Which New York tourist pass is the best?

7
min read

Detailed comparison guide to help you choose the right NYC pass.

New York City is a vibrant and bustling metropolis with a diverse range of attractions and activities for tourists and visitors. A visit to the iconic city that never sleeps can be cotsly especially in 2023, and one of the best ways to cut costs on New York City attractions is by getting a NYC tourist pass.

Tourist passes offer bundled access to popular attractions and transportation options. In this article, we will compare some of the best tourist passes in New York City, helping you decide which one suits your needs and budget.

Central Park Bike Rentals

New York Pass

  • Duration: The New York Pass offers flexibility in choosing the duration of your pass, ranging from 1 to 10 consecutive days. This means you can tailor it to the length of your stay.
  • Attractions: This pass provides access to a vast array of attractions, including popular landmarks like the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and MoMA. It's ideal for travelers who want to explore multiple attractions during their visit.
  • Fast Track Entry: One of its significant advantages is the fast-track entry at select attractions. This feature can save you valuable time, especially during peak tourist seasons.
  • Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tours: The New York Pass includes access to BigBus hop-on-hop-off tours. This is an excellent way to get around the city while learning about its history and culture.
  • Price: The price of the New York Pass varies depending on the number of days chosen, with longer durations offering better value.

Pros:

  • Great value for those planning to visit multiple attractions.
  • Saves time with fast-track entry at some sites.
  • Includes unlimited use of hop-on-hop-off buses.

Cons:

  • May not be cost-effective for visitors with limited time.
  • Can be expensive for short stays.
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Central Park Bike Rentals

New York CityPASS

  • Duration: The New York CityPASS is valid for nine consecutive days from the first use, offering a more leisurely pace to explore the included attractions.
  • Attraction Choices: While this pass includes fewer attractions compared to the New York Pass, it offers some flexibility by allowing you to choose between two options for certain attractions. For example, you can decide between visiting the Top of the Rock Observation Deck or the Guggenheim Museum.
  • Price: The New York CityPASS is priced significantly lower than the total cost of individual tickets for the included attractions, making it an excellent value.

Pros:

  • Savings on popular attractions.
  • Nine-day validity allows for a more relaxed pace.
  • Choice between some attractions.

Cons:

  • Limited to specific attractions, which may not align with everyone's interests.
  • Not ideal for visitors interested in a broader range of experiences.
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Central Park Walking Tours
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Central Park Walking Tours
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Central Park Walking Tours
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Central Park Walking Tours
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Central Park Walking Tours
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September 13, 2023

Top Things to Do in New York

1. Statue of the Liberty
2. Times Square
3. Brooklyn Bridge
4. Central Park
5. Empire State
6. Dumbo
7. Hudson Yards
8. 9/11 Memorial and Museum
9. The MET
10. Grand Central Station

Top Experiences in New York

Top Activities in New York

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Popular NYC Tours and Activities

Top Things to Do in New York

1. Statue of the Liberty
2. Times Square
3. Brooklyn Bridge
4. Central Park
5. Empire State
6. Dumbo
7. Hudson Yards
8. 9/11 Memorial and Museum
9. The MET
10. Grand Central Station

Top 2023 Experiences in New York

1. Manhattan Helicopter Tour
2. Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off
3. Central Park Pedicab Tour
4. Full Day Sightseeing Tour
5. NYC's "Must See" Guided Tour
6. NYC Harbor Lights Cruise
7. Celebrity and Movie Spots Tour

Top Activities in New York

1. The Summit One Vanderbilt
2. Go City Explorer Pass
3. The Edge
4. Empire State
5. Metropolitan Museum
6. Top of the Rock
7. MoMA
8. One World Observatory