Top Attractions

The famous New York attractions are the ones that sell out first and cost the most, which is why the pass question comes up before anything else. The New York CityPASS from £123 covers five of the marquee sights at up to 42% off, and it pays for itself only if you genuinely visit four or five of them. If your trip leans toward neighbourhoods, parks and restaurants, buy individual timed tickets for the two or three things you actually want and skip the pass.

Beyond the pass, the highest-rated experiences here are not the obvious ones. A Harlem gospel concert from £15 rates as highly as attractions costing five times more, MJ the Musical on Broadway from £54 is the best-reviewed show in the list, though that ticket alone is non-refundable, and a Brooklyn graffiti workshop with a local artist from £30 is the rare New York activity where you make something rather than look at it.

Whatever you pick, book the timed slot before you travel rather than on the day. The classic sights run on reserved entry, the sunset and evening slots go first, and most options here include free cancellation up to 24 hours before, so an early booking costs you nothing but secures the time you actually want. The exception is MJ the Musical, which is non-refundable, so fix that date before you pay.