When planning a trip to New York City, figuring out which attractions to visit and how to save on tickets is crucial. The New York CityPASS offers a solution for visitors looking to see several of the city’s top attractions at a discounted price. But is it worth buying? This review will break down the benefits and drawbacks, helping you decide if the NYC CityPASS is right for your trip.
What Is the NYC CityPASS?
The New York CityPASS is a ticket booklet that gives access to six of the city’s most popular attractions. Priced at a discounted rate compared to buying individual tickets, the pass is valid for nine consecutive days from the first day of use. Attractions typically included are:
- Empire State Building
- American Museum of Natural History
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Top of the Rock Observation Deck or the Guggenheim Museum
- Ferry access to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island or Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises
- 9/11 Memorial & Museum or Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
The pass aims to make sightseeing easier and more affordable for visitors, but whether or not it fits your needs depends on various factors.
Pros of the NYC CityPASS
1. Cost Savings
One of the most significant advantages of purchasing the NYC CityPASS is the savings. Buying tickets separately for all these attractions can add up, especially in a city where admission prices are high. The CityPASS offers a bundled rate, providing up to 40% off regular ticket prices. For budget-conscious travelers or families looking to visit multiple attractions, this can lead to substantial savings.
To put it into perspective, a regular ticket to the Empire State Building alone costs around $48. The CityPASS gives you access to this attraction plus five others for about $138 for adults and $118 for children, representing considerable value. If you plan on visiting at least three or four of the included attractions, the pass can pay for itself.
2. Flexibility and Convenience
The NYC CityPASS is designed to be flexible. It’s valid for nine days, which means you don’t need to cram all your sightseeing into a single day. This flexibility allows for a more relaxed schedule, giving you the freedom to spread out your visits over your entire stay. You can visit attractions at your own pace and even take a day off between activities if needed.
Additionally, the pass includes skip-the-line access for some attractions, which can be a huge time-saver, especially during peak tourist seasons. Instead of waiting in long queues, you can use special entry lanes and get in faster, giving you more time to enjoy the experience rather than standing in line.
3. Multiple Attraction Choices
The pass offers options for some of the attractions, allowing you to choose what interests you most. For example, you can select between the Top of the Rock Observation Deck and the Guggenheim Museum, or between a ferry ride to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island or a Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise. This variety makes the CityPASS more appealing, as it caters to different tastes and preferences.
If you are interested in New York’s history, you may prefer the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Alternatively, if you’re more into architecture and city views, the Top of the Rock may be a better fit. This flexibility helps you tailor your sightseeing to your interests while still getting the discounted price.
Cons of the NYC CityPASS
1. Limited Attraction List
While the NYC CityPASS covers some of the city’s most iconic sights, it does not include every popular attraction. For instance, tickets to popular spots like the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), Broadway shows, or the Brooklyn Bridge Park are not included. If these are high on your list, you’ll need to purchase separate tickets, potentially reducing the overall value of the pass.
Additionally, some visitors may not find every attraction on the CityPASS list appealing. If you’re only interested in two or three options, the pass might not offer enough value to justify its price. In this case, purchasing individual tickets for those select attractions could be a better option.
A man standing on the Top of the Rock Observation Deck
2. Limited Validity Period
Though the CityPASS offers nine days of validity, this can still feel restrictive for travelers who want a more extended period to spread out their activities. If your schedule is particularly busy or you have other plans during your stay, you might find it challenging to fit in all the attractions within the nine-day timeframe.
For those who have a longer trip planned or prefer a slower pace, there are other sightseeing passes with longer validity periods that may be more suitable.
3. Upfront Cost
While the pass offers overall savings, the upfront cost may feel steep for some travelers, especially if you’re traveling with a family or on a tight budget. At around $138 per adult, the pass requires a significant initial investment, and if plans change or you don’t get to use all the attractions, the savings may diminish. For some travelers, purchasing tickets individually as they go might feel more manageable, even if the total cost ends up being higher.
The Statue of Liberty
Is the NYC CityPASS Worth It?
the NYC CityPASS is a great option for visitors who want to see multiple top attractions in New York City and save money. With flexibility, skip-the-line privileges, and the potential for significant savings, the pass can be a smart choice for many travelers. However, it may not be the best fit for everyone, especially those with a limited interest in the listed attractions or those who prefer to see other sites outside the CityPASS offerings. Ultimately, whether you choose to buy the pass depends on your personal preferences and travel plans.
If you’re planning a visit and want more information on other ways to make the most of your trip, head over to VisitNYC.com for the latest tips and insights. We can also help you discover the top hidden places in New York, best Manhattan day trips, and best places to visit in Chinatown NYC.
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