New York Essentials Pass 2026
Top attractions from $99 - choose one of the four viewing platforms and two other top sights.
Up to $80 cheaper than separate tickets
What is the New York Essentials Pass?
The New York Essentials Pass from Go City gives you access to three of the city's most important sights - at a fixed price, without having to book a comprehensive sightseeing package.
First you choose one of the city's four famous viewing platforms: Empire State Building, Edge, Top of the Rock or One World Observatory. You then combine this with two other top sights from a selection of nine highlights. These include the 9/11 Memorial, the Museum of Modern Art, the American Museum of Natural History and a tour on the Circle Line sightseeing boat.
The Essentials Pass is valid for 30 days from the first visit and can be canceled free of charge for 90 days until activation. Go City also offers a savings guarantee: if you don't save compared to individual tickets, Go City will refund the difference. This makes the New York Essentials Pass ideal for a short trip where you want to visit the most important highlights - without having to book tickets individually.
Choose 1 viewing platform + 2 further highlights
The Essentials Pass follows a clear principle: one of the four iconic viewing platforms is compulsory - the other two attractions can be freely selected from nine curated top sights in the city.
Choose 1 viewing platform
Mandatory choice - one of the following four attractions
Empire State Building
Edge - viewing platform
Top of the Rock
One World Observatory
Choose 2 more top sights
From the complete pool - a selection
9/11 Memorial and Museum
American Museum of Natural History
Intrepid Museum
Central Park bike rental
Madame Tussauds New York
Circle Line boat trip
All 9 attractions in the pool:
- 9/11 Memorial and Museum $36
- American Museum of Natural History $43
- Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) $30
- Intrepid Museum $38
- Central Park bike rental (full day) $52
- Madame Tussauds New York $50
- Museum of Broadway $43
- Mercer Labs - Museum of Art and Technology $58
- Circle Line NYC landmark boat tour $45
Is the Essentials Pass worth it for you?
Select your favorite attractions and immediately see how much you save compared to individual tickets.
Step 1: Choose 1 viewing platform
Step 2: Choose 2 more attractions
Please select 2 more attractions.
Normal price
$-
Pass price
$99
You save
$-
How the New York Essentials Pass works
Buy Essentials Pass
Book online with Go City. Confirmation will be sent immediately by e-mail.
Synchronize app
Connect the Essentials Pass with the Go City app - available for iOS and Android.
Reserve dates
Book a fixed time in advance for the Empire State Building, Edge, Top of the Rock and the 9/11 Memorial.
Scan on site
Show the QR code from the app at the entrance. The validity of 30 days starts with the first scan.
Which Go City Pass is right for you?
Go City offers three different New York Passes. You can find the right offer for your visit here.
Explorer Pass
For flexible travelers who want to choose spontaneously.
per adult
- 2 to 7 attractions selectable
- Choice of 100+ attractions
- Valid for 30 days from first use
- Spontaneous selection possible on the go
- Hop-on hop-off bus included
Essentials Pass
For travelers who want to see exactly the top highlights.
per adult
- 3 out of 13 top attractions
- 4 iconic viewing platforms to choose from
- Valid for 30 days from first use
- 90 days cancellation free of charge
- Savings guarantee from Go City
All-Inclusive Pass
For first-time visitors with a packed sightseeing program.
per adult
- Unlimited entry to 100+ attractions
- 1 to 10 consecutive days
- Spontaneous selection possible on the go
- Best choice with 4+ attractions per day
- Hop-on hop-off bus included
What is NOT included in the New York Essentials Pass?
So that you are not surprised at the entrance, you will find the most important exclusions here:
- Hop-on hop-off bus tours - only included in the Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass.
- The ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island - only included in the Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass.
- The Vessel - only included in the Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass.
- Broadway shows, Summit One Vanderbilt and public transportation are not included in any Go City Pass.
- Food, drinks and personal expenses in the attractions.
If you don't want to miss out on the hop-on hop-off bus tour or the ferry to the Statue of Liberty, the Go City Explorer Pass costs just $10 less and includes both.
Frequently asked questions about the New York Essentials Pass
How long is the New York Essentials Pass valid for?
The New York Essentials Pass is valid for 30 days from the first visit. The 30 days start with your first visit to an attraction. After purchase, you have a whole year to activate the Essentials Pass.
Can I cancel the Essentials Pass free of charge?
Yes, you can cancel the Essentials Pass free of charge within 90 days of the date of purchase - as long as it has not yet been activated. Once you have presented the New York Essentials Pass at the first attraction, it is considered activated and can no longer be refunded.
Do I have to book attractions in advance?
Yes, advance reservations are required for several popular attractions: Empire State Building, Edge, Top of the Rock and 9/11 Memorial & Museum require a fixed date. Bookings are made directly via the Go City app and are free of charge.
In the high season (June to August, Christmas and New Year), popular dates fill up quickly. Reserve your preferred dates as soon as possible after purchase.
Is the New York Essentials Pass really worth it?
Yes, in most cases. Three top attractions cost between $114 and $179 individually. With the New York Essentials Pass you always pay $99 - that's a saving of up to $80 per person, depending on your choice. Go City also offers a savings guarantee: if you don't save compared to the individual purchase, Go City will refund you the difference.
How do I connect the Essentials Pass to the app?
After your purchase, you will receive a confirmation email with a confirmation code. Download the Go City app from the App Store or Google Play and enter the code. The Essentials Pass will then be synchronized with your account. Synchronization does not yet activate the New York Essentials Pass - the 30 days of validity only start the first time you visit an attraction on site.
Can I buy the Essentials Pass for several people?
Yes, you choose the number of adults and children when purchasing. Each person receives their own digital Essentials Pass in the app. Children from 3 to 12 years pay $79 instead of $99. Children under the age of 3 usually do not need a ticket - however, the exact rules depend on the respective attraction.
Is public transportation included?
No. Bus, subway and cab are not included in the New York Essentials Pass. For the subway, we recommend an OMNY card or contactless payment directly at the turnstile - after 12 journeys per week you can travel for free.
Which attractions can I not select in advance?
You do not commit to individual attractions at the time of purchase. The New York Essentials Pass includes three admissions that you can freely allocate to attractions - you only make the decision on site or via the app. One condition applies: one of the three admissions must be used for one of the four viewing platforms (Empire State Building, Edge, Top of the Rock or One World Observatory).
Ready for your New York trip?
Secure the New York Essentials Pass now and reserve your preferred date - the popular times at the Empire State Building and the Edge are quickly booked up in the high season.