Cheapest NYC Sightseeing Passes: Compare the Best Options & Save Big

Let’s be real, NYC sightseeing passes can be a game-changer for your trip. With the right one, you’ll unlock serious discounts, skip those brutal lines, and actually get to see all the iconic stuff without dropping your entire paycheck.

But here’s the catch: not all passes are created equal. Pick the wrong one, and you’ll overpay, feel rushed, and miss half the good stuff. The good news? We’re here to help you navigate the maze of options so you can find the perfect fit for your vibe and your budget.

With nearly a dozen different passes out there, each with different attractions, price points, and validity periods; it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But don’t worry. We’ve done the homework, so you don’t have to. By the time you finish reading this, you’ll know exactly which pass is worth your money and which ones to skip.

Don’t “Wing It”

Organizing your time in the city may become so overwhelming that eventually, you choose to just “wing it.” Here’s the thing, don’t play it by ear. Not only will you end up overpaying for attractions (and that hurts the travel fund big time), but you’ll also see and do far less than you could.

You didn’t come all the way to NYC to miss stuff, right? Instead, take a few minutes to read this article, and we’ll help you pick out the cheapest and best pass for your visit without any guesswork. Trust us, your wallet will thank you.

When visiting for the first time, purchasing a NYC sightseeing pass is an absolute no-brainer. It allows you to see the major attractions with discounted pricing, and you’re able to get free perks like skip-the-line tickets, complimentary guides and maps, and easy access to pretty much everything.

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What Is the Cheapest NYC Sightseeing Pass?

If you’re looking for the cheapest sightseeing passes for New York City, there’s really only one clear winner: the Go City Explorer Pass. Currently priced at $99, it provides access to two major attractions at seriously discounted prices, and it’s our favorite for a reason. Honestly, it’s kind of a no-brainer for budget-savvy travelers like you.

1. Go City Explorer Pass 🥇

When it comes to New York City sightseeing passes, the Go City Explorer Pass is the clear winner.

🎟️ Go City Explorer Pass ➡️ Buy Now

Why We Love the Go City Explorer Pass

We prefer the Go City Explorer Pass because passholders don’t need to rush through their itinerary and can stretch out their admission over multiple days. No time-crunch stress, just good vibes and exploration at your own pace.

Here’s a real example: you could take the hop-on hop-off bus tour on Monday to get the lay of the land, then hit the Empire State Building on Tuesday when you’re fresh, and wrap it up with a Circle Line NYC Landmarks Cruise on Wednesday. That’s three unforgettable days exploring NYC, all for just $119 per person. Not bad, right?

💰 Budget-savvy Tip: Passes Don’t Activate on Purchase

Here’s something important to keep in mind: the Go City Explorer pass allows holders to use it within 12 months from the date of purchase and activates upon first use. That means you can grab it now and use it whenever your trip happens. Pretty convenient, right?

No rush, no pressure. Life happens, plan when you’re ready, travel when you can.

If you only have one day set aside to tour New York City’s main attractions, then the Go City Explorer pass is the way to go.

However, it’s worth noting that the pass does not include the 9/11 Memorial and Museum (the 9/11 Memorial is free and open to the public; the museum requires a fee) or the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). Keep that in mind when planning your itinerary.

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Next Cheapest Options

The New York C3 by CityPASS is the next cheapest option, with the Topview Attraction Pass close behind. Both passes provide access to three attractions, making them solid alternatives depending on your plans.

C3 by CityPASS

It is highly recommended that you compare attractions on both the Go City Explorer Pass and the C3 by CityPass to make sure you are purchasing the one that’s right for you. For example, the attraction below is included in the C3 Pass but not in the Explorer Pass:

👉 The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

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Go City Explorer Pass vs. New York C3 by CityPASS: Which Should You Choose?

Both passes save money on NYC attractions, but they’re designed for different travel styles. Let’s break it down:

❓ What Are the Key Differences Between Go City Explorer and C3 by CityPass?

Everything on the C3 pass is also available on the Explorer Pass, but the Explorer Pass includes many additional tours and experiences that C3 does not.

Quick takeaway:

• Choose the Explorer Pass for flexibility and experiences
• Choose C3 for a simple, highlights-only visit

When it comes to selecting the best and cheapest New York City sightseeing passes, it’s best to figure out how much you want to spend, which attractions are included in NYC sightseeing passes, and how much time you’d like to devote to sightseeing. Of course, check to see if the full admission price for the certain attraction(s) you’d like to visit costs more than the pass; typically, it will, but not always.

For us, the answer’s pretty obvious: go with the Go City Explorer Pass!

🎟️ Go City Explorer Pass ➡️ Buy Now

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Top 10 NYC Attractions

Most first-time tourists to New York City want to see the top 10 attractions. If you’re one of them, then purchasing a sightseeing pass makes complete sense. In the chart below, you can easily see that the Sightseeing Pass, the Go City passes, and CityPASS all provide access to a majority of the top 10 attractions.

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Best Sightseeing Pass to Enjoy 10 Attractions

By far, the best sightseeing pass to experience 10 of the must-see attractions is the CityPASS C•ALL. Below is a quick summary of the perks of each pass and things to consider before purchasing.

CityPASS C•ALL

Providing access to 11 iconic attractions, the CityPASS C•ALL is quite the deal. Once activated, the pass allows the user to visit any of the attractions below for nine days.

In short, this pass is great for visitors staying in NYC for several days because you’ll need to see at least five to six attractions listed below for this pass to make sense financially.

One thing the C•ALL Pass is lacking is a hop-on, hop-off bus tour. No worries, though, you can purchase the bus tour separately here at discounted prices.

Attractions included in the CityPASS C•ALL:

1. Empire State Building
2. Top of the Rock Observation Deck
3. Ferry Access to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
4. 9/11 Memorial & Museum
5. American Museum of Natural History
6. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
7. Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises
8. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
9. Guggenheim Museum
10. City Cruises
11. Edge at Hudson Yards

🎟️ New York CityPASS C•ALL Pass ➡️ Buy Now

🦹‍♂️ Budget-savvy Safety Tip: Don’t be an easy target, use this backpack to keep your things safe. We do!

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Understanding Exclusive Attractions

Each pass comes with its own set of exclusive attractions. Essentially, these are tours and/or sites that are included only with one specific pass. For example, the One World Observatory is only included with the CityPASS C•ALL, while the New York Yankees Game Tickets are only included with the Go City passes (Explorer Pass/All-Inclusive Pass and The New York Pass).

Exclusive Attractions by Pass

Take a look at the exclusive attractions by each pass below. Knowing what attractions are available with each pass will assist you in selecting the best pass for your trip.

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Final Thoughts

Before or after purchasing one of the New York City sightseeing passes, be sure to check the special perks that come with each pass, such as discounted shopping, accommodations, restaurants, Broadway tickets, and more. These extras can really add up and make your trip even more budget-friendly.

Need somewhere nice but affordable to stay in Manhattan? Be sure to check out these > 18 Cheap But Nice Hotels in Manhattan, New York.