Verdict
Destinations
Pass · New York

New York CityPASS

A bundle into the Empire State, a museum or two, and a choice of icons (Statue, Top of the Rock, etc.).

Independent — no pay-to-rank Graded for who you are Verified 2026-06-06How we grade →
The verdict

Who it's worth it for

Great for

—

Depends
  • Families with kids
  • Couples
  • Solo travellers
  • History & culture buffs
  • Photographers
  • The genuinely curious
Not for
  • Travellers on a budget
  • If you've only got a day

Worth it for the right traveller.

Why we say this

Insider secrets & local vibes

It bundles 5 attractions for $164 (adults) and saves up to 42% — genuinely worthwhile if the Empire State Building and Natural History Museum were already on your list.
citypass.com
Booking the same attractions individually means $6–$10 service fees each time; the pass folds those in and can save ~$30 a head even before headline discounts.
newyork.com
It's valid for 9 consecutive days from first use, with 3 choice attractions from a 6-option list — enough slack for a relaxed long-weekend or week-long trip.
citypass.com
The Empire State Building and Natural History Museum are mandatory, so if either bores you the math collapses and you're overpaying.
newyork.com
The Empire State ticket covers only the 86th-floor deck (not the 102nd-floor upgrade) and the Statue is grounds-only, no crown — the splashiest add-ons still cost extra.
citypass.com
What it feels like

Reading the room, traveller by traveller

  • On a budget

    Do the math against your actual shortlist: it pays off only if you'd visit the two fixed attractions plus 2–3 of the choices anyway.

    “The pass makes financial sense if Empire State and the American Museum of Natural History were already on your list.”

    newyork.com
  • First-timers

    A sensible default for a classic-greatest-hits first trip — Empire State, Natural History, plus Top of the Rock or the Statue ferry — that removes per-ticket decision fatigue.

  • With kids

    Child passes ($136) save even more (up to 51%), and the Natural History Museum plus a harbor cruise read as kid-friendly anchors.

    “Up to 42% for adults; the child savings reach up to 51%.”

    citypass.com
What people say

Straight from the reviews

“Save up to 42% at 5 Top New York City Attractions”

citypass.com

“Entry includes the 86th Floor Observatory and 2nd Floor Museum, plus bonus same-night general admission.”

citypass.com

“the CityPASS may have saved around thirty dollars per person.”

newyork.com
Good to know

Before you go

Cost
~$146 (≈40% off gate)
Time
Spread over 2–4 days
Last verified
2026-06-06
Best time
Buy if you plan 4–5 of the included attractions over your trip; activate on the first visit to start the 9-day clock.
Hours
Valid 9 consecutive days from first attraction use.
Booking
$164 adult / $136 child (6–17); includes Empire State Building + American Museum of Natural History, plus 3 of 6 choices (Top of the Rock, 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island grounds, Circle Line, Intrepid, Guggenheim). Buy via citypass.com.
Accessibility
Covers 86th-floor Empire State deck (not 102nd); Statue access is grounds/Ellis Island only, no crown.
Alternatives

If it's not your thing, try

Go City all-inclusive instead if you want maximum venues in minimum days
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Independent — no pay-to-rank Graded for who you are Verified 2026-06-06How we grade →