If you’re considering a trip to Chicago, the CityPASS® offers a compelling way to explore the Windy City while keeping your budget in check. It’s designed for travelers who want to see the highlights without the hassle of buying individual tickets for each attraction or waiting in long lines. We’ve looked into what makes this pass a popular choice for visitors—so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your own adventure.
Two things we love about the Chicago CityPASS® are its flexibility—you’ve got 9 days to use your tickets—and the significant savings, up to 49% off regular admission prices. It streamlines planning by including instant mobile delivery and fast-track entry at some attractions, making your sightseeing smoother. The only consideration? Not all attractions are included in every package, so it’s worth choosing your three extra attractions carefully.
This pass is best suited for travelers who want to maximize their time and money, particularly families, first-time visitors, or anyone who thrives on a well-organized trip. If you’re comfortable with a bit of planning and want to avoid long queues, this pass can turn a busy city visit into a more relaxed experience.
Key Points
- Cost-effective: Save up to 49% compared to individual admission prices.
- Flexible: 9 days to use your tickets from first activation.
- All-in-one convenience: Includes 5 major attractions with fast entry options.
- Variety of sights: From museums to sky-high views to river tours.
- Skip the lines: Expedite entry at select locations, saving valuable time.
- Digital convenience: Mobile tickets delivered instantly, no need to print.
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Contents
- Key Points
- What Is the Chicago CityPASS®?
- Which Attractions Are Included?
- Shedd Aquarium
- Skydeck Chicago
- Choose 3 of the Following
- Additional Highlights
- What to Expect During Your Visit
- Visiting Shedd Aquarium
- Exploring the Skydeck Chicago
- The River Tour and Museums
- The Value of the Chicago CityPASS®
- Insights from Reviews
- The Sum Up: Is the Chicago CityPASS® Worth It?
- FAQ
- Our Top Picks in Chicago
- More Tour Reviews in Chicago
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Chicago we have recnetly reviewed
What Is the Chicago CityPASS®?
The Chicago CityPASS® is a bundled ticket that grants access to five top attractions in the city, offering significant savings and ease of use. For a $142 price per person, you receive all-access admission to some of Chicago’s most loved sights, with the flexibility of a 9-day window to enjoy them. This means you don’t have to cram everything into one day—perfect for a leisurely exploration.
The pass includes skip-the-line benefits at certain attractions, making it ideal for avoiding long queues, especially during peak seasons. Plus, with instant delivery of mobile tickets, you can just show your phone at each venue—no need to worry about losing paper tickets.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Chicago.
Which Attractions Are Included?
The appeal of the CityPASS® lies in its selection of iconic sights, providing a well-rounded sampler of Chicago’s vibrant culture, architecture, and natural beauty. Here’s what’s included:
Shedd Aquarium
- All-access admission including all exhibits, Animal Spotlights, and seasonal Stingray Touch.
- Plus, a 4-D Experience (subject to availability), which adds a tactile dimension to your visit.
- Visitors love the interactive exhibits, especially the opportunity to touch starfish and stingrays. One reviewer mentions, “They loved the Shedd Aquarium, where they could touch starfish and stingrays.”
Skydeck Chicago
- Expedited entry allows you to skip the long lines to the 103rd floor of Willis Tower.
- From this vantage point, you get stunning panoramic views of the city skyline—perfect for photos and awe.
- The reviews highlight the convenience: “The Skydeck was excellent, and the fast pass saved us a lot of waiting time.”
Choose 3 of the Following
- Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture River Tour
- Field Museum
- 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck
- Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Adler Planetarium
Each offers a unique experience—whether it’s exploring dinosaurs at the Field Museum, learning about science at the Museum of Science & Industry, or enjoying art and culture at the Art Institute. For instance, one traveler notes, “The Art Institute with its permanent collection was a highlight, and the skip-the-line access made it effortless.”
Additional Highlights
- The Architecture River Tour is a favorite for its engaging narration and the chance to see Chicago’s famous skyscraper skyline from the water.
- The 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck offers sweeping city views, with the added thrill of the TILT attraction (though some reviews advise booking in advance due to sell-outs).
What to Expect During Your Visit
Once you purchase the pass, you’ll receive instant mobile tickets that you can store on your phone. You can then head straight into each attraction, presenting your digital ticket at the entrance. Depending on the attraction, you might experience expedited entry or need reservations—especially at busy sites like the Skydeck and Art Institute.
The 9-day window gives you plenty of flexibility to plan your days carefully. Some travelers have found that spacing out visits helps prevent fatigue and allows for spontaneous discoveries, like a walk along the lakefront or a casual meal in a lively neighborhood.
Visiting Shedd Aquarium
The all-access ticket lets you explore all exhibits at your own pace. Visitors often highlight the touch tank experiences and seasonal features like Stingray Touch as unforgettable moments. One reviewer mentions paying extra for the Penguin Encounter, which they say was “a highlight of our trip.”
Exploring the Skydeck Chicago
Anticipate crowds, especially during sunset or clear days. The Fast Pass lets you skip the lines, which can be long during peak times. From here, you’ll see majestic views of Lake Michigan, the skyline, and beyond—a must for any first-time visitor.
The River Tour and Museums
The Architecture River Tour is highly recommended for its engaging narration and the chance to appreciate Chicago’s famous skyline from a different perspective. The Field Museum offers extensive exhibits, including Sue the T. rex, and “special exhibits outside of All-Access Pass may be subject to additional charges,” so be prepared for extra costs if you want to see everything.
The Science & Industry Museum impresses with its hands-on exhibits like the tornado vortex and submarine. As one traveler noted, “They liked the submarine and tornado vortex,” making it great for kids and adults alike.
The Value of the Chicago CityPASS®
When evaluating the price, consider that individual tickets often cost more and don’t include the fast-track benefits. Multiple reviews praise the great value for money, with travelers saying, “It saved us a lot of time and money,” and “The tickets to be shared by two attractions is not well but it is a way to have a pass cheaper.”
The convenience of pre-purchased, mobile tickets cannot be overstated. It minimizes stress, especially during busy weekends or peak season. Plus, the 9 days to explore allows for a more relaxed pace, giving you time to revisit favorite spots or discover hidden gems.
Insights from Reviews
Many reviewers refer to the ease of use—”Very easy to load and use the tickets,” one said—and highlight the value of skip-the-line benefits at places like Skydeck and Art Institute. Some mention the knowledgeable guides on the architecture boat tour and the stunning views from the Skydeck or 360 Chicago, emphasizing how these features enhance the experience.
On the flip side, a few noted that not all attractions fully include certain features—like the Tilt at 360 Chicago being sold out or requiring extra fees. It’s a good reminder to reserve in advance or check availability, especially during busy times.
The Sum Up: Is the Chicago CityPASS® Worth It?
For travelers eager to see Chicago’s essentials without the hassle and at a good price, the CityPASS® offers a balanced mix of convenience, savings, and diverse experiences. It’s especially valuable if you want to cover several attractions within a limited timeframe, making it perfect for first-timers or short-stay visitors.
Families, couples, and solo explorers will all find benefit in the ease of planning and the opportunity to skip lines at popular sights. The pass truly adds value by combining well-organized logistics with memorable attractions that showcase Chicago’s character—from its vibrant art scene and world-famous architecture to its stunning lake views and science marvels.
However, those who prefer to spend more time at one or two specific sites, or those who want to explore beyond the included attractions, might find it worth supplementing with individual tickets or additional activities. It’s also wise to consider that some attractions require reservations, so a little pre-planning ensures smooth sailing.
The Chicago CityPASS® is a smart choice for anyone aiming for a comprehensive, budget-conscious way to experience the city’s highlights—making your trip less about logistics and more about making memories.
Chicago CityPASS®: Save up to 49% at 5 Top Attractions
“Totally worth it! The best way to explore Chicago The Chicago CityPASS was absolutely worth it! It saved us both time and money while letting us ex…”
FAQ
How long do I have to use the tickets?
You have 9 days from the first day you activate them to visit all five attractions.
Can I buy the tickets in advance?
Yes, tickets are delivered instantly to your mobile device, so you can buy them beforehand and skip the lines at purchase.
Are all attractions included in the pass?
The pass includes five attractions, but you need to select any three additional attractions from a list of options like the Art Institute or the Museum of Science & Industry.
Is the pass wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the Chicago CityPASS® is wheelchair accessible.
Can I visit the attractions multiple times?
No, the tickets are for one-time admission per attraction, unless otherwise specified.
Do I need to make reservations?
Some attractions may require reservations, so check their websites for specific details or to secure your spot.
What if some attractions are crowded?
The Fast Pass benefits help you skip lines, but during peak times, some venues, like the Skydeck, might still have limited availability, so plan ahead.
Is the pass suitable for families?
Absolutely. Many reviews mention traveling with children and enjoying the interactive exhibits and engaging tours. It’s a flexible option for family adventures.
In the end, the Chicago CityPASS® offers a well-rounded, cost-effective, and convenient way to experience the city’s best sights. Whether you’re marveling at the skyline from the Skydeck, exploring dinosaurs at the Field Museum, or enjoying Chicago’s vibrant art scene, this pass makes it easier to get the most out of your visit.
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