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 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 admissions 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 six, this might not be the best bet.


The New York City Explorer Pass can be purchased in different sizes that cover 3, 5, 7, or 10 attractions from a list of 49 possibilities. The three-attraction pass averages out to $24 per site, which -- if you choose expensive options like MoMA, Ripley's Believe it or Not, and the TV & Movie Bus Tour, can be a really good deal. Again, it pays to plan in advance which attractions are best for you and do the math.

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NEW YORK CITY DISCOUNT PASSES

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