We Want to See ALL the ‘Tourist’ Stuff!

Should we get the New York CityPASS, NY Pass or Explorer Pass? We want to see ALL the ‘tourist’ stuff! Please help, the passes are so confusing!

Susan, (Raleigh)


NYC Insider Guide Answer:

Hi Susan! First, I recommend you review our page comparing ALL the New York City Sightseeing Passes.

Then please download the (free mini) Printable Guide with the Attractions Costs in them.

Some questions to evaluate while researching passes include:

  • How long will you be in NYC?
    For Short stays – choose a flex pass or a per attraction pass. Longer Stays – all inclusive passes like the Sightseeing Pass and New York Pass.
  • Will you be taking a lot of tours?
    Lean towards the Go New York (formerly Explorer Pass) and New York Pass
  • Are you willing to commit to exactly what you want see?
    Save big with Go New York Cards
  • Want to pay a bit extra to have all the options while you’re here and wing it during your trip?
    Explorer Pass or New York Pass

If you went to all 13 of the attractions below, paid the full price, fees and suggested donations, you would spend roughly $338 per adult.

  • Empire State Building
  • Statue of Liberty Ferry
  • Top of the Rock
  • American Museum of Natural History
  • AMNH and Space Show/Planetarium
  • Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
  • Central Park Zoo
  • Intrepid Museum
  • Guggenheim Museum
  • Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met)
  • Madame Tussauds Wax Museum
  • Circle Line Cruise
  • 9-11 Memorial Museum

I hope this is helpful. Please let me know if you have any additional questions.


Which is the BEST New York City Pass?

Compare all the New York City Discount Passes, get savings coupons and find out how to get free entry to hundreds of tours, museums and attractions, plus skip the line privileges. Which is the BEST – Go New York Explorer, New York Pass or The Sightseeing Pass?

Best Discount Card for NYC Attractions


Sightseeing Pass

New York Pass

Go City New York

CityPASS

  NYC Sightseeing Pass New York City Pass Discounts New York City Explorer Pass New York CityPASS
Central Park

✔ Bike Tour
✔ Walking Tours
✔ Zoo

✔ Bike Tour
✔ Victorian Gardens (summer)
✔ Walking Tours
✔ Bike Tour
✔ Victorian Gardens (summer)
✔ Walking Tour
 
Empire State Building X $40 Credit to Use ✔ 86th Floor ✔ 86th Floor ✔ 86th Floor
✔ Same Night Re-entry
Madame Tussauds ✔ Included ✔ Included ✔Included  
One World Observatory ✔ Included ✔ Included ✔ Included  
Rockefeller Center ✔TOTR ✔Rock Center Tour
✔TOTR
✔ Rock Center Tour
✔ TOTR
✔TOTR or Guggenheim
Liberty/ Ellis ✔ Cruise
✔ Grounds
✔ Ellis Island/Immigration
✔ Secret Tour
✔ Cruise
✔ Grounds
✔ Ellis Island/Immigration
✔ Cruise
✔ Grounds
✔ Ellis Island/Immigration
✔ Secret Tour
✔Ferry/Grounds/Ellis or Circle Line

More From NYC Insider Guide


New York City Vacation Planner

Plan your trip in the RIGHT order and get the most out of NYC...

New York City Vacation Planner