Top attractions in New York can be pricey, but there are two competing discount pass books that can help you save money--if you make sure you are using them to your best advantage.


New York CityPass (which is improving its offerings starting March 1, 2015) costs $109 for adults and $82 for kids. The pass gets you into six attractions:


  • ​The Empire State Building
  • The American Museum of Natural History
  • The Metropolitan Museum
  • The Museum of Modern Art
  • The Guggenheim or ​Top of the Rock (choose one)
  • The Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island or a Circle Line Cruise (choose one)


Is this a good deal? It depends on how you use it. Keep in mind that the Metropolitan Museum is always pay-what-you wish, so in truth you are getting 5 admission for $109, or about $22 each. You will save some time at the Empire State Building (though not as much time as you would with a more expensive VIP Pass) and other sites, but unless you are going to do all five options, this might not be your best bet.


The New York Explorer Pass offer a lot more flexibility. Passes are good for 3, 5, 7, or 10 attractions out of a list of 49 sites in the city. The 3-admission pass averages $24 per site: a good deal if you are choosing expensive outings like the TV & Movie Tour, Empire State Building, and Ripley's Believe it or Not, but not so hot if your top choices all cost less than that to start out. 

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Top attractions in New York can be pricey, but there are two competing discount pass books that can help you save money--if you make sure you are using them to your best advantage.


New York CityPass (which is improving its offerings starting March 1, 2015) costs $109 for adults and $82 for kids. The pass gets you into six attractions:


  • ​The Empire State Building
  • The American Museum of Natural History
  • The Metropolitan Museum
  • The Museum of Modern Art
  • The Guggenheim or ​Top of the Rock (choose one)
  • The Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island or a Circle Line Cruise (choose one)


Is this a good deal? It depends on how you use it. Keep in mind that the Metropolitan Museum is always pay-what-you wish, so in truth you are getting 5 admission for $109, or about $22 each. You will save some time at the Empire State Building (though not as much time as you would with a more expensive VIP Pass) and other sites, but unless you are going to do all five options, this might not be your best bet.


The New York Explorer Pass offer a lot more flexibility. Passes are good for 3, 5, 7, or 10 attractions out of a list of 49 sites in the city. The 3-admission pass averages $24 per site: a good deal if you are choosing expensive outings like the TV & Movie Tour, Empire State Building, and Ripley's Believe it or Not, but not so hot if your top choices all cost less than that to start out. 

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