Already bought a New York sightseeing pass? Great! Here’s how to activate it, which attractions require reservations, and how to use it when you arrive.
How do sightseeing passes work?
First, a quick overview. There are two types of pass:
- Flexible passes, such as the Go City Explorer Pass, Go City Essentials Pass, CityPASS, and CityPASS C3: You choose a set number of attractions, such as 5, and visit them at your own pace.
- Unlimited passes, such as the Go City All-Inclusive Pass and CityPASS C-All: You choose in advance how many days you want the pass to be valid, such as 3 days. During that time, you can visit as many attractions as you like, a bit like an all-you-can-eat buffet. The more you see, the more you save compared with buying individual tickets.
Good to know: Your pass’s validity period starts when you first use it, not when you buy it. You have a full year to activate your pass.
You don’t have to decide which attractions you’ll visit when you buy your pass. You can choose as you go, unless you want to visit attractions that require reservations.
Step-by-step guide
I’ve divided this guide into three steps: downloading the app, making reservations, and using your pass at the attractions.
Step 1: Download the app and add your pass
Download your pass provider’s app:
- Go City: App Store / Google Play
- CityPASS: App Store / Google Play
You can then add your pass to the app. After your purchase, you’ll receive an email with your QR code, which you can scan or enter directly in the app.
Step 2: Reservations and attractions you need to book ahead
You can visit most attractions without booking ahead. Some require a reservation, especially popular observation decks and guided tours with limited capacity. The rules vary by attraction.
You may need your order number, pass number, and email address. Sometimes you’ll also need to provide a credit card to reserve your spot. It won’t be charged; it’s simply a guarantee. However, if you don’t show up for a reserved tour, for example, you may be charged a fee.
Reservations are usually made through the pass provider’s app or website, or directly with the attraction. Your pass provider has the latest information for each attraction.
Under “Reservations” on each attraction’s page, you’ll find detailed instructions and information. The image shows the Empire State Building as an example:
Common attractions that require a reservation:
| Column 1 | Go City | CityPASS |
|---|---|---|
| Empire State Building | ✅ | ✅ |
| Edge | ✅ Reservations open 10 days ahead | ✅ |
| Top of the Rock | ✅ Reservations open 10 days ahead | ✅ |
| 9/11 Museum | ✅ Reservations open 7 days ahead | ✅ |
| Statue of Liberty ferry | ✅ Reservations open 7 days ahead | ✅ |
| Clipper City Tall Ship | ✅ Reserve here. A credit card is required for online reservations. | |
| Intrepid Museum | ✅ | |
| American Museum of Natural History | ✅ | |
| MoMA | ✅ | |
| Circle Line cruises | ✅ |
Your pass must be valid at the time of your reservation. Always reserve guided tours in advance.
Step 3: Using your pass at the attractions
The process varies slightly from one attraction to another, but it usually works in one of these three ways:
- Scan and enter: At many attractions, you simply show your pass at the entrance, using the QR code in the app or a PDF. Staff scan it, and you can go straight in if there’s space.
- Collect a ticket: At some attractions, you first collect a physical ticket at the ticket office or a designated counter. You can choose the next available time slot or a later one.
- Use your reserved time slot: If you’ve booked an attraction in advance, just arrive on time and show your pass and reservation confirmation.
Look for signs for pass holders at the attraction’s entrance. They’ll point you in the right direction.
My tips and things to know
- Standard admission: Sightseeing passes include regular admission to each attraction, meaning the standard ticket. If you want an upgrade, such as express entry, a special tour, or a combination ticket, you can book it on site.
- One visit per attraction: Your pass allows one admission to each attraction, so you can’t visit the same place more than once. The exception is the 5-attraction CityPASS, which lets you visit the Empire State Building twice: once during the day AND once in the evening.
- Stay flexible: If an attraction doesn’t require a reservation, you can simply turn up and get a ticket for the next available time slot. You don’t have to decide which attractions to visit before your trip; you can choose as you go.
- Book tours early: Some tours sell out quickly because spaces are limited. Book as far ahead as you can!
- Included attractions: The attractions included in a pass can change. Shortly before your trip, check that all the places you want to visit are still included.
