CityPASS® New York: The Flexible, Low-Stress Option
The New York CityPASS® is designed for families who prefer a curated, relaxed approach to exploring the city. Instead of trying to squeeze dozens of sites into a single day, this pass gives you a streamlined selection of top-tier attractions and a generous 9-day window to use them.
How It Works
You purchase a bundle of tickets upfront. The pass activates the moment you scan into your first attraction and remains valid for 9 consecutive days. This means you can comfortably spread out your sightseeing—doing one major museum in the morning and leaving the rest of the day open for parks, dining, or relaxing.
The Curated Attraction List
Rather than overwhelming you with hundreds of options, CityPASS focuses on 11 premium, high-ticket attractions:
- Observatories: Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, and Edge at Hudson Yards.
- Museums: American Museum of Natural History, 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Intrepid Museum, MoMA, Guggenheim, and the Whitney Museum of American Art.
- Tours & Cruises: Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Ferry, and Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises.
The Math (Ticket Options)
CityPASS offers three distinct tiers depending on your family’s stamina and itinerary:
| Pass Type | Adult Price | Child Price | What You Get |
| New York C3 | ~$109 | ~$89 (Ages 6–12) | Admission to any 3 attractions from the list. |
| New York CityPASS | ~$149 | ~$129 (Ages 6–17) | Admission to 5 attractions from the list. |
| New York C-All | ~$259 | ~$189 (Ages 6–12) | Admission to all 11 participating attractions. |
(Note: Prices vary slightly based on seasonal adjustments, but generally represent a 40–50% savings over standard gate pricing).
Chol Hamoed Pro-Tips
- Extended Teen Rates: For the classic 5-attraction CityPASS, the child rate applies all the way through age 17. Because standard gate admission at most venues charges full adult prices starting at age 12 or 13, this pass is particularly cost-effective for families traveling with teens.
- Advance Reservations: Purchasing a CityPASS does not guarantee immediate walk-up entry during high-volume periods. Use the My CityPASS app to reserve your timed-entry slots for high-demand venues like the observatories or the Statue of Liberty as early as possible.
- Avoid Sunset Upcharges: Standard CityPASS vouchers cover general daytime entry. If you want to book peak sunset time slots at venues like the Empire State Building or Top of the Rock, expect an additional out-of-pocket upgrade fee at checkout.
For more information, and to book passes, visit: CityPASS® New York:
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