Which Is the Best New York City Pass in 2026? Compare New York Sightseeing Passes & Save Money

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You’re planning a trip to New York and wondering which is the best New York City pass to save money on attractions? With ticket prices for NYC’s top sights adding up fast, choosing the right New York sightseeing pass can make a huge difference to your budget and to how smoothly your trip runs.

From the Empire State Building and Top of the Rock to the MoMA, the Statue of Liberty, and popular Circle Line cruises, a good New York attraction pass lets you visit the city’s must-sees while paying much less than buying tickets one by one.

But with several options like the New York CityPASS, The New York Pass, the New York Explorer Pass, and the newer New York Pass Essentials, it’s not always clear which New York tourist attractions pass is really worth it.

After visiting New York myself and comparing all the main New York tourist passes, I’ve put together this guide to help you find the best New York City pass for 2026, based on your trip length, your pace, and the sights you want to see, so you can enjoy NYC and save money.

The 5 Best New York City Passes for 2026

• ✅ New York Explorer Pass (more info here >>) – my top pick for the widest choice of attractions (🎁 Save 10% with code HOLIDAY – valid from 11 December to 5 January!)
• New York CityPASS (more info here >>)
• New York Pass Essentials (more info here >>)
• The New York Pass (more info here >>)
• New York C3 (more info here >>)

All of these New York city passes give you access to NYC’s must-see attractions, but they don’t work the same way. Some let you choose a fixed number of activities, others offer unlimited access for a set number of days, while some focus on a smaller, more curated selection with longer validity.

Depending on your budget, your travel pace, and the sights you absolutely want to see, one New York sightseeing pass will clearly be a better fit than the others.

👉 So, which is the best New York City pass for your trip?

In this comparison guide, you’ll find clear answers, plus my recommendations and the best websites to buy your New York pass for less, so you can make the right choice and save money.

New York Explorer Pass: Choose Exactly the Attractions You Want

The New York Explorer Pass by Go City is one of the most flexible ways to visit New York without feeling the pressure to rush from one attraction to the next. If you’d rather explore at your own pace, this pass is made for you.

Unlike day-based passes, you don’t pay for a number of days. You pay for a number of attractions. You simply choose 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or even 10 attractions from a list of more than 109 top sights and experiences across New York City. It’s perfect if you already know what you want to see, or if you don’t want to waste money on activities that don’t really interest you.

The pass includes all the big NYC classics, such as the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, Circle Line cruises, the American Museum of Natural History, and the MoMA. You can also mix in more original experiences like guided walking tours, food tours, or neighborhood explorations.

The New York Explorer Pass is ideal for travelers who want freedom and flexibility, whether you’re staying longer, traveling with family, or coming back to New York and focusing only on a few must-see attractions, without blowing your budget.

How Does the New York Explorer Pass Work?

You can buy the New York Explorer Pass online on the official Go City website (check the latest price on this page).

When you book, you choose how many attractions you want to visit : anywhere from 2 to 10. Your New York city pass only activates when you use it for the first time, so there’s no rush to start sightseeing right away.

One of the biggest advantages is that you then have 30 days to use all your visits. That’s more than enough, even if you’re staying in New York for a while or prefer to spread your sightseeing over several days.

After purchase, you receive your pass by email and can add it straight to the Go City app. The pass is 100% digital, and the app lets you check attraction details, opening hours, and reservation rules in seconds. To enter each attraction, just show your QR code at the entrance, and you’re in.

Attractions Included in the New York Explorer Pass

The New York Explorer Pass gives you access to an impressive selection of 109 attractions and experiences across the city.

Among the most popular ones included (you can check the full, up-to-date list on this page), you’ll find:

• Empire State Building : the most iconic observation deck in NYC
• Top of the Rock : breathtaking views over Central Park and Midtown
• Circle Line cruises, including the famous Best of NYC cruise
• American Museum of Natural History : perfect for all ages
• MoMA – The Museum of Modern Art : a must for art lovers
• Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum : set on a real aircraft carrier
• Liberty Super Express Cruise : fast ride with close-up views of the Statue of Liberty
• Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Downtown tour : ideal to explore Manhattan
• Guided walking tours in Harlem, Brooklyn, Central Park, and more
• Immersive experiences like RiseNY or SPYSCAPE
• and 96 more attractions >>

How Much Does the Go City New York Explorer Pass Cost?

The price of the New York Explorer Pass depends on how many attractions you choose. The more you include, the better the value per visit, which really matters in New York, where individual tickets can easily cost $30 to $50 each.

In 2026, prices start at around $89 for 2 attractions and go up to about $304 for 10 attractions.

Check the price table below to compare all options and see which version fits your trip to the Big Apple best.

If you want to go deeper, I explain how to optimize this pass and maximize your savings in my detailed New York Explorer Pass review.

Pros and Cons of the Go City New York Explorer Pass

✅ Pros :

• Highly flexible: choose 2 to 10 attractions and enjoy up to 60 days to use your pass.
• No rush at all: spread your visits across your trip instead of racing from one sight to another.
• Save up to 50% compared to buying tickets separately.
• Great selection of observatories and museums, including all the NYC must-sees.
• Ideal for relaxed trips or families who want to explore at their own pace.

❌ Cons 😣

• Less cost-effective than The New York Pass if your main goal is to cram in as many attractions as possible in just a few days.

New York CityPASS: The Simplest Way to See NYC’s Must-Sees

The New York CityPASS is without a doubt one of the most popular and easiest passes to use for visiting New York City.

It works like a smart bundle ticket that brings together the city’s absolute must-see attractions. If you want to focus on the classics without spending hours comparing dozens of options, this is probably the most straightforward New York city pass you can choose.

With the New York CityPASS, you get access to 5 attractions in total. Two of them are fixed, the big essentials, and then you choose three more attractions from a curated list of top sights. The idea is simple: you tick off icons like the Empire State Building and the American Museum of Natural History, then personalize the rest according to what excites you most.

This is a New York sightseeing pass I especially recommend for first-time visitors to the Big Apple, families, and anyone who wants to stick to safe bets while keeping their budget under control.

How Does the New York CityPASS Work?

You can buy the New York CityPASS directly online (click here to check the official partner site).

Once you complete your purchase, you receive your pass instantly by email. You just add it to your smartphone and show the QR code at the entrance of each attraction. Everything is 100% digital, no paper tickets to print and no pickup required.

Your CityPASS activates automatically when you scan it for your first visit. From that moment, you have 9 full days to enjoy your 5 included attractions.

That’s one of the biggest advantages of the New York CityPASS: it gives you plenty of time to explore New York at a relaxed pace, even if sightseeing isn’t the only thing on your agenda.

Attractions Included in the New York CityPASS

The New York CityPASS gives you access to 5 top attractions in New York City.

The concept is refreshingly simple:

• Visit 3 must-see attractions that are always included.
• Then choose 2 more attractions from a shortlist of popular options (observatories, museums, cruises, and more).

Some attractions, especially observatories, require advance reservations. CityPASS provides direct booking links after purchase, so you can lock in your time slots, skip ticket lines, and plan your visits without stress.

Here’s exactly what’s included with the New York CityPASS (you can check the full, updated list on this page):

The 3 must-see attractions (always included):

• Empire State Building : access to the observatory plus a second evening visit on the same day
• American Museum of Natural History : a favorite for all ages
• Statue of Liberty Ferry + Ellis Island Immigration Museum (island access, no Crown access)

Choose 2 attractions from:

• Top of the Rock Observation Deck
• 9/11 Memorial & Museum
• Circle Line sightseeing cruise
• Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
• Guggenheim Museum

This mix makes the CityPASS ideal if you want to focus on NYC’s absolute highlights without overloading your itinerary.

How Much Does the New York CityPASS Cost?

The New York CityPASS comes with a single fixed price for its 5 attractions (check the latest prices on this page):

• Adult (18+): $154 USD (about €132)
• Child (6–17): $129 USD (about €111)

💡 Tip to pay less for your New York CityPASS:

Even though you can buy it directly on CityPASS.com, I personally recommend booking through Headout (see this page). Here’s why:

• You can pay directly in USD, which can often save you money by avoiding unfavorable currency conversions and extra bank fees.
• You avoid the $2 processing fee charged on the official CityPASS website.
• It’s exactly the same New York CityPASS, with the same attractions and conditions.

In short: same pass, same experience : just a slightly cheaper checkout.

You’ll find the updated adult and child prices in the table below.

And if you want to dive deeper, you can read my full New York CityPASS review to see if it’s the right choice for your trip.

Pros and Cons of the New York CityPASS

✅ Pros :

• Great value for a first trip: observatory, top museums, and the Statue of Liberty in one pass.
• Very easy to understand: 3 fixed attractions + 2 of your choice.
• 9-day validity: perfect for a classic week-long stay in NYC.
• Family-friendly, with attractions that suit all ages.
• Often the best New York pass for the city’s must-sees.

❌ Cons :

• More limited attraction list compared to Go City passes.
• Less flexibility: the 3 fixed attractions cannot be changed.
• Not ideal if you want to go beyond the main highlights.
• No Hop-On Hop-Off bus included.

New York Pass Essentials: Go City’s Best-Value 3-Attraction Pass

The New York Pass Essentials is Go City’s newest option, created to compete directly with the CityPASS C3.

And it does a great job at it. This pass has quickly become one of the best value-for-money choices if you want to explore New York without stretching your budget.

Unlike more complex and unlimited passes like The New York Pass, everything here is refreshingly straightforward. You choose 1 observatory + 2 must-see attractions from a carefully curated list of 13 top sights.

That’s exactly why this pass has been so popular since its launch a few months ago. The New York Pass Essentials includes all the NYC classics: the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, MoMA, a Circle Line cruise… in short, the very attractions I recommend to anyone discovering New York for the first time.

Another major advantage is the price. This Essentials version is cheaper than Go City’s other passes, while still covering the most popular experiences in the city.

How Does the New York Pass Essentials Work?

The New York Pass Essentials was designed to be ultra easy to use, and you can order it directly on this site.

Once purchased, you receive your pass instantly by email and can add it in seconds to the Go City app. From there, you manage everything in one place: your pass, attraction details, and any required reservations.

The concept is simple: you choose 3 attractions in total, including 1 mandatory observatory, from a shortlist of 13 hand-picked highlights.

Your pass only activates when you scan your first attraction. From that moment, you then have 30 full days to visit the remaining two.

It’s also worth noting that Go City offers a money-back guarantee on unused passes for up to 30 days after purchase. That’s reassuring if your plans change or if you’re booking well in advance.

Simple, flexible, and perfectly suited for a 2- to 3-day stay in New York.

Attractions Included in the New York Pass Essentials

The New York Pass Essentials lets you discover 3 of New York’s most famous attractions, making it a great choice for families and first-time visitors.

Here’s how it works (you can check the full, updated list on this page):

Step 1: Choose 1 observatory from these 4 options

You start by picking the viewpoint that excites you most:

• Empire State Building
• Top of the Rock
• Edge at Hudson Yards
• One World Observatory

Each offers a very different perspective over the city, so you can choose based on the skyline you want to admire.

Step 2: Choose 2 more attractions from these 9 options

• MoMA : Museum of Modern Art
• 9/11 Memorial & Museum
• American Museum of Natural History
• Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
• Madame Tussauds + Marvel 4D experience
• The Museum of Broadway
• Mercer Labs : Art & Technology Museum
• Circle Line “Landmarks” sightseeing cruise
• One-day bike rental in Central Park

How Much Does the New York Pass Essentials Cost?

The New York Pass Essentials really stands out for its ultra-competitive price. For a well-chosen bundle of 3 attractions, it’s one of the best value passes you can find in New York in 2026.

Here are the latest prices for 2026 (check the current rates on this page):

• Adult: $99 USD
• Child (ages 3–12): $79 USD

You can refer to the table below to see the most up-to-date options and prices.

If you’d like more details, I invite you to read my full New York Pass Essentials review, where I break down exactly how to get the most out of this pass.

Pros and Cons of the New York Pass Essentials

✅ Pros :

• The cheapest 3-attraction pass on the market.
• Perfect for a first 2–3 day visit to New York.
• 30-day validity after activation: explore at your own pace.
• Excellent value for money for must-see attractions.

❌ Cons :

• Shorter attraction list than other Go City passes.

The New York Pass: The Most Complete (and the Only Unlimited Pass)

The New York Pass is one of the most popular city passes for visiting New York and for good reason. It’s the pass that lets you see the most attractions in the shortest amount of time.

If your goal is to experience New York to the fullest without counting every visit, this pass is clearly made for you. It gives you access to more than 105 attractions, including the city’s most famous observatories, world-class museums, and several cruises around Manhattan.

On top of all that, The New York Pass also includes a Hop-On Hop-Off sightseeing bus ticket, which is incredibly convenient for getting around Manhattan while enjoying the views. It helps you move quickly between neighborhoods and pack your days with activities without wasting time on transport or long ticket lines.

Once activated at your first visit, The New York Pass is valid for the number of consecutive days you choose, from 1 to 10 days.

It’s an excellent choice if you’re visiting New York for the first time or planning a very full itinerary. The New York Pass is designed for travelers who want to maximize both their time and their budget and truly make the most of every day in the city.

How Does The New York Pass Work?

You can buy The New York Pass online (check the latest price on this page).

The pass is easy to use and 100% digital. Once you’ve purchased it, you’ll receive it by email and can add it to the official app. Everything is handled on your smartphone, no paper tickets to print and no pickup required.

To use it, simply show your QR code at the entrance of each attraction and walk straight in. Your pass activates automatically at the first scan and then remains valid for the number of calendar days you selected, between 1 and 10 days.

Important: like all day-based passes, days are counted as calendar days, not 24-hour periods. So if you activate your pass at 5 pm, that already counts as your first day.

Some attractions, especially observatories and certain guided tours, require advance reservations. You can manage everything easily through the Go City app, where you’ll also find opening hours, entry instructions, and available time slots.

Attractions Included in The New York Pass

This is where The New York Pass really shines. It’s the only New York attraction pass that includes all of the city’s major observatories, something that’s extremely rare. And since tickets for these viewpoints usually cost $40 to $50 each, you can start saving money very quickly.

Here are some of the most popular attractions you can visit with The New York Pass (you can check the full list on this page):

• All four major observatories: Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, Edge, and One World Observatory
• Statue of Liberty with the official ferry to Liberty Island and Ellis Island
• Must-see museums: 9/11 Memorial & Museum, MoMA, American Museum of Natural History, and the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
• Circle Line cruises, including the famous Best of NYC cruise
• Guided neighborhood tours in Harlem, Brooklyn, Bushwick, and more
• Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off sightseeing bus (1-day ticket)
• Unique experiences like The RIDE, escape rooms, or bike rentals in Central Park or across the Brooklyn Bridge
• and 87 more attractions >>

In short: if an attraction is well known in NYC, there’s a very good chance it’s included in The New York Pass.

How Much Does The New York Pass Cost & How Long Is It Valid?

The price of The New York Pass depends on how many days you choose. The longer the pass, the better the value per day becomes.

Prices typically range from around $169 for 1 day up to $424 for 10 days.

You’ll find the detailed prices in the table below, making it easy to compare options and pick the most cost-effective one for your trip.

If you’d like to go deeper and learn how to really get the most out of this city pass, I explain everything in my full New York Pass review.

Pros and Cons of The New York Pass

✅ Pros :

• Access to 105+ attractions: perfect for a packed, sightseeing-heavy itinerary.
• Unlimited visits for 1 to 10 days: ideal if you want to fit in as much as possible.
• Includes a Hop-On Hop-Off bus (1 day): great for getting around while enjoying the views.
• Perfect for first-time visitors: cover all the must-sees without overthinking.
• Simple activation and management through the Go City app.

❌ Cons :

• Only worth it if you visit a lot: less appealing for a relaxed or light program.
• Not ideal for very short stays: hard to justify the price if you only use it for one day.

New York C3: The Ideal Pass for Short Stays

The New York C3 is the ultra-simple version of the CityPASS. It lets you pick 3 attractions from a curated list of 10 NYC must-sees, without having to sort through a long list of options.

It’s the perfect New York city pass if you’re only in town for a few days, or if you’d rather combine a handful of essential visits with relaxed walks and neighborhood exploring.

If you’re traveling on a tighter budget or with family, the New York C3 is one of the easiest and best-value ways to enjoy the highlights of New York, without overcomplicating your trip.

How Does the New York C3 Work?

You can buy the New York C3 online (the best price is usually on the official partner site).

Once purchased, you receive your pass by email and can add it straight to your smartphone. There’s no need to print anything, just show your QR code at each attraction entrance.

The concept couldn’t be simpler: you choose 3 attractions from a fixed list of 10 options selected by CityPASS.

And the best part? You don’t have to choose in advance. You can decide on the spot, whenever it suits you. That’s ideal if you like to adapt your plans based on the weather, your energy level, or your mood of the day.

Your pass activates automatically when you use it for the first time. From then on, you have 9 full days to visit your 3 attractions, more than enough time to enjoy them without rushing.

Attractions Included in the New York C3

With the New York C3, the idea is simple: you only pay for what you truly want to see, while enjoying a better deal than buying tickets individually.

The selection is smaller than with other New York city passes, but it focuses exclusively on the city’s top highlights. No filler, just the essentials most travelers come for.

Here are the main attractions you can choose from (you can check the full, up-to-date list on this page):

• Empire State Building
• Top of the Rock Observation Deck
• Edge at Hudson Yards
• One World Observatory
• American Museum of Natural History
• 9/11 Memorial & Museum
• Guggenheim Museum
• Circle Line cruises (several routes depending on your preference)
• Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island (island access, no Crown access)
• Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

How Much Does the New York C3 Cost?

In 2026, the official price of the New York C3 is (check the latest prices on this page):

• $109 per adult
• $86 per child (ages 6–12)

That makes it one of the most affordable New York passes available and one of the best-value options for a short stay in the city.

You’ll find the latest New York C3 prices in the table below.

And if you want to go deeper, I explain everything in my full New York C3 review.

Pros and Cons of the New York C3

✅ Pros :

• Ultra simple: pick 3 attractions from a short but essential list.
• Perfect for short stays (2–3 days) in NYC.
• 9-day validity: plenty of time to explore without rushing.
• Excellent value if you combine an observatory, a cruise, and a museum.
• No planning stress: choose your visits as you go.

❌ Cons :

• Only 3 attractions: too limited for many travelers.
• Fewer choices than competitors like the New York Pass Essentials.
• Not always the best value if you want several premium experiences.
• No Hop-On Hop-Off bus or guided tours included.

Comparison of the Best New York City Passes

Choosing the right sightseeing pass for New York can quickly feel overwhelming. With several options, hundreds of attractions, and prices that vary widely depending on your plans, it’s easy to get lost.

The good news? Everything becomes much simpler once you know how many attractions you want to visit, which sights really matter to you, and how long you’ll be in NYC.

To help you compare at a glance, here’s a quick overview of the prices for the 5 main New York city passes in 2026:

• New York Explorer Pass (2 to 10 attractions): from $89 (check the price here >>)
• New York CityPASS (5 attractions): $154 (check the price here >>)
• New York Pass Essentials (3 attractions): $99 (check the price here >>)
• The New York Pass (105+ attractions): from $169 (check the price here >>)
• New York C3 (3 attractions): $109 (check the price here >>)

Right below, you’ll find a detailed comparison table that makes it easy to spot the differences between each pass and choose the one that best fits your travel style, pace, and budget.

What is the Best Attraction Pass for New York ? Which One Should You Choose?

First Time in New York?

👉 Choose the New York CityPASS (check availability here)

If this is your first trip to New York, the New York CityPASS is hands down the most suitable option. Why? Because it brings together exactly the attractions that almost every first-time visitor wants to see.

You don’t have to spend hours comparing dozens of activities. You simply tick off the essentials, iconic observatories, top museums, and the Statue of Liberty, with a 9-day validity that lets you plan your week calmly, without racing from one sight to the next.

It’s simple, reliable, and perfectly designed for discovering NYC for the first time.

You Know Exactly What You Want to See?

👉 Choose the New York Explorer Pass (check availability here)

The New York Explorer Pass is the most adaptable option for many travelers, especially if you already have a clear idea of what you want to visit.

You pick 2 to 10 attractions, valid for 30 days.
In other words: you explore when you want, how you want, with zero pressure.

You can pack several visits into one day… or take a day off just to wander through the city, without ever feeling like you’re “wasting” your New York pass.

This is the pass I recommend if flexibility matters most to you.

Short Stay (2–3 Days) or Tight Budget?

👉 Choose the New York Pass Essentials (see the latest deal here)

The New York Pass Essentials is Go City’s newest offer, and honestly, it’s one of the best deals available right now.

The idea is simple: choose 1 observatory + 2 attractions from a list of 13 NYC must-sees, for just $99. In a city where single tickets often cost $40 or more, that’s excellent value.

It’s straightforward, affordable, and cuts out all the unnecessary extras.

Perfect if you’re in New York for just a couple of days and want to focus on the highlights without overspending.

Want to See as Much as Possible?

👉 Choose The New York Pass (see the latest deal here)

This is the pass for travelers who want to do it all.

The New York Pass gives you unlimited access to 105+ attractions for 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, or 10 days.

If you’re planning a true NYC sightseeing marathon, this is the pass that can save you the most overall.

That said, it’s not for everyone. It’s best avoided if:

• you don’t enjoy rushing,
• you prefer taking your time,
• your budget is limited,
• you only plan to do 2 or 3 attractions during your stay.

In those cases, a flexible or short-stay pass will suit you far better.

My Final Advice

👉 If you’re visiting New York for the first time or want to make the most of a classic NYC trip, the New York CityPASS (check availability on this page) is often the best choice. It’s easy to use, great value, and includes a strong selection of must-see attractions.

For a more relaxed and flexible experience, the Go City New York Explorer Pass (check the latest price here) is an excellent à-la-carte alternative, especially if you use the HOLIDAY code to get 10% off.

In short: the best New York pass really depends on your itinerary. Group your visits over a few days, pick the pass that matches your pace, and you’ll enjoy New York to the fullest, without blowing your budget. 🗽✨