Top Travel Discounts in New York City for Budget Travelers

If you’re trying to make the most of your time in New York City, check out these ideas for attraction passes and discounts to help you stretch your travel budget.

New York CityPASS

The Guggenheim Museum in NYC
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The New York CityPASS provides access to six attractions within 30 days for $136 for adults ($112 for children aged 6-17). This pass represents a straightforward and economical choice for visitors planning to explore at least four of the included sites.

Included Attractions:

  1. Empire State Building
  2. American Museum of Natural History
  3. Top of the Rock Observation Deck or Guggenheim Museum
  4. The Met
  5. Either a Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise or Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Cruise.
  6. 9/11 Memorial & Museum or Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

New York Pass

Central Park Zoo in New York City
Photo: iBestTravel / Brakethrough Media

The New York Pass grants visitors a choice of 1, 2, 3, or 7 days, along with access to over 80 attractions, priced between $85 and $207 ($60 to $148 for children). To maximize value, especially on the 1 and 2-day passes, a well-planned schedule is essential. Conversely, the 3 and 7-day options provide excellent savings opportunities.

New York City Explorer Pass

USA, New York State, New York City, Manhattan, City panorama with water taxi passing by
Photo: fotog/Getty Images

The New York City Explorer Pass offers a 30-day window for visitors to explore 3, 5, 7, or 10 attractions. Prices range from $80 to $179 for adults and $58 to $119 for children (ages 3-12). Selecting attractions carefully is key to ensure a worthwhile experience, as many included options exceed $20 in value.

Free and Discount Admission Days at New York City Museums

The Museum of the American Indian
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Entrance fees for many New York City museums can exceed $20, potentially straining your travel budget. Thankfully, numerous museums offer free or discounted admission days, and planning your visit accordingly can significantly enhance your experience.

New York City’s Best Free Attractions

Bethesda Fountain in Central Park, New York City, NY
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Nothing beats the value of free activities! Here is a compelling list of the best free attractions in New York City that you can experience without spending a dime, including beautiful parks, scenic walkways, and public art installations.

Free Walking Tours in New York City

Inside Grand Central Terminal in New York City. Kena Betancur/Getty Images
Photo: Inside Grand Central Terminal in New York City. Kena Betancur/Getty Images

Exploring a city on foot provides a genuine sense of the culture and environment that public transport cannot match. Guided tours present unique insights on neighborhoods, revealing hidden gems often missed by conventional guidebooks. Discover a variety of free walking tours offered in NYC that allow you to dive deep into local history and culture.

Best Free Things For Families To Do in NYC

Central Park Carousel, NYC, NY
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Traveling to New York City with children can lead to escalating costs for meals, admissions, and transportation. To mitigate these expenses, explore our curated list of the best free activities for families in NYC, offering enjoyable ways to create lasting memories without financial strain.

New York City Entertainment Book

Tourists Mingle with Famous Wax at Madame Tussaud''s
You can mingle with the rich and famous at Madame Tussaud’s without spending a fortune.

The New York City Entertainment Book provides numerous coupons for a variety of attractions throughout the city. Depending on your itinerary, this resource can lead to substantial savings, particularly if you incorporate the buy one, get one free meal deals into your dining plans.

More New York City Budget Travel Advice

Central Park in NYC
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For more tips on how to visit New York City on a budget, explore comprehensive advice covering cost-saving measures on travel, accommodations, meals, and attractions.

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