Make your trip extraordinary: VIP or skip-the-line options that are worth it

Make your trip extraordinary: VIP or skip-the-line options that are worth it

Last updated on March 16, 2026 by W R

New York is full of tourists at any time of the year. However, it is all the more crowded during peak seasons. Regardless of the time of the year you are visiting NYC, it is natural to expect crowds at the main attractions. Therefore, going for VIP or skip-the-line options is worth your money to beat the crowds at attractions. You can bypass security check-ins and ticket lines to go straight to the attractions. It will help you save time on attractions, thereby making the tour an effective one. Read on to learn how to make your trip extraordinary: VIP or skip-the-line options that are worth it.

Make your trip extraordinary: VIP or skip-the-line options that are worth it

One World Observatory: Top VIP or skip-the-line options

Entrance to One World Observatory: Make your trip extraordinary VIP or skip-the-line options that are worth it

Entrance to One World Observatory

The One World Observatory priority ticket is one of the best VIP or skip-the-line options available. You can skip all the lines and go to the priority lane for the security check, and enter and exit the elevator. Moreover, the One World Explorer iPad experience is also included in your priority ticket. Also, you get a $5 voucher that you can use when purchasing food and beverages or retail items at One World Observatory. This is worth your money due to the benefits you get from it.

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt: Top VIP or skip-the-line options

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt: Make your trip extraordinary VIP or skip-the-line options that are worth it

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is Midtown Manhattan’s most immersive observation deck. The priority ticket lets you skip the lines at every turn, starting from entry to elevators up to the viewpoint. Moreover, you get to leave with a complimentary digital photo package with memories of your time spent here. The 90-minute tour takes you through floors of exhibits that blend art, architecture, and technology. You get to enjoy stunning 360-degree views of NYC at the top of the tallest commercial skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan. This is an experience unlike any other that you would get anywhere else in NYC.

Top of the Rock: Top VIP or skip-the-line options

Top of the Rock: Make your trip extraordinary VIP or skip-the-line options that are worth it

Top of the Rock

30 Rockefeller Plaza is the place to be to see the beauty of NYC. Enjoy panoramic views of the city with the Skylift and The Beam experience at Top of the Rock in Rockefeller Center. This is another one of the major observatories in NYC and one that you must visit on your tour. Experience the value of your VIP ticket with priority entry to the elevator. Moreover, you get a guided tour of the observation deck, a champagne toast, and a discount for your purchases at the gift shop.

The Edge Observation Deck

The Edge Observation Deck: Make your trip extraordinary VIP or skip-the-line options that are worth it

The Edge Observation Deck

Experience 360-degree views of New York City from the indoor observation deck on Level 100 of The Edge. Get access to the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere. Perks of the tour include access to the glass floor, skyline seats, angled glass, and the eastern point. VIP or skip-the-line options give you priority access at security checks and elevators.

Empire State Building

Empire State Building

Empire State Building

Priority access through the express pass allows you to skip the ticket lines and move onto the elevator lines for a faster experience. You still have to go through the security line, but you can move to the front of it with your priority access ticket. You can purchase a priority ticket with access to the 86th floor or a combined ticket with access to the 102nd floor as well. Moreover, the express pass also includes a self-guided multimedia tour app.

Statue of Liberty

Statue of Liberty Ferry Ride

Statue of Liberty Ferry Ride

Priority access to the Statue of Liberty generally includes priority boarding on the ferry that takes you to the Statue of Liberty Island. You can couple your tour of the Statue of Liberty with a tour of Ellis Island. Here, you can visit the Ellis Island National Museum, where you can learn about the history of America’s immigrants. However, you have to go through security checks, although you can board the ferry faster than with a general admission ticket.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Priority pass to the Metropolitan Museum of Art includes skip-the-line access for selected exhibits within the museum. However, you still have to go through formal security checks. Nevertheless, it provides you with the ability to move along faster and complete your tour of the museum at ease.

The Museum of Modern Art

The Museum of Modern Art

The Museum of Modern Art

Skip-the-line access to the Museum of Modern Art allows you to beat crowds when entering this popular museum. You still have to go through security checks. However, you get to enter the museum faster as you don’t have to wait in the general ticket purchase line. It helps you finish your tour of the museum faster than expected.

Museum of the City of New York

As the best museum in town, this museum often has long waiting lines of people waiting to get inside. Having the Museum of the City of New York priority pass means you can skip the lines to enter the museum faster. This pre-booked entry ticket gives you the freedom to explore the museum at your own pace, soaking in NYC’s history.

New York CityPASS: Top VIP or skip-the-line options

The New York CityPASS is the perfect option to maximize your New York Adventures. It is ideal if you are looking for ways to save time and money while traveling in NYC. This pass is valid for nine days from the first use. It provides access to the Empire State Building and the American Museum of Natural History. Moreover, you get to select three additional attractions from the list below.

 

  • Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Ferry
  • Top of the Rock Observation Deck
  • 9/11 Memorial & Museum
  • Intrepid Sea Museum
  • Guggenheim Museum
  • Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise

New York Explorer Pass

The New York Explorer Pass is for a defined number of attractions that you can visit over 60 days. For example, it could be 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 10 attractions that you can visit. Moreover, this pass offers great flexibility for travelers who want to spend more time exploring New York.  You can visit various attractions in New York at your own pace.

The New York Pass

The New York Pass provides access to more than 100 attractions in the city. It offers VIP or skip-the-line options at several busy and major attractions in New York. There is an app to use this pass at the attractions. It is ideal for those who plan to visit many attractions in New York over consecutive days.

Tips to avoid crowds at attractions in NYC

These tips will help you avoid crowds at attractions, thereby allowing you to enjoy your tour.

Times Square NYC

Times Square NYC

  • Consider planning your tour during the off-season in New York
  • Book tickets in advance
  • Start your day early
  • Understand the peak times of major attractions like Times Square (for example, sunset and sunrise)
  • Avoid visiting museums during peak hours

Wrap-Up

VIP or skip-the-line options are perfect for enjoying your vacation in New York. It helps save time and money for busy travelers. Next time you visit the Big Apple, remember to opt for these time-saving options. You can cover more attractions within less time if you plan your NYC tour effectively.