Five icons, one ticket, nine days of freedom. The New York CityPASS® is designed to cut the ticket-buying chaos and turn your days into simple scan-and-go stops, starting with the Empire State Building and the American Museum of Natural History. You choose three more headline attractions, and the whole thing runs on a phone ticket.

I like two things most: the My CityPASS® app makes it easy to access and manage your entries and any needed reservations, and you’re buying access to major sights at a stated up to 41% savings. For me, that combination is what makes a trip feel less stressful.

One thing to think about first: the value only really shows if you actually use all five attractions within the 9 consecutive days window, and some popular stops may involve reserved time slots. If you want things like Crown or Pedestal access at the Statue of Liberty, those are not included.

Key things to know before you buy

• Mobile tickets at each gate: present your CityPASS mobile ticket for scanning at every attraction.
• 9 consecutive days of flexibility: activate once, then spread your visits out instead of cramming.
• Empire State Building bonus night option: enjoy a same-day visit and a second general admission the same night during 7pm to 10pm.
• AMNH includes a choice item: you get permanent museum halls plus one ticketed exhibition choice, based on availability.
• Pick three extra icons: Top of the Rock, 9/11 Memorial & Museum, ferry access to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, Circle Line cruises, Intrepid Museum, or the Guggenheim.
• Statue of Liberty package limits: audio guides and museum admissions are included, but Crown tickets and Pedestal access are not.

What the New York CityPASS actually includes

The New York CityPASS® is not one specific tour with a single route. It’s a ticket bundle that gives you admission to 5 top NYC attractions, and you manage the order on your own schedule.

Two attractions are locked in:

• Empire State Building Observatory (with an AM/PM experience and museum entry included)
• American Museum of Natural History (permanent halls plus a choice of one ticketed add-on)

The other three are your picks from a list of big hitters. That choice matters, because you’ll end up shaping your trip around the kind of NYC you want: skyline views, museums, history, or water-and-city cruising.

The pass is valid for 9 consecutive days, starting from your first activation. So you’re not forced into an intense day-by-day sprint. If you hit traffic, weather changes plans, or you just want a slower pace, you have room to breathe.

Price and value: when the up to 41% savings makes sense

You’ll pay $154 per person for the New York CityPASS®, and the offer states you can save up to 41% compared with buying individual attraction tickets.

Here’s how I think about that number in real-world terms: CityPASS works best when (1) you were already planning to do most of the included attractions and (2) you’d otherwise pay full admission at several separate gates. If you only want one or two big stops, the pass can feel expensive because you’re prepaying for attractions you may not use.

So before you buy, I’d make a quick list:

• Do you want both the Empire State Building and AMNH? Those two alone are major “anchor” experiences.
• Are you also set on at least two of the optional picks, like Top of the Rock, 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island ferry access, Intrepid Museum, or Guggenheim Museum?
• Do you have at least 3 to 5 days in NYC to space things out over the 9-day validity?

If yes, the math usually works out because you stop thinking about each gate price and start thinking about your itinerary.

My CityPASS app: how you actually use it on the ground

The pass is built around mobile tickets. You get entry by presenting your CityPASS mobile ticket at each attraction so it can be scanned.

You can access your tickets through:

• the My CityPASS® app, or
• my.citypass.com

The app is also where you’ll handle planning tasks. The key point is that you can make reservations if required, and you can make changes within reason. In practice, that helps when you want to fix timing due to weather or simply reorganize your day.

One review detail I find worth acting on: for some attractions, you may need to download the My CityPASS app even if you can browse or view info on a website. If you’re going to do Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, plan to have the app ready because those entries involve booking.

Practical tip: when you arrive at a busy attraction, don’t waste time hunting for the ticket screen. Keep your phone charged, unlockable, and ready for the scan.

Empire State Building: AM/PM entry plus a same-night bonus

This is one of the smartest parts of the CityPASS deal because it pairs a skyline payoff with museum time.

Your included admission includes:

• the 86th Floor Observatory as part of an AM/PM experience
• entry to the 2nd Floor Museum
• a bonus: same-night general admission if you go again the same day between 7pm and 10pm
• the day-then-night pattern is the built-in advantage here

How to think about it: the Empire State Building is about perspective. Seeing it once is great. Seeing it twice, once with daylight and once after dark, is where the experience turns into a real contrast.

Possible drawback: you’ll want to plan your second visit time window (7pm–10pm) so you don’t end up scrambling. If you’re the type who hates schedule constraints, you may still enjoy the daytime entry, but the bonus is what adds extra value.

American Museum of Natural History: permanent halls and one standout choice

AMNH is the other fixed anchor, and it’s a great fit for a CityPASS because it’s large enough that you can pace yourself.

Included admission gives you access to:

• permanent museum halls, including over 40 galleries
• plus one choice ticketed add-on, selected from:
• Davis Family Butterfly Vivarium, or
• a giant-screen film, or
• the Hayden Planetarium Space Show

(availability determines what you can get)

This structure is useful because it prevents decision fatigue. You get the big permanent collection as your foundation, and the CityPASS choice is your built-in “one special add-on” without buying a separate ticket.

A smart planning move: if you want to avoid rushing, treat AMNH as a half-day to full-day anchor. Walk the permanent halls first, then slot your choice show or exhibit based on what you still have energy for.

Picking your 3 optional attractions: choose based on your NYC mood

This is where your CityPASS becomes your trip. You choose 3 attractions from the following list, and all are major-name experiences.

Top of the Rock Observation Deck

If your priority is skyline views, this is the pick. You get general admission to the Top of the Rock® Observation Deck.

Think of it like this: the Empire State Building gives you one famous angle. Top of the Rock gives you a different one, and it’s often a good way to “complete the picture” of Manhattan from above.

9/11 Memorial & Museum

If you want a must-do history stop, you get general admission to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.

This is not an attraction you rush. Plan time to slow down and read. The CityPASS makes entry easier, but it can’t speed up emotional impact. Give yourself enough time to actually absorb what you’re seeing.

Statue City Cruises ferry access to Liberty Island and Ellis Island

This option includes:

• one ferry ride to and from Liberty Island and Ellis Island
• audio guides
• admission to the Statue of Liberty Museum and the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration

Important limit: Crown Tickets and Pedestal Access are not included.

If your dream is the Crown, you’ll need separate planning for that. But if you want the broader island museum experience and the ferry ride itself, this CityPASS option is one of the more straightforward ways to do it.

Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises

You get one regularly scheduled cruise option, such as:

• a Landmarks Cruise
• Liberty Midtown Cruise
• Liberty Super Express Cruise
• or Statue at Sunset Cruise

Schedules are referenced through circleline.com/schedule.

One practical upside: this is a good choice when you’d like a change of pace from museums and want Manhattan from the water.

In one CityPASS experience, a Circle Line guide named David was noted for being very organized and knowledgeable during a cruise to the Statue of Liberty area. You can’t rely on a specific person, but it’s a hint that the onboard narration can be a big part of the fun.

Intrepid Museum

Intrepid gives you general admission and access to:

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

This is a strong choice if you want a museum that feels hands-on and story-driven. It also works well as an indoor option when the weather turns.

Guggenheim Museum

At the Guggenheim, you get general admission to:

• the museum’s collection and special exhibits
• a free daily architecture tour
• a digital guide with content in multiple languages (via your personal mobile device)

This one is a good pick if you want something different from the typical NYC museum lineup. The bonus architecture tour can help you look at the building itself, not only what’s inside.

A practical 9-day pacing plan that avoids museum burnout

With a 9 consecutive day window, you don’t need to over-optimize. You do need a rhythm so you don’t chain three heavy indoor days back-to-back.

Here’s a pacing approach that usually works:

• Use one day as a skyline anchor: Empire State Building (and, if you want, the same-night bonus between 7pm–10pm).
• Use AMNH as another anchor. Plan extra time for AMNH’s permanent halls so you don’t feel like you’re sprinting.
• Spread your three optional picks so you mix view days with museum/history days.
• Keep one lighter block open for wandering neighborhoods, shopping, parks, or a repeat view from another angle.

If you’re doing something that’s timed or booking-based, it’s smart to set those reservation-heavy entries early in your trip, then fill in the rest as you learn what you actually have energy for.

What to bring, and the small details that matter

CityPASS is “simple,” but you’ll still be doing real walking and real waiting. Come ready.

Bring:

• comfortable shoes
• water
• comfortable clothes
• packed lunch (helpful because you might want downtime between stops)
• a daypack

Also know:

• your CityPASS tickets are for one-time entry to attractions unless otherwise noted.
• you’ll present your mobile ticket for scanning at entry.
• if you’re traveling with kids, pay attention to the infant/child rules: some attractions may require child admission tickets based on age, and you may need to purchase certain child tickets separately.

If you’re planning Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island with CityPASS, note again that Crown and Pedestal access are not included. That’s not a problem if you’re happy with the museum and ferry experience. It’s just a mismatch if Crown is your must-have.

Should you book the New York CityPASS?

Book it if:

• you want the Empire State Building and AMNH for sure
• you plan to do several optional icons (views, history, and at least one museum-style stop)
• you like having tickets organized in one place so you can focus on your day, not ticket logistics
• you prefer a pass that supports spreading visits across 9 consecutive days

Skip it or reconsider if:

• you’re only interested in one or two major attractions
• you hate any kind of timed booking at all and want purely walk-up flexibility
• Crown or Pedestal access at the Statue of Liberty is non-negotiable for your trip

If you want an efficient way to hit NYC classics without turning your vacation into a spreadsheet, the New York CityPASS® is a strong buy. It’s built for big sights, easy phone access, and a pace that lets you actually enjoy what you came for.

FAQ

How long is the New York CityPASS valid?

It’s valid for 9 consecutive days, starting from your first activation.

How many attractions does the CityPASS include?

The CityPASS includes admission to 5 attractions.

What’s included with the Empire State Building entry?

It includes 86th Floor Observatory admission, entry to the 2nd Floor Museum, and an AM/PM experience. There’s also a bonus same-night general admission if you return between 7pm and 10pm on the same day.

What’s included with the American Museum of Natural History ticket?

You get admission to the permanent museum halls, including over 40 galleries, plus a choice of one ticketed exhibition or experience (based on availability) such as the Davis Family Butterfly Vivarium, a giant-screen film, or the Hayden Planetarium Space Show.

Do I need to use the My CityPASS app?

You can access your tickets through the My CityPASS app (or via my.citypass.com), and you’ll present your mobile ticket for scanning at each attraction.

Is Crown Tickets or Pedestal Access included for the Statue of Liberty?

No. The CityPASS includes general admission details and ferry access with museum entry, but Crown Tickets and Pedestal Access are not included.

Does the CityPASS include transportation or food?

No. Transportation and food and drink are not included.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

Yes. There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there a pay later option?

Yes. You can reserve now & pay later, meaning you can book your spot and pay nothing today.

Is the pass wheelchair accessible?

Yes. It lists wheelchair accessible.

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