Want to compare the different New York tourist passes and find out which New York pass is best for you? Then you’ve come to the right place with my detailed comparison of New York passes!

In my comparison of the Sightseeing Pass NYC, the New York Pass, the Explorer Pass New York, the Sightseeing Flex Pass, the New York CityPASS and – brand new – the New York All-Inclusive Pass, you can see at a glance which attractions and visits are included and how much they cost (► here’s a quick overview). Plus, you’ll find my personal tips and answers to frequently asked questions about New York City Sightseeing Passes.

My goal: That you have fun in New York and don’t overpay for the best sights, tours, and attractions!

Compare New York Passes

New York CityPASS vs Go New York Pass or New York Explorer Pass vs New York Pass: in my New York Pass comparison chart, you can see all the passes at a glance and compare which of the many New York Attraction Passes best meets your wishes ?.

How do passes for New York attractions work?

Whether you choose the New York Explorer Pass, the New York CityPASS or the New York All-Inclusive Pass, the way it works is the same for all New York City Attraction Passes.

#1 Buy in advance, activate and use in New York

City Cards are a great way to save on your travel budget. If you’ve decided to buy a New York Pass, here are the next steps :

• Step 1: You’ll receive your booking confirmation by email.
• Step 2: You print it out (it’s already your pass) or download it directly electronically in the free app from the relevant New York Pass provider
• Step 3: When you arrive in New York, present it at the attraction ticket office (BEWARE: some will ask for your ID card or passport for verification the first time you use it)
• Step 4: You’ll receive your admission ticket or your New York Pass will be scanned and you’ll be ready to go!

#2 Savings on major New York attractions and tours

All New York City Cards work like a group ticket, as one ticket to many attractions at once. The fact that you don’t buy just one ticket, but several in the form of tourist passes such as the New York Explorer Pass, the Sightseeing Flex Pass, the Sightseeing Day Pass, the CityPASS New York or the New York Pass, makes it possible to visit New York attractions at a lower cost.

Savings of more than 20% are still possible, but savings of 30-50% are more likely!

#3 Easy to use

They’re comparable to prepaid phone cards: once you’ve bought them, you can use them for as many attractions or days as you “top up”. For example, if you bought the Explorer Pass New York for 4 attractions, you can use it as a ticket for exactly 4 attractions, whereas with the 2-day Sightseeing Day Pass, you can visit as many attractions as you like or can manage, but only for 2 days.

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Travel plan for New York

Not sure which attractions to include in your New York itinerary? Here are some ideas on how I would plan my trip to New York with attraction passes :

My itinerary for New York in 4 days

» BUY THE NEW YORK PASS

My itinerary for New York in 5 days

» BUY THE NEW YORK PASS

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Which is the best New York Pass?

This is a tough question, as the answer depends on what you want to see in how many days and who you’re travelling with in New York. However, there are some attraction passes that are better than the other contenders:

#1 The best New York pass for first-time visitors to New York

If you want to see a full set of attractions, one-day attraction passes are the best choice for you. Why? For a fixed price, you can visit as many attractions as you like or can manage. With the New York Pass for 5 days or the Sightseeing Day Pass NYC for 4 days, you can choose from over 100 attractions, walking tours, boat tours and hop-on hop-off bus tours for 5 or 4 days respectively. The price doesn’t change whether you visit 10 or 20! Isn’t that great?

Two of the New York City Attraction Passes are recommended here, but for me, the New York Pass is slightly superior to the Sightseeing Day Pass NYC (especially as it includes the 9/11 Memorial Museum).

My advice: Days count consecutively, so don’t leave a spare day in between or it will expire!

#2 The best New York Pass for families

Attraction-based New York City Cards like the Explorer Pass and Sightseeing Flex Pass are perfect for families with kids, as you can plan a day without sightseeing in between. Do the kids prefer to do something else during the day than what you wanted to do in the first place? No problem, just do it another day!

Here, you can buy the New York Explorer Pass and here the Sightseeing Flex Pass.

#3 The best New York pass if you’ve already been to NYC

Are you a repeat New Yorker? Perfect! Then you’ll have a much more relaxed experience of the city because you’ve probably already visited many of the famous attractions on your first holiday.

That’s why flexible attraction passes such as the New York Explorer Pass and the Sightseeing Flex Pass are ideal for families.

New York passes in detail

Short and simple: you can choose between these passes for New York attractions:

#1 New York Explorer Pass

With the New York Explorer Pass, you have total control over your trip to New York. Choose from over 90 attractions and tours, deciding how many you want to visit, from 2 to 10.

Whether you want to climb to the top of the Empire State Building, take a multi-stop bus tour or explore the Natural History Museum, you have the freedom to create your own itinerary.

This pass is perfect for you if you prefer a more relaxed pace and the flexibility to choose attractions as you go, without the pressure of having to visit them all in a few days. What’s more, it allows you to save up to 50% on the cost of normal tickets!

• Includes over 90 TOP attractions, including four observation decks, a boat tour of the Statue of Liberty and hop-on hop-off buses.
• 7 variants: bookable for 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 of the 10 attractions
• Savings of up to 40
• Flexible travel planning, as days can also be left free
• Perfect for first-time visitors and families
• Valid for 60 days from first use, no stress of sightseeing
• Simply print it out or download it to your mobile phone

» BUY THE EXPLORE NEW YORK PASS

You can find out more about the Explorer Pass New York here.

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#2 New York Pass

With the New York Pass, you have the freedom to discover over 100 attractions in New York without worrying about single tickets. Imagine standing atop the Empire State Building, visiting the moving 9/11 Memorial and Museum or exploring the famous Museum of Modern Art – all with just one pass. Available for different durations, the pass fits perfectly into your travel plans.

One particular advantage: at many attractions, you have priority access, which allows you to avoid long queues. The New York Pass is ideal if you want to make the most of your visit to New York, saving time and money. It not only makes your trip more convenient, but also more comfortable and enriching.

• Includes over 100 TOP attractions, including four observation platforms, the Statue of Liberty boat tour and hop-on hop-off buses.
• 7 variants: bookable for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 10 days
• Save up to 60
• the best value for money if you want to see 2 or 3 attractions a day
• perfect for first-time visitors
• You can visit as many attractions as you like or as many as you can manage for a fixed price
• Easily printable or downloadable to your mobile phone

» BUY THE NEW YORK PASS

You can find out more about the New York Pass here.

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#3 Sightseeing Day Pass NYC

The Sightseeing DAY Pass New York gives you unlimited access to over 100 attractions and tours for the number of days you choose, from 1 to 10 days. This pass is ideal if you want to explore as much as possible in as little time as possible.

With this pass, you can visit iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, take a bike ride in Central Park or discover the wonders of the Guggenheim Museum. It’s perfect for those with a busy itinerary who want to make the most of every day in New York.

What’s more, it offers the option of multi-stop bus tours, which are a great way to get your bearings and see the city in a comfortable and informative way.

• Includes over 100 TOP attractions, including four observation decks, the Statue of Liberty boat tour and hop-on hop-off buses.
• Saves up to 60
• 8 options: bookable for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 10 days
• Perfect for first-time visitors
• Easy to print or download onto your mobile phone

» BUY the Sightseeing DAY Pass

You can find out more about the New York Sightseeing DAY Pass here.

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#4 Sightseeing Flex Pass NYC

The Sightseeing FLEX Pass New York gives you the flexibility to choose from over 100 attractions and tours, with the freedom to use it over a 60-day period. Choose the number of attractions you want to visit, from 2 to 12, and save up to 50% on entry costs.

This pass is ideal if you’re planning to stay in New York for a longer period or if you prefer a leisurely trip, deciding which attractions to visit as you go. It is also perfect for those returning to New York and wishing to explore new attractions at a more leisurely pace.

With the Sightseeing FLEX Pass, you have the freedom to completely personalise your New York sightseeing experience.

• Includes over 100 TOP attractions, including four observation decks, hop-on hop-off buses and various boat tours
• 8 variations: bookable for 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10 or 12 attractions
• Valid for 60 days, so no tourist stress
• Perfect for first-time visitors and families
• Easy to print or download onto your mobile phone

» BUY the Sightseeing Flex Pass

You can find out more about the New York Sightseeing FLEX Pass here.

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#5 New York All-Inclusive Pass

The New York All-Inclusive Pass by Go City grants access to over 100 attractions and experiences for a duration of 1 to 10 days.

Enjoy unlimited entry to sites like the Empire State Building, 9/11 Memorial & Museum, and hop-on-hop-off bus tours.

This pass is perfect for those wanting to see and experience as much of New York as possible. It offers significant savings and the flexibility to choose attractions on the go, allowing you to explore New York’s diversity and energy at your own pace.

• Exactly like the New York Pass
• Over 100 attractions are included, including four viewing platforms, the Statue of Liberty boat tour and hop-on hop-off buses
• 7 variants: bookable for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 or 10 days
• Savings of up to 60
• Great value if you want to see 2 or 3 attractions a day
• Perfect for first-time visitors to the city
• You can visit as many attractions as you like or as many as you can manage for a fixed price
• Easily printable or downloadable to your mobile phone

» BUY the New York All-Inclusive Pass

You can find out more about the New York All-Inclusive Pass here.

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#6 CityPASS New York

The CityPASS New York provides access to five top attractions at a reduced cost, including the Empire State Building, American Museum of Natural History, and a choice of boat tours including the Statue of Liberty. Choose between Top of the Rock or Guggenheim Museum, and 9/11 Memorial & Museum or Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.

Ideal for those wanting to see New York’s famous sites affordably, the pass offers nine days to visit all attractions, allowing for a relaxed vacation.

• Includes 8 attractions such as the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, 9/11 Memorial Museum and a boat tour
• Saves up to 40
• valid for 9 days, so no stressful sightseeing
• perfect for first-time visitors to the city
• Simply print or download to your mobile phone

» Buy CITYPASS NEW YORK

My recommendation: Even better than the CityPASS New York is the New York Explorer Pass (Go New York Card) and the Sightseeing Flex Pass.

New York Pass vs. CityPASS New York Comparison

The CityPASS and the New York Pass are well-established New York City sightseeing passes. This comparison highlights the key differences between them.

Which attractions are included?

The New York Pass grants access to over 100 attractions, including four observation decks (Empire State Building, Edge Hudson Yards, Top of the Rock, One World Observatory), over 20 museums, seven boat tours, and five bus tours.

The CityPASS offers a choice of 8 attractions, including the Empire State Building, American Museum of Natural History, Top of the Rock, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island ferry, 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Intrepid Museum, Guggenheim Museum, and three Circle Line Cruises. You can visit five of these attractions within nine days of the first visit.

Both passes cover the CityPASS attractions, but the New York Pass includes additional options.

What are the cancellation policies?

Both the New York Pass and CityPASS offer free cancellation within 365 days of purchase, provided they haven’t been used or activated and no time slots at attractions have been booked.

How much do they cost?

The CityPASS costs $138 for adults and $118 for children (6 – 17 years). The New York Pass has 8 options (1-10 days), starting at $155.

New York Pass vs. CityPASS New York: Which is Better?

The New York Pass and CityPASS cater to different needs. The New York Pass offers a broader range of over 100 attractions, while the CityPASS focuses on 8 key sights, allowing visits to 5.

The CityPASS, priced at $138, is suitable for those focusing on major attractions like the Empire State Building and the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. It also has a higher age limit for children (6 – 17 years), beneficial for families with older children or teenagers.

However, the CityPASS has a limited selection and excludes attractions like the One World Observatory, Edge viewing platforms, and hop-on hop-off city tours with BIG BUS, including city and night-time harbor tours.

For a more extensive selection and flexibility, the New York Pass is recommended.

For detailed information:

• New York Pass
• CityPASS New York 

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New York Pass vs. Sightseeing DAY Pass Comparison

Both the New York Pass and the Sightseeing DAY Pass offer access to over 100 attractions in New York, but there are key differences to consider when choosing the right pass for your needs.

Which attractions are included?

The New York Pass includes exclusive access to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Rockefeller Center Tour, The Cathedral of St. John the Divine, and popular boat tours like the Best of NYC Cruise and Harbor Lights Cruise by Circle Line. If these attractions are on your must-see list, the New York Pass is the better choice.

The Sightseeing DAY Pass uniquely offers the Woodbury Common Outlet shopping tour and the Museum of Broadway in Times Square.

What are the cancellation policies?

The New York Pass allows free cancellation up to 365 days after purchase, provided it hasn’t been activated or used for booking tickets or tours.

The Sightseeing DAY Pass does not offer free cancellation unless you purchase additional insurance at the time of booking, which costs an extra 6%.

How much do they cost?

The pricing for both passes is similar, with regular discounts available on their respective websites. The New York Pass is recommended if your desired attractions are included in both passes, as it offers free cancellation and includes the 9/11 Memorial Museum and Rockefeller Center Tour, which are not available with the DAY Pass.

New York Pass vs. Sightseeing DAY Pass: Which is Better?

Both passes are competitive, but the New York Pass edges out slightly due to its free cancellation policy and a slightly better selection of attractions, making it the recommended choice.

For detailed information:

• New York Pass
• Sightseeing DAY Pass

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Explorer Pass vs. Sightseeing FLEX Pass Comparison

Both the Explorer Pass and the Sightseeing FLEX Pass offer attraction-based options for exploring New York, but they have distinct features that set them apart.

Which attractions are included?

The Explorer Pass offers a choice of over 90 attractions, while the Sightseeing FLEX Pass has just over 80. Both include popular viewing platforms like the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, Edge at Hudson Yards, and One World Observatory, as well as city tours and BIG BUS day tickets.

Key differences: The Explorer Pass exclusively includes the 9/11 Memorial Museum and the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island ferry, making it a preferable choice for many. The Sightseeing FLEX Pass, however, uniquely offers the Woodbury Common Outlet and the Museum of Broadway.

The FLEX Pass allows booking up to 12 attractions, compared to 10 with the Explorer Pass.

What are the cancellation policies?

The Explorer Pass offers free cancellation up to one year after purchase, provided it hasn’t been activated or used. The Sightseeing FLEX Pass requires additional insurance for cancellation, costing 6% extra.

How much do they cost?

Both passes have similar pricing structures, with regular discounts available. The choice between them often comes down to specific attraction preferences and pricing at the time of purchase.

Explorer Pass vs. Sightseeing FLEX Pass: Which is Better?

The Explorer Pass is generally better due to its inclusion of key attractions like the 9/11 Memorial Museum and the Statue of Liberty ferry. However, if these specific attractions aren’t on your list, the deciding factor may be the price.

For detailed information:

• New York Explorer Pass
• Sightseeing FLEX Pass

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New York Pass vs. Explorer Pass

Comparing the New York Pass and the Explorer Pass is intriguing as they cater to different types of travelers.

Which attractions are included?

Both passes, offered by Go City, include major attractions, city tours, and boat tours, making them equally attractive in terms of options.

The New York Pass is ideal for those who want to pack as many attractions as possible into 1 to 10 consecutive days. The Explorer Pass, offering up to 10 attractions over 60 days, provides more flexibility for a spread-out itinerary.

What are the cancellation policies?

Both passes offer the same cancellation terms: a full refund within 365 days, provided the pass hasn’t been activated or used for booking.

How much do they cost?

The New York Pass starts at $149 for one day, while the Explorer Pass begins at $79 for two attractions.

New York Pass vs. Explorer Pass: Which is Better?

The New York Pass is better for intensive sightseeing, covering all admission costs. The Explorer Pass suits those who prefer to visit a fixed number of attractions over several days.

For detailed information:

• New York Pass
• New York Explorer Pass