CityPASS: tourist card is a key to Unlocking Fun, Culture, with Zero Stress in 18 North American Cities

About to board a city harbor tour in New York, Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers pause for a pose by a CityPASS poster. Their Circle Line sightseeing cruise is part of the convenient, money saving CityPASS.

Unlock America’s Greatest Cities

Story By Christene Meyers

Photos By Bruce Keller

"The Carpe Diem Kids"

There’s a moment every traveler knows well.

You’re standing in a new city -- skyscrapers rising, cable cars rattling, waterfront sparkling.

It's a feeling all travel addicts know. It's a rush of excitement and anticipation.

But with the thrill comes the questions: What to see in the time we have? Which tickets do I buy? How do I skip the lines? Am I overpaying? Am I missing something?

That’s where CityPASS tourist card changes everything. It's a top rated tourist card, one of the best around.

Whether you're already in the U.S. and planning a trip, or are from another country organizing a visit to North America, you’re likely excited to discover cultural treasures and iconic attractions. If you're headed to New York City, San Francisco, Seattle, Atlanta, Houston, San Diego and many other U.S. cities, plus Toronto in Canada, CityPASS is your golden key. We've used it in many U.S. cities, and recommend that other savvy travelers take a look.

Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers at the "Top of the Rock," Rockefeller Center.

CityPASS saves money. It saves time. And most importantly, it unlocks doors to a city's top experiences without the stress.

Here we explain how CityPASS turns your trip into pure adventure -- not a logistical puzzle. It's a fabulous traveler's aid.

Why International Travelers Love CityPASS tourist card

Traveling is exhilarating -- but it shouldn't be overwhelming. Foreign travelers -- including the two of us on another continent -- spend time checking currency conversions, transportation systems, ticket queues in a different language… it all adds up quickly.

CityPASS simplifies it all and here's how:

• ✔️ One easy purchase

• ✔️ Significant savings on top attractions

• ✔️ Skip-the-line access at select experiences

• ✔️ More time exploring, less time waiting

The Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration offers visitors a fascinating look at history and the journey many of our ancestors took to arrive here. It's one of cityPASS options in New York.

Instead of standing in line wondering if you chose the right attraction, you walk straight toward the experiences that define the city.

Let’s explore what that looks like in several destinations. We've used CityPASS tourist card in five of the 18 North American cities which offer it. Here's what we saw, savored and enjoyed.

With the Empire State Building behind them, "Keller and Cookie" are all smiles, surrounded by the city.

🗽 New York City: The World in One Skyline

There is no place like New York City. It’s fast, diverse, iconic -- a living movie set.

With CityPASS, we experienced the city’s cultural crown jewels without navigating complicated ticket systems. We loved the convenience and went right to the top of the line.

Lady Liberty frames travel writers Christene "Cookie" Meyers and Bruce Keller, on a ferry ride to see the famous statue close up. It's one of the options on CityPASS, which saves time, money and stress.

Highlights include:

• The breathtaking views from the Empire State Building

• World-class art inside the American Museum of Natural History

• A ferry ride to see the Statue of Liberty up close

CityPASS saved us time and money. We watched a glorious sunset over Manhattan from 86 floors above the city -- then headed straight to the theater, with dinner after. Not once did we stand in a queue. New York feels accessible, not overwhelming with CityPASS.

The Exploratorium is a museum of science, technology, and arts in San Francisco, California. Founded by physicist and educator Frank Oppenheimer in 1969. Here, Keller and Cookie pose outside the fascinating museum.

San Francisco: Innovation Meets Bohemian Soul

The hills. The fog. The Golden Gate silhouette rising through the mist.

Welcome to San Francisco -- a city of contrasts and creativity.

CityPASS here gives you access to unforgettable experiences such as:

• The iconic Golden Gate Bridge seen from a delightful boat ride

• Marine wonderlands at Aquarium of the Bay

• Interactive science fun at California Academy of Sciences and the Exploratorium

CityPASS in San Francisco offers a harbor tour that passes directly under the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.

International visitors love how easy CityPASS makes it to hop between neighborhoods. We went from Fisherman’s Wharf to Golden Gate Park, without overpaying for attractions.

Instead of juggling separate entry fees, you simply focus on enjoying the city -- tasty clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl with sea lions yelping. The cool Pacific breeze.

Seeing the exquisite artwork in glass by Dale Chihuly is a CityPASS option in Seattle.

☕ Seattle: Coffee, Culture & Sky-High Views

If your heart beats for creative cities surrounded by nature, Seattle will steal it.

Snow-capped mountains meet glass skyscrapers. Independent bookstores sit beside tech headquarters. An endless array of eateries offer healthy options including fresh seafood.

Enjoying the sweeping Seattle views, with the Space Needle behind them are Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers. CityPASS in Seattle includes the Space Needle, Seattle Aquarium and more.

CityPASS highlights here include:

• Sweeping views from the Space Needle

• Underwater magic at Seattle Aquarium

• Pop culture immersion at the Museum of Pop Culture

  
  

And here’s the real benefit: Seattle’s top attractions are close together -- but lines can grow quickly, especially in summer. CityPASS helps you spend more time exploring Pike Place Market and less time checking ticket counters.

More music. More coffee. More spectacular views. Most important: making the most of your time and money.

Atlanta: Southern Charm Meets Modern Energy with Zoo and State of the Art Aquarium

Atlanta is a culturally rich city with a wonderful civil rights museum, award winning eateries, vibrant art galleries and top theater, all served with Georgia's tradition of southern charm and welcoming spirit.

Often overlooked by international travelers, Atlanta is one of America’s most culturally rich cities. It blends civil rights history, vibrant arts, and warm Southern hospitality.

CityPASS gives you access to experiences like:

• Wildlife encounters at Zoo Atlanta

• Marine exploration at Georgia Aquarium

• Panoramic city views from SkyView Atlanta

  
  

Atlanta surprises visitors with how dynamic it feels -- creative neighborhoods, live music, incredible food scenes. With CityPASS, you can dive into its attractions without second-guessing ticket prices.

It’s smooth. It’s simple. It’s smart travel.

San Diego's Midway Museum captivates locals -- including travel writers Keller and Cookie -- as well as tourists from all over the world. It features detailed exhibits, aircraft and inside the Midway itself, fascinating history.

San Diego: Sunshine & Laid-Back Adventure

If your dream includes palm trees, ocean air, and cultural depth, San Diego delivers.

CityPASS opens doors to:

• Exotic wildlife at San Diego Zoo

• Ocean-themed fun at SeaWorld San Diego

• History and gardens inside Balboa Park

• Midway Museum

The Midway Museum in San Diego is a featured museum with CityPASS in San Diego. Below, Sea World beckons travel writers and visiting family from San Francisco.

San Diego’s attractions are spread out, and entrance fees can add up fast. CityPASS bundles the best experiences so you can focus on beach sunsets, tacos, and museum hopping instead of budgeting every entry ticket.

It’s sunshine without the stress.

Sea World San Diego

Travel bloggers Cookie and Keller with family at Sea World San Diego

Whale show Sea World San Diego

How CityPASS Saves You Time & Money

Here’s what makes CityPASS especially powerful for international travelers:

1. Bundled Savings

Buying tickets individually can quickly exceed your budget. CityPASS packages them at a significantly reduced combined price.

2. Skip the Lines

At select attractions, you bypass standard ticket queues. In major cities like New York and San Francisco, this can mean saving hours.

3. Flexible Scheduling

You don’t have to visit everything in one day. Most passes remain valid for several days, giving you breathing room.

4. Mobile Convenience

Tickets live on your phone. No printing. No paperwork. Just scan and go.

CityPASS curates the experiences that reflect each city’s personality.

Instead of guessing what matters most, you step directly into the highlights.

Is CityPASS Worth It for International Visitors?

In one word: Yes.

Especially if:

• You’re visiting for the first time

• You want to see major attractions

• You prefer structured simplicity

• You’re traveling with family

• You value time as much as money

CityPASS removes the mental load of planning every ticket. That freedom gives you time to be spontaneous. We like to stop at a hidden café, pause to enjoy buskers and their street performances. We like to stroll after dinner and find that our late-night walks offer cities in new light. CityPASS helps the traveler feel enriched, not stressed.

For cityPASS information or to book: citypass.com

Final Thoughts for Smart Travels

Travel is an investment -- of time, energy, and money. We worked hard -- so did you -- and now for us all to enjoy and experience each destination fully.

CityPASS offers discounts and organization, but it also offers confidence.

Confidence that you’re seeing the right attractions. Confidence that you’re saving money. Confidence that you won’t spend your precious vacation waiting in lines.

Whether you’re gazing across Manhattan, biking near the Golden Gate, sipping coffee under the Space Needle, exploring Atlanta’s vibrant neighborhoods, or watching sea lions in San Diego, CityPASS helps you focus on why you came in the first place:

To feel something new, learn something unexpected, and have fun.

That’s what great travel is all about.

Italy's "boot" has treasures to explore, including many unique cave restaurants, with sea and cliff views.

UP NEXT: We begin a three-part series on southern Italy and Puglia. This virtually undiscovered (by most Americans) part of Italy offers gorgeous scenery, reasonably priced food and lodging, castles, coastline and friendly people. It's easy and fun to drive there, too, exploring ancient caves -- many converted to boutique hotels and restaurants -- and seeing what's down there "on the boot." Remember to explore, learn and live, share these links, look for global tips and trips and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, performance, nature, family and more: www.whereiscookie.com