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The New York Sightseeing Pass is available as a day pass and a flex pass. The Sightseeing Flex Pass is valid for a specific number of attractions, while the Sightseeing Day Pass is valid for a specific number of days. Both passes provide access to most of the famous attractions. They are both positive choices for a first or second visit to New York.
The Sightseeing Pass website claims you could save 70% with the Day Pass when you visit 3 attractions per day. In comparison, with the Flex Pass, you could save 50% or more when visiting 2 attractions per day. This is calculated with comparison to individual ticket prices and in reference to selected attractions. Depending on which attractions you visit, you may not save the maximum percentage stated on the website. The pass you choose really depends on which attractions you plan to visit. However, we’ve looked at a wide range of reviews about both passes below.
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The New York Sightseeing Pass accommodates for both types of trips to New York: those which are planned, and those which are more flexible. It’s the ultimate attraction pass, especially the Flex Pass. To us, the Sightseeing Flex Pass allows travellers to save money by paying only for the attractions they want to visit. Whereas, the Sightseeing Day Pass has a good variety of activities for those who want to see and do as much as possible. Both types of passes offer lots of choice along with discounts on food; this means it has something to offer everyone regardless of age. The Sightseeing Pass includes almost everything, even an airport transfer, and the newest attraction, Edge at Hudson Yards. Another great advantage of the Day Pass is that you can use the Hop-On Hop-Off bus for the entire duration of the pass. This means a Day Pass for 10 days can be used for the bus for 10 days as well!
However, as usually seen with passes which offer ‘skip-the-line’ privileges, you will still have to queue with your pass (albeit in a shorter queue). The resources that the Sightseeing pass provided were useful: maps and information on the main attractions. The app was easy to use, although it’s not possible to mark on the app what has already been visited.
Overall on Trustpilot, we can see the overall reviews are positive for the Sightseeing Pass in general. According to reviewers, the Sightseeing Pass is of great value with ‘no hassle’. The app is considered convenient and up to date when it comes to planning your itinerary.
In regards to the Flex Pass specifically, it’s reviewed as convenient and good value especially when purchased online. Reviewers found it very convenient as it’s possible to alter the dates of the chosen number of attractions.
With the Day Pass, pass holders felt this is a great option if you plan to visit as many attractions as possible. Some travellers felt the pass had more opportunities to see more sights and museums than what they normally would. It’s recommended to plan your trip in advance so you can get your money’s worth from the pass.
A fraction of reviewers felt it could have been communicated more clearly which tours are ‘in season’ to avoid disappointment. Some customers suggested it should be possible to mark on the app which attractions you have visited, and how many attractions you have left (if applicable). Also, the information of sites and restaurants in the PDF was reported to be outdated.
The New York Sightseeing Day Pass scores slightly above average in Viator with reviews. A lot of reviewers felt the pass was well worth buying, as they were able to enter some attractions with a minimal wait time. Pass holders felt the Sightseeing Pass was ideal for those who wish to go at their own pace and adjust your itinerary to fit your own interests. Pass holders found a majority of attractions had no problems scanning the QR code or physical pass. It’s reviewed as simple and easy to use; several pass holders would recommend it to others travelling to New York.
However, other pass holders warn that you should expect your days to be very busy if you want to get your money’s worth. The customer service has also disappointed several pass holders as it was seen as unhelpful. However, overall the pass is rated above average for its value and selection of attractions.