New York CityPASS®

New York CityPASS is built around a simple idea: pay once, then choose five major attractions across nine days. For $154 per person, you get the Empire State Building and American Museum of Natural History, then pick three more from six popular sights. I like the nine-day window and the mobile ticket, especially if you want a measured visit rather than a frantic weekend sprint.

I also like the range of choices. You can pair skyline views with the Statue of Liberty, a harbor cruise, serious museum time, or the moving 9/11 Memorial and Museum. The main drawback is that five visits require planning, and some attractions still need timed reservations or a ticket exchange at the venue. If you only want two or three sights, the pass may not save money.

Key points to know before you buy

• Five attractions over nine days: Two are fixed, and you choose three from six additional New York sights.
• Mobile entry is easy: Show the pass on your phone, or print it if you prefer.
• The Empire State Building includes a same-night return: Your ticket covers the 86th Floor Observatory, the second-floor museum, and bonus general admission later that evening.
• The American Museum of Natural History includes one extra feature: Choose one ticketed exhibition, butterfly vivarium, giant-screen film, or Hayden Planetarium Space Show, subject to availability.
• Reservations matter: Use the CityPASS website to check details and reserve attractions when required, especially for popular time slots.
• Statue access has limits: The ferry, Liberty Island, Ellis Island, museums, and audio guides are included, but crown and pedestal access are not.

How the $154 price works in real life

The pass costs $154 per person. Its value depends on how many included attractions you actually use, not on the number printed in the brochure. You receive two fixed admissions and select three more, so the sensible comparison is the combined cost of the five individual attractions you would otherwise buy.

I would make a shortlist before purchasing. If your plan includes the Empire State Building, American Museum of Natural History, Top of the Rock, 9/11 Memorial and Museum, and Statue of Liberty ferry, the pass is aimed directly at your sightseeing list. If you use all five admissions, the price is much easier to justify.

The pass also saves time in a less obvious way. You do not need to buy a separate ticket at every attraction, and the app keeps your choices, reservations, and admission details in one place. That is useful in New York, where a simple museum visit can otherwise involve several websites and confirmation emails.

Still, do not treat the pass as a magic skip-the-line card. It can reduce ticket-buying queues, but some venues ask you to exchange the mobile pass for an attraction ticket. The American Museum of Natural History has been a particular point of friction for some users, so allow a little extra time there.

Nine days gives you room to slow down

Your ticket is valid for nine consecutive days from the first use. An unused pass expires one year after purchase, but once activated, the clock starts running and does not pause. That makes the pass a good fit for a week-long stay or a longer visit with time for museums.

I would avoid activating it on a late afternoon unless you already plan to use one of the attractions that day. A short first day still counts as day one. On the other hand, the nine-day period gives you room to split attractions by neighborhood and energy level.

A family can use one day for Midtown sights, another for the Upper West Side, and another for Lower Manhattan. A couple might place the Empire State Building and Top of the Rock on different days so the two observation decks do not feel repetitive. The pass works best when you plan around locations instead of crossing Manhattan for one isolated admission.

Empire State Building: make the evening bonus count

The pass includes the Empire State Building’s 86th Floor Observatory, the second-floor museum, and bonus same-night general admission. The visit is listed at about three hours, though your actual time will depend on queues, weather, and how long you spend looking out over the city.

The 86th floor gives you the classic open-air New York view. The second-floor museum adds context before or after the elevator ride, so this is more than a quick photo stop. The extra same-night admission is especially useful. You can visit during daylight, then return later for a different view after the city lights come on.

That bonus can help you get more value from the pass, but it also affects your schedule. You need to remain near Midtown or be willing to return later in the evening. Check the current entry details and use the app or CityPASS website for reservations if required.

American Museum of Natural History: allow four hours

The American Museum of Natural History is the largest time commitment in the package, with more than 40 permanent galleries. The pass also includes one choice of a ticketed feature: an exhibition, the Davis Family Butterfly Vivarium, a giant-screen film, or the Hayden Planetarium Space Show, based on availability.

This is a strong choice for families because you can adjust the visit to suit different interests. It also works well on a rainy day, though the museum is large enough that you should not expect to see everything in one visit. I would choose your special feature first, then build the permanent galleries around it.

The practical warning is important: you may need to show the CityPASS and exchange it for the museum’s own ticket. That can mean a line even though admission is included. The pass saves you from paying separately, but it does not always remove every step at the entrance.

Top of the Rock: the best companion to the Empire State Building

Top of the Rock is one of the three optional attractions you can select. General admission is included, and the suggested visit lasts about three hours, though many people will spend less time there.

The reason to choose both observation decks is that the views differ. From the Empire State Building, you are looking toward a skyline that includes Rockefeller Center. From Top of the Rock, you can see the Empire State Building itself. If skyline views are a main reason for your New York visit, this pairing makes sense.

If you choose only one observation deck, compare the rest of your list before deciding. Top of the Rock uses one of your three choices, so selecting it means giving up the Statue of Liberty, 9/11 Museum, Circle Line, Intrepid, or Guggenheim.

Timed entry can matter here, particularly at popular times. The app is useful for making or changing reservations, but do not wait until the last minute for the most wanted slots.

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: ferry access, not crown access

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

This is a full outing, not a quick photo stop. The suggested time is three hours, and the ferry makes it a useful change of pace after several indoor museums or observation decks. You can see the statue, visit the museums, and spend time on Ellis Island before returning to Manhattan.

Be clear about what is not included. Crown tickets and pedestal access are excluded. If those areas are essential to your plan, the CityPASS alone will not cover them, and any available upgrade must be handled directly with the attraction.

This choice is best for you if you want the ferry ride and both islands, not just a view of the statue from the water. It also requires attention to the ferry schedule, so do not place it between two tightly timed appointments.

9/11 Memorial and Museum: leave emotional space

The pass includes general admission to the National 9/11 Memorial and Museum. The suggested visit is three hours, which is a useful minimum because the museum asks for time and attention rather than a quick walk-through.

The memorial outside and the museum inside create a serious part of the itinerary. You may find the experience emotionally heavy, so I would not schedule it immediately before a rushed dinner reservation or a long cross-town journey. Give yourself time afterward to process what you have seen.

This is one of the optional admissions that can make the pass worthwhile if it is already on your list. It also has a practical planning point: popular times can fill, and advance reservations are wise. The app makes it possible to adjust many reservations if your plans change, but availability still controls the choices.

Circle Line: use the boat as a break from walking

The Circle Line choice includes one regularly scheduled cruise. Depending on the current schedule, you may select a Landmarks Cruise, Liberty Midtown Cruise, Liberty Super Express Cruise, or Statue at Sunset Cruise.

The exact menu and departure times can change, so check the current schedule before committing. The cruise uses one of your three optional attractions, but it can be a smart choice if your feet need a rest. A boat tour also lets you see Manhattan from the water instead of from another tall building.

Families may find this especially useful between two attractions. A cruise gives everyone a period of sitting down while still sightseeing. Build it into the day rather than treating it as a minor add-on, since departure times can shape your entire schedule.

Intrepid Museum: a good choice for hands-on variety

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

This is a particularly good selection if your group wants something different from art museums and observation decks. The ship and submarine give the visit a clear sense of place, while the space shuttle and temporary displays add variety.

It is located away from the main cluster of Midtown attractions, so plan your route rather than trying to squeeze it between distant appointments. The pass does not include transportation to or from any attraction. You will need to arrange your own travel and allow time for getting there.

Guggenheim Museum: choose it for architecture and art

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

This option makes the most sense if you want modern and contemporary art, distinctive architecture, or a museum visit on the Upper East Side. The building itself is part of the experience, and the architecture tour adds useful context without another charge.

The Guggenheim uses one of your three choices, so compare it with the Intrepid or American Museum of Natural History if your group has mixed interests. It may be a better pick for art lovers than for children who would prefer aircraft, ships, or natural science.

Planning five stops without exhausting yourself

The biggest mistake is trying to treat the pass like a race. Three hours at the Empire State Building, four hours at the natural history museum, and three hours at the 9/11 Museum already add up to a demanding schedule before meals and transportation.

I would group attractions by area:

• Put the Empire State Building and Top of the Rock on the same Midtown day only if your group is comfortable with a full schedule.
• Pair the 9/11 Museum with the Statue of Liberty ferry only when ferry times leave enough breathing room.
• Combine the Guggenheim with other Upper East Side plans rather than crossing town just for one museum.
• Use Circle Line as a slower interlude between more active visits.
• Place the Intrepid on a day when you can focus on the west side of Midtown.

The app is one of the strongest practical features. You can view your selections, reserve times, and change many bookings if you arrive early or run late. Still, do not rely on last-minute changes during the busiest periods. Popular attractions may have fewer open slots.

You can present the ticket on your phone or print it. Saving the pass to your phone wallet is sensible, especially if you are managing admissions for a family. One booking problem can occur if the email connected to the purchase is not properly passed along, so confirm that you can access the CityPASS account and reservations before your first visit.

Who will get the most from CityPASS?

This pass suits you if you want the major New York sights and can commit to at least four or five admissions. It is especially helpful for first-time visitors, families, and anyone who dislikes buying separate tickets at each venue.

It also works well for a seven-day trip. You can spread the attractions across the city and avoid stacking too many demanding visits into one day. Families should remember that children may tire from the walking, even when the pass itself is easy to use.

The pass is less useful if your trip is centered on free sights, neighborhood walks, restaurants, or one favorite museum. It is also not ideal if you want complete freedom and do not want to reserve time slots. The selection is focused on major attractions, so you are choosing convenience and structure over an open-ended sightseeing plan.

The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for a refund after purchase. Buy only after checking that at least several included attractions fit your actual plans.

Should you book the New York CityPASS?

I would book it if you already expect to visit the Empire State Building, American Museum of Natural History, and at least three of the optional attractions. The nine-day validity, mobile ticket, and reservation tools make it easier to manage a full New York sightseeing plan.

I would skip it if you will use only two or three admissions, or if the included attractions do not match your interests. Before buying, write down your five likely stops, check current schedules, and make sure you are comfortable with the Statue of Liberty limits and possible ticket exchanges.

For a first New York visit built around classic sights, CityPASS is a practical money-saving tool. Just use it as a flexible framework, not a command to see everything at once.

FAQ

How many attractions are included in the New York CityPASS?

Five attractions are included. The Empire State Building and American Museum of Natural History are fixed inclusions, and you choose three more from six options.

How long is the CityPASS valid?

The pass is valid for nine consecutive days, including the first day you use it. An unused pass expires one year after the purchase date.

Can I use the CityPASS on my phone?

Yes. You can present the mobile ticket on your phone at the included attractions. You may also print the ticket.

What is included at the Empire State Building?

You receive admission to the 86th Floor Observatory, entry to the second-floor museum, and bonus same-night general admission.

Does the pass include the Statue of Liberty crown?

No. The Statue of Liberty option includes the ferry, audio guides, Liberty Island Museum, and Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. Crown Tickets and Pedestal Access are not included.

Does the American Museum of Natural History admission include special features?

It includes permanent museum halls and one choice of a ticketed exhibition, the Davis Family Butterfly Vivarium, a giant-screen film, or the Hayden Planetarium Space Show, based on availability.

Do I need to reserve attraction times?

Some attractions require or recommend reservations. You can visit the CityPASS website to check attraction details, access tickets, and make reservations where required.

Is transportation included?

No. Transportation to and from the attractions is not included, so you must arrange your own travel between stops.