iconic New York locations.

Because the pass is valid for nine days after activation, you can leave room for spontaneous discoveries between major attractions.

That matters in New York, where some of the best memories can happen between scheduled activities: stopping for coffee in a neighborhood café, discovering a new street, wandering through a park, shopping, or simply taking in the energy of Manhattan.

The CityPASS® handles the major sightseeing attractions while leaving the rest of your vacation open.

Make Your New York Trip More Memorable

A great New York vacation is not simply about seeing as many attractions as possible.

It is about seeing the city from different perspectives.

Look down on Manhattan from an observation deck.

Walk through a museum and discover a story you did not expect.

Stand near the Statue of Liberty and think about the generations of travelers who arrived through New York Harbor.

Sail along the waterfront and watch the skyline change around you.

Explore a historic aircraft carrier.

Pause inside a museum surrounded by art.

Reflect on an important moment in history.

The New York CityPASS® brings these different experiences together, allowing travelers to build a sightseeing adventure that can feel both efficient and personal.

See the Famous Sights Without Rushing

One of the biggest mistakes visitors can make in New York is trying to do everything at once.

The city is enormous, and many attractions deserve more time than a quick visit.

The nine-day CityPASS® validity period gives travelers an opportunity to slow down.

Instead of spending a morning at one museum, rushing across town, and arriving exhausted at another attraction, you can give yourself breathing room.

Spend several hours where you are.

Enjoy lunch.

Explore the surrounding neighborhood.

Take photographs.

Rest when you need to.

Then continue your sightseeing later.

This is particularly useful for travelers visiting New York for several days, because the pass can become a framework for the trip rather than a rigid schedule.

Plan Your Sightseeing With the My CityPASS® App

Planning your attractions is made easier through the My CityPASS® app or the CityPASS® web experience.

The platform provides access to your mobile tickets, attraction information, and reservation options where reservations are required. CityPASS® recommends making reservations as early as possible at attractions that require or recommend them, particularly when availability may be limited.

Having your tickets digitally also means you can keep your sightseeing information accessible from your phone rather than managing several separate paper tickets.

Before heading to an attraction, travelers should check the current operating hours, reservation requirements, and available entry information through the CityPASS® planning tools.

A little preparation can make the actual sightseeing experience much smoother.

A New York Experience Built Around Your Interests

The real strength of the New York CityPASS® is choice.

There is no single correct way to use it.

A first-time visitor may want to focus on the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Top of the Rock, American Museum of Natural History, and 9/11 Memorial & Museum.

An art enthusiast may prefer the Guggenheim and Whitney alongside other attractions.

A family might prioritize natural history, the Intrepid Museum, a cruise, and skyline viewpoints.

A traveler fascinated by architecture and modern New York may choose Edge, Top of the Rock, the Empire State Building, and museums.

The pass allows travelers to shape the experience around what they actually want to remember.

The Story of New York in Five Attractions

Imagine beginning your New York journey high above Midtown.

The Empire State Building gives you the classic skyline experience.

Later, you step into the American Museum of Natural History and travel from the streets of Manhattan into the worlds of science and nature.

Another day takes you to Lower Manhattan, where the 9/11 Memorial & Museum invites reflection on one of the most significant events in modern New York history.

Then you cross the harbor toward the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, connecting your trip with America's long history of immigration and arrival.

Finally, you board a sightseeing cruise and watch Manhattan rise around you from the water.

Five attractions can therefore become five very different chapters of your New York story.

And because you have nine days to experience them, those chapters do not have to happen all at once.

More Than a Ticket—A Flexible Sightseeing Strategy

Travelers often spend a lot of time deciding what to see in New York.

The challenge is not a lack of attractions. It is having too many choices.

The New York CityPASS® simplifies that decision by bringing together a selection of major attractions under one pass.

It can reduce the complexity of purchasing individual admissions while giving you a practical structure for your sightseeing.

The pass is especially appealing to visitors who already know they want to experience several major New York attractions. Instead of treating each attraction as a separate purchase and separate planning task, you can begin with one CityPASS® and then organize your nine-day sightseeing period around your chosen experiences.

Current CityPASS® information lists the five-attraction pass as the bestselling option and advertises savings of up to 51%, with mobile ticket delivery and nine-day validity.

Capture the New York Moments You Came For

New York is a city made for memories.

The first glimpse of the Manhattan skyline.

The moment the Empire State Building comes into view.

The excitement of stepping onto an observation deck.

The sight of the Statue of Liberty from the ferry.

The quiet atmosphere of a museum.

The movement of boats across the harbor.

The architectural curves of the Guggenheim.

The view from a museum terrace.

The feeling of standing above a city that seems to continue forever.

These are the moments that transform a vacation into a story worth telling.

The New York CityPASS® gives travelers the flexibility to experience several of these moments while spending less time worrying about individual attraction tickets and more time enjoying New York itself.

Explore New York at Your Own Pace

Whether this is your first trip to New York City or a return visit to discover more of Manhattan, the New York CityPASS® offers a convenient way to organize your sightseeing.

Choose five attractions that fit your interests.

Use your nine-day validity period wisely.

Reserve attraction times when required.

Give yourself enough time to enjoy each experience.

And leave room between attractions for the unexpected moments that make New York so memorable.

From legendary skyscrapers and world-class museums to historic islands, harbor cruises, art institutions, and modern observation decks, the CityPASS® opens the door to a broad range of New York experiences.

You are not simply purchasing admission to five attractions.

You are creating the foundation for a New York adventure that can unfold at your own pace.

Your New York Adventure Starts Here

New York rewards curiosity.

Every neighborhood has a different atmosphere. Every skyline viewpoint reveals a new perspective. Every museum tells another part of the city's story. Every ferry ride changes the way Manhattan looks.

With the New York CityPASS®, you can bring several of the city's most memorable experiences together in one flexible sightseeing option.

Enjoy the classic view from the Empire State Building. Explore the vast collections of the American Museum of Natural History. Take in Manhattan from Top of the Rock or Edge. Reflect at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. Travel across New York Harbor toward the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Cruise along the waterfront. Step aboard the Intrepid. Discover art at the Guggenheim or Whitney.

Then take your time.

Your ticket is valid for nine days from first activation, giving you the freedom to experience your selected attractions without turning your vacation into a race.

For travelers looking for a convenient, flexible, and potentially money-saving way to experience some of the best things to do in New York City, the New York CityPASS® is an ideal starting point for an unforgettable urban adventure.

New York is waiting.

The skyline is ready.

The museums are open to discovery.

The harbor is calling.

And your next great New York memory could be only one attraction away.

New York CityPASS®: Itinerary, Travel Tips, Benefits & Booking Guide

Plan Your New York CityPASS® Adventure

The New York CityPASS® gives you the freedom to create your own sightseeing itinerary rather than following a fixed group tour. Your pass provides admission to five participating attractions, with nine consecutive days to use your selected experiences after activation.

Because the attractions are spread across different parts of New York City, the smartest approach is to group nearby experiences together whenever possible. This helps reduce unnecessary travel time and leaves more time for exploring neighborhoods, enjoying meals, taking photographs, and experiencing the city beyond its major landmarks.

Your exact itinerary can vary depending on your interests, attraction availability, weather, opening hours, and reservation requirements. The following sample itinerary is designed to demonstrate how you can make effective use of the pass over several days.

Suggested 5-Attraction New York CityPASS® Itinerary

Day 1: Begin Above Manhattan

Start your New York adventure with one of the city's legendary skyline experiences.

Choose the Empire State Building or another observation attraction available through your CityPASS® selection. Beginning your trip with a panoramic view helps you understand the scale and layout of Manhattan before exploring it at street level.

At the Empire State Building, enjoy access to the 86th Floor Observation Deck and the museum experience included with CityPASS®. Depending on the ticket terms and attraction procedures, the AM/PM experience can also provide an opportunity for same-night general admission.

Take your time at the observation deck. Rather than simply taking one photograph and leaving, look around and identify the neighborhoods, waterways, bridges, and landmarks spread across the horizon.

Afterward, explore Midtown Manhattan on foot.

Depending on your schedule, you can walk toward nearby landmarks, enjoy lunch or dinner, visit shops, or simply experience the energy of one of the busiest areas in New York.

The first day should establish the mood for your vacation rather than exhaust you.

Day 2: Discover Natural History and Science

Reserve another day for the American Museum of Natural History.

This is an attraction where rushing can significantly reduce the experience. With dozens of galleries and multiple areas to explore, give yourself several hours if your schedule allows.

Walk through the permanent halls and explore the museum's collections at your own pace. CityPASS® admission also provides a choice of one ticketed experience, subject to the museum's current availability and rules.

For families, this can be one of the most engaging days of a New York vacation.

For adults, the museum offers an opportunity to explore science, nature, anthropology, and the history of our planet in greater depth.

After the museum, you can explore the surrounding Upper West Side and Central Park area.

This creates a relaxed day in which the major attraction is combined naturally with neighborhood exploration.

Day 3: Experience New York's History

Use another day to explore Lower Manhattan and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.

This attraction deserves time and attention. Rather than treating it as a quick stop between other activities, consider allowing several hours for the museum and memorial area.

The experience provides historical context and personal stories connected with September 11, making it one of the more reflective parts of a New York itinerary.

After visiting the museum, explore Lower Manhattan.

Depending on your interests and schedule, you can walk through the surrounding area, explore the Financial District, see historic streets, or continue toward the waterfront.

This part of the city demonstrates how New York's past and present exist side by side.

Day 4: Liberty Island and Ellis Island

Dedicate another day to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island experience.

Because ferry travel is involved, allow enough time for transportation, boarding procedures, sightseeing, and exploration.

Your CityPASS® includes ferry transportation to and from Liberty Island and Ellis Island, access to the grounds, self-guided audio tours, and admission to the Statue of Liberty Museum and Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. Pedestal and Crown Tickets are not included.

Begin by traveling toward the ferry departure area and follow the current instructions associated with your CityPASS® admission.

As the ferry moves away from Manhattan, take the opportunity to photograph the skyline from the harbor.

On Liberty Island, explore the grounds and learn more about the Statue of Liberty. Then continue to Ellis Island to discover the history of immigration and the millions of journeys connected with New York Harbor.

This can easily become one of the most memorable days of your trip.

Day 5: See New York From the Water

Complete your five-attraction experience with a Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise.

A cruise provides a welcome change of pace after several days of walking through museums and city streets.

Depending on the current CityPASS® offerings and schedule, eligible cruise options may include different sightseeing experiences around New York Harbor and the city's waterfront.

Choose the cruise that fits your schedule and interests.

During the journey, watch Manhattan's skyline transform as you move along the water. Look for famous buildings, bridges, waterfront neighborhoods, and landmarks that you may have already visited from street level.

This final attraction can provide a satisfying conclusion to your CityPASS® sightseeing adventure because it allows you to look back at the city from a completely different perspective.

Alternative Itinerary for Skyline Lovers

Not every traveler wants the same New York experience.

If observation decks and architecture are your priority, you can build your five attractions around skyline views and modern New York.

Consider selecting attractions such as:

• Empire State Building
• Top of the Rock
• Edge
• Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise
• One museum or cultural attraction

This combination creates a sightseeing experience centered around New York's architecture and skyline.

The benefit of using CityPASS® is that you are not locked into a single sightseeing style. Your five choices can reflect the way you want to experience the city.

Alternative Itinerary for Families

Families can also build a balanced itinerary.

A possible combination may include:

• American Museum of Natural History
• Intrepid Museum
• Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise
• Empire State Building
• Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

This creates a mixture of science, history, transportation, sightseeing, and iconic landmarks.

Children may find the large-scale exhibits, ships, aircraft, natural-history displays, and skyline viewpoints particularly engaging.

Parents can also benefit from the flexibility of the nine-day validity period because the itinerary does not require every attraction to be completed within a single weekend.

Alternative Itinerary for Art and Culture Lovers

If art and culture are your priorities, consider building your CityPASS® selections around museums and historic experiences.

Potential choices include:

• Guggenheim Museum
• Whitney Museum of American Art
• 9/11 Memorial & Museum
• American Museum of Natural History
• One observation deck or harbor experience

This itinerary gives you a broader understanding of New York's cultural landscape while still allowing you to experience the city's famous architecture and views.

How to Use Your Nine-Day Validity Period

The nine-day validity period is one of the most important features to understand before planning your trip.

Your CityPASS® validity begins with your first attraction visit or reservation and continues for nine consecutive days.

This means you can create a flexible schedule rather than attempting to use all five admissions immediately.

For example:

Day 1: Attraction one
Day 2: Free exploration
Day 3: Attraction two
Day 4: Neighborhood sightseeing
Day 5: Attraction three
Day 6: Rest or shopping
Day 7: Attraction four
Day 8: Free day
Day 9: Attraction five

You do not have to follow this exact structure. The important point is that the pass gives you breathing room.

If you are staying in New York for a week or longer, this can be especially convenient.

Important Booking and Reservation Information

Check Reservation Requirements Before Visiting

Some attractions may require or recommend advance reservations.

CityPASS® advises travelers to check attraction-specific reservation information before visiting and to make reservations as early as possible where required or recommended.

This is particularly important during:

• Summer travel
• School holidays
• Major holiday periods
• Weekends
• Peak tourist seasons
• Special events

Availability can change, so do not assume that having a CityPASS® automatically guarantees immediate entry at every attraction.

Review the current requirements before leaving for each attraction.

Keep Your Mobile Ticket Accessible

Your CityPASS® can be used digitally, making it easier to keep your sightseeing pass available on your smartphone.

Before starting your day, make sure your phone has sufficient battery.

It is also wise to have your booking information accessible even if you expect to have mobile data throughout your trip.

A small amount of preparation can prevent unnecessary stress when arriving at a busy attraction.

Check Attraction Hours

New York attractions can have different opening schedules, seasonal hours, holiday schedules, and special operating conditions.

Always check the current operating hours before planning your day.

This is particularly important when you want to visit more than one attraction in the same area.

An attraction may open later than expected, close earlier on a particular day, or have special reservation windows.

A few minutes of planning can save hours of unnecessary waiting or travel.

What to Expect at the Attractions

Every CityPASS® attraction provides a different experience.

Some are primarily indoor museums.

Others involve outdoor observation decks.

Some require ferry travel.

Others are sightseeing cruises.

Because of this variety, travelers should prepare differently depending on their chosen attractions.

Observation Decks

For Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, or Edge, comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear are recommended.

Outdoor observation areas can feel significantly different from street level, especially in cooler weather or strong wind.

Bring a camera or smartphone if photography is important to you.

Remember that visibility can change with weather conditions. A cloudy day may produce a completely different skyline experience from a clear day.

Museums

Museums are often larger than visitors expect.

Comfortable shoes are useful because you may spend several hours walking and standing.

If traveling with children, consider taking breaks rather than trying to see every gallery.

The objective is not to see everything.

It is to enjoy the experience.

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

This experience involves ferry travel and outdoor walking.

Weather can affect how comfortable the journey feels, so dress appropriately for the season.

Allow extra time because transportation and boarding procedures can take longer during busy periods.

If you plan to visit both islands, do not schedule another attraction immediately afterward unless you have carefully checked the timing.

Sightseeing Cruises

Cruises are generally a relaxing way to see the city, but schedules can vary.

Check the current departure times and arrive early enough to complete any required boarding process.

Bring your camera, especially if skyline photography is one of your goals.

Travel Tips for a Better New York CityPASS® Experience

Start Early

Starting your sightseeing day earlier can help you avoid some of the busiest periods.

Early starts can be especially useful for popular attractions where reservations or timed entry are involved.

You can enjoy your attraction and still have much of the day available for exploring.

Group Attractions by Location

New York City is large.

Avoid crossing Manhattan unnecessarily if you can organize your attractions geographically.

For example, combine an Upper West Side museum visit with Central Park exploration rather than traveling across the city immediately afterward.

Likewise, combine Lower Manhattan attractions with nearby neighborhoods and waterfront areas.

This simple strategy can make your vacation feel much less rushed.

Leave Space for Unplanned Discoveries

Do not fill every hour of every day.

New York is a city where spontaneous exploration can become one of the best parts of a vacation.

You might discover a beautiful street, an interesting bookstore, a local market, a small gallery, or an unexpected view while walking between attractions.

Your CityPASS® itinerary should provide structure without eliminating spontaneity.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

This is one of the simplest but most important New York travel tips.

Even when using public transportation, sightseeing often involves significant walking.

You may walk between subway stations, attractions, restaurants, parks, and neighborhoods.

Comfortable shoes can make a major difference in how enjoyable your vacation feels.

Check the Weather

Weather can affect observation decks, cruises, ferry journeys, and outdoor sightseeing.

Check the forecast each morning and consider adjusting your schedule where your nine-day validity allows.

If you have flexibility, use clearer days for attractions where panoramic views are particularly important.

Is the New York CityPASS® Worth It?

For travelers planning to visit several included attractions, the CityPASS® can offer significant value.

The advertised savings are up to 51% compared with purchasing selected admissions separately, depending on the attractions you visit.

However, the value ultimately depends on how you use the pass.

If you plan to visit several included attractions, the pass can reduce the overall cost and simplify ticket management.

If you only want to visit one attraction, purchasing an individual ticket may make more sense.

The best approach is to compare the attractions you genuinely want to visit with their current individual admission prices and then determine whether CityPASS® provides the better value for your itinerary.

For travelers already planning five participating attractions, the pass becomes particularly attractive because it combines savings with convenience.

Who Should Buy the New York CityPASS®?

First-Time Visitors to New York

First-time visitors often want to experience several of the city's most famous attractions.

CityPASS® can provide a convenient framework for doing so.

Instead of researching and purchasing every attraction individually, you can begin with the pass and build your itinerary around your priorities.

Families

Families can benefit from the variety of attractions and the nine-day validity period.

You can alternate between museums, observation decks, cruises, and outdoor experiences.

This reduces the risk of creating a vacation that feels repetitive.

Couples

Couples can create an itinerary around skyline views, museums, harbor experiences, and historic landmarks.

The flexibility also makes it easier to combine sightseeing with restaurants, shopping, and evening activities.

International Travelers

For visitors traveling from outside the United States, CityPASS® can simplify the planning process.

Several of New York's most recognizable attractions are available within one sightseeing product, helping visitors create a straightforward itinerary before they arrive.

Travelers Staying Several Days

The nine-day validity period is particularly useful if your New York trip lasts several days.

Instead of rushing, you can distribute your five attractions throughout your stay.

Who May Not Need the CityPASS®?

The pass is not necessarily the best choice for every traveler.

If your itinerary is focused mainly on free attractions, neighborhood exploration, shopping, restaurants, or a single paid attraction, an individual ticket may be more suitable.

Likewise, if you prefer not to visit museums, observation decks, historic attractions, or cruises, you may not use enough of the included admissions to make the pass worthwhile.

The best sightseeing pass is always the one that matches your actual plans.

Make the Most of the Included Attractions

The key to maximizing the value of your CityPASS® is choosing attractions you genuinely want to experience.

Do not select an attraction simply because it is included.

Think about what kind of New York memories you want to create.

Do you want panoramic views?

Choose an observation experience.

Do you love science and natural history?

Visit the American Museum of Natural History.

Do you want to understand New York's history?

Consider the 9/11 Memorial & Museum or Ellis Island.

Do you love art?

Look at the Guggenheim or Whitney.

Do you want to see the skyline from the water?

Choose a Circle Line cruise.

Do you love aviation and engineering?

Consider the Intrepid Museum.

This approach makes your CityPASS® experience more meaningful.

A Balanced New York Vacation

The perfect New York itinerary does not have to be entirely about famous attractions.

Use CityPASS® for the major experiences, then use the rest of your vacation to discover the city between them.

After visiting the Empire State Building, walk through Midtown.

After the American Museum of Natural History, explore Central Park.

After the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, discover Lower Manhattan.

After visiting Liberty Island and Ellis Island, enjoy the waterfront.

After a museum visit, find a neighborhood restaurant and experience New York's food culture.

This combination creates a more complete travel experience.

The CityPASS® provides the major sightseeing framework.

The city itself provides everything in between.

Travel With Less Ticket Stress

One of the practical advantages of CityPASS® is having a single sightseeing product rather than purchasing multiple separate tickets.

Instead of managing several different confirmations, you can use your CityPASS® admission across the participating attractions included with your purchase.

That can make your travel planning simpler, particularly when visiting multiple attractions during a busy vacation.

However, always follow the specific instructions for each attraction because admission procedures and reservation requirements can differ.

Make Your New York Experience Personal

There is no single definition of the perfect New York vacation.

For one traveler, it may mean standing at the top of the Empire State Building.

For another, it may mean looking at a famous work of art inside the Guggenheim.

For a family, it could be discovering dinosaurs and science at the American Museum of Natural History.

For a history enthusiast, it might be walking through Ellis Island.

For someone fascinated by modern architecture, Edge or Top of the Rock could become the highlight.

For another visitor, nothing will compare with seeing the Statue of Liberty from a ferry for the first time.

CityPASS® allows you to build your own version of New York.

Important Things to Know Before You Book

Before purchasing or activating your New York CityPASS®, keep these points in mind:

• The pass provides admission to five participating attractions.
• The attractions available to you depend on the current CityPASS® attraction lineup and ticket rules.
• The pass is valid for nine consecutive days after activation.
• Some attractions require advance reservations.
• Reservation availability can change.
• Admission policies may vary by attraction.
• Crown and Pedestal access at the Statue of Liberty are not included with the standard CityPASS® admission described for the attraction.
• Attraction hours can change, including during holidays and special events.
• Weather may affect outdoor experiences and cruises.
• Individual attraction terms should always be checked before your visit.

Planning ahead helps ensure that your CityPASS® experience is smooth and enjoyable.

Create Your Own New York Story

Imagine waking up in Manhattan with nine days ahead of you.

You do not have to rush.

You can choose your first attraction based on the weather and your mood.

Perhaps today is perfect for a panoramic skyline view.

Tomorrow could be a museum day.

The following day might be ideal for a ferry ride and a visit to Liberty Island.

Later in the trip, you could take a sightseeing cruise or explore an art museum.

Between those experiences, you have time to enjoy the neighborhoods, food, parks, shops, and street life that make New York unique.

That is the real advantage of flexible sightseeing.

You are not simply moving from one attraction to another.

You are experiencing the city at your own pace.

Why Choose the New York CityPASS®?

The New York CityPASS® combines several important advantages into one sightseeing option:

Save on Multiple Attractions

The pass can save up to 51% compared with selected individual admissions, depending on the attractions visited.

Enjoy Nine Days of Flexibility

You have nine consecutive days from activation to use your included admissions.

Choose Attractions That Match Your Interests

The participating collection covers observation decks, museums, historic landmarks, cruises, art, and more.

Simplify Your Ticket Planning

A mobile CityPASS® helps keep your sightseeing admissions together.

Build Your Own Itinerary

There is no need to follow a fixed group schedule.

Experience Multiple Sides of New York

The attractions allow you to see New York through architecture, history, culture, science, transportation, and waterfront sightseeing.

Your New York City Adventure Awaits

New York is too diverse to be understood from a single viewpoint.

See it from the top of a skyscraper.

Explore it through a museum.

Travel across its historic harbor.

Learn about the people and events that shaped it.

Discover its art.

Walk through its neighborhoods.

Then step back and look at the skyline again.

The New York CityPASS® gives you the opportunity to experience five major attractions while spreading your sightseeing across nine days.

Whether you are visiting New York for the first time, returning to discover more, traveling with family, planning a romantic city break, or exploring the city with friends, the pass can help turn a collection of attractions into a complete travel experience.

Choose the attractions that excite you most, check the latest reservation requirements, organize your days around location and opening times, and leave enough room to enjoy everything between the major sights.

New York City is waiting to be explored.

Book Your New York CityPASS® and Start Exploring

Your New York adventure begins with deciding what you want to see.

With the New York CityPASS®, you can experience five top attractions, save up to 51% on selected admission costs, and take advantage of nine days to explore at your own pace.

From iconic skyscrapers and world-famous museums to the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, harbor cruises, art institutions, and modern observation decks, the pass opens the door to some of the experiences that make New York one of the world's most exciting cities.

Plan your favorites.

Reserve when required.

Choose the right days.

And then enjoy the city.

Your New York story is waiting to be written.

1. What is the New York CityPASS®?

The New York CityPASS® is a sightseeing ticket that provides one-time admission to 5 attractions of your choice from a current collection of 10 participating New York attractions. The ticket is designed to simplify sightseeing while offering savings of up to 51% compared with regular admission prices.

2. How many attractions are included with New York CityPASS®?

The standard New York CityPASS® includes 5 attractions. You choose your five attractions from the available participating attractions rather than being restricted to a fixed combination. The current collection includes the Empire State Building, American Museum of Natural History, Top of the Rock, 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, Circle Line cruises, Intrepid Museum, Guggenheim Museum, Edge, and Whitney Museum.

3. How long is the New York CityPASS® valid?

The ticket is valid for 9 consecutive days, beginning with and including the first day you visit an attraction or make the applicable first reservation. This gives you considerable flexibility to spread your sightseeing throughout your New York vacation.

4. Do I have to choose my five attractions when I purchase the pass?

No. You do not necessarily have to decide all five attractions at the moment of purchase. You can make your attraction choices after purchasing the ticket, although advance reservations are required or recommended at several attractions.

5. How much does New York CityPASS® cost?

For the current 2026–2027 period, CityPASS lists the standard ticket at $149 for adults ages 18+ and $129 for children ages 6–17, plus the applicable processing fee. Prices and attraction details can change, so travelers should verify the current price before booking.

6. How much can I save with New York CityPASS®?

The current CityPASS® offering advertises savings of up to 51% compared with regular admission prices. The exact savings depend on which five attractions you select.

7. Which attractions can I visit with the New York CityPASS®?

The current selection includes:

• Empire State Building Observation Deck
• American Museum of Natural History
• Top of the Rock® Observation Deck
• 9/11 Memorial & Museum
• Statue of Liberty Grounds and Ellis Island
• Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises
• Intrepid Museum
• Guggenheim Museum
• Edge Observation Deck & Immersive Experience
• Whitney Museum of American Art

You choose five from this collection.

8. Is the Statue of Liberty included in New York CityPASS®?

Yes. The CityPASS® attraction option includes official ferry access to the grounds of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, along with the applicable museums and self-guided audio tour. Crown and Pedestal access are not included in the standard admission. Advance reservation is required.

9. Is the Empire State Building included?

Yes. The Empire State Building Observation Deck is one of the available CityPASS® attractions. The current admission includes access to the 86th Floor Observation Deck and the 2nd Floor Museum, with the AM/PM experience and bonus same-night general admission according to the current CityPASS® terms. Reservations are required.

10. Is the American Museum of Natural History included?

Yes. CityPASS® admission includes general admission to the American Museum of Natural History plus one ticketed exhibition or experience, subject to availability. The current offering includes access to more than 40 galleries and a choice of qualifying ticketed experiences. Reservations are required.

11. Can children use the New York CityPASS®?

Yes. The current standard CityPASS® has a child ticket for travelers ages 6–17. CityPASS® pricing and age categories can differ between different New York sightseeing products, so families should select the correct product and check the current terms when booking.

12. Are reservations required for CityPASS® attractions?

Yes, reservations are required at many participating attractions, including the Empire State Building, American Museum of Natural History, Top of the Rock, 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, Circle Line, Intrepid Museum, and Whitney Museum. Reservations are recommended for the Guggenheim.

It is strongly recommended to use the My CityPASS® app to check current reservation requirements and availability before visiting.

13. How do I receive my New York CityPASS® tickets?

CityPASS® provides mobile tickets that can be accessed through the My CityPASS® app or the web-based CityPASS® experience. Travelers can present their tickets on a mobile device, and printed tickets are also supported according to the current ticket instructions.

14. Is the New York CityPASS® good for first-time visitors?

Yes. The pass can be particularly useful for first-time visitors who want to experience several of New York's most famous attractions.

Because the ticket combines skyline viewpoints, museums, historic landmarks, cruises, and cultural attractions, travelers can create a balanced itinerary rather than concentrating on only one type of sightseeing.

15. Is New York CityPASS® suitable for families?

Yes. Families can choose attractions that appeal to different age groups and interests. The American Museum of Natural History, Intrepid Museum, observation decks, Statue of Liberty, and Circle Line cruises can all provide very different experiences within the same vacation.

The nine-day validity period also makes it easier to avoid packing too many attractions into a single day.

16. Is New York CityPASS® worth it?

It can be, particularly if you plan to visit several of the included attractions.

The current ticket is advertised as saving up to 51%, while also providing nine days of validity and centralized mobile ticket management. However, travelers who only plan to visit one or two paid attractions should compare individual ticket prices before purchasing.

17. What should I wear when using New York CityPASS®?

Wear comfortable clothing and, most importantly, comfortable walking shoes. Many New York sightseeing days involve substantial walking, even when using public transportation.

For cruises, ferries, and outdoor observation decks, dress according to the weather. Layers can be particularly useful because outdoor conditions can feel different from indoor museums and attractions.

18. What happens if it rains during my New York CityPASS® trip?

Rain does not necessarily prevent you from using the CityPASS®. Many participating attractions are indoor museums, so you can adjust your itinerary around the weather.

For outdoor attractions, observation decks, ferry trips, and sightseeing cruises, check the attraction's current operating information and weather-related policies. If your nine-day validity period allows, you may be able to schedule outdoor experiences for a clearer day.

19. Are bathrooms available at New York CityPASS® attractions?

Most major museums and visitor attractions provide restroom facilities, although exact availability and locations vary by attraction. Larger attractions such as museums generally provide facilities for visitors, while travelers should plan ahead when moving between outdoor sightseeing locations.

20. Can seniors use the New York CityPASS®?

Yes. There is no general restriction preventing senior travelers from using the standard CityPASS®. However, visitors should consider the amount of walking, standing, stairs, outdoor exposure, and time involved at individual attractions.

The flexible nine-day validity can be useful for seniors because it allows sightseeing to be spread across multiple days instead of completing several attractions in a short period.