New York CityPASS®

Skyscrapers, museums, and ferries, wrapped into one smart ticket. The New York CityPASS is built for people who want major sights with less ticket chaos and fewer long waits. It is a mobile pass you start on day one, then use across a nine-day window to cover five big attractions plus flexible add-ons.

I especially like that it cuts down on line stress. You show your phone ticket at the gate for included stops, and you can also plan key entry times through the pass setup. I also like the mix: big-name views, then heavyweight museums, then the Statue of Liberty ferry day.

One consideration: you still need to think ahead, because some venues can require exchanges or timed entry practices on-site, and a few options depend on availability. If you want total spontaneity every hour, CityPASS may feel a bit planned.

Key points before you buy

• 9 consecutive days from first use, so you control the start date
• Mobile ticket entry, with a built-in way to manage included attractions
• Empire State Building AM/PM access, plus the 2nd Floor Museum included
• Choose 3 more top museums and experiences, not just one set route
• Liberty and Ellis Island come by ferry, but Crown and Pedestal access is not included
• Best value when you hit at least 4 attractions during your stay

What the New York CityPASS actually gives you (and what it does not)

Think of CityPASS as a time-saving bundle for New York City’s headline stops. You pay one price, then you get admission to major attractions without buying each ticket separately on different days and apps.

Here’s what you get as included admissions:

• Empire State Building AM/PM experience (86th Floor Observatory admission and entry to the 2nd Floor Museum, plus same-night general admission)
• American Museum of Natural History (permanent galleries plus one ticketed exhibition choice, or film or planetarium based on availability)
• Three choices from a list: Top of the Rock, Ferry access to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, 9/11 Memorial and Museum, Circle Line sightseeing cruise, Intrepid Museum, or the Guggenheim Museum

Here’s what you should not count on:

• Transportation is not included. You will still rely on subways, buses, taxis, walking, or rideshare.
• Statue of Liberty Crown and Pedestal access is not included. You can still do the ferry rides and museum access, but if you want the crown, that is an upgrade you would need to buy separately.
• Some attractions may add ticket upgrades at the venue, so budget for optional extras if a specific version of an experience matters to you.

In plain terms, you’re buying admission and structure. You’re not buying full-day transport or every possible add-on version of every site.

9 days to hit five big icons: how to pace the pass

The pass is valid for 9 consecutive days, starting on the day you first use it. If you do not activate it, it expires one year after purchase, so it’s not a “use it immediately or lose it” situation, but timing still matters.

To make the most of it, I’d plan like this:

• Pick one “big view” day early, when you are freshest for stairs, lines, and skyline crowds.
• Put one museum day right after, so you get a slower pace.
• Reserve at least one “heart-heavy” stop for a day when you can move gently afterward, especially if 9/11 Memorial is on your list.
• Keep one day flexible for weather. Ferries and observation decks are easiest when skies cooperate, or at least when you can tolerate wind and changing conditions.

Also, the included stops aren’t all next door. You should expect transit time and some walking. You will enjoy the trip more if you group stops by neighborhood instead of trying to cross Manhattan every few hours.

Empire State Building AM/PM access: view twice, museum once

This is one of the strongest reasons to consider CityPASS. You get 86th Floor Observatory admission, plus entry to the 2nd Floor Museum, and you also receive bonus same-night general admission.

Why that matters: it gives you a built-in plan for timing. You can use the Observatory earlier in the day and then go back again later, so you can catch a different light and crowd level. Even if you skip the second visit, the same-night bonus can be a lifesaver if your first time slot runs late.

Practical tips:

• Go for the “timing window” that matches your mood. Morning or late afternoon often feels calmer than peak midday for many visitors.
• If you want photos, give yourself a little time on-site instead of treating it like a quick stop.
• Build transit and security buffer into your schedule. This area gets busy.

One possible drawback: the Observatory and museum still feel like attractions with their own on-site flow. The CityPASS helps with admission, but you should still plan to move through the venue efficiently.

American Museum of Natural History: galleries plus one ticketed special

AMNH is the type of museum where you can lose a whole day and still feel like you only scratched the surface. With CityPASS, you get admission to permanent museum halls across more than 40 galleries, plus one choice of ticketed exhibition.

Your special pick can be one of these, depending on availability:

• Davis Family Butterfly Vivarium
• A giant-screen film
• The Hayden Planetarium Space Show

What I like about this setup is choice plus structure. You’re not locked into one “extra” ticket that might not match your interests that day. You can choose the add-on that fits your family, your attention span, or your schedule.

A smart way to use your time:

• Decide what you want most before you arrive. AMNH has a lot going on, and momentum matters.
• If you are with kids or you’re short on energy, start with the big gallery areas first, then use the ticketed special as your “event moment.”

One consideration: the pass can make entry easier, but some museums may still have a queue or exchange step on-site. If you hit a busy entry moment, expect a small delay before you’re fully in.

Top of the Rock planning: choose this for a sharper skyline angle

If you pick Top of the Rock Observation Deck, you get general admission included. I like this option as a counterpoint to the Empire State Building because you can compare skylines without changing your whole travel plan.

How to choose between Top of the Rock and Empire State:

• If you want views that feel a bit more “city-forward” and less tower-centered, Top of the Rock can feel like the better angle.
• If you want the iconic Empire State Building brand, stick with the Empire State as your primary tower, then use Top of the Rock as a secondary viewpoint if time allows.

Top of the Rock is also a good move for photography lovers, especially if you enjoy getting shots at different times. CityPASS gives you the flexibility to spread your major sights across the nine days, not cram them into one frantic afternoon.

The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum: plan for a slower, respectful pace

9/11 Memorial & Museum is included with general admission. This is not a quick “check the box” attraction. It’s emotional, and it can take time to process.

Here’s how to plan so you do not feel rushed:

• Go earlier or later in the day if you prefer fewer crowds. (The CityPASS helps with admission, but this site still has heavy demand.)
• Give yourself room afterward. You will likely need a break from the intensity before dinner or another major walk.

A practical tip from on-the-ground experience: if you feel like you want to explore fully, do not schedule two more big-ticket stops right after. I’ve seen how people feel after this type of visit, and it is better to let the day breathe.

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island by ferry: included access with clear limits

This is the “wow” day for many first-time New York visitors. With CityPASS, you get ferry access to Liberty Island and Ellis Island using Statue City Cruises for a round trip, plus audio guides and admission to:

• Statue of Liberty Museum
• Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration

Important limits:

• Crown Tickets and Pedestal Access are not included.

Why the included package still works:

• You still get the ferry experience, the museums, and the island history in a structured way.
• Audio guides help you move at your own pace instead of scrambling for context.

How to make it smooth:

• Dress for wind and keep an eye on your timing. Ferry days can feel chilly even in mild weather.
• Add travel time to and from the departure area.
• If you’re traveling with kids or anyone who gets tired easily, bring snacks and plan for a slower museum rhythm once you land.

If Crown access is a must-have for you, CityPASS can still be part of your plan, but you’ll want to budget for upgrades separately.

Circle Line sightseeing cruises: the easy day-saver

With CityPASS, you get free admission to one regularly scheduled Landmarks Cruise or one of the listed variations (like Liberty Midtown, Liberty Super Express, or Statue at Sunset). You should check the current schedules for exact departure times.

Why I like this inclusion:

• It is one of the easiest ways to see major landmarks without the stress of “where do we stand for the best angle.”
• It gives you a break from walking. Even if you do only one boat-based activity, it can make the whole trip feel more balanced.

When to pick which cruise:

• If your goal is classic skyline views, choose the option that fits your day and light.
• If you care about sunset or evening vibes, pick the cruise that matches your timing and energy level.

Intrepid Museum: ships, submarines, and hands-on aviation

The Intrepid Museum is included with general admission, and you get access to major highlights like:

• Space Shuttle Pavilion
• the submarine Growler
• an immersive Kamikaze experience
• all temporary exhibitions

This museum is a great option if you want something different from the typical art-and-cathedral lineup. It also tends to work well for mixed-age groups because there is a lot to see and a lot of hands-on-style viewing in the way it is laid out.

Practical note: you’re walking around ships and exhibits, so comfortable shoes matter. Plan an unhurried pace. The museum rewards curiosity, not speed.

Guggenheim Museum: art plus an architecture tour option

If you choose the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, your CityPASS includes general admission to the collection and special exhibits. You also get access to a free daily architecture tour and a digital guide with content in multiple languages, accessed via your personal mobile device.

Why this is a smart pick:

• It’s not just museum viewing. The architecture angle gives you another layer, especially if you like how buildings shape the experience.
• The digital guide means you can tailor the pacing. You can spend more time with what grabs you and skip what does not.

If you are a first-timer, I’d treat Guggenheim as your “let your eyes relax” stop after heavier days. It’s a different kind of New York experience, with a more contemplative rhythm.

Using the mobile ticket the right way: reservations, changes, and queues

CityPASS is sold as a mobile ticket experience, and you can present the pass on your phone or print it. On the included attractions, you show the mobile ticket for entry.

A few practical things to know:

• Some venues may still require ticket exchange on-site. That means a short wait can happen even when you have the pass. If timing matters, arrive with a buffer.
• You can manage your plans with the pass setup, and you may be able to adjust reservation times in the app if you arrive early or run late. I like this because New York days are rarely perfectly timed.

My biggest advice: take screenshots or make sure your wallet app is ready. When you are standing at the gate, you do not want a dead battery or slow signal to slow you down.

Also, do not leave everything to the last day. Pick which attractions you want early, especially for popular picks like 9/11 Memorial or major tower time slots.

Value check: is $154 really a good deal for you?

At $154 per person, CityPASS is not a budget steal for everyone. It becomes a great deal if your plan matches the pass strengths.

Here is the value logic I use:

• If you plan to visit at least 4 included attractions, the bundle usually makes sense because you avoid buying multiple separate tickets and you reduce the friction of entering major sites.
• CityPASS is at its best when you want headline sights without spending extra time comparing options.
• If you only want 2 or 3 of these sites, it can feel overpriced because you are paying for capacity you might not use.

The nine-day window is also part of the value equation. You can spread your sights so you do not feel forced to “win the day” on foot.

And yes, the pass saves time in real-world terms. Fewer ticket purchases. Less back-and-forth. Easier entry at the included places.

Who should buy New York CityPASS, and who should skip it

It fits best if you:

• want major New York sights and museums without building an expensive ticket-by-ticket plan
• like having a structure you can tweak in the moment
• plan to do a mix of observation decks, museums, and one major day like Liberty and Ellis Island

You might skip it if you:

• want totally spontaneous, off-the-cuff planning with no reservations or set time practices
• only care about a couple of the specific included attractions
• hate the idea that some venues might still have on-site exchange steps even with a pass

For families, it can be a strong choice because the inclusions cover a range of interests, from natural history and aircraft to ships and immersive exhibits.

Should you book New York CityPASS?

I’d book New York CityPASS if your trip includes several of the big hitters and you value less friction. It is especially compelling if you want both skyline time and serious museum time, and if you are comfortable using a mobile ticket.

If you are the type who plans 4 to 6 attractions and then lets the rest of the days breathe, this pass supports that style. If you only want one or two must-dos, you can do better by buying individual tickets based on your interests.

FAQ

FAQ

What is included with New York CityPASS?

You get admission to the Empire State Building and the American Museum of Natural History, plus your choice of 3 additional attractions from a set list.

How long is the CityPASS valid?

Your CityPASS is valid for 9 consecutive days from the first day of use.

Do I need to print tickets?

No. You can present the CityPASS on your mobile device, and you can also print if you prefer.

Which additional attractions can I choose from?

You can choose 3 of these: Top of the Rock Observation Deck, Ferry access to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, or the Guggenheim Museum.

Is Crown or Pedestal access included for the Statue of Liberty?

No. Crown Tickets and Pedestal Access are not included, even though ferry access and museum admissions are included.

Does the pass include transportation around New York City?

No. Transportation to and from attractions is not included.

Can I change entry times using the app?

The pass experience includes the ability to manage reservations, and you may be able to modify timeslots in the app if you arrive early or run late.

Are there any optional upgrades?

Some attractions may offer additional ticket upgrades directly at the attraction, but those upgrades are not included in the CityPASS price.

What if I need to cancel my purchase?

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason.

If you tell me your travel month and which 3 attractions you are leaning toward, I can suggest a realistic 9-day pacing plan that keeps walking and backtracking to a minimum.