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Must-Experience New York City City Cards & Passes 2026

Happy tourist having a professional photoshoot on the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City with the skyline in the background

✨ The smartest way to see NYC. From all-access attraction passes to unique guided tours, discover the curated experiences that unlock the city and maximize your time and budget.

Table of Contents ✨

Did you know?

Local Insight:The first multi-attraction “pass” in New York was conceptually the 1939 World’s Fair ticket book. Today’s digital city cards continue that legacy, offering curated access but with smartphone convenience, letting you bypass lines at icons like the Empire State Building and the Met.

Highest Rated & Most Popular Tours

1.Top Rated Pass – from €77 per person
New York Explorer Pass: Top Attractions including Edge
  • ⭐ 4.6 stars from over 7,500 reviews
  • Save up to 50% on 2-10 chosen attractions
  • Choose from 100+ experiences, tours, and cruises
  • Includes Edge, Empire State, 9/11 Museum, Statue of Liberty ferry
  • Valid for 30 days from first use – explore at your pace
  • Digital pass with instant delivery & easy app management
* click on image for more similar tours
2.All-Inclusive Pass – from €145 per person
New York Pass®: 100+ Attractions including Edge NYC
  • ⭐ 4.5 stars from over 2,400 reviews
  • Unlimited access to 100+ attractions for 1-10 days
  • The more you see, the more you save (up to 50%)
  • Top sights: Empire State, Edge, Top of the Rock, 9/11 Museum
  • Includes hop-on hop-off bus tours & sightseeing cruises
  • Perfect for packed itineraries and serious sightseers
* click on image for more similar tours

Feeling the Vibe?

New York’s city passes aren’t just about savings—they’re about freedom. Skip the ticket lines at the Empire State Building, glide past the Statue of Liberty on a cruise, and dive into world-class museums, all with one digital pass in your pocket. It’s the ultimate key to the city.

Luxury & Premium Experiences

3.Private Pedicab Tour – from €43 per person
New York City: Private Central Park Pedicab Tour
  • ⭐ 4.9 stars from over 1,400 reviews
  • Private, guided tour in a comfortable pedicab
  • See 50+ highlights: Bethesda Fountain, Bow Bridge, Strawberry Fields
  • Expert guide shares fun facts & snaps photos for you
  • Perfect for families, couples, or those wanting a relaxed deep-dive
  • Door-to-park service with drop-off at major landmarks
* click on image for more similar tours
4.Professional Photoshoot – from €129 per person
New York: 1-hour Photoshoot in Iconic Locations
  • ⭐ 5.0 stars – a perfect-rated luxury experience
  • Feel like a star with a professional photographer
  • Choose iconic spots: Brooklyn Bridge, Soho, Times Square, rooftops
  • Receive all unedited photos/videos + 10 edited pictures
  • Ideal for couples, solo travelers, families, or special occasions
  • Capture authentic, high-quality memories of your NYC trip
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A Secret for You…

Many city passes include access to famous film locations. The New York Pass®, for example, gets you into the Intrepid Museum (seen in multiple films) and a Top of the Rock visit at sunset—the very view used in movies like “King Kong.” It’s your ticket to walking onto a real-life movie set.

Affordable & Budget-Friendly

5.Classic CityPASS® – from €132 per person
New York CityPASS®: Save up to 41% at 5 Top Attractions
  • ⭐ 4.6 stars from over 10,000 reviews
  • Curated access to 5 major must-see attractions
  • Includes Empire State Building & American Museum of Natural History
  • Choose 3 more from Top of the Rock, 9/11 Museum, Statue of Liberty cruise, Circle Line, Intrepid, or Guggenheim
  • 9 days to use – no rush
  • Massive savings with one simple purchase
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6.Discover Pass – from €73 per person
New York City: Discover Pass with Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
  • ⭐ 3.4 stars – a great value combo package
  • Includes 48-120 hour hop-on hop-off bus tour
  • Adds a scenic Hudson River cruise with Statue of Liberty views
  • Access to select museums and a butterbeer at the Harry Potter Store
  • Perfect for first-time visitors wanting classic NYC experiences
  • Flexible duration options (2-5 days) to match your schedule
* click on image for more similar tours

The Best Part? ✨

With a city card, you’re not just a tourist—you’re an explorer with a backstage pass. ️ Imagine swapping long ticket queues for more time marveling at dinosaur skeletons, feeling the skyline breeze from a cruise, or finding that perfect photo spot. It’s the effortless, smarter way to experience the city that never sleeps.

⭐ Our Top Pick (Likely to Sell Out!)

Holiday Spectacular – from €71 per person
NYC: Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes
  • ⭐ 4.9 stars for New York’s most magical holiday tradition
  • Likely to sell out – a seasonal favorite that books fast
  • Witness the legendary precision of the world-famous Rockettes
  • Dazzling sets, festive lights, and beloved classic performances
  • Includes “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” & “The Living Nativity”
  • An unforgettable experience for the whole family
* click on image for more similar tours

What is the best New York City pass for first-time visitors?

The New York Explorer Pass is ideal for first-timers. It offers the perfect balance of choice and value, letting you select 2-10 attractions from over 100 options, including must-sees like the Empire State Building, Edge, and Statue of Liberty ferry, all while saving up to 50%.

Are New York city passes worth the money?

Absolutely. For any serious sightseeing, passes like the New York Pass® or CityPASS® offer substantial savings—often 40-50%—compared to buying individual tickets. They also save you time with skip-the-line privileges and simplify planning with one digital ticket for multiple NYC tours and attractions.

Can I use a city pass for Broadway shows or tours?

Most general city passes focus on attractions, observatories, museums, and tours. For Broadway, look for specialized theater packages or passes that include specific shows. However, many passes do include behind-the-scenes tours like the Rockefeller Center Tour or The Museum of Broadway.

How do I book timed entries with a New York city card?

It’s simple and stress-free. After purchase, download the provider’s app (like Go City or CityPASS), sync your pass, and use it to book required reservations for popular spots like the Empire State Building or Edge. This secures your slot and helps you plan your perfect NYC walking tours or bus tours itinerary.

What's the difference between the New York Pass® and Explorer Pass?

The New York Pass® is all-inclusive for 1-10 days, offering unlimited entry to everything on its list—perfect for packed schedules. The Explorer Pass lets you choose a set number of attractions (2-10) to use over 30 days, offering more flexibility for a slower-paced exploration of NYC’s culture and history.

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Category: North America, United States
Tags: new york city, new york city cards, new york city passes, new york explorer pass, new york pass, nyc citypass, new york attractions, new york tours, new york sightseeing, nyc holiday activities
Latest post update: December 2025