New York, the bustling metropolis that never sleeps, offers an endless array of attractions and experiences. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re returning to uncover more, the city’s iconic sites—from the Statue of Liberty to the Empire State Building—are must-sees.
With so much on offer, navigating the best way to experience it all efficiently can be challenging. Thankfully, a range of city passes provides streamlined access, saving you time and money.
Here, we’ll explore the 5 best New York City passes, each catering to different styles of travel, ensuring you make the most of your time in the Big Apple.
1. The New York Pass - From $154
The New York Pass offers flexible access to over 100 attractions, including popular stops like the Empire State Building, the American Museum of Natural History, and One World Observatory. This pass is ideal for travelers eager to see as much as possible within a short time frame, as it allows entry to a multitude of sites within a designated number of days, from 1 to 10 days.
Who It’s Best For:
Ideal for first-time visitors and sightseers planning a busy itinerary filled with major landmarks and top attractions.
Highlights:
- Unlimited entry to over 100 attractions.
- Fast-track entry at select locations.
- Available for 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, or 10 consecutive days.
2. The New York CityPASS - From $146
The New York CityPASS is a curated selection of five iconic attractions, including the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, the Empire State Building, and the American Museum of Natural History. Designed with a slower pace in mind, this pass allows up to nine days to explore five attractions, making it perfect for those who want to focus on fewer sites but enjoy each one deeply.
Who It’s Best For:
Recommended for travelers who want a more relaxed experience, with ample time to dive into each landmark fully.
Highlights:
- Entry to 5 top New York attractions.
- Valid for nine days.
- Easy-to-use QR code entry.
3. The New York Sightseeing Pass NYC - From $154
The New York Sightseeing Pass provides access to over 150 attractions, including special experiences like food tours, bike rentals, and cruise options. With both All-Inclusive and Flex Pass options, travelers can choose to pay by the day or select a certain number of attractions to visit. This pass caters to varied travel plans, offering great flexibility.
Who It’s Best For:
Great for visitors with mixed itineraries, families, and those looking to explore beyond the usual spots.
Highlights:
- Access to more than 150 attractions.
- All-Inclusive and Flex Pass options available.
- Includes additional experiences like food tours and cruises.
4. New York Explorer Pass by City Go - From $84
The Explorer Pass by Go City is perfect for those who want choice without the pressure of fitting everything into one or two days. With this pass, travelers select between 2 and 10 attractions from a list of over 90, including the Edge at Hudson Yards and Madame Tussauds. Once activated, it’s valid for 60 days, allowing plenty of flexibility.
Who It’s Best For:
Ideal for repeat visitors or those with specific interests, as it lets you curate your experience while offering extended validity.
Highlights:
- Choose 2 to 10 attractions with 60 days to use.
- Over 90 attractions and activities to pick from.
- Mobile QR code for seamless entry.
5. FreeStyle Pass New York by CitySightseeing
The FreeStyle Pass combines a hop-on, hop-off bus experience with entry to three, five, or seven attractions of your choice. This pass is ideal for travelers who prefer an overview of the city while also getting to explore specific sites, including museums and observation decks, at their own pace.
Who It’s Best For:
Perfect for travelers looking to balance city exploration with guided sightseeing on a double-decker bus.
Highlights:
- Includes a hop-on, hop-off bus tour.
- Choose entry to 3, 5, or 7 attractions.
- Flexible and easy to use.
Choose one New York city card that fits your itinerary, and enjoy all that New York City has to offer with added ease, value, and unforgettable experiences.