Perfect weekend itinerary for New York with CityPASS
New York, New York…the city so good, they named it twice! It’s a firm favourite amongst travellers and one of my all-time favourite cities too. But with a city so famously rich with such diverse things to see and do, how can you get the most out of your trip to New York without breaking the bank? Well, I’ve teamed up with CityPASS to show how you can see some of New York’s best attractions in just one weekend and get discounts on your admissions tickets. Here is the perfect weekend itinerary for New York…
Saturday
AM- Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
You cannot visit New York without visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a repeat fan girl (like me!), there is nothing more awe-inspiring than seeing where it all began for this famous city.
Lady Liberty was a gift from the people of France to the people of the United States and is as iconic as New York itself. She represents freedom with broken chains at her feet whilst holding a tablet with the date of the Declaration of Independence in her arm.
As part of your trip, check out Ellis Island too which was a gateway to a new life for over 12 million immigrants in the U.S and now houses a fantastic museum.
Ferries leave every 20 minutes between 8.20am and 3.30pm from Battery Park. This excursion will take you around half a day if not a little longer so try to leave as early as possible in the morning to give yourself enough time for later.
With your CityPASS card you will get general admission.
Regular price: $18.50 per person.
PM- Top of the Rock Observation Deck
Arguably one of the best view points of New York, Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center ascends 70 floors above Midtown Manhattan and gives visitors sweeping 360 views of the New York skyline from three indoor and outdoor viewing decks.
Time your visit right before sundown as you’ll be able to see the view in daylight, watch the sunset over the skyline and then appreciate the night view as the city twinkles with all its lights. Depending on the time of year you go, the sunset time will change so check before you book. If you have time either side of your visit, go to the Rainbow Room for cocktails too, you’ll love it!
With your CityPASS card you will get general admission (excluding cocktails of course!).
Regular price: $39.20 per person.
Sunday
AM- The Empire State Building
No visit to New York is complete without a visit to the Empire State Building. It was the tallest building in the world for nearly 40 years until the completion of the World Trade Center‘s North Tower in late 1970. But that still hasn’t stopped people admiring the the 360 views from its 86th floor.
With your CityPASS card you will get general admission entry to the 86th floor observatory, plus bonus same-night general admission (May-August between 10pm until closing; September-April between 8pm until closing).
It’s a great one to start off with in the morning as it’s lovely and quiet and you have the option of coming back the same day for the night view with your ticket, double whammy!
Regular price: $53.25 per person.
AM- American Museum of Natural History
From dinosaurs to outer space and everything in between, the American Museum of Natural History showcases many of nature’s greatest wonders as well as celebrates cultural history from around the world. The dinosaur exhibit in particular is one of my personal favourites because it is the largest in the world and is home to some of the best dinosaurs specimens ever found. It’s immense!
As one of the largest museums in the world, you could spend days in here. However, I would allocate around 3 hours (or a morning) so you give yourself the opportunity to properly take in the main exhibits. The museum is open from 10am everyday.
With your CityPASS card you will get general admission to the museum and the Rose Center for Earth and Space, plus the Space Show or Giant Screen Film.
Regular price: $28.00 per person.
PM- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, or “The Met” as it’s lovingly nicknamed is one of the largest art museums in the world but the largest in the United States. It houses some of the finest art in the world with pieces from ancient Egypt, Europe, Africa and Asia as well as an extensive collection of modern art.
Similarly to the American Museum of Natural History, you could spend days in here! However depending on how much of an art lover you are, set aside a couple of hours. Make sure to factor in a break between museums otherwise you’ll get information overload!
With your CityPASS card you will get skip-the-line admission and all exhibitions at The Met, plus same day admission to the Met Breuer and The Met Cloisters.
Regular price: $25.00 per person.
PM- 9/11 Memorial & Museum
This is a tough one to visit no matter when you choose to go but it’s so important that you do. It commemorates those lost in the 9/11 attacks and 1993 World Trade Center bombing.
The memorial stands at the World Trade Center site where the twin towers once stood and the waterfall pools are at the exact spots where the two buildings were, symbolising the loss of life and the physical void left by the attacks. It’s incredible moving.
The memorial and museum are open until 9pm everyday so you can take your time.
With your CityPASS card you will get general admission.
Regular price: $24.00 per person.
In total these attractions and museums at full price are $187.95 altogether however with a CityPASS card costing $126, you will save $61.95 (£45)! That’s enough to cover your food for the weekend which will be one less thing to factor into your budget. Sorted!
So what are you waiting for? Book those flights and grab your CityPASS card because New York is always a good idea. I can’t wait to go back!
Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by CityPASS but as always all opinions are my own and I would only recommend services and products I would use myself and know you’ll love.
