The 11 Best Skip-the-Line Tickets in New York

1.One World Observatory Skip-the-Line Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 12,329 reviews · 1 day · from $30Our pick

Enter One World Observatory in Downtown Manhattan and ride the SkyPod to floors 100 through 102 in 47 seconds. Take in 360-degree views of the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, New York Harbor and the 9/11 Memorial. Choose a standard ticket or pay more for priority security, flexible entry or a 60- to 90-minute guided tour.

“Absolutely amazing! We timed it to catch daylight, sunset and then to see all the lights coming on in the night sky was amazing. Highly recommend”

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2.Circle Line 1-Hr Statue of Liberty Skip-The-Line Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,342 reviews · from $27

From Pier 83, Circle Line’s one-hour cruise passes Ellis Island, One World Trade Center, and Manhattan’s skyline before bringing you close to the Statue of Liberty for photos. An English-speaking guide shares stories along the way; a free app offers commentary in eight other languages. You get indoor and outdoor viewing, but stay aboard throughout.

“Brilliant only complaint no one could hear the guide over the noise of the boat and people talking other than that well worth the money”

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3.Statue of Liberty Sunset Cruise Skip-the-Line Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,397 reviews · from $24Best value

Sail from South Street Seaport toward the Statue of Liberty on a 90-minute New York Harbor cruise. You’ll pass the Brooklyn Bridge and Lower Manhattan, with pop music, an outdoor deck, and heated or cooled indoor seating. Drinks are available to buy. The ticket skips the box office, not the boarding line, and does not include a visit to Liberty Island.

“It was a great experience! We had a beautiful view of New York and the Statue of Liberty. The sunset was amazing! The boat ride was fun and they played really good music!”

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4.Empire State Building Express Tickets – Skip the Line

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 604 reviews · 45 min · from $92

Enter at 20 West 34th Street with an Express ticket, follow the red carpet past standard queues, and visit the building’s history galleries before the 86th-floor Observatory. Choose the 102nd-floor upgrade for indoor, floor-to-ceiling views. The listed visit lasts 45 minutes, but you may want more time for exhibits and photos.

“Everything was great and loved being able to skip the line. Signage could’ve been better in terms of where to go but overall great experience.”

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5.Express Empire State Building Tickets- Skip-the-Line

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 212 reviews · from $93

Enter through the 34th Street Observatory entrance and follow the red-carpet Express lane to the Empire State Building’s exhibits and observation decks. Your ticket includes the 86th floor, with 102nd-floor access depending on the option you book. A free app offers self-guided audio in nine languages.

“Everything was great and loved being able to skip the line. Signage could’ve been better in terms of where to go but overall great experience.”

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6.9/11 Memorial Tour with Skip-the-Line Museum Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 168 reviews · from $65

Start near Ground Zero for a guided walk past St. Peter’s Church, St. Paul’s Chapel, the FDNY Memorial Wall and other sites tied to September 11. Your English-speaking guide shares local stories and context; afterward, use your pre-reserved ticket to explore the 9/11 Museum on your own. The listed price is $65 per person.

“Great tour, great anecdotes and an outstanding guide in Kevin. Recommend to anyone! Most informative and a great learning experience.”

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7.One World Observatory Skip-the-Line All Inclusive Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 164 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $67

Visit One World Observatory on your chosen day and arrive at any time. The all-inclusive ticket includes priority lanes at security and the entry and exit elevators, an iPad-based One World Explorer, and $15 to spend on shopping, food or a drink. Plan for about two hours, though you can set your own pace inside.

“Elevator ride was super fun. We learned so much from the tablets you just clicked at a building and gives you all the info you need. Kids loved the restaurant”

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8.The Met Museum Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Entry

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 149 reviews · 2 hours · from $59

Join an English-speaking guide for a two-hour route through the Met’s Great Hall, Egyptian and American wings, European galleries, and modern art. See the Temple of Dendur, works by Rembrandt and Van Gogh, and, in season, the roof garden. Guides have included Sam, John, Richard, and Jeff, but your guide may differ.

“The MET is way too large to do on your own. This tour did all the highlights with an experienced knowledgeable guide. Highly recommended.”

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9.Skip-the-Line SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 86 reviews · 1h 30m · from $162Top rated

Visit SUMMIT One Vanderbilt with a guide in a group of up to 10, using separate fast-pass access to reach its mirror installations and panoramic city views. Your 90-minute tour includes a digital photo gallery. Philip is one guide name associated with the experience. A private option for up to six includes one cocktail per person.

“hice la reserva y cuando llegue me dijeron que la empresa no hizo la reserva, la cancelo y aun asi me la cobraron”

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10.Christmas in New York: Skip-the-Line Holiday Lights Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 4 reviews · 1 hour · from $139

This one-hour private rickshaw tour runs from 190 Central Park South through Midtown to Times Square, with photo stops at Bryant Park, Fifth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, and more. An English-speaking guide shares holiday stories and plays Christmas music. Arda Tomini is the named guide, and past tours have included photo help and a warm blanket.

“Great Fun and the best way times see 5th Avenue. Me and my daughter loved it.”

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11.Skip-the-Line Metropolitan Museum Family Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 4 reviews · 2h 30m · from $317

Spend 2.5 hours at the Metropolitan Museum with a private English-speaking guide who uses games and treasure hunts to keep children involved. See Greek and Roman art, the armored horsemen, American works, and modern art by Picasso, Jasper Johns, and Jackson Pollock. Skip-the-line tickets are included; the route can be tailored to your family.

“Our guide was superb and he is strongly recommended !”

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