Buzzing New York City, a.k.a. the ‘Big Apple,’ is everything all at once – a trendsetter, shopping and dining capital, architectural darling, and an epicenter of the arts. If you’re visiting NYC for the first time, chances are you want to explore the city to the fullest. But there’s so much to see here that it could all get a little too overwhelming, thus also making the trip planning all the more overwhelming. This is why we have the New York CityPass attractions, which allow you to see the best of NY without breaking the bank – or your head. The CityPass takes the overwhelming out of planning a trip to New York City and makes it easy for travelers to see all the attractions they want.
Additionally, there are not one or two but three CityPass options. First, there’s the best-in-value New York CityPass; then, there’s the C3 for those staying for a short time. Finally, the C-All saves you almost 46% at a whopping 10 NYC attractions. Are you having trouble finding which one to choose? That’s why we’ve done the legwork for you and come up with a list of the best NYC attractions and things to do, along with which pass they feature in. That way, you can make a judicious and well-informed decision. To that end, here are the 6 best New York Citypass attractions that’ll make you understand why it’s one of the best CityPASS tickets.
Empire State Building
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The Empire State Building is one of the best New York NY CityPass attractions. It’s practically impossible to imagine the sparkling NYC skyline without this famed piece of Art Deco architecture that reaches a height of 1,454 feet. Not only did this skyscraper take 400 days to structurally complete, but it was even restored in 2009. Enjoy the vision of the three tiers of lights, illuminating up to nine colors at a time. Additionally, don’t miss the rod atop the building, which is frequently hit by lightning. And, of course, you need to spend a good amount of time at the observation deck. There might be long queues, but trust us, it’s completely worth the wait. And the best bit? The Empire State Building is open 365-days a year, so there’s no reason to miss this attraction.
American Museum of Natural History
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The American Museum of Natural History, which is the setting for the enthralling “Night At The Museum” movies, is another must-see attraction. Firstly, you’ll see iconic and show-stopping displays such as the 94-feet-long blue whale and the grizzly bear in the Hall of North American Mammals. Paleontology enthusiasts will especially love the prehistoric section with the Allosaurus and Barosaurus skeletons that rear up as realistically as they can get. Basically, this expertly curated 148-year-old museum enthralls visitors of all ages and has exhibits ranging from space to the world beneath your feet.
Top of the Rock Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center
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The Top of the Rock Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center is one of the best New York NY CityPass attractions. If you want to get your money’s worth and the best NYC views, head to this spectacular open-air observation deck. Aside from Gotham’s bird’s eye views, this 70-storied observation deck also allows you to see other landmark skyscrapers, such as the Empire State building and the verdant Central Park. If you’re willing to splurge here, dress up and stop by the historic 65th-floor lounge of Rainbow Room. It serves not only exceptional cocktails but also has live music, fine dining, and spectacular views to rival those from the deck.
Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises
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Circle Line’s Sightseeing Cruises are one of the most popular cruise service companies and tours, and their NYC outpost is no different. Basically, Circle Line offers three different sightseeing tours around Manhattan that run daily and usually range from 1-3 hours in length. The onboard sightseeing commentary by professional tour guides is a fantastic way to learn the lore and legends of this great city. What’s more, there’s even a bar onboard where guests can purchase drinks. You not only get to see all famous NYC landmarks from the water, but also you get within 100 feet of Lady Liberty and can enjoy spectacular up-close views. Important information: All Circle Line boats leave from 42nd Street on the Hudson River in Midtown Manhattan. Finally, arrive 45 minutes prior to your reserved departure time to board on time.
9/11 Memorial Museum
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The 9/11 Memorial Museum is an option for the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum and one of the best New York NY CityPass attractions. These are North America’s largest manmade waterfalls, the bottoms of which seem impossible to look at. What’s more, these twin reflecting pools stand in the footprints of where the Twin Towers once stood and are a solemn reminder of all that was lost during the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks, and WTC bombing. Moreover, bronze panels with the names of the 3,000 deceased victims, including the rescue personnel who perished, line the pools. Furthermore, the museum has a leading collection of documentation and artifacts for those who want to learn more about the events that transpired and wish to pay their respects. You can even hear first-hand accounts of survivors and see video and picture footage.
Intrepid Air, Sea, and Space Museum
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The Intrepid Air, Sea, and Space Museum is the other option for the 9/11 Memorial Museum and is one of the best New York NY CityPass attractions. This non-profit educational institution documents the glorious history of American aviation and the pioneering heroes of the world’s last frontier. It’s famously home to the titular, legendary aircraft carrier Intrepid. Furthermore, it has an unparalleled collection of fighter jets, a Concorde, a Blackbird spy plane, a prototype space shuttle, a capsule that returned the first astrotourists to earth, and the nuclear submarine USS Growler – phew! Finally, permanent exhibits include a harrowing 30-minute AV video about the kamikaze attacks that the Intrepid suffered, while there’s also a roster of new, rotating programs.
How To Choose The Best New York CityPass attractions?
First-Time Visitors
- Some CityPass New York (NY) attractions, like Top of the Rock, require booking specific times to control the crowds.
- Check museums’ websites and see whether they offer any reduced-price or free admission days. For instance, MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) is free between 4 and 8 p.m. every Friday. Additionally, some museums even offer discounts or coupons on their websites. If that wasn’t enough, some even work with donations, i.e., pay what you want.
- When it comes to the Empire State Building, you should know that floor 82 is outside the structure with a diamond-shaped mesh fence, while floor 102 is floor-to-ceiling glass. Also, if you want to head up to the viewing deck to watch the sunset, you should book your time slot as far as possible.
- One special exhibit at the Museum of Natural History is included with CityPass, which otherwise requires purchasing additional tickets. Also, it’s best to come here at opening time to avoid the larger afternoon crowds.
- If you choose the Circle Line cruises, sit on the left side of the boat to catch views of Manhattan. This works since it passes the Statue of Liberty on both sides.
Free Attractions
Unlike what many people think, there are many free things to do in NYC. For instance, Central Park, the High Line, Brooklyn Bridge, and even the Chrysler Building exist. Additionally, kids (with different age ranges) can see many of the CityPass attractions for free.
Does the New York Pass include transportation?
No, the NYC CityPass doesn’t include transportation.
Is Top of the Rock worth it?
According to travelers, Top of the Rock offers some of the best views of Manhattan, with the experience being worth every penny.
How does the NYC Citypass work?
After you pick a CityPass, print copies or download them to your smartphones. Then, check which attractions need reservations and book them accordingly. Finally, show the CityPass at every attraction to be admitted inside.
Some images on this article are copyrighted by CityPASS.
