New York · SKIP THE LINE
Every trip has one free day too few. These 15 skip-the-line tickets justify the slot, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get back to the fun part.
Enter One World Observatory at the Freedom Tower and ride the SkyPod to floors 100 through 102 in 47 seconds. See the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, harbor, and 9/11 Memorial. Choose standard, priority, flexible-entry, or VIP guided access.
“The observatory is really special. The fact that it’s 1776 feet tall is amazing for two our country in New York.”
Take Circle Line’s one-hour harbor cruise from Pier 83, with live English commentary and audio in eight additional languages. Sail close to the Statue of Liberty, pass Ellis Island and One World Trade Center, and enjoy indoor cabins or the outdoor deck. Guides such as David, Michael, and Andy are known for lively storytelling.
“Very organized. Our prebooked tix led us straight to the entrance line where they take your pics for purchase. Concession stand was fast with service. Bathrooms clean. We enjoyed the outdoor seating. Guide was informative. We didn’t go under the Brooklyn bridge which was advertised so that was a lil disappointing cuz I was expecting it. Pier 83 was easy to access from our hotel in Chelsea. We walked from there to Times Square no problem . Love the GetYourGuide app. It had all info I needed before the tour”
Sail 90 minutes from Pier 16 toward the Statue of Liberty, passing the Brooklyn Bridge and Lower Manhattan as daylight fades. Choose an open-air deck or climate-controlled cabin, buy drinks from the onboard bar, and use the optional audio guide. Debbie is a particularly engaging host on some departures.
“Good price for what is offered, amazing view, punctual, and staff well-prepared. I recommend and would definitely do it again.”
Enter at 20 West 34th Street and follow the red carpet to the Empire State Building Observatory. Your Express ticket takes you past the main queues, through exhibits on construction and pop culture, and up to the 86th floor. Select the 102nd floor for enclosed, floor-to-ceiling views.
“The skip the line was so worth the extra money. Saves so much time. The whole experience was amazing and we loved going up to 102nd floor.. what a view! I did however lose my brand new Knicks hat at security but when I went back it had gone..”
Begin near Ground Zero with an English-speaking guide, visiting St. Peter’s Church, St. Paul’s Chapel, the FDNY Memorial Wall, Oculus, and the memorial pools. Then enter the 9/11 Museum independently with a pre-reserved ticket. Guides may include Sara, James, Alice, Kevin, Nicola, or Katherine.
“My clients had a horrible experience trying to gain access to the tour they purchased. If it had not been for a very gracious young man at the door who persisted along with my clients, they would not have been allowed in. My client only had one scan code and needed the second one even though the voucher clearly said paid for two - one senior and one adult. They didn't realize the voucher was not the ticket, but there was no one at the listed meeting place to redeem the voucher for the ticket/tickets. After being rudely turned away at first, they hung around and tried again because the…”
Visit One World Observatory on your chosen day and arrive at any time for priority access through security, entry, and exit elevators. From 102 floors up, enjoy broad views of Manhattan and the rivers, use the One World Explorer iPad, and spend a $15 credit on food, drinks, or shopping.
“Fantastic view, it’s fun and amazing too! They are very courteous and friendly people there. You won’t be disappointed”
Spend two hours with an English-speaking guide such as Sam, John, Richard, or Jeff, moving from the Temple of Dendur to American, European, and modern masterpieces. Skip the ticket line, then visit the seasonal roof garden for Central Park and skyline views. Expect plenty of walking.
“Our guide, Sam was fantastic and super knowledgeable! It's my cousin's 65th birthday and this was on her bucket list. We stayed after and had an amazing time! Ticket holders, please come early as required. Prior to getting here check your email from the company you booked the tour with. Scroll to the bottom of that email to find the company that is giving the tour. When you arrive, stand by the Pharaoh and look for that company name.”
Ride the SkyPod elevators to One World Observatory for wide views across Manhattan, Brooklyn, New Jersey, and the harbor. Your ticket includes priority lanes for security, the elevator, and exit, plus a $5 voucher for food, drinks, or retail purchases. Allow about two hours and reserve ONE Dine separately.
“Great views, the iPad unfortunately does not work properly, just avoid it. Last but not least you would expect a modern lift to be more up to standards! Do not really understand why passengers have to feel the pressure in 2025”
Spend 90 minutes at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt with fast-pass entry and an English-speaking guide. Expect mirrored rooms, glass floors, broad views of New York, and a digital photo gallery. Choose the private option for up to six people, with one cocktail per person included.
“hice la reserva y cuando llegue me dijeron que la empresa no hizo la reserva, la cancelo y aun asi me la cobraron”
Spend 90 minutes at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt with skip-the-line entry and a Guest Experience Tour Lead. See mirrored art spaces, interactive exhibits, and wide Manhattan views while your guide helps with photos. Comfortable shoes and covered legs are strongly advised.
“I booked the experience because I was traveling solo and decided it will be worth the price because of amazing professional pictures shown there. And it was a mistake. The "professional" pictures I would definitely skip. Our guide did much better job taking pics on our phones. She was lovely. She was the best part of the experience.”
Explore five thousand years of art at New York’s Met in about two hours. An English-speaking guide leads you from the Temple of Dendur to American, European, and modern masterpieces. Guides such as Leo, Jeff, Rob, and Richard have earned praise for clear stories and an easy pace.
“Guide was great - paid for skip the line and still had to wait in the loooooong security line like the rest of the people.”
Spend about three hours at Chelsea Table & Stage with dueling pianists who take song requests, lead singalongs, run games, and pull the room into the show. Admission is $36, drinks and food cost extra, and you must be 18 or older with photo ID.
“This night is an amazing night for all ages over 18, good fun, good laugh and lots of dancing as well. I would highly recommend this night here.”
Set out from Central Park South for a private 45-minute carriage ride through the park at night. Your guide points out landmarks and movie locations, takes photos, offers warm blankets, and lets you feed the horse a carrot. The carriage holds up to four adults or three adults and two children.
“A hour before our appointment I received a phone call that all rides were suspended due to heat. Which I understand. What I don’t understand is why my money was taken ….$250 and it’s gonna take 3 days for a refund. If they knew at 11 am all rides were suspended then they should t have continued to book for the day. We planned our evening around that ride…..you only visit NYC for a limited amount of time….do t waste my time or money! Be upfront and honest on your bookings!”
Ride through Central Park in a private horse-drawn carriage for up to four people, stopping at Bethesda Fountain and Cherry Hill for photos. Your guide points out the Bow Bridge, Strawberry Fields, the Dakota, Tavern on the Green, and other landmarks, with blankets and a carrot for the horse included.
“Our carriage driver was ahoc replaced by another available and willing to help. We were early and showed other carriage drivers our booking details-they tried to help us find our man...who was not there. We can't help feeling like we missed out on our paid-for experience, although our mostly self-arranged replacement was a lovely person, I can't say it felt VIP.”
Spend Sunday afternoon at Burgerology Midtown with Shake Rattle & Roll Dueling Pianos. You get fast-track entry, a guaranteed table, live requests, sing-alongs, prizes, and a lively brunch setting. Food and drinks cost extra, and guests must meet the venue’s age and two-item minimum rules.
“We brought my mom to the Dueling Pianos brunch show, and the guys went out of their way to show her a GREAT time! We sang, ate, drank, sang some more, and laughed like we were at a comedy show. (The mimosas helped too!) These guys can play anything! They even brought her up to the pianos for a special birthday shout-out, and the rest was history. I HIGHLY recommend this for special occasions. From the greeting at the door to the service from the staff to the excellent entertainment, everything was just right. Thanks again guy!”
Pick a borough, a boat or a booking.
