NYC Attractions Tickets

What You Need to Know About Tickets for NYC Attractions

New York City is full of iconic sights — but the most famous ones get busy fast, and tickets are in high demand.

While you can often buy tickets spontaneously on-site, expect long lines at the top attractions.

Much easier: book your tickets online in advance — especially if you’re only spending a few days in the city.

Major sights like the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, or the One World Observatory are often sold out during peak times. To avoid missing out, it’s worth booking early. That way, you’ll save time — and a lot of stress.

To make your New York City trip as smooth as possible, we’ve created an easy overview. You’ll find the best providers and prices here and can book your tickets for NYC attractions directly online.

Tickets for New York Observation Decks

New York’s observation decks are some of the city’s must-see highlights. Here are the best tickets for the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, and more.

Tickets for The Edge in New York

Included in the New York Pass!

The Edge is one of the most visited viewing platforms in New York — and with good reason.

To avoid waiting in line, we recommend buying your ticket online. They’re usually still available at short notice. You can get them through the official website or on GetYourGuide.

Ticket prices vary depending on the time of day and the visitor category (adults, kids, seniors).

The Edge tickets from the official provider

The Edge tickets from third party providers

Our Recommended Ticket for The Edge

For your visit to the Edge in New York, we recommend the Standard Ticket (General Admission).

It’s the most affordable and most popular option, and the views are truly breathtaking. We chose this ticket ourselves and had a fantastic experience.

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Empire State Building Tickets

Included in the New York Pass!

The Empire State Building is one of the most famous landmarks in the world — which means it can get pretty crowded.

To skip the lines and lock in your preferred time, it’s best to book your ticket online at least three days in advance.

You’ll find tickets on the official website, or through trusted platforms like GetYourGuide or Tiqets — many of which offer flexible dates and free cancellation.

In addition to standard tickets for the 86th and 102nd floors, you can also choose from special options like sunrise or sunset access, skip-the-line entry, or guided tours. Sunset times are especially popular.

Empire State Building tickets from the official provider

Empire State Building tickets from third party providers

Recommended Ticket for the Empire State Building

For your visit to the Empire State Building, we recommend the General Admission ticket for the 86th floor.

It’s the most affordable option and still offers an amazing experience — with panoramic views from above and access to the exhibits.

In our opinion, the extra cost for the 102nd floor isn’t really necessary.

Instead, we suggest combining the 86th floor with a visit to the even higher platform at The Edge. You’ll get two incredible views and save a bit of money too.

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Top of the Rock Tickets

Included in the New York Pass!

Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center offers sweeping 360-degree views of the New York skyline — including a clear view of the Empire State Building.

The best tickets are available through the official website or GetYourGuide, where you’ll also find options for free cancellation.

Choose from standard entry tickets, combo tickets with the popular “The Beam” photo op, or VIP access with fast lane entry, photo pass, and souvenir discounts. Ticket prices vary by package, and kids under 6 get in for free.

To get your ideal time slot, we recommend booking your Top of the Rock ticket 2 to 3 days in advance.

Top of the Rock tickets from the official provider

Top of the Rock tickets from third party providers

Recommended Ticket for Top of the Rock

For your visit to Top of the Rock, we suggest the Top of the Rock Standard Ticket — the most budget-friendly choice with an unforgettable view over Manhattan.

It includes access to all three levels of the observation deck, including open-air sections and a full 360-degree view. This ticket is available through all major providers.

We chose this one ourselves and were really happy with it.

Extras like The Beam or Skylift can be added spontaneously on-site.

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SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Tickets

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is the newest observation deck in New York City. Alongside panoramic skyline views, you’ll find immersive art installations and even a glass elevator that climbs the outside of the building.

You can buy tickets through the official website or via third-party providers like GetYourGuide and Tiqets.

There are several ticket types — from standard admission to combo tickets that include “Ascent,” the outdoor elevator ride. Prices vary depending on time and ticket type.

As with other NYC attractions tickets, sunset slots sell out fast, so we recommend booking your SUMMIT ticket 4 to 5 days in advance.

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt tickets from the official provider

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt tickets from third-party providers

Recommended Ticket for SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

For SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, we recommend the SUMMIT Experience Standard Ticket. It’s the most affordable option and gives you full access to all floors, installations, and photo spots.

We booked this ticket ourselves and can absolutely recommend it based on our own experience.

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One World Trade Center Tickets

Included in the New York Pass!

The One World Observatory, located at One World Trade Center, is the tallest observation deck in New York — and also a place of deep meaning.

You can buy tickets on the official website or through third-party providers like GetYourGuide.

Ticket options include everything from basic admission to all-inclusive packages with fast-track access, a digital skyline guide, and a $15 credit for the café or gift shop.

If you’re aiming to catch the sunset, book your ticket 2 to 3 days in advance. You can sometimes grab a ticket last minute, but you might have to wait.

One World Trade Center tickets from the official provider

Note: The official provider adds a $3.50 booking fee on top of the ticket price.

One World Trade Center tickets from third-party providers

Recommended Ticket for One World Trade Center

We recommend the One World Observatory All-Inclusive Ticket, which gives you the best value overall.

It includes flexible entry, fast-track access through security and the elevator, stunning panoramic views, a digital skyline guide, and a $15 credit for food or souvenirs.

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Statue of Liberty Tickets

The Statue of Liberty is one of New York’s most iconic sights — but getting tickets can be a bit tricky. Don’t worry, we’ll break it down for you.

Important: Tickets that let you go inside the statue (pedestal or crown access) are only available on the official website. Third-party platforms sell tickets to Liberty Island, but they don’t include access inside the statue.

There are three types of tickets: the Reserve Ticket (island access only), Pedestal Ticket (includes access to the pedestal), and the rare Crown Ticket — which often sells out weeks in advance.

If you want to go inside the statue, make sure to book early through the official site. Don’t be misled — many platforms offer tours to the island, but not entry into the statue.

All tickets include the ferry ride to Liberty Island.

Statue of Liberty tickets from the official provider

Statue of Liberty tickets from third-party providers

Recommended Ticket for the Statue of Liberty

We recommend the Statue of Liberty excursion package with ferry access, Liberty Island, Ellis Island, and both museums.

In our opinion, you can skip climbing to the crown or pedestal — the views aren’t that special compared to other NYC attractions. For unforgettable views, head to The Edge or Top of the Rock instead.

That said, visiting Liberty Island and Ellis Island is totally worth it. Seeing the statue up close, taking photos, and exploring the immigration museum are real highlights.

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Tickets for New York Museums

New York is a dream destination for anyone who loves art and culture — from iconic museums to bold, modern exhibits. Here’s how to get tickets for MoMA, the 9/11 Museum, and more:

MoMA Tickets

Included in the New York Pass!

MoMA is one of the top museums for modern and contemporary art. Whether you’re passionate about art or just curious, it’s absolutely worth a visit.

You can book tickets on the official website or via GetYourGuide. We recommend GetYourGuide — same price, instant delivery to your phone, skip-the-line access, and free cancellation.

There are standard tickets as well as combo tickets with guided tours or other NYC attractions. Children under 16 get in for free.

To get your ideal time slot, book your MoMA ticket 2 to 3 days in advance.

MoMA tickets from the official provider

MoMA tickets from third-party providers

Recommended Ticket for MoMA

We suggest the Standard MoMA Ticket from GetYourGuide.

It includes full gallery access and the flexibility to cancel if your plans change — at the same price as the official site.

9/11 Museum Tickets

Included in the New York Pass!

Visiting the 9/11 Museum is a powerful experience — it’s not something you just drop by casually. It’s a deeply emotional and reflective place, so it’s worth planning ahead.

The easiest way is to book your ticket online through GetYourGuide. It lets you skip the ticket line, get instant mobile delivery, and cancel if needed.

You can choose from standard admission, combo tickets with the One World Observatory, or even guided tours.

It’s busiest in the afternoon and on weekends, so we recommend booking your time slot 1 to 2 days in advance.

9/11 Museum tickets from the official provider

9/11 Museum tickets from third-party providers

Recommended Ticket for the 9/11 Museum

We recommend the Standard Admission Ticket. It allows you to explore the museum at your own pace.

The 9/11 Memorial itself is free to visit — you can go before or after your museum tour.

Guggenheim Museum Tickets

Included in the New York Pass!

The Guggenheim Museum is an architectural icon — and its modern art collection is just as impressive.

To skip the lines and keep things flexible, we suggest booking your ticket online in advance.

GetYourGuide offers full access to all exhibitions, plus a downloadable audio guide. Compared to the official site, these tickets can also be canceled for free.

To avoid crowds and long waits, it’s best to book your ticket 1 to 2 days ahead, especially on weekends or holidays.

Pro tip: Combine your visit to the Guggenheim with a stroll through nearby Central Park.

Guggenheim Museum tickets from the official provider

Guggenheim Museum tickets from third-party providers

Recommended Ticket for the Guggenheim Museum

We recommend the Standard Ticket for the Guggenheim.

It gives you access to all exhibits — and since the collections change often, it’s a great place to revisit again and again.

Museum of Natural History Tickets

Included in the New York Pass!

The Museum of Natural History is one of New York’s top museums — and not just for kids. It’s a great place to explore for all ages.

You can get tickets through the museum’s official website or through third-party platforms like GetYourGuide and Tiqets.

All three offer standard tickets with full access to the exhibits.

Prices are the same everywhere, but booking with third-party providers like GetYourGuide is often more convenient: no lines, instant delivery to your phone, and free cancellation.

We suggest booking your tickets 1 to 2 days in advance. The museum gets very busy, especially on weekends. There is a box office, but the line can be very long.

Natural History Museum tickets from the official provider

Natural History Museum tickets from third-party providers

Recommended Ticket for the Natural History Museum

While there’s only one ticket category, we recommend getting your ticket through a third-party provider.

This gives you more flexibility — you can cancel for free if your plans change.

Metropolitan Museum of Art Tickets

Included in the New York Pass!

Getting tickets for the Met is simple — and much easier if you book online.

You can get tickets from the official website or through GetYourGuide and Tiqets.

The museum’s website offers a standard ticket that gives access to all Met locations: the main building on Fifth Avenue and the Met Cloisters.

The Fifth Avenue location is the main museum with collections from across the globe. The Cloisters, located in Fort Tryon Park, focuses on medieval European art and architecture.

Third-party platforms like GetYourGuide and Tiqets only offer guided tour packages for the Met.

Met tickets from the official provider

Met tickets from third-party providers

Recommended Ticket for the Met

We recommend booking your standard Met ticket for the Fifth Avenue location directly through the museum’s website.

It’s well-priced and gives you the freedom to explore the collections that interest you most.

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Tickets for NYC City Tours & Sightseeing

Whether by boat or bus, sightseeing tours are a fun and easy way to explore New York. Here’s a quick overview of the most popular options and how to book your tickets.

Boat Tour Tickets in New York

Included in the New York Pass!

A boat tour is a must if you want to see New York from a different perspective.

You can book tickets through the official Circle Line website or via third-party platforms like GetYourGuide. While you can also buy tickets on-site at the pier, lines can get long — especially at peak times. Booking online is definitely the better option.

You’ll get your time slot in advance, skip the long queues, and receive your tickets straight to your phone.

If good weather is in the forecast, book 1–2 days ahead. That said, tickets are often still available last minute online.

Boat tour tickets from the official provider

Boat tour tickets from third-party providers

Recommended Boat Tour Ticket

Based on our own experience, we recommend the Harbor Lights Cruise.

You’ll get amazing views of the skyline — especially as the sun goes down.

Another bonus: when you book through GetYourGuide, you can cancel easily if your plans change.

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Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tickets in New York

Included in the New York Pass!

Big Bus is our top pick for hop-on hop-off tours in NYC — and that’s exactly what we recommend.

You’ll find the best prices online via the official Big Bus website, as well as on GetYourGuide and Tiqets. Third-party platforms also offer flexible cancellation and combo deals (like boat tours or Empire State Building tickets).

Tickets are available on-site too, but they usually cost more and often come with a wait.

Pro tip: Do the hop-on hop-off tour on your first full day in NYC. It’s the perfect way to get your bearings.

Hop-on hop-off tickets from the official provider

Hop-on hop-off tickets from third-party providers

Recommended Hop-On Hop-Off Ticket

We recommend the 24-hour Big Bus New York pass — it gives you a full day of flexible sightseeing without spending all your time on a bus.

Right now, GetYourGuide’s prices are significantly higher than the official site, so it’s best to book directly with Big Bus if possible.

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Tickets for New York Musicals & Shows

New York is world-famous for its entertainment scene. From legendary Broadway musicals to top TV shows like “The Tonight Show,” here’s where to get the best tickets.

How to Get Broadway Tickets in New York

If you’re planning to see a Broadway musical in New York, it’s best to book your tickets online ahead of time—especially for big shows like *The Lion King*, *Hamilton*, or *Wicked*, which often sell out weeks in advance.

You’ll find options on the official show websites as well as platforms like GetYourGuide and Tiqets. Different providers offer different ticket blocks and sometimes even better seat selections.

Another great platform is TodayTix, which lists daily deals, lotteries, and last-minute Broadway tickets.

For spontaneous plans, head to the **TKTS booth in Times Square**. You can often snag same-day tickets at steep discounts. Some shows also run their own digital lotteries or offer day-of rush tickets through their websites or apps. It’s cheap—but not guaranteed.

Here are 3 Broadway ticket picks we recommend:

Get Hamilton tickets in New York

Get Wicked tickets in New York

Get Aladdin tickets in New York

How to Get Tickets for New York TV Shows

Want to do something a little different? Seeing a live taping of a New York TV show is a fun and unique way to spend an evening.

Tickets for many shows—including *The Tonight Show* or *Saturday Night Live*—are totally free. But demand is high, so you’ll need to be quick.

One of the most popular options is *The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon*. Tickets are free, but you’ll need to join the ticket lottery through the 1iota ticket website. Requests for the next month open at the end of the current month—so it pays to check regularly.

If you’re lucky, you’ll get waitlisted and notified if a spot opens up.

There’s also a chance to snag **standby tickets** by showing up early at the **NBC Store in Rockefeller Center** on the day of the taping. These tickets don’t guarantee entry, but it’s worth a try if you’re nearby.

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New York Sports Tickets

If you’re a sports fan, New York is a dream come true. You can catch top-level teams live — whether it’s NBA action with the Knicks, baseball with the Yankees, or football with the Jets.

NBA Tickets: See the New York Knicks Live

You can buy New York Knicks NBA tickets directly from the official team site or from trusted platforms like Tiqets.

Home games are played at Madison Square Garden — one of the most iconic sports venues in the world.

Tickets are available for each individual game, with a variety of options including single-game passes and multi-game bundles.

The NBA season runs from October to April, and tickets for big matchups can go fast. We recommend booking early — especially for weekend games or top-tier opponents.

If you’re feeling spontaneous, you can try to buy tickets at the venue, but availability is limited for popular dates.

Get Knicks tickets on the official website

Get Knicks tickets at Tiqets

Baseball Tickets: See the New York Yankees

Included in the New York Pass!

The easiest way to get Yankees tickets is through the official MLB site or through trusted third-party sellers like Tiqets or Ticketmaster.

Games take place at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx — a must-see for baseball fans. The season runs from April through October, with frequent home games.

That means you can often find tickets even at short notice. Still, we recommend booking in advance for the best seats and value.

Games against major rivals, like the Boston Red Sox, tend to sell out quickly. For those, it’s smart to buy tickets a few weeks ahead.

Get Yankees tickets on the official website

Get Yankees tickets at Tiqets

Get Yankees tickets at Ticketmaster US

NFL Tickets: Watch the New York Jets

You can buy New York Jets football tickets directly from the team website or through ticket platforms like Ticketmaster and SeatGeek.

Jets home games are held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey — just a short trip from Manhattan.

The NFL season runs from September through January, and each team only plays a handful of home games. That means high demand — especially for weekend matchups and big-name opponents.

Booking early is highly recommended. As soon as the season schedule is announced, it’s smart to grab your tickets.

Third-party sites often offer more seat choices, mobile ticketing, and even bundle options with stadium tours or transportation.

If you’re feeling lucky, you might find last-minute tickets at the stadium. But for peace of mind, book online ahead of time.

Get Jets tickets on the official website

Get Jets tickets at Ticketmaster US

Get Jets tickets at SeatGeek

More New York Tickets for Families

Finally, we have two great highlights for families. The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum and Madame Tussauds — both fun, exciting, and family-friendly.

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Tickets

Included in the New York Pass!

Getting tickets for the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is easy — and booking online is especially smart for families.

Tickets are available through the official website and on Tiqets.

The official site offers standard entry to the aircraft carrier, submarine, and space shuttle pavilion. Kids under 4 get in free, and discounted tickets are available for older children.

Tiqets offers the same tickets, with the added benefit of free cancellation.

Intrepid Museum tickets from the official provider

Children aged 5 to 12 save about 10 euros on admission! Kids under 5 enter for free!

Intrepid Museum tickets from third-party providers

Our Intrepid Museum ticket recommendation

We recommend booking your Intrepid Museum ticket through Tiqets — their price is hard to beat!

Madame Tussauds New York Tickets

Included in the New York Pass!

A visit to Madame Tussauds New York is a hit with families. Booking online is the way to go — it saves time and often money.

Tickets are available on the official website as well as through GetYourGuide and Tiqets.

The standard ticket from the official site includes access to all wax figures — from celebrities and athletes to superheroes. You can also add extras like fast-track entry or a photo pass.

GetYourGuide and Tiqets offer the same tickets, but with flexible cancellation options.

Online tickets are often still available even at short notice.

Madame Tussauds tickets from the official provider

Madame Tussauds tickets from third-party providers

Our Madame Tussauds ticket recommendation

Once again, Tiqets offers the best value. We recommend booking the Madame Tussauds standard ticket through Tiqets.

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New York City Card or Single Tickets?

A city card is a great deal for New York! Especially if you plan to visit several top attractions.

Our top pick is the New York Pass for 4 days. It gives you access to over 100 attractions — including the Empire State Building, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Top of the Rock, MoMA, hop-on hop-off bus tours, and even boat rides to the Statue of Liberty.

The pass costs around $300. That might sound like a lot, but if you pack in a few major highlights each day, you can save well over $200 compared to buying single tickets.

Even better, you don’t have to deal with individual bookings. It makes your sightseeing days much more flexible and stress-free.

So here’s our big tip: if you want to see a lot in just a few days, the New York Pass is a fantastic choice.

Click here to get your New York Pass and start saving!

You’ll find more details and comparisons here:

FAQ about NYC Tickets

That’s it for our tips and recommendations on New York tickets

Got your own tip on how to score great deals on tickets for NYC attractions? Or still have a question? Drop us a comment — we’d love to hear from you!