Is the NYC CityPASS a Good Idea While Visiting the City for a Week?

New York City, the city that never sleeps, is an iconic destination that draws millions of tourists each year. With its towering skyscrapers, world-renowned museums, vibrant neighborhoods, and Broadway theaters, it’s no wonder that visitors often find themselves overwhelmed by the sheer number of attractions and activities to choose from. One way to experience the best of the Big Apple is by purchasing the New York CityPASS.

The NYC CityPASS offers an opportunity to explore some of the city’s most famous landmarks and attractions while saving money on entry fees. But is it really a good idea to buy this pass if you’re planning a one-week trip? In this detailed blog, we will break down the pros and cons of the NYC CityPASS, compare it with other sightseeing options, and help you decide whether it’s the right choice for your NYC adventure.

What is the New York CityPASS?

The New York CityPASS is a prepaid ticket book that provides access to several of New York City’s top attractions at a discounted price. It allows you to skip the regular ticket lines at select sites, which can be a huge time-saver, particularly during peak tourist seasons. The pass is valid for nine consecutive days, giving visitors plenty of time to explore the sights at their leisure.

Attractions Included in the NYC CityPASS

The NYC CityPASS grants admission to six major attractions. However, you’ll only visit five of them, as you get to choose between two options for certain attractions. Here’s a list of the included attractions:

1. Empire State Building (Main Deck or Observatory)
2. American Museum of Natural History
3. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met)
4. Top of the Rock Observation Deck OR the Guggenheim Museum
5. Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island OR a Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise
6. 9/11 Memorial & Museum OR Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

Price of the CityPASS

The New York CityPASS is priced at around $138 for adults and $112 for children aged 6-17. While this is an upfront cost, the savings over purchasing individual tickets can be significant, especially for those planning to visit most of the included attractions.

Benefits of the NYC CityPASS

1. Significant Savings on Admission Prices

One of the most compelling reasons to buy the CityPASS is the savings. The pass offers up to 70% off regular ticket prices for the top attractions in New York City. For instance, visiting the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and other major attractions can be quite expensive without the CityPASS. By purchasing the pass, you can save money and put it toward other experiences during your trip.

2. Skip-the-Line Privileges

With the CityPASS, you don’t have to stand in long lines to buy tickets. This is particularly useful at popular attractions such as the Empire State Building or the American Museum of Natural History, where wait times can be lengthy. While the pass does not grant front-of-the-line access, it does allow you to bypass the general admission line, saving you valuable time.

3. Convenience and Flexibility

The CityPASS offers a level of convenience that many other passes don’t. You can use it for up to nine consecutive days, which is more than enough time to explore the city’s best attractions. Additionally, you have the option to visit the attractions in any order you choose, making it easy to tailor your sightseeing schedule to your preferences.

4. Access to Iconic NYC Landmarks

From the Empire State Building to the Statue of Liberty, the CityPASS gives you access to some of New York City’s most iconic landmarks. Whether you’re interested in history, art, or breathtaking views, the attractions included in the CityPASS offer something for everyone.

Discounted Attractions Beyond the CityPASS

In addition to the primary attractions covered by the CityPASS, there are also additional discounts available. For example:

• Up to 50% off New York City Attractions and Museums: If you want to expand your sightseeing beyond the CityPASS options, you can often find discounts for other popular attractions, such as the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the New York Botanical Garden, and the 9/11 Tribute Museum.
• Extra 10% off on NYC Flex and Day Pass: If you’re interested in a more flexible sightseeing experience, you can save an extra 10% on additional passes that cover multiple attractions or unlimited access for a day.

These discounts can help you maximize your New York City experience, especially if you’re staying for a week and want to explore even more of the city.

The Big Bus Tour: A Great Addition to Your NYC Adventure

While the NYC CityPASS includes admission to several top-tier attractions, it doesn’t include transportation around the city. However, you can complement your sightseeing experience with a Big Bus Tour, which is an excellent way to get around New York and see the sights from a different perspective.

New York Hop-On, Hop-Off Big Bus Tour

One popular sightseeing option is the Hop-On, Hop-Off Big Bus Tour, which offers a 20% discount for CityPASS holders. This tour allows you to explore the city at your own pace by hopping on and off the bus at various stops throughout Manhattan. Some of the major stops include:

• Times Square
• Central Park
• The Empire State Building
• The Statue of Liberty
• Rockefeller Center

The Big Bus Tour offers a convenient way to travel between the CityPASS attractions and other notable NYC landmarks. Plus, it provides a guided audio tour that explains the history and significance of the places you visit.

Benefits of the Big Bus Tour

1. Comprehensive City Coverage: The Big Bus Tour covers a wide range of neighborhoods and attractions in New York City, allowing you to see many sights without worrying about navigating the subway or hailing cabs.
2. Flexibility: You can get off at any of the designated stops, explore the area, and hop back on the next bus that comes by. This flexibility allows you to customize your experience based on your interests.
3. Comfort: The open-air buses are a comfortable way to see the city, especially on pleasant weather days. You’ll get a great view of the city’s iconic skyline, landmarks, and attractions.
4. In-depth Knowledge: The guided tour provides an in-depth commentary about New York City, making it not just a ride, but an educational experience. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, you’ll learn something new.

Why You Should Consider the Big Bus Tour with the CityPASS

If you’re planning to explore NYC for a week, the Big Bus Tour is a fantastic addition to your CityPASS experience. It’s a great way to quickly see the highlights of the city while saving time on transportation. Plus, with the 20% off discount for CityPASS holders, it becomes an even more attractive option for tourists who want to make the most of their trip.

Alternatives to the CityPASS

While the NYC CityPASS is a fantastic option for many tourists, it’s not always the best choice for everyone. Here are some alternatives that might suit different preferences:

New York Sightseeing Passes

If you’re planning to visit more than just the six attractions included in the CityPASS, you might want to consider a more comprehensive sightseeing pass, such as the New York Sightseeing Pass or the New York Pass. These passes offer access to over 100 attractions, including skip-the-line privileges at several major sites. They also allow you to build your own itinerary by selecting from a wide variety of activities and tours.

Individual Tickets

If you’re only interested in visiting a few specific attractions, it might be worth purchasing individual tickets for each one. While this approach can be more expensive than buying the CityPASS, it allows for complete flexibility. You won’t be tied to a set list of attractions, and you can focus only on the places you truly want to see.

Is the NYC CityPASS Worth It for a Week-Long Visit?

Given the variety of options available, is the New York CityPASS a good deal for a one-week visit? The answer depends on several factors:

1. Your Interests: If you’re keen on visiting the major attractions like the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the CityPASS will likely be a good deal. However, if you’re more interested in off-the-beaten-path activities or attractions not included in the pass, you might find it less useful.
2. Your Budget: If you’re looking to save money, the CityPASS offers great value, especially if you plan to visit most of the included attractions. However, if you only want to see a couple of the highlights, it might not be worth the investment.
3. Your Itinerary: The CityPASS is valid for nine consecutive days, so it gives you plenty of time to visit the attractions at your own pace. If you’re visiting the city for a week, you’ll likely have time to see everything included in the pass.

Conclusion: Is the NYC CityPASS Right for You?

For most visitors, especially those visiting New York City for a week, the NYC CityPASS offers great value. With discounts of up to 70%, skip-the-line privileges, and access to iconic landmarks, it’s an excellent choice for tourists looking to maximize their time and savings. Additionally, combining the CityPASS with a Big Bus Tour will allow you to explore the city in a fun and efficient way.

Ultimately, whether or not the CityPASS is the best option for you depends on your interests, budget, and the number of attractions you want to see. If the major landmarks are on your list, the CityPASS is an excellent investment in your New York City experience.