New York is expensive, and the city passes promise big savings. Sometimes that’s true. Often you’d pay less by just buying the two or three tickets you actually want. Here’s how the main passes work and how to check, in five minutes, which option is cheapest for your trip.
| CityPASS | Go City Explorer | Go City All-Inclusive | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it works | Fixed bundle of top attractions, some chosen from a shortlist | Pick a set number of attractions from a large list | Unlimited attractions from the list for a set number of days |
| Choice | Small, mostly big names | Large | Large |
| Pace | Relaxed, valid over several days | Relaxed, long validity | Fast, best value when you cram |
| Best for | First-timers, families | Custom wish lists | Sightseeing marathons |
| Watch out | Check which options are currently included | Higher price per attraction than All-Inclusive | Expensive if you slow down |
The exact attraction lists, validity periods and prices change several times a year, so always check the current details on the operator’s site before you buy.
The 3-step method: does a pass save you money?
- Write down what you’d do anyway. Don’t add things just because they’re “free with the pass”. Be honest: one observation deck? The Met? A harbour cruise?
- Look up the gate price of each item on the official sites for your dates, then add them up.
- Compare with the pass price for the same number of days or attractions. If the pass is cheaper and you won’t feel rushed, buy it. Otherwise, buy individual tickets.
Use our budget calculator to add up ticket costs alongside your hotel and food.
Check CityPASS price (affiliate link, opens in new tab)Check Go City price (affiliate link, opens in new tab)
Things the passes don’t tell you
- You still need reservations. Most big attractions require a timed slot. Book them as soon as you have your pass, especially sunset slots at the observation decks.
- The Statue of Liberty is tricky. Some passes include a harbour cruise rather than a ferry that lands on Liberty Island. Read our Statue of Liberty tickets guide.
- Some museums have pay-what-you-wish or free times for certain visitors or on certain evenings. Check the museum’s own website. These can beat any pass.
- New York’s best experiences are free: Central Park, the High Line, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Staten Island Ferry.
Our take
For a typical 4-day first trip, like our 4-day itinerary, most people do 3–5 paid attractions. That’s exactly where a small bundle like CityPASS or a Go City Explorer pass can save money. But do the 5-minute maths first.