New York CityPASS®

Five sights, one pass, nine days. New York CityPASS® packages the Empire State Building, American Museum of Natural History, and your choice of three more major attractions into one mobile ticket. I like the nine-day validity, which gives you breathing room, and the easy phone-based booking system, which lets you manage many reservations in one place. The main catch is simple: you save money only if you choose enough attractions, and a few venues still require a ticket exchange or timed reservation.

This works best for a first New York visit built around big-name sights. You can see the skyline from two famous towers, visit Liberty and Ellis islands, cruise the harbor, or spend hours in world-class museums without buying each admission separately. Still, the selection is fixed, some attractions sit far apart, and the pass does not include Statue of Liberty pedestal or crown access.

Key points before you buy

• Five attractions for $154: The pass includes two fixed sights plus your choice of three from six additional attractions.
• Nine consecutive days: The clock starts with your first use, not necessarily your purchase date.
• Empire State Building bonus: Your admission includes the 86th-floor observatory, the second-floor museum, and bonus same-night general admission.
• Reservations matter: Some attractions require advance time slots, especially popular museums and observation decks.
• Mobile entry is convenient: You can present the pass on your phone or print it, and many bookings can be changed in the app.
• Best value comes from planning: Using four or five attractions is the safest way to make the $154 price work in your favor.

How the New York CityPASS works

The CityPASS includes admission to five attractions in total. Two are already chosen for you: the Empire State Building and the American Museum of Natural History. You then select three more from these six:

• Top of the Rock Observation Deck
• Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island ferry access
• The National September 11 Memorial & Museum
• A Circle Line sightseeing cruise
• Intrepid Museum
• Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

The pass is valid for nine consecutive days, including the first day you use it. An unused pass expires one year after purchase. That makes it more flexible than a packed one-day sightseeing bundle, but you still need to check schedules before you arrive.

The mobile ticket is the heart of the system. You can store it on your phone, open it at each entrance, and use the CityPASS app to see your chosen activities and reservation times. Several people found it easy to change times when plans shifted, which matters in New York. A late lunch, tired children, rain, or a subway delay can throw off a carefully built schedule.

The system is not completely line-free. At some venues, you may go straight to entry. At others, you may need to exchange the CityPASS for an attraction ticket. The American Museum of Natural History, in particular, can involve a line for this step. So think of CityPASS as a way to simplify admission and often reduce ticket queues, not as a magic pass through every queue in Manhattan.

Is $154 a good deal?

The adult price is $154 per person. Since individual admission prices can change, I would not buy it on faith. Before purchasing, list the five attractions you are most likely to visit and compare their current combined prices with the pass.

The pass becomes a strong buy if you use all five admissions. It can still work well with four attractions, especially if your choices include major observation decks, the Statue of Liberty ferry, or the 9/11 Museum. If you use only two or three, paying separately may be cheaper and gives you more freedom.

I would make a quick plan before you buy:

1. Choose the two fixed attractions.
2. Pick three likely additions.
3. Check operating hours and reservation requirements.
4. Group nearby sights on the same day.
5. Compare the total individual cost with $154.

You also save time by avoiding separate ticket purchases. That time has real value in New York, though you should not assume every venue offers priority entry. One useful advantage is having your choices, tickets, and times in a single phone app instead of searching through several emails.

The pass is not a discount card for every museum or activity in town. It covers a carefully selected list of major attractions. If you prefer small galleries, neighborhood walks, food stops, or free city sights, you may find the selection too narrow.

Empire State Building: the pass centerpiece

Your Empire State Building admission includes the 86th-floor Observatory and the museum on the second floor. The attraction also includes bonus same-night general admission, giving you another chance to see the building after dark on the same day.

Allow about three hours if you want to take your time. The observatory gives you the classic New York view, while the museum adds context before or after you go upstairs. The same-night bonus is particularly useful if you visit earlier and want to return for city lights.

Build this stop around your Midtown plans. The Empire State Building is near several other central Manhattan sights, so it can fit naturally with the Intrepid Museum, Top of the Rock, or a walk through nearby neighborhoods.

The practical issue is timing. Observation decks are popular, and a reservation may be needed. Check the CityPASS app and attraction instructions before setting your day around it.

American Museum of Natural History: plan four hours

The American Museum of Natural History is not a quick stop. The pass includes the permanent museum halls, more than 40 galleries, and one ticketed option based on availability. That extra choice may be the Davis Family Butterfly Vivarium, a giant-screen film, or the Hayden Planetarium Space Show.

Allow about four hours, and more if your group likes museums. The building covers a lot of ground, so trying to see every hall can leave you tired and rushed. Pick a few areas that suit your interests and accept that you will not see everything in one visit.

This is one of the pass attractions where you may need to exchange the CityPASS for the museum’s own tickets. That can create an extra line, even though you already have admission. Go earlier if you want a smoother start, and check the availability of the special exhibition or show you want.

The museum is on the Upper West Side, far from the downtown attractions. Do not place it between the Statue of Liberty and the 9/11 Museum unless you enjoy spending your day crossing Manhattan. A full museum visit deserves its own block of time.

Top of the Rock: choose your skyline carefully

Top of the Rock gives you general admission to the observation deck, with about three hours allowed for the visit. Its location at Rockefeller Center makes it convenient for Midtown sightseeing.

Many people choose it alongside the Empire State Building because the two views are different. From Top of the Rock, you can see the Empire State Building itself in the skyline. From the Empire State Building, you get the view from the city’s best-known landmark. Using both takes two pass choices, but it can make sense for visitors who care most about city views.

Timed entry is important here. Check availability before you finalize your day, especially if your trip is short. The CityPASS app can make changes easier when your schedule moves, but a popular time may not remain open.

If you are trying to save money, pick Top of the Rock only if its view and location appeal more than the other options. If you want the Statue of Liberty, the 9/11 Museum, or a cruise, those may give your pass a broader range of experiences.

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: allow three hours

This option includes one Statue City Cruises ferry ride to and from Liberty Island and Ellis Island. It also includes audio guides, admission to the Statue of Liberty Museum, and admission to the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration.

The ferry ride provides a useful change of pace after several indoor sights and observation decks. You get time on the water, views back toward Manhattan, and two major historic sites in one admission.

The pass does not include access to the Statue of Liberty’s pedestal or crown. If those areas are important to you, CityPASS will not cover them. The included admission is for the ferry, islands, museums, and audio guides.

Allow at least three hours, and keep an eye on the ferry schedule. This is not a stop you can squeeze into a narrow gap between two fixed appointments. Weather, ferry timing, and the amount of time you spend on Ellis Island can all affect the day.

Because this option begins at the ferry departure point and takes you away from Midtown, group it with Lower Manhattan sights. You could pair it with the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, though you should leave enough time for both.

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum: make room for reflection

The pass provides general admission to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. Allow about three hours, though the time may feel short if you want to read the exhibits carefully.

The memorial and museum are emotionally demanding. Give yourself time before making another appointment. A rushed visit followed by a tightly scheduled attraction can make the day feel packed in the wrong way.

This is one of the attractions where advance planning is especially sensible. Booking two or three days ahead was useful for visitors with fixed schedules, and the app can help you adjust the time if your plans change.

The memorial is outdoors, while the museum takes you inside for a much longer visit. Wear comfortable shoes and plan your Lower Manhattan route around it. The nearby area also connects well with the Statue of Liberty ferry, though you should not assume both can be completed comfortably if ferry times are limited.

Circle Line cruises: a welcome break for tired feet

Your pass includes one regularly scheduled Circle Line cruise. The available choices can include a Landmarks Cruise, Liberty Midtown Cruise, Liberty Super Express Cruise, or Statue at Sunset Cruise, depending on the current schedule.

The exact cruise matters. Check the current options before selecting one, since routes and departure times can change. A boat trip is a smart way to rest while still seeing a large portion of the city.

One useful planning trick is to place the cruise between walking-heavy activities. Families especially may appreciate sitting down for a while instead of moving from one museum or tower to the next.

The cruise is also a good choice if you want city views without paying for another observation deck. It does not replace the Statue of Liberty ferry, since it is a different experience and route, but it can give you a broader look at the waterfront.

Intrepid Museum: a strong pick for families

The Intrepid Museum includes general admission to the aircraft carrier Intrepid, the Space Shuttle Pavilion, the submarine Growler, the immersive Kamikaze experience, and temporary exhibitions.

Allow about three hours. The attraction offers a change from traditional art and history museums, with large ships, aircraft, and engineering displays. It is a natural fit for families and anyone who prefers hands-on exhibits and military technology.

The Intrepid is on the West Side, so it is not close to the Statue of Liberty or the Guggenheim. Plan it with other Midtown or West Side activities instead of treating it as a quick detour.

This can be a good CityPASS choice because it gives you a different kind of New York experience. The pass works best when your five selections are not all similar. Two towers, two museums, a ferry, and a cruise can make the ticket feel repetitive. The Intrepid helps add variety.

Guggenheim Museum: art and architecture in a compact visit

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum includes general admission to its collection and special exhibitions. You also get access to a free daily architecture tour and a digital guide with content in several languages, accessed on your own mobile device.

Allow about three hours, though art lovers may stay longer. The building itself is part of the experience, so look beyond the exhibition rooms. The architecture tour can add useful context without requiring a separate payment.

The Guggenheim sits on the Upper East Side, making it a natural partner for the American Museum of Natural History only if you are prepared for a cross-town trip. It may suit you better as part of a museum day, with realistic expectations about walking and transit.

Choose it if you already want to visit the Guggenheim. Do not add it simply to fill a spare pass slot. The best value comes from attractions you genuinely want to see.

Getting the most from nine days

Nine days sounds generous, but New York can use up time quickly. Do not turn the pass into a race. Three hours at a museum, three hours at an observation deck, and ferry travel can fill a full day before meals and transport are counted.

I would spread the five attractions across at least three days. Put one major timed attraction in the morning and one flexible stop later. Leave empty space for neighborhoods, meals, weather changes, and the simple pleasure of walking without checking the clock.

A sensible outline might look like this:

• Midtown day: Empire State Building and Top of the Rock, if both are priorities.
• Upper West Side day: American Museum of Natural History, with no tight evening booking.
• Lower Manhattan day: Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, or the 9/11 Museum.
• West Side day: Intrepid Museum and a Circle Line cruise, subject to schedules.
• Upper East Side day: Guggenheim Museum, if selected.

You do not have to follow this exact pattern. The point is to group attractions by area and protect your energy. The pass gives you nine days, so use that flexibility.

The booking page is important before and during your trip. Visit it to make reservations when required, access tickets, and check attraction details. Keep your phone charged, and consider printing the pass as a backup because printed tickets are accepted.

Who should buy the CityPASS?

I would recommend it for a first visit focused on major New York sights, especially if you have three or more full sightseeing days. Families can benefit from the simple app and broad selection, but children may tire before you complete all five attractions. A boat cruise can help break up long walks and museum hours.

It also suits couples and friends who want a ready-made plan. The pass removes some ticket research, and the ability to change many reservation times makes it less rigid than it first appears.

I would be more cautious if you have only a day or two, dislike timed attractions, or care mainly about free sights and local neighborhoods. The pass does not cover transport, so you still need to pay for getting between attractions. It also has a non-refundable policy, so buy only after you are confident about your dates and plans.

With a 4.3 rating from more than 2,000 submitted ratings, the pass has a strong record, but its value depends on how you use it. The most praised features are the easy app, simple mobile entry, flexible reservation changes, and savings across several major sights. The most important warning is just as clear: plan ahead, and check which venues require ticket pickup.

Should you book New York CityPASS?

Book it if you can name at least four included attractions you truly want to visit, then use the nine-day window to spread them out. The strongest combinations include the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, the 9/11 Museum, the Statue of Liberty ferry, and either the Intrepid or a Circle Line cruise.

Skip it if you are likely to use only two or three attractions, or if your schedule is too short to handle reservations. For the right itinerary, $154 buys convenience as well as admission. For a loose, spontaneous trip, individual tickets may give you better control.

FAQ

How long is the New York CityPASS valid?

It is valid for nine consecutive days, including the first day you use it.

What attractions are fixed in the pass?

The pass includes the Empire State Building and the American Museum of Natural History.

How many additional attractions can I choose?

You can choose three additional attractions from six options: Top of the Rock, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island ferry access, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, a Circle Line cruise, Intrepid Museum, or the Guggenheim Museum.

Does the pass include Statue of Liberty crown access?

No. Crown Tickets and pedestal access are not included.

Can I use the pass on my phone?

Yes. You can present the mobile ticket on your phone. You may also print the tickets for entry.

Do I need reservations?

Some attractions require reservations. You should visit the CityPASS booking page to check requirements, reserve times, access tickets, and view current attraction details.

Is transportation included?

No. Transportation to and from the attractions is not included.