The New York CityPASS is a tourist pass that provides access to 5 of the most visited attractions in Manhattan, with savings of up to 42% compared to individual tickets and no need to wait in line at the ticket counters. It is designed for first-time visitors to New York who want to see the city’s icons without organizing each entry separately. It is one of the most established tourist passes for the Big Apple.
The 5 attractions included in the New York CityPASS
The pass includes 2 fixed attractions plus 3 of your choice from 6 options. In the past, the formula included 6; today the total number of attractions is 5.
Always included:
- Empire State Building Observatory
- American Museum of Natural History
Choose 3 from:
- Top of the Rock Observation Deck
- 9/11 Memorial & Museum
- Ferry Access to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
- Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises
- Intrepid Museum
- Guggenheim Museum
What each attraction includes
The New York CityPASS attractions cover panoramic views, art, science, and history. The first two are always included, while the others are chosen from six options.
Empire State Building
The admission includes the observatory on the 86th floor, with views of Manhattan in every direction, and the interactive museum on the 2nd floor about the history of the skyscraper. The AM/PM experience adds a second entry in the evening, allowing you to see the skyline both during the day and illuminated at night.
American Museum of Natural History
One of the largest natural history museums in the world, featuring over 40 galleries with dinosaurs, meteorites, and the famous dioramas. Admission also includes one experience of your choice, such as the Hayden Planetarium show, the Butterfly Vivarium, or a giant-screen film, when available.
Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Center)
The Rockefeller Center terraces span three levels, both indoor and outdoor, offering one of the most balanced views of the city. From here, you can frame the Empire State Building in the skyline and Central Park to the north, making it one of the best viewpoints for photos.
9/11 Memorial & Museum
The memorial stands where the Twin Towers once stood, with two large reflecting pools tracing their foundations. The underground museum brings together artifacts, testimonies, and reconstructions related to the September 11, 2001 attacks, creating a powerful and impactful experience.
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
The ticket includes the official ferry to Liberty Island and Ellis Island, with an audio guide and admission to both museums. You visit the symbol of the United States and the building that welcomed millions of immigrants. Access to the crown and the pedestal is not included in the pass.
Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises
A sightseeing cruise along the rivers around Manhattan, offering views of the skyline and bridges from the water. You can choose between different itineraries, from a full loop around the island to shorter routes toward the Statue of Liberty.
Intrepid Museum
Housed on a real aircraft carrier docked on the Hudson River, the museum features military aircraft, the Growler submarine, and the Space Shuttle Enterprise. It also includes the immersive Kamikaze experience and temporary exhibitions, offering a journey that combines military history and space exploration.
Guggenheim Museum
The modern and contemporary art museum designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, famous for its spiral ramp that winds up through the building. Admission includes access to the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions, as well as an architectural tour and a multilingual digital guide.
For attractions not included in the pass, you have the option to purchase tickets for NYC attractions separately.
How the New York CityPASS works
The purchase is made online. You receive a digital voucher via email with a QR code for each participant, with nothing to pick up on-site. You show the QR code at the entrance and go straight in. The 9-day validity period only starts from your first visit, not from the purchase date, so you can buy it in advance.
Prices of the New York CityPASS
Official prices are in U.S. dollars, with no additional fees. The savings are already included in the price, thanks to the bundled package purchase.
- Adult: $164 (value $283)
- Children 6–17 years: $136 (value $275)
Under 6 years old: free admission to most attractions.
Useful Information
- Validity: 9 consecutive days from first use, with one year to activate it from the date of purchase.
- Heading: each ticket must be booked with the full name of the participant it is assigned to.
- Reservations: some high-traffic attractions, especially observation decks, require booking a time slot through the My CityPASS app. Avoid leaving them for the last day, as availability is not guaranteed.
- Good to know: the crown and pedestal of the Statue of Liberty are not included, and The Met is not part of the pass. The American Museum of Natural History has a pay-what-you-wish admission, so the actual savings depend on the attractions chosen.
- Refunds: no refunds for partially used passes; cancellation is possible before activation.
Why choose the New York CityPASS
The cost per single attraction is around $33, which is difficult to achieve with individual tickets. The two fixed attractions, the Empire State Building and the American Museum of Natural History, alone are worth about $70 at the box office, while the total value of the pass reaches $283 compared to the $164 adult price. The savings are highest when the three chosen options include the more expensive experiences, such as Circle Line cruises or the Intrepid Museum. Beyond the price, the pass also offers the flexibility to plan your itinerary independently with a single purchase. CityPASS holders also get access to dedicated Broadway discounts. You purchase the pass and immediately receive a digital voucher on Il Mio Viaggio a New York.
CityPASS, C3 or New York Pass: which one is better
On the website, you can find other New York passes. The best choice depends on the length of your stay and the attractions you want to visit.
| Pass | Attractions | Validity | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York CityPASS | 5 (2 fixed + 3 choices among 6) | 9 days | from $164 | first-time visit, iconic attractions with savings |
| New York C3 | 3 freely chosen, wide list including MoMA and Edge | 30 days | from $114 | short stays and maximum flexibility |
| Go City Explorer Pass | 2 to 7 attractions of your choice | 30 days | from $89 | for those who want to choose how many attractions to pay for |
| The New York Pass | Over 100 included attractions | 1–10 days | from $164 | intensive itineraries, seeing as much as possible |
Prices are indicative and may change over time.
Important
AFTER BOOKING, YOU WILL RECEIVE AN AUTOMATIC CONFIRMATION AND THEN THE PASS IN A SEPARATE EMAIL.
PLEASE ALSO CHECK YOUR SPAM FOLDER.
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