Five big attractions. One simple plan.

New York CityPASS® is built for travelers who want iconic sights without spending vacation time chasing tickets. I like that it offers up to 41% savings on 5 major attractions, and that you get instant mobile tickets you can scan at each stop.

The strongest part for me is the combo of headline experiences plus flexibility: you’re locked in for the Empire State Building Observatory (AM/PM) and the American Museum of Natural History, then you pick the other three. One consideration: you have to use the CityPASS app for your actual QR tickets, and some sites can still require a quick in-person redemption step when you arrive.

Key Things I’d Pay Attention To

• Two Empire State Building visits: day entry plus a bonus same-night general admission
• AMNH includes one ticketed add-on (but it depends on availability): Butterfly Vivarium, a giant-screen film, or the Hayden Planetarium Space Show
• Choose your “other three” from Top of the Rock, 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island ferry access, Circle Line cruises, Intrepid Museum, or the Guggenheim
• Mobile tickets are the key: present them for scanning at each attraction (and save screenshots in case your phone acts up)
• A full 9 consecutive days from first activation helps you avoid schedule panic
• Statue of Liberty ferry access does not include Crown/Pedestal tickets, so plan ahead if that’s your priority

What This 5-Attraction CityPASS Really Buys You in 9 Days

This pass is basically a time-and-money shortcut. You pay one price and get admission to five top attractions, then you spend your energy enjoying New York instead of counting ticket windows and hunting for last-minute reservations.

The value comes from two places. First, the pass is marketed for significant savings (up to 41%) versus buying tickets separately. Second, it’s designed to reduce friction at the door because your tickets live in the app and can be scanned for entry.

You also get 9 consecutive days from the day you first activate the pass. That matters because NYC is real life: weather changes, you move slower than planned, and one museum can turn into two hours more than you expected.

Empire State Building AM/PM: 86th Floor Views and the 2nd Floor Museum

Your CityPASS anchors everything with the Empire State Building. The included option is an AM/PM experience, which means you get admission to the 86th Floor Observatory plus entry to the 2nd Floor Museum, and then you also get bonus same-night general admission for a second chance to see the skyline.

Why this is such a smart deal: the Empire State Building changes dramatically from day to night. Daytime gives you distance and detail. Night gives you lights, depth, and the classic New York glow. Having two visits built in can save you from paying for a second trip later.

The practical tip here is simple: don’t treat the second visit as a backup plan. Treat it as part of the experience. If you only do one, you’ll feel like you paid for something you didn’t use.

American Museum of Natural History: Permanent Halls plus One Ticketed Show

The American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) is included with admission to permanent museum halls, including over 40 galleries. That’s a huge amount of museum time, and it’s the kind of place where you can walk in and still find something different the next hour.

Then you get to add one ticketed experience from a menu, chosen based on availability:

• the Davis Family Butterfly Vivarium, or
• a giant-screen film, or
• the Hayden Planetarium Space Show

This is where the pass shines for people who want structure but still want choice. If you’re traveling with kids, the butterfly option often plays well. If you’re an adult who wants spectacle, the planetarium or film can be the easiest “wow” moment without needing a full research day.

A consideration: AMNH may involve a short in-person step when you arrive to convert/rededem the experience portion of your pass. So I’d plan this as your “go early, stay flexible” museum day.

Pick Your Other Three: What Each Choice Feels Like

After the two fixed attractions (Empire State Building + AMNH), you choose three more. You can tailor your pass to your interests, and that’s a big reason this product works for repeat styles of travelers.

Top of the Rock for Panoramic Views

Top of the Rock® Observation Deck is on the list for general admission. If your goal is views with an iconic skyline angle, this is an easy match. It’s also a nice pairing with Empire State Building because you’re comparing neighborhoods and angles from two famous towers.

9/11 Memorial & Museum for a Moving, Time-Real Experience

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is included as general admission. This stop isn’t about rushing to check a box. Plan to slow down. Bring a little extra time because the emotional weight tends to make you linger.

If you’re doing this on a very tight schedule, consider placing it on a calmer day rather than the day you’re also trying to fit in a sunset cruise.

Statue City Cruises Ferry to Liberty + Ellis Island (No Crown/Pedestal)

The included Statue City Cruises option gives you ferry access to and from Liberty Island and Ellis Island, plus audio guides and admission to the Statue of Liberty Museum and the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. The big catch is right in the fine print: Crown Tickets and Pedestal Access are not included.

So if Crown/Pedestal access is your dream, you may need a separate plan. If it’s not, this ferry-and-museum combo is still a very complete look at the story and the waterfront views.

Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises for “NYC From the Water”

The pass includes one regularly scheduled cruise from options like:

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

I like cruises because they give you a New York perspective you can’t get from sidewalks. One heads-up: if you choose the sunset or any “on-deck” style experience, dress for the temperature and wind. Water weather can be dramatic.

Intrepid Museum for Hands-On Military History

The Intrepid Museum includes general admission, and you get access to standouts like the Space Shuttle Pavilion, the submarine Growler, and the immersive Kamikaze experience, plus temporary exhibitions. This is usually a great choice if you want something more interactive than a typical museum.

It’s also a solid “fill-the-day” option. Even if you don’t love every topic, the physical scale of the exhibits tends to keep people engaged.

Guggenheim for Art + Architecture Credit

The Guggenheim Museum is included for general admission to its collection and special exhibits. You also get access to a free daily architecture tour and a digital guide with content in multiple languages via your personal mobile device.

That mobile guide angle matters. If your phone is charged and you’re comfortable using it in museum settings, you’ll get more out of the visit without adding stress.

Sequencing Your Days: A Practical NYC Plan That Avoids Backtracking

Because you’re juggling five big attractions, the best strategy is not to pack every day. It’s to cluster stops by geography and mood, then leave gaps.

Here’s a practical way to think about it:

• Start with your Empire State Building day, and aim to do the day visit first and save the night visit for later in the trip. That way, if one day runs behind, you still have a second chance.
• Make AMNH your “deep time” museum day. With permanent galleries plus one ticketed add-on, it’s easy to lose track of time.
• Place one water-based day next. Statue/Ellis ferry or a Circle Line cruise gives you that break from indoor walking.

Then fill the remaining two choices based on what you want most:

• If you want heavier emotional weight, put 9/11 Memorial & Museum somewhere you can handle slower pacing.
• If you want something hands-on and different, schedule Intrepid.
• If you’re craving design and art, choose Guggenheim.
• If you want skyline rivalry, go with Top of the Rock.

Also, bring the basics you’ll actually use: comfortable shoes, water, and comfortable clothes. There’s also a suggestion to bring a packed lunch and a daypack, which tells you the pass works best when you give yourself room to move between stops.

Using the CityPASS App and Mobile Tickets Without Stress

The pass is built around one workflow: your ticket lives in the app, and you show it at each attraction for scanning.

I recommend you set this up before you head out the first day. The experience is straightforward once your tickets show up as QR codes in the app. Many people also find it smart to keep screenshots saved in case of weak connection.

The app is also where you manage details like reservations if required. The whole point is to reduce ticket-counter time, so you spend less time waiting and more time exploring.

One more practical idea: before your first attraction, double-check that you’re using the correct CityPASS mobile ticket view in the app. If your phone is your wallet for this trip, a few minutes of setup can prevent an hour of confusion.

Value Check: Who CityPASS Is For (and Who Should Skip It)

This pass tends to be a good fit if you meet at least a couple of these needs:

• You want multiple iconic attractions and you’re not trying to research everything from scratch.
• You like structure. You want a plan that already maps five major stops.
• You’re okay doing big attractions across different days, not all in one sprint.
• You’ll use the included Empire State Building bonus night visit.

It may be less satisfying if you already know you won’t do one of the headline stops. One example from the experience set: some people decide they don’t want to repeat a tower visit. If that’s you, consider whether the included Empire State Building and your chosen trio match your real priorities.

And if Crown/Pedestal access for Statue of Liberty is a must, this pass alone won’t cover it. You’d need to handle that separately because Crown Tickets and Pedestal Access are not included in the ferry package.

Should You Book New York CityPASS?

If your goal is five major NYC experiences with less planning stress, I think CityPASS is worth serious consideration. The mix of Empire State Building (day + night), AMNH with a choice of ticketed show, and three flexible add-ons is a strong “first NYC trip” pattern, especially when you want to save time at ticket counters.

Book it when you’ll actually use most of what’s included, and when you’re the type who likes having a ready plan. Skip it when you’re only interested in one or two attractions, or when Crown/Pedestal access is your non-negotiable Statue of Liberty goal.

FAQ

What attractions are included with New York CityPASS?

You get admission to 5 attractions. Two are fixed: the Empire State Building Observatory (AM/PM Experience) and the American Museum of Natural History. Then you choose 3 more from the available list (Top of the Rock, 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Statue City Cruises ferry access to Liberty and Ellis Island, Circle Line cruise, Intrepid Museum, or Guggenheim Museum).

How long are CityPASS tickets valid?

They are valid for 9 consecutive days, starting from the first day of activation.

How do I enter attractions with the CityPASS?

Present your CityPASS mobile ticket at each attraction to be scanned for entry.

Do I need to download an app to use the tickets?

Yes. The plan involves using the My CityPASS app (or visiting my.citypass.com) to access your tickets and attraction details, including reservations if required.

Can I choose among the AMNH experiences?

Yes. AMNH includes a choice of one ticketed exhibition, based on availability: Davis Family Butterfly Vivarium, a giant-screen film, or the Hayden Planetarium Space Show.

Does the Statue of Liberty ferry option include Crown or Pedestal access?

No. The ferry access includes admission to the Statue of Liberty Museum and Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, plus audio guides, but Crown Tickets and Pedestal Access are not included.

Is transportation or food included?

No. Transportation and food and drink are not included.

Is the pass wheelchair accessible?

Yes. It is listed as wheelchair accessible.

Is there a cancellation window?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Do tickets allow one-time entry?

They are described as valid for one-time entry to attractions unless otherwise noted.

How does the Empire State Building portion work?

It includes 86th Floor Observatory admission and entry to the 2nd Floor Museum, plus a bonus same-night general admission. That means you can visit once during the day and once the same night.

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