New York City - CityPass or Explorer Pass or New York Pass - Worth It?

My girlfriend lives in Israel (as do I), and we will be visiting NY/NJ for a couple of weeks in September. My family still lives in NJ, and I can get around pretty well, will be staying in NJ, but have a car and know public transportation well enough. (And know how to figure it out as well.)

I figured that this would be the perfect opportunity to do all the touristy things in NY that I never did because I lived in NJ, so why would I do a tourist thing that I could do later! :p

I was looking at CityPass, and it seems a good deal, as it's a nice array of attractions with a decent price. Am I understanding this correctly: I make a one-time payment and get the booklet, but I still go to each individual site on my own as if each was its own independent visit. Also, it says I can skip lines. Is that just advertising gimmick, or is it worthwhile.
Finally, is it the cheapest way of seeing the stuff listed, or is there a way of booking individual tix that actually comes out cheaper?

In all, it seems great that I can go to the top of Empire State Building (did Twin Towers when my dad worked in WTC, but not ESB) - is this the top deck, or just main observation level? Same question with the Rock?
Regarding Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island - is ferry fare included? Is there just one entrance fee for Ellis Island that's included with this? Same with Liberty Island?

Finally, I'm not an art person AT ALL, but she is. So the MET is great. But what's MoMA?

Thanks so much in advance for any advice/help people have. Should be a fun trip. (Also doing Yankee game if they're home; haven't checked yet. Broadway show, 6 Flags, and I guess more planning once it gets closer.)

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MODERATOR'S NOTE

Three passes are discussed in this thread, along with alternatives:

CityPASS: http://www.citypass.com/1/new-york
Explorer Pass: http://www.nyc.com/guided_tours/new_york_city_explorer_pass.1015465/editorial_review.aspx
New York Pass: http://www.newyorkpass.com/

dstan
NYC Forum Moderator

Moma = museum of Modern art on 53 rd bet 5-6th av

No clue on benefits of city pass vs. finding discount entrance. Regarding
Lines, you visit in sept which isn't peak travel time so lines should be tolerable vs summer months.

Consider top of the rock vs. ESB as other indicate slightly better experience.

You and gf will enjoy trip. Check operating hours at six flags in sept.

Is MoMA a decent museum?

Regarding Rock and ESB, ESB is one of the 6 sites, but the Rock is an option. I can do the Rock OR the Guggenheim Museum, but ESB is automatically on the list. I wanna do the Rock, especially because at Rockefeller Center, I plan on doing the NBC tour. Even if Rock is better, at least I'll finally be able to say I've done ESB

Is MoMA a decent museum?

Regarding Rock and ESB, ESB is one of the 6 sites, but the Rock is an option. I can do the Rock OR the Guggenheim Museum, but ESB is automatically on the list. I wanna do the Rock, especially because at Rockefeller Center, I plan on doing the NBC tour. Even if Rock is better, at least I'll finally be able to say I've done ESB

MOMA has a large photography collection, some of the "modern" art is not all that great, but they have lots of other great works. Friday from 4 pm-8 pm the admission is free, but the lines can be huge.
For many museums (including MOMA), you can purchase tickets on line and save waiting in line.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is well worth a visit--the admission is "officially" by donation--the suggested amount is $25--this is NOT mandatory.

You really have to decide how you want to museum hop.

Not just for NYC, museum passes will allow you to see museums which you might otherwise skip.

If you're a member of Costco, I'd recommend their, "Explorer Pass." We just used it for a visit to NYC, and it was very helpful. The Costco version was $65 for 3 attractions, and we selected the Guggenheim, MET, and MOMA. The pass was almost worth it just to avoid the lines at the MET :)

Each of these museums charges $22-25 for entry. There are online discounts available for some attractions if you want more/less.

If you're a member of Costco, I'd recommend their, "Explorer Pass." We just used it for a visit to NYC, and it was very helpful. The Costco version was $65 for 3 attractions, and we selected the Guggenheim, MET, and MOMA. The pass was almost worth it just to avoid the lines at the MET :)

Each of these museums charges $22-25 for entry. There are online discounts available for some attractions if you want more/less.
I'm not a member, but my parents are. Maybe that'll work. But $89 for 6 attractions (assuming I actually want to go to all 6) is better than $65 for 3 attractions. Unless I'm missing something?

I've used the CityPass in NYC before and have ordered one through a Canadian reward program, Air Miles, already for an upcoming visit I like the convenience of bypassing lines as well as the relative value they offer. While Sept. will be less crowded than summer, the lines at ESB can still be long so having a CityPass will save you time.

Beyond the actual admission vouchers the booklets also include a few other savings coupons as well like $2 off Guggenheim or 15% off restaurant discounts that you might find you'd also use while sightseeing.

MHO is to go ahead and get one as I find them a useful value.

BTW I finally made it to MoMA last year after missing it in previous visits and plan to return as the outdoor sculpture garden is a wonderful space well worth experiencing on a warm Autumn day.

My girlfriend lives in Israel (as do I), and we will be visiting NY/NJ for a couple of weeks in September. My family still lives in NJ, and I can get around pretty well, will be staying in NJ, but have a car and know public transportation well enough. (And know how to figure it out as well.)

I figured that this would be the perfect opportunity to do all the touristy things in NY that I never did because I lived in NJ, so why would I do a tourist thing that I could do later! :p

I was looking at CityPass, and it seems a good deal, as it's a nice array of attractions with a decent price. Am I understanding this correctly: I make a one-time payment and get the booklet, but I still go to each individual site on my own as if each was its own independent visit. Also, it says I can skip lines. Is that just advertising gimmick, or is it worthwhile.
Finally, is it the cheapest way of seeing the stuff listed, or is there a way of booking individual tix that actually comes out cheaper?

In all, it seems great that I can go to the top of Empire State Building (did Twin Towers when my dad worked in WTC, but not ESB) - is this the top deck, or just main observation level? Same question with the Rock?
Regarding Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island - is ferry fare included? Is there just one entrance fee for Ellis Island that's included with this? Same with Liberty Island?

Finally, I'm not an art person AT ALL, but she is. So the MET is great. But what's MoMA?The Museum of Modern Art. If you like the collection, then go. Visit their website. ;) Don't waste your money if you don't want to be there.

As for CityPass being worth it, where do you want visit? The Met and the American Museum of Natural History are, by and large, free. Pay as little or as much as you choose. Admission fees for both museums are merely 'suggested'. So 2 of those 6 'attractions' can be under $1 FOR BOTH if you like!

You will now need to figure out if the other attractions are worth $89. If you have AAA (or borrow the card from a family member), you might get discounts at these individual attractions.

The Museum of Modern Art. If you like the collection, then go. Visit their website. ;) Don't waste your money if you don't want to be there.

As for CityPass being worth it, where do you want visit? The Met and the American Museum of Natural History are, by and large, free. Pay as little or as much as you choose. Admission fees for both museums are merely 'suggested'. So 2 of those 6 'attractions' can be under $1 FOR BOTH if you like!

You will now need to figure out if the other attractions are worth $89. If you have AAA (or borrow the card from a family member), you might get discounts at these individual attractions.

If you can afford to pay for the Met and Natural History Museum please do as both run largely on donations and corporate sponsorship.

As for CityPass the ability to get in the express line is a plus for the ESB, not so much the Met or other Museums as they queues aren't as long. You could always do a split of say doing the Met one day and the Interpid another.

If you can afford to pay for the Met and Natural History Museum please do as both run largely on donations and corporate sponsorship....and substantial taxpayer subsidies. That's why the donations are suggested and not required. Most if not all museums get some taxpayer subsidies but they aren't as much as the Met and AMNH receive thus there are specific admissions fees, not suggested donations. If you're a US taxpayer, your money is already here. If you're not from the US and feel like paying more money, feel free. ^ If money is tight for the OP, these two museums are affordable for everybody because YOU set the price of admission.

The Museum of Modern Art. If you like the collection, then go. Visit their website. ;) Don't waste your money if you don't want to be there.

As for CityPass being worth it, where do you want visit? The Met and the American Museum of Natural History are, by and large, free. Pay as little or as much as you choose. Admission fees for both museums are merely 'suggested'. So 2 of those 6 'attractions' can be under $1 FOR BOTH if you like!

You will now need to figure out if the other attractions are worth $89. If you have AAA (or borrow the card from a family member), you might get discounts at these individual attractions.

The MET I knew was suggested donation, but I thought Museum of Natural History cost money? And I have AAA, so not an issue there.

I think I will go for CityPass or the Explorer Pass which is more customizable, though I didn't see the Costco connection that aztimm mentioned.

The MET I knew was suggested donation, but I thought Museum of Natural History cost money? And I have AAA, so not an issue there.AMNH admission fee is indeed suggested.



Suggested General Admission
Adults: $19
Children (2-12): $10.50
Seniors/Students with ID: $14.50
....
Suggested General Admission, which supports the Museum's scientific and educational endeavors, includes admission to all 45 Museum halls and the Rose Center for Earth and Space. Should you wish to pay less than the suggested admission, you may do so by purchasing tickets at any admissions desk at the Museum.http://www.amnh.org/visitors/

Given that 2 of the 6 attractions for the Citypass can cost under $1 and you have AAA, CityPass may not be worth it.

Given that 2 of the 6 attractions for the Citypass can cost under $1 and you have AAA, CityPass may not be worth it.

How can I find out the different attractions with AAA discount, and what the discount is? Can't seem to find stuff online

How can I find out the different attractions with AAA discount, and what the discount is? Can't seem to find stuff onlineCall or email them. AAA discounts aren't always on websites.

At many of these attractions, there are lines and there are lines. Lines to purchase your tickets and more lines to wait in to go up in an elevator or board a ferry. This doesn't apply as much to the museums.

At the times we went in mid-June the only attraction that had lines where having advanced tickets helped was the Statue of Liberty (ferry). Meaning there wasn't a wait to buy tickets but there was a wait in a second line to get in. However, only reservations from the ferry website itself allowed you to skip the general line--the city pass or the explorer pass meant getting in the regular line with everyone else (the same as having a flex ticket). And even that only got you to the security hall (think airport metal detectors); you still have to wait for the ferry with everyone at Battery Park and at both islands.

We did Top of the Rock and there wasn't much of a ticket line (actually, the express line for prepaid tickets and passes was longer than the general line) but we still waited 20-30 minutes for the elevator to the top (including the time in the gallery where you see a movie about building Rockefeller Center).

I have heard that the ticket lines for the ESB can be long but the only way to bypass the even longer line where you wait for the elevator is to buy a separate express ticket which is $22.50 more than the regular ticket.

The advantage of the Explorer Pass is that you get to pick and chose the attractions you want. They have two main types of passes. One that gives you a set number of attractions and you decide later and one that you pick what you want before you buy and then you get a discount on the tickets (something like 12% for two attractions, 17% for three attractions, etc.) The side where you decide later seems to assume that you will pick the expensive options and so I think picking them actually is the better deal.

As the others have said, since two of the four attractions on the city pass have variable admission, it may be better to figure out what else you really want to see and then compare prices on the customizable Explorer pass websites.

There is a third option (New York Pass) that gives you unlimited admissions to 70 attractions but you really have to hustle to make it pay (it's like $70 a day) and if you visit their website, it becomes a permanent banner ad on FlyerTalk.

Many tourists run from attraction to attraction, trying to see as many things as possible only because they bought these bundled passes. Like ticking things off a list just to say you've been there. How many people feel they "must" see a Broaday show, even if they don't like it? Or, they're not "museum people" but drag themselves anyway?

I suggest putting together a wish list, and compare what the savings will be in time and money. And take time to explore the neighborhoods, and the "real" New York. Whatever that might mean to you, it surely exists outside of most paid tourist attractions.

I think I will go for CityPass or the Explorer Pass which is more customizable, though I didn't see the Costco connection that aztimm mentioned.

http://www.costco.com/Browse/ProductSet.aspx?Prodid=11758767&search=new+york&Mo=5&cm_re=1_en-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&lang=en-US&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Sp=S&N=5000043&whse=BC&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=Text_Search&Dr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ne=4000000&D=new+york&Ntt=new+york&No=1&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&topnav=&s=1

Or if that long link doesn't work:
www.costco.com
Search for, "New York," and the pass will show up.

When I was in NYC last week, every attraction was packed. Maybe it was a fluke and we went on peak times/peak days, but the gal at the information desk at the MET (where we redeemed our pass) said they had 30-45 min waits just to buy tickets for at least a month.


The easiest way to avoid the line for the Statue of Liberty ferry would have been to be my guest for my swim last Friday ;)
NYC Swim had a booth setup just outside the terminal. Guest passes were $12.50 for the round-trip ferry. They put on a wristband, and we got to skip to the front of the line (a park ranger was on the side and let us in). We still had to do the security theater, but got on the same boat as others who waited substantially longer.

Many tourists run from attraction to attraction, trying to see as many things as possible only because they bought these bundled passes. Like ticking things off a list just to say you've been there. How many people feel they "must" see a Broaday show, even if they don't like it? Or, they're not "museum people" but drag themselves anyway?

I suggest putting together a wish list, and compare what the savings will be in time and money. And take time to explore the neighborhoods, and the "real" New York. Whatever that might mean to you, it surely exists outside of most paid tourist attractions.^

All of this has been really helpful, so thanks! In regards to the "suggested donations" attractions, such as the MET, is it socially acceptable to enter by giving a small donation? I feel bad doing that, but we are both students, so it's not like we're just trying to take advantage of anything.

Also, do places typically have student discounts, and if so, are they better than the AAA discounts?

Call or email them. AAA discounts aren't always on websites.

I'll call them when I get to the States next (couple of weeks). Thanks.

There is a third option (New York Pass) that gives you unlimited admissions to 70 attractions but you really have to hustle to make it pay (it's like $70 a day) and if you visit their website, it becomes a permanent banner ad on FlyerTalk.

I saw that, but it's just not cost-beneficial at all.

Many tourists run from attraction to attraction, trying to see as many things as possible only because they bought these bundled passes. Like ticking things off a list just to say you've been there. How many people feel they "must" see a Broaday show, even if they don't like it? Or, they're not "museum people" but drag themselves anyway?

I suggest putting together a wish list, and compare what the savings will be in time and money. And take time to explore the neighborhoods, and the "real" New York. Whatever that might mean to you, it surely exists outside of most paid tourist attractions.

Regarding the wish list and the checklist, there are things that she must see (MET, other art museums), and there are things I must take her to (Yankee game, 6 Flags). Outside of that, I'm trying to that, because, as you say, I don't want to just feel I ran around like a chicken with no head, just to see things. There are things, like top of the Rock, that I've never done, and really wanna do, and based on some posts I've seen, plan on doing instead of ESB (which is easier with no CityPass).
Regarding the "real NY," people define this differently. To me, the allure could be just strolling around different areas. I'll be in the Lower East Side, and the Upper West Side, and random places in the middle. We eat Kosher, so no "authentic Chinatown restaurants" as an example, but there are plenty of great Kosher restaurants that aren't touristy specifically.

I guess I'm in a great position of touring a city that I'm not really a tourist in!

All of this has been really helpful, so thanks! In regards to the "suggested donations" attractions, such as the MET, is it socially acceptable to enter by giving a small donation? I feel bad doing that, but we are both students, so it's not like we're just trying to take advantage of anything.Give anything you want. Don't spend another second wondering if someone will look at you askance. Don't spend another second feeling bad either. No reason to do so whatsoever. Now have a great time. :)

Also, do places typically have student discounts, and if so, are they better than the AAA discounts?I don't know. When you get there, you can always ask.

Regarding the wish list and the checklist, there are things that she must see (MET, other art museums), and there are things I must take her to (Yankee game, 6 Flags).You said you're a student and need to save money. Good luck with Great Adventure (aka 6 Flags). As for a Yankee game, go to www.stubhub.com and buy your tickets there. Make sure you pick tickets that you can download yourself. Stubhub is where to save money on ballgames.

Regarding the "real NY," people define this differently. To me, the allure could be just strolling around different areas. I'll be in the Lower East Side, and the Upper West Side, and random places in the middle.Yup. That sounds better than exhausting yourself going from one 'attraction' to another with tons of tourists.

All of this has been really helpful, so thanks! In regards to the "suggested donations" attractions, such as the MET, is it socially acceptable to enter by giving a small donation? I feel bad doing that, but we are both students, so it's not like we're just trying to take advantage of anything.The person who's behind the register couldn't care less. They're being paid to ring you up and process the line.

For all they know you might be someone who lives in the neighborhood and stops in during your weekly Saturday afternoon walk.

You said you're a student and need to save money. Good luck with Great Adventure (aka 6 Flags). As for a Yankee game, go to www.stubhub.com and buy your tickets there. Make sure you pick tickets that you can download yourself. Stubhub is where to save money on ballgames.

These I'm not worried about the budget. Going to 6 Flags with my whole family, so my dad is paying for this one, and tickets were anyways just $23. (Online deal) As for the Yankee game, my uncle has season tickets, so he gave me 2, and getting to the stadium with public transportation.
But thanks for pointing those out!

These I'm not worried about the budget. Going to 6 Flags with my whole family, so my dad is paying for this one, and tickets were anyways just $23. (Online deal) As for the Yankee game, my uncle has season tickets, so he gave me 2, and getting to the stadium with public transportation.
But thanks for pointing those out!Sounds good on both! If you want to save money on food, you can bring your own food or go to a local bodega and bring in heroes/sandwiches. Food is completely overpriced at Yankee Stadium. You can also bring in bottled water as long as the water bottle has never been opened. If you want soda or beer, you'll have to overpay at the stadium. You can't bring them in.

Sounds good on both! If you want to save money on food, you can bring your own food or go to a local bodega and bring in heroes/sandwiches. Food is completely overpriced at Yankee Stadium. You can also bring in bottled water as long as the water bottle has never been opened. If you want soda or beer, you'll have to overpay at the stadium. You can't bring them in.
As we're Kosher eaters, and a Kosher hot dog (which feels like boiled rubber) goes for about $10 (maybe I'm under-exaggerating :p), we definitely plan on the whole "bring your own food."
But as I grew up in NJ on the Yankees, I feel pretty comfortable with that knowledge. But the bringing in drinks is different - I had always thought I could bring soda in. That's good to know that I can't. As for beer, it'll be my first game over 21 - BUT, I don't see a need for $9/beer, so I think we'll skip that. So all soda is out, bottle and can?

You don't necessarily need student ID for student entry for the MET either. Just hand over the correct money and smile politely. (In point of fact I had had been a student until 5 days before I went, I submitted my doctorial thesis and fled the country).Personally I didn't bother with any pass type thing but then I was only there 3 days

You don't necessarily need student ID for student entry for the MET either. Just hand over the correct money and smile politely. (In point of fact I had had been a student until 5 days before I went, I submitted my doctorial thesis and fled the country).Personally I didn't bother with any pass type thing but then I was only there 3 days
What correct money? The MET is free, with a suggested donation..

As we're Kosher eaters, and a Kosher hot dog (which feels like boiled rubber) goes for about $10 (maybe I'm under-exaggerating :p), we definitely plan on the whole "bring your own food."The markup on kosher food, and plenty is available for purchase at Yankee Stadium, is high. Bring your own. ^

But as I grew up in NJ on the Yankees, I feel pretty comfortable with that knowledge. But the bringing in drinks is different - I had always thought I could bring soda in. That's good to know that I can't. As for beer, it'll be my first game over 21 - BUT, I don't see a need for $9/beer, so I think we'll skip that. So all soda is out, bottle and can?Can't bring any soda whether bottled, canned, or already poured into a cup with ice. The only beverage allowed to be brought in is unopened bottled water. You an also bring fruit, cookies, chips, things like that.

Can't bring any soda whether bottled, canned, or already poured into a cup with ice. The only beverage allowed to be brought in is unopened bottled water. You an also bring fruit, cookies, chips, things like that.

The myriad of rules regarding bottles is incredible. The Nets, when they still played at the Continental Airlines Arena (before it was renamed the Izod Center) allowed bottle in, but only with a removed a cap, so you couldn't flick the cap at the court. So my dad went to a Yankee game and pre-removed the cap, anticipating the issue. However, since it was open, it was a no-go.

The myriad of rules regarding bottles is incredible.They want to make as much money off the fans as they can. :p

The Nets, when they still played at the Continental Airlines Arena (before it was renamed the Izod Center) allowed bottle in, but only with a removed a cap, so you couldn't flick the cap at the court. So my dad went to a Yankee game and pre-removed the cap, anticipating the issue. However, since it was open, it was a no-go.I think the Mets once had that same rule about the cap removal prior to walking into the ballpark. Maybe they still do.

Late to this party but is the NYC Pass like some of the Passes in Europe where its good only for a few days and once you use it the 1st time the clock is ticking?

Which is why I usually dont buy them as I dont want to be rushed if I happen to be enjoying a museum or whatever. I sit down and write up what I want to see and knock 'em off 1 by 1. Now if its good for only 3 days and a person happens to be in town for only 3 days then it may workout. But OP do you really want to go say 3 days in a row into NYC?

too late now but every 1st Tues (as long as its not say 6/1) is museum night and alot of the museums along 5th Ave from the Met to 101st are free 6pm-9pm This year it was pouring rain but its very nice seeing 5th closed to traffic and simply do 1 museum each yr till you knock them off

Late to this party but is the NYC Pass like some of the Passes in Europe where its good only for a few days and once you use it the 1st time the clock is ticking?

Not all all as there are no date stamps or expiry dates shown. In fact I had an unused coupon from a previous edition I used almost a year later without fuss.

Not all all as there are no date stamps or expiry dates shown. In fact I had an unused coupon from a previous edition I used almost a year later without fuss.Did you have the CityPass? The CityPass website states otherwise:

CityPASS is valid 9 days from day of first use

http://www.citypass.com/new-york

Did you have the CityPass? The CityPass website states otherwise:



http://www.citypass.com/new-york

It depends on the vendor you get it off as it's stamped by them on the cover of the booklet. If they forget to stamp it there are no actual date stamps on the coupons.

The New York Explorer Pass on the other hand has a 30 day expiry which is built in to the smart card.

It depends on the vendor you get it off as it's stamped by them on the cover of the booklet. If they forget to stamp it there are no actual date stamps on the coupons.

Correct and yes I've used NYC CityPass several times. I have one in my hands for a January trip and all it says is "Valid 9 days beginning ___________" and it's blank. Further over it says "2012/2013" so unused coupons could be used until the end of '13 as there would be no way to know when the booklet was first used as it's not time/date stamped.

As comparison I was just going through some leftover items from a recent trip to CDG and found my museum pass which is valid for only a 6 consecutive day period within a calendar year and the passholder must write in the start day and name on the face and it is checked at entrance to the museums and attractions. Lots more limitations than the CityPass.