Everything you need to know about The New York Pass®

The New York Pass gives you access to 100+ top attractions across the city for one upfront price. Instead of buying individual tickets, you pay once and then use your pass to visit as many included experiences / choices as you like. Handy, right? Plus, with its extensive lineup and range of pass options, you’ll discover some hidden gems along the way too!   

Here’s everything you need to know about using a pass, from activation to pro tips for making the most of your visit.   

Which NYC pass is the best? 

There are three pass types available for New York. Not sure which one's for you? If you want to move fast and see as much as possible, go for The New York Pass. If you've already got a shortlist of must-sees, Explorer is the perfect choice. And if you're keeping it simple with just a couple of big-ticket attractions, Essentials is the simplest option.

New York Pass type	What you get	Best for
The New York Pass	Unlimited access to 100+ attractions across a set number of consecutive days	Sightseers who want a jam-packed itinerary of big hitter attractions, plus fun local experiences and hidden gems
Explorer Pass	Choose a set number of attractions (between 2 and 10) to use over 30 days	Travellers who already know what they want to see, or want more time to explore at their own pace
Essentials Pass	One viewing deck (choose from four options) + two extra top attractions, from a limited lineup	Budget-conscious travellers with just a few places on their list

At a glance - some of the most popular attractions on the pass: 
 

Attraction	Our customer's rating
Empire State Building Observation Deck	4.8 (1,471)
Edge Immersive Observation Deck	4.6 (1,122)
Top of the Rock Observation Deck	4.4 (1,399)
One World Observatory	4.6 (644)
9/11 Memorial & Museum	4.8 (1,241)
Big Bus 2-Day Downtown & Uptown Hop-on Hop-off Tour	4.3 (1,231)
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Ferry	4.5 (760)
American Museum of Natural History	4.5 (860)
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)	4.4 (398)
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum	4.7 (346)

Ratings correct as of September 28, 2026

See the full list of 100+ included attractions

Tips and tricks for making the most of your pass 

Want to get the most value out of your New York Pass? Here are our top insider tips to make your experience seamless.  

1. Start early 

Most attractions open around  9–10 AM. The earlier you start, the more you can fit into your day. Since your pass counts down in calendar days (if you have The New York Pass), activating it early means you’ll get the most sightseeing time possible. 

Insider tip: our data shows that most sightseers don’t set off to their first attraction until noon. Being an early riser really pays off!* 

2. Check for reservations 

Some attractions (like the Empire State Building) require advance reservations. All the details on how to book are in the app, so be sure to check before heading out. 

3. Mix and match attractions 

Pair iconic experiences with hidden gems. Sure, you’ll want to see the Statue of Liberty, but why not also check out the Museum at Eldridge Street or St Patrick’s Cathedral?  A mix of famous spots and off-the-beaten-path attractions makes for a well-rounded trip. 

4. Use the app’s interactive map 

The Go City app has a built-in map showing nearby attractions, making it easy to plan on the go. If you find yourself with unexpected free time, check out what’s close by and make the most of your pass. 

5. Remember, it’s a numbers game! 

The more you see, the more you save. It’s that simple with a New York Pass! To get the best value, aim to visit at least 2-3 attractions per day. A single attraction ticket in NYC can cost upwards of $40, so hitting multiple stops quickly adds up to huge savings. 

Is The New York Pass worth it?

Yes! The New York Pass helps you save on NYC's top attractions. Here's what one day of sightseeing looks like with one of our passes:

• 10AM — Empire State Building. Go early and you'll beat the crowds building later in the morning; the observation deck takes about 45 minutes to an hour. 

• 11AM — Coffee and a walk through Bryant Park on your way to the next stop. 

• 11:30AM — American Museum of Natural History. Give yourself a real two hours here — it's worth lingering, not ticking off. 

• 1:30PM — Lunch break. 

• 3PM — 9/11 Memorial & Museum. Allow two to two and a half hours; this isn't one to rush. 

• 5PM — Head north and grab a quick bite around Hudson Yards. 

• 7PM — Take a Harbor Lights Cruise. It's a perfect end to a perfect sightseeing day.

That's four attractions in a day: one icon, one museum, one memorial and a cruise. All without racing the clock.  Total cost without a pass? $191. Price of a one-day New York Pass? Just $169 per person. And if you have a multi-day pass, you'll save even more as you go!

Our passes really are the best way to explore the city. But don't just take our word for it, here's what our customers had to say...

Frequently asked questions about The New York Pass

Do I need a physical pass, or does it work through an app?

You can either access your pass on a Go City app (available on Android and iOS), or you can download it as a PDF to print or save to your phone. The choice is yours!

Does The New York Pass let me skip the line?

Some attractions will allow you to skip the ticket line with your pass, but this depends on the attraction's entry policy. Information on getting in on the day can be found on the Go City app.

When does my pass start, and how long do I have to use it?

With The New York Pass, the clock starts when you scan in at your first attraction, not when you buy your pass. It's then valid for the consecutive days in which you purchased. And if you purchase The New York Pass Explorer, you'll have 30 days to use it from your first scan.

Is the Empire State Building included in the New York Pass?

The Empire State Building is included with the New York Pass, along with dozens of other top attractions. All for one money-saving price.

What are the best attractions to visit with the New York Pass?

It totally depends on your interests. We've got the big hitters like the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock and the 9/11 Memorial. But we've also got dozens of unique experiences, like neighborhood foodie tours and jazz shows. You can browse all included attractions on the New York Pass website.

How much money do I need per day on a trip to New York?

The cost of a day in New York adds up fast, even before you buy a single attraction ticket. A basic coffee is $3-4, a casual sit-down lunch typically costs $15-25 a head, and even a quick slice or cart food is $5-12. A beer at a bar averages $7-9, a cocktail $14-20. A single subway ride is a flat $3, and that adds up fast once you're moving between attractions. The New York Pass bundles access to 100+ attractions into one price, paid before you arrive in the city, making budgeting and planning easy.

The bottom line 

Using The New York Pass is like having an all-access VIP pass to the city. With a little planning, an early start, and a strategic mix of attractions, you’ll get the most out of your pass and see the best of NYC. 

So, charge your phone, put on your comfiest shoes, and get ready to explore the city that never sleeps—all while saving big! 

 

Enjoyed this? Check out which travel apps will save you time and money or read our 7 days in NYC itinerary!

Step up your sightseeing with The New York Pass®. We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets. 

See more, do more, and experience more with The New York Pass® – just choose a pass to get started!  

*Data correct as of September 28, 2026