With over 20 visits to NYC under my belt, I often get asked two things: how to see New York City on a budget and which top 3 attractions are a must-see. Let’s be honest—planning a trip to NYC can feel overwhelming with so many iconic sights and only so much time (and budget). But if you’re anything like me, you want to experience the best of the city without breaking the bank. Thankfully, there are some fantastic options, like the GO City Pass and CityPass New York, that help you save while seeing the best of NYC. Here’s everything you need to know to decide which pass is right for you.

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Visiting New York City soon?  **Click here for my complete guide**  on where to stay, what to do, and where to eat!

Spending Christmas in NYC?  **Click here for my Christmas guide!**

GO City Pass: 

How does the Go City pass work​

Step 1: Choose Your Pass Type – There are 111 attractions available 

• Explorer Pass: Select the number of attractions you want to visit, and enjoy a 60-day window from your first visit to explore them at your own pace.
• All-Inclusive Pass: Choose the number of days you want, and access unlimited attractions during that period.

Step 2: Set Up the Go City App

Download the Go City app and link your pass by entering your confirmation number. (Note: Adding the pass to the app doesn’t activate it – activation only occurs with your first use.) You can add few passes to one app 

The app is your go-to for all the details: attraction listings, hours of operation, and even alerts on which popular spots require reservations. Most attractions don’t need a booking, so simply show up, scan your QR code, and you’re ready to explore!

[CLICK HERE to check prices, book your pass, and see included attractions!]

New York CityPASS 

How does the New York City Pass work​

Step 1: Pick Your Pass

• C3 Pass – Pick any 3 attractions from the following:
  • Empire State Building Observatory
  • American Museum of Natural History
  • Top of the Rock Observation Deck
  • Ferry Access to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
  • 9/11 Memorial & Museum
  • Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises
  • Intrepid Museum
  • Guggenheim Museum
  • Edge at Hudson Yards
  • The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
• C-All Pass – Get access to all the attractions listed above for a complete NYC experience.
• City Pass – Includes Empire State Building Observatory and American Museum of Natural History, plus your choice of 3 more from the following:
  • Top of the Rock Observation Deck
  • Ferry Access to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
  • 9/11 Memorial & Museum
  • Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises
  • Intrepid Museum
  • Guggenheim Museum

Step 2: Download My CityPASS App

Link your pass to the My CityPASS app, which provides all the attraction details you need. Note: Most attractions require advance reservations, so be sure to book early to secure your preferred times. The pass remains valid for 9 consecutive days from the first visit.

[CLICK HERE to check prices—GetYourGuide often has lower prices than the CityPASS website, but they only offer the CityPASS option.]

I personally prefer the GO City Pass since it offers a wider range of attractions, giving you more flexibility to tailor your trip. But ultimately, it depends on what you’re looking to see and how much ground you want to cover!

The most common questions: 

Is a New York City pass worth it​ – Yes, a sightseeing pass can be worth it if you plan to visit multiple attractions, as it often saves up to 40-50% on admission. It’s ideal for first-time visitors who want to see top sites efficiently.

How much is a new york city pass / Where to buy new york city pass – Check here for GoCity and Check here for CityPass

Does the New York City pass include transportation – No, the New York CityPASS does not include transportation. It covers admission to select attractions, but you’ll need to arrange and pay separately for transportation

Which is better: New York pass or citypass – New York Pass is better for those wanting maximum variety and a fast-paced trip. CityPASS is great for a relaxed visit to NYC’s most iconic attractions with good savings.

Do you still have to wait in a queue if you pre book attractions? – Even with pre-booked attractions, you may still wait in lines, especially for security checks. During busy seasons like summer or Christmas, lines can still take a while, even with a pass.

I hope this helps you decide which New York City pass is best for you! Remember, NYC has plenty to offer for free, too. If you’re on a budget, you can book individual attractions or simply take in the views from Brooklyn Bridge or Central Park at no cost. **Check out my full New York City guide here!**