Choosing the right tourist pass to explore New York City can be overwhelming. With numerous options available, each promising access to iconic attractions, museums, and activities, it’s easy to spend hours comparing them. There are five main tourist passes in New York, each designed to unlock the best of the city. This guide breaks down each pass to simplify your decision and ensure you select the most suitable one for your trip.
These tourist passes offer significant discounts, ranging from 35% to 65% savings, compared to purchasing individual tickets for each attraction. The key is to invest a little time upfront to compare and choose the pass that best aligns with your travel style and itinerary. This new comparative model is designed to streamline this process.
Unlimited vs. A La Carte Passes: Understanding the Difference
When comparing New York sightseeing passes, the primary distinction lies in their operational structure:
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Unlimited Passes
These passes offer validity periods ranging from 1 to 10 days. During this timeframe, you have unlimited access to included attractions. An unlimited pass is exceptionally cost-effective if you plan to visit numerous sites daily, including museums, observatories, tours, and bus excursions. It embodies a truly immersive experience within a set timeframe.
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A La Carte Passes
With these passes, you select a predetermined number of attractions you wish to visit (typically between 2 and 10) from a curated list. The flexibility here is that there are no time constraints within the pass’s overall validity period, allowing you to spread out your visits. This model is perfect for travelers who prefer a more relaxed pace or have specific must-see attractions in mind.
Having personally experienced these passes firsthand, we’ve compiled a comprehensive comparative guide. Our evaluation considers crucial factors to give you a clearer picture: price, included activities, validity period, advantages, disadvantages, and our expert opinion.
Explore our comparison chart of tourist passes ⇩
New York CityPASS
Choose 5 out of 8 iconic attractions
Digital and printable versions available
Valid for 9 consecutive days from first use
Order the New York CityPASS
Prices
Adults:
€129 with code PANY10
Children:
€119
Included Attractions and Activities
- Empire State Building
- American Museum of Natural History
Then, choose 3 from these attractions:
- Top of the Rock Observation Deck
- Guggenheim Museum
- Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Ferry
- Circle Line Cruises
- 9/11 Memorial & Museum
- Intrepid Sea & Air Museum
We recommend the New York CityPASS if:
- This is your first visit to New York City.
- You are aiming for a moderate budget for sightseeing.
- You prefer to focus on classic, must-see attractions rather than exploring newer or lesser-known sites.
Read our detailed review of the New York CityPASS
Disadvantages of the New York CityPASS:
- Limited number of attractions offered.
- Does not include access to One World Observatory or The Edge.
Go New York Explorer Pass
Select a number of attractions from a list of over 90 options
Digital and printable versions available
Valid for 60 consecutive days from first use
Order the Go New York Explorer Pass
Prices
Adults:
2 attractions: €79
3 attractions: €101
4 attractions: €122
5 attractions: €144
6 attractions: €168
7 attractions: €190
10 attractions: €255
With code PANY10
Children:
2 attractions: €65
3 attractions: €84
4 attractions: €111
5 attractions: €124
6 attractions: €142
7 attractions: €160
10 attractions: €220
Included Attractions and Activities
- Empire State Building
- One World Observatory
- Top Of The Rock
- The Edge
- Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus – 1-Day Classic Tour
- Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Ferry
- American Museum of Natural History
- Best of New York Cruise by Circle Line Sightseeing
- Liberty Super Express Cruise
- Circle Line Harbor Lights Cruise
- Circle Line Landmarks Cruise
- Circle Line Liberty Cruise
- Clipper City Tall Ship Sunset Sail or Daytime Cruise
- The Beast Speedboat Ride
- Central Park Bike Rental
- Brooklyn Bridge Bike Rental by Unlimited Biking (Full Day)
- Harlem Bike Rental
- Fotografiska New York
- Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
- Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
- Guggenheim Museum
- Madame Tussauds
- Museum of the City of New York
- Whitney Museum of American Art
- SPYSCAPE
- Museum of Sex
- Madison Square Garden All Access Tour
- Rockefeller Center Tour
- Radio City Stage Door Tour
- RiseNY
- Catacombs by Candlelight Tour
- Woodbury Common Bus Tour (Round Trip + VIP Coupon Book)
- Staten Island Ferry Audioguide + Empire Outlets Coupons
- Luna Park at Coney Island: 24 Ride Wristband
- Harlem Gospel Tour (Sunday Service)
- Central Park Bike Tour
- Brooklyn Bridge Bike Tour by Unlimited Biking
- Central Park Movie & TV Sites Walking Tour
- NYC TV & Movie Sites Bus Tour
- Food on Foot Tours
- SoHo, Little Italy, Chinatown Walking Tour
- Official Chinatown Walking Tour
- Official Little Italy Walking Tour
- New York Media Tour
- The Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens Bus Tour
- Yankee Stadium Classic Tour
- Brooklyn Museum and Brooklyn Botanic Garden 2-for-1 Entry
- Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Ferry
- Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO Neighborhood Walking Tour
- Broadway & Times Square Walking Tour
- Graffiti & Street Art Walking Tour in Brooklyn
- High Line – Chelsea – Meatpacking District Tour
- Top of the High Line & The Vessel Tour
- Marvel & DC Superheroes Movie Tour
- Pride Walking Tour
- Colonial New York Walking Tour
- Lower East Side Food Tour
- New York Botanical Garden – Garden Pass
- Central Park Walking Tour
- Greenwich Village Walking Tour
- Best of Brooklyn in Williamsburg Walking Tour
- NYC Slavery & Underground Railroad Walking Tour
- Wall Street Walking Tour
- New-York Historical Society Museum
- Hamilton Themed Walking Tour
- Graffiti & Street Art Workshop
- Governors Island Ferry – Rosalie Rentals
- Harlem Jazz Series Concerts
- Alternative New York Lower East Side Walking Tour
- St. Patrick’s Cathedral Free Audio Tour
- Greenwich Village Ghosts Tour
- LEGOLAND® Discovery Center New Jersey
- LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Westchester
- Perfect Picnic
- Masters of the Camera NYC Rooftop Photoshoot
- Guided Tour of New York City
- Holiday Markets & Lights Walking Tour
- Brooklyn Christmas Lights Tour
- SEA LIFE Aquarium New Jersey
Advantages of the Go New York Explorer Pass:
- Excellent value for money.
- Wide selection of attractions including cruises, bike rentals, and guided tours.
Read our detailed review of the Go New York Explorer Pass
FLEX Pass (New York Sightseeing Flex Pass)
Choose a number of attractions “a la carte” from a list of 90+ activities.
Digital and printable versions available
Valid for 30 consecutive days from first use
Order the FLEX Pass
Prices
Adults:
2 attractions: €73
3 attractions: €100
4 attractions: €133
5 attractions: €155
6 attractions: €174
7 attractions: €192
10 attractions: €247
12 attractions: €275
Children:
2 attractions: €64
3 attractions: €82
4 attractions: €119
5 attractions: €120
6 attractions: €137
7 attractions: €155
10 attractions: €201
12 attractions: €220
Included Attractions and Activities
Attractions
- Empire State Building
- The Edge
- 9/11 Museum Workshop: Ground Zero Tour
- Luna Park
- Top of the Rock
- Macy’s Historical Tour
- Madison Square Garden Tour
- New York Botanical Garden
- One World Observatory
- Radio City Music Hall Stage Door Tour
- RISE NY
- LOL Comedy Lounge
- LOL Comedy Lounge Magic
- Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden
- St. Patrick’s Cathedral Tour – Gold Pass
- Bronx Zoo
- Central Park Zoo
- NY Aquarium
- Potion making for beginners
- Bowlmor Times Square
- Cathedrale Saint John of the Divine
- Escape Game New York
- Escape Virtuality
- Escorted 5HR Experience Tour
- High Line NYC Immersive Audio Tour
- LegoLand Discovery Center New Jersey
- Luna Park in Coney Island: Thrill Seeker Wristband
- Scavenger Hunt – New York
- Sea Life Aquarium in New Jersey
Museums
- American Museum of Natural History
- Brooklyn Historical Society
- El Museo del Barrio
- Madame Tussauds
- Fraunces Tavern Museum
- Guggenheim Museum
- Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
- Eldridge Street Museum
- Museum of the City of New York
- Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
- Museum of Jewish Heritage
- Whitney Museum of American Art
- Museum of the City of New York
- New-York Historical Society Museum
- Staten Island Museum
- Staten Island Children’s Museum
- Spyscape
- Skyscraper Museum
- MoMA PS1
- National Lighthouse Museum
- National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey
- Brooklyn Children’s Museum
- Fotografiska NY
- International Center of Photography
- South Street Seaport Museum
Bus Tours
- Big Bus NY Classic Tour 1-Day
- Gray Line CitySightseeing Best of Manhattan Tour
- Grayline CitySightseeing Brooklyn Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
- Grayline CitySightseeing Downtown Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
- Grayline CitySightseeing Uptown Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
- Grayline CitySightseeing Night Tour
Cruises
- Circle Line Landmarks Cruise
- Circle Line Liberty Cruise
- Circle Line Liberty Super Express Downtown
- City Cruises: Alive After Five
Guided Tours and Bike Tours
- Hush Tours : Hello Brooklyn
- Hush Tours : Walk This Way Thru Harlem Tour
- Rockefeller Center Art & Architecture Tour
- Best of Brooklyn : Brooklyn Unplugged
- Brooklyn Christmas Lights Tour (Dyker Heights) : Brooklyn Unplugged
- Brooklyn Unplugged Tours – Street Art Workshop
- Graffiti & Street Art Walking Tour in Brooklyn
- Food on Foot – Go West Food Tour
- Food on Foot – Midtown Mix Food Tour
- Food on Foot : Midtown Winter Guided Food Tour
- Spirits On Foot : Beer, Spirits & Wine
- Inside Out Tours – Little Italy & Arthur Avenue in the Bronx Tour
- Inside Out Tours – Slavery & Underground Railroad Tour of NYC
- Manhattan and Beyond Tours – Central Park Walking Tour
- Grand Central Terminal Audio Tour
- Urban Oyster Tours – Hamilton Happy Hour Tour
- Fancy Apple : 2-Hour Guided Central Park Bike Tour
- Central Park Bike Rentals
- Fancy Apple : Central Park Bike Tour
- Fancy Apple : 2-Hour Guided Central Park Bike Tour
- ExperienceFirst : Broadway Walking Tour
- ExperienceFirst : Greenwich Village Walking Tour
- ExperienceFirst : High Line & Chelsea Walking Tour
- ExperienceFirst : Lower Manhattan Walking Tour
- ExperienceFirst : Hudson Yards, High Line & Vessel Walking Tour
- ExperienceFirst : SoHo & Little Italy Walking Tour
- NYC Fashion Window Walking Tour
- On Location Tours – Central Park TV and Movie Sites Tour
- On Location Tours – NYC TV & Movie Tour by Bus
Restaurants
- Buffalo Wild Wings Restaurant (Brooklyn) – $25 Prix Fixe Menu
Advantages of the New York Sightseeing Flex Pass:
- Diverse access to museums, observatories, boat cruises, bike rentals, and guided tours.
- Option to select up to 12 activities.
Disadvantages of the New York Sightseeing Flex Pass:
- Slightly higher cost per attraction compared to unlimited passes.
- Statue of Liberty access is not included in this pass.
DAY Pass (New York Sightseeing DAY Pass)
Choose the duration of your pass and access 90+ attractions.
Digital and printable versions available
Valid for chosen duration
Order the DAY Pass
Prices
Adults:
1 day: €146
2 days: €220
3 days: €293
4 days: €334
5 days: €371
6 days: €398
7 days: €426
10 days: €467
Children:
1 day: €105
2 days: €128
3 days: €160
4 days: €178
5 days: €197
6 days: €215
7 days: €238
10 days: €266
Included Attractions and Activities
Attractions
- Empire State Building
- The Edge
- Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Ferry
- 9/11 Museum Workshop: Ground Zero Tour
- Luna Park
- Top of the Rock
- Macy’s Historical Tour
- Madison Square Garden Tour
- New York Botanical Garden
- One World Observatory
- Radio City Music Hall Stage Door Tour
- RISE NY
- LOL Comedy Lounge
- LOL Comedy Lounge Magic
- Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden
- St. Patrick’s Cathedral Tour – Gold Pass
- Bronx Zoo
- Central Park Zoo
- NY Aquarium
- Potion making for beginners
- Bowlmor Times Square
- Cathedrale Saint John of the Divine
- Escape Game New York
- Escape Virtuality
- Escorted 5HR Experience Tour
- High Line NYC Immersive Audio Tour
- LegoLand Discovery Center New Jersey
- Luna Park in Coney Island: Thrill Seeker Wristband
- Scavenger Hunt – New York
- Sea Life Aquarium in New Jersey
Museums
- American Museum of Natural History
- Brooklyn Historical Society
- El Museo del Barrio
- Madame Tussauds
- Fraunces Tavern Museum
- Guggenheim Museum
- Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
- Eldridge Street Museum
- Museum of the City of New York
- Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
- Museum of Jewish Heritage
- Whitney Museum of American Art
- Museum of the City of New York
- New-York Historical Society Museum
- Staten Island Museum
- Staten Island Children’s Museum
- Spyscape
- Skyscraper Museum
- MoMA PS1
- National Lighthouse Museum
- National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey
- Brooklyn Children’s Museum
- Fotografiska NY
- International Center of Photography
- South Street Seaport Museum
Bus Tours
- Big Bus NY Classic Tour 1-Day
- Gray Line CitySightseeing Best of Manhattan Tour
- Grayline CitySightseeing Brooklyn Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
- Grayline CitySightseeing Downtown Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
- Grayline CitySightseeing Uptown Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
- Grayline CitySightseeing Night Tour
Cruises
- Circle Line Landmarks Cruise
- Circle Line Liberty Cruise
- Circle Line Liberty Super Express Downtown
- City Cruises: Alive After Five
Guided Tours and Bike Tours
- Hush Tours : Hello Brooklyn
- Hush Tours : Walk This Way Thru Harlem Tour
- Rockefeller Center Art & Architecture Tour
- Best of Brooklyn : Brooklyn Unplugged
- Brooklyn Christmas Lights Tour (Dyker Heights) : Brooklyn Unplugged
- Brooklyn Unplugged Tours – Street Art Workshop
- Graffiti & Street Art Walking Tour in Brooklyn
- Food on Foot – Go West Food Tour
- Food on Foot – Midtown Mix Food Tour
- Food on Foot : Midtown Winter Guided Food Tour
- Spirits On Foot : Beer, Spirits & Wine
- Inside Out Tours – Little Italy & Arthur Avenue in the Bronx Tour
- Inside Out Tours – Slavery & Underground Railroad Tour of NYC
- Manhattan and Beyond Tours – Central Park Walking Tour
- Grand Central Terminal Audio Tour
- Urban Oyster Tours – Hamilton Happy Hour Tour
- Fancy Apple : 2-Hour Guided Central Park Bike Tour
- Central Park Bike Rentals
- Fancy Apple : Central Park Bike Tour
- Fancy Apple : 2-Hour Guided Central Park Bike Tour
- ExperienceFirst : Broadway Walking Tour
- ExperienceFirst : Greenwich Village Walking Tour
- ExperienceFirst : High Line & Chelsea Walking Tour
- ExperienceFirst : Lower Manhattan Walking Tour
- ExperienceFirst : Hudson Yards, High Line & Vessel Walking Tour
- ExperienceFirst : SoHo & Little Italy Walking Tour
- NYC Fashion Window Walking Tour
- On Location Tours – Central Park TV and Movie Sites Tour
- On Location Tours – NYC TV & Movie Tour by Bus
Restaurants
- Buffalo Wild Wings Restaurant (Brooklyn) – $25 Prix Fixe Menu
Advantages of the New York Sightseeing Day Pass:
- Wide-ranging access to museums, observatories, boat tours, bike rentals, and guided excursions.
- Discounts at select restaurants.
Disadvantages of the New York Sightseeing Pass:
- Relatively high budget required.
- More expensive compared to the New York Pass.
The New York Pass
Choose the validity period and gain unlimited access to 100+ activities.
Digital and printable versions available
New York Passes are valid for 24 months after purchase
Order The New York Pass
Prices
Adults:
1 day: €142
2 days: €198
3 days: €239
4 days: €275
5 days: €310
6 days: €329
7 days: €348
10 days: €366
Children:
1 day: €106
2 days: €155
3 days: €184
4 days: €211
5 days: €242
6 days: €256
7 days: €266
10 days: €275
Advantages of The New York Pass:
- Extensive access to museums, observatories, boat cruises, bike rentals, and guided tours.
- Discounts at stores and restaurants, including Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s.
- Generally more affordable than the Sightseeing Day Pass.
Disadvantages of The New York Pass:
- Higher upfront cost.
Booking Activities with Your New York Tourist Pass
Tourist passes often function as “skip-the-line” passes, saving you valuable time. For most attractions, advance booking is unnecessary—simply present your pass at the entrance. However, some activities require reservations.
MANDATORY Reservations with the New York CityPASS:
Before booking any activities, you must link your pass to your account. Use the email address used during purchase: Add your tickets
Reservations are required for all activities included in the New York CityPASS: Book here. Here, you’ll find essential details for each activity, including location and meeting points. For more details, refer to our dedicated article on the New York CityPASS.
MANDATORY Reservations with the Go Explorer Pass and The New York Pass:
Within the extensive list of activities offered by the Go Explorer Pass and The New York Pass, certain experiences necessitate reservations. For the remaining activities, your pass acts as your ticket for direct entry.
Upon purchasing either the Go New York Explorer Pass or The New York Pass, you will receive an email with detailed instructions on how to use your pass for each activity. Learn more about the Explorer Pass in our dedicated article.
Some passes even include valuable extras:
Discounts at select stores or restaurants, airport transfer from Manhattan for your departure, guided tours, hop-on-hop-off bus access, bike rentals, and more. Continue exploring to gain a clearer understanding of what New York tourist passes offer 👍🏼
Comparison Chart of New York Tourist Passes
| Feature | New York CityPASS | Go New York Explorer Pass | FLEX Pass (Sightseeing Flex) | DAY Pass (Sightseeing DAY) | The New York Pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pass Type | Fixed Choice (5 of 8) | Flexible Choice (ala carte) | Flexible Choice (ala carte) | Unlimited (duration-based) | Unlimited (duration-based) |
| Number of Attractions | 5 | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 10 | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, or 12 | 90+ | 100+ |
| Validity | 9 consecutive days | 60 days from first use | 30 days from first use | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 10 days | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 10 days |
| Price Range (Adults) | €129 | €79 – €255 | €73 – €275 | €146 – €467 | €142 – €366 |
| Top Attractions Incl. | Empire State, AMNH, Top of the Rock, Statue of Liberty, 9/11 Museum | Empire State, One World, Top of the Rock, The Edge, Statue of Liberty, MoMA | Empire State, The Edge, Top of the Rock, One World, MoMA, Guggenheim | Empire State, The Edge, Statue of Liberty, One World, MoMA, Guggenheim | Empire State, The Edge, Statue of Liberty, One World, MoMA, Guggenheim |
| Best For | First-time visitors, budget-conscious | Flexible itineraries, wide choice | Customizable experience | Maximizing sightseeing in short time | Extensive sightseeing, longer trips |
| Statue of Liberty | Included (option) | Included | Not Included | Included | Included |
| One World Obs. | Not Included | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| The Edge | Not Included | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| Discounts | Limited | Varies | Varies | Restaurant discounts | Store & Restaurant discounts |
