What is the best city pass for Chicago? Today I’m breaking down the Chicago CityPASS vs. the Explorer Pass Chicago vs. the All-Inclusive Chicago Pass (Go City).
As one of the biggest cities in the U.S., Chicago can be expensive. But this doesn’t mean you have to skip all the fun Chicago attractions, even if you’re traveling on a tight budget.
Using a Chicago city pass is the cheapest way to visit the city’s top attractions. Depending on your interests and how much time you have to spend, this post will help you figure out which Chicago city pass is right for your trip.
Related Posts:
- 3 day Chicago itinerary for first-time visitors
- Quick guide to visiting Chicago on a budget
- Chicago CityPASS review – is it worth it?
Table of Contents
What are the best attractions in Chicago?
According to Google, here are the top 10 things to do in Chicago:
- Cloud Gate at Millennium Park (FREE attraction)
- Navy Pier (FREE attraction)
- Skydeck Chicago – Willis Tower
- Art Institute of Chicago (rated #1 on TripAdvisor)
- 360 Chicago
- Shedd Aquarium
- Magnificent Mile (FREE attraction)
- Lincoln Park Zoo (FREE attraction)
- Museum of Science and Industry
- Grant Park (FREE attraction)
The good news is that 5 out of the top 10 Chicago tourist attractions are free to check out. YAY!
The bad news is that the combined cost of visiting the top 5 paid attractions in Chicago comes to a whopping $218.90 per person. Ouch!
But since ALL these attractions are worth visiting (according to Google and TripAdvisor ratings), let’s find the cheapest way to see them so you can make the most of your trip to Chicago.
Does Chicago offer free museum days?
Yes. Some museums in Chicago open its doors free to the public on during certain hours.
But what about the top 5 paid attractions in Chicago? ONLY the Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Science and Industry, and the Shedd Aquarium offer free days.
Visiting a museum during free hours can save you money, especially if you’re traveling on a tight budget. However, visiting during free hours is also the busiest time. This means you’ll be dealing with crowds and may not enjoy your experience as much if you had visited during a quieter time.
Art Institute of Chicago – For Illinois residents ONLY, general admission is free every Wednesday from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. Illinois residents MUST show valid proof of residency. For visitors outside of Illinois, there will be a mandatory admission fee.
Museum of Science and Industry – For Illinois residents ONLY, general admission is free on select days of the year. Illinois residents MUST show valid proof of residency. For visitors outside of Illinois, there will be a mandatory admission fee. Check the official website to see selected dates.
Shedd Aquarium – For Illinois residents ONLY, general admission is free on select days of the year. Illinois residents MUST show valid proof of residency. For visitors outside of Illinois, there will be a mandatory admission fee. Check the official website to see selected dates.
Since I’m a visitor from outside of Illinois, these free days DON’T apply to me. This means I have to find another way to save money if I want to visit the Art Institute of Chicago.
As you can see, free museum days in Chicago are ONLY available to Illinois residents. So with this in mind, what’s cheapest way for visitors to check out the top 5 paid attractions in Chicago?
Chicago CityPASS
If you’re just planning on visiting Chicago’s top 5 paid attractions, this travel pass will give you the most bang for your buck.
If you’re planning on visiting more paid attractions in the city, then you may want to consider the Go City Chicago Pass or the Chicago Explorer Pass instead.
What is the Chicago CityPASS
✓ Pick from over 5 top-rated Chicago attractions
✓ Valid for up to 9 days
✓ Save 48% compared to purchasing tickets at each attraction
✓ Fast-Track entry at many attractions
The Chicago CityPASS is a sightseeing card which gives you FREE entry into 5 popular Chicago attractions including the Art Institute of Chicago, Skydeck Chicago, and the Shedd Aquarium.
CityPASS currently has a TrustScore rating of 9.6/10 on Trust Pilot, making it the one of the highest rated city passes.
With over 5,000 five-star customer reviews, it’s safe to say that the Chicago CityPASS can be an excellent option for travelers looking to save money on sightseeing in Chicago.
How the CityPASS works
Purchase your pass online for one flat rate and download your pass instantly to your smartphone (or get it delivered). Then you can skip the long ticket lines and scan your pass to enter any 5 out of the 7 attractions. No cash or tickets needed.
This can be a great option for those who want to take their time experiencing the best of what Chicago has to offer while saving money. You can check out my full review of the Chicago CityPASS here.
Attractions included with your Chicago CityPASS
When you purchase the Chicago CityPASS, you’ll get FREE access to 5 of the city’s most popular attractions.
There are three attractions included with every pass. Then you’re allowed to pick an additional two attractions from a list of four options.
There’s no need to decide upfront which you want to see – simply choose when you get there. Here’s a full list of the attractions you can visit with your pass. (Prices and attractions current as of June 1, 2022)
- Shedd Aquarium (normally $44.90)
- Skydeck Chicago – Willis Tower (normally $55)
- Field Museum (normally $40)
- Adler Planetarium (normally $35) OR Art Institute of Chicago (normally $35)
- Museum of Science and Industry (normally $33.95) OR 360 Chicago Observation Deck (normally $44)
Regardless of which Chicago city pass you use, it’s important to make reservations as soon as possible. Many of Chicago’s top attractions may sell out or require a wait for the next available entry.
How much does the Chicago CityPASS cost?
The Chicago CityPASS costs $114 (adults) and $93 (children). All prices listed in U.S. dollars.
Remember, the cost of visiting the city’s top 5 paid attractions is $218.90 per person!
When you purchase the Chicago CityPASS, you’ll get FREE Fast-Track Entry to 5 popular attractions in Chicago, PLUS you’ll also enjoy free entry to the Field Museum (normally $40).
You can click here to purchase your CityPASS from their official website.
This can add up to significant savings, especially if you’re visiting Chicago with a group. I also like that the CityPASS gives you 9 full days to visit all five attractions. This means there’s no need to rush and you can take your time visiting each attraction.
Chicago Explorer Pass
✓ Pick from over 35 Chicago attractions
✓ Valid for 60 days from first use to visit your remaining attractions
✓ Save 40% vs. paying for individual tickets
✓ Choose 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 top-rated Chicago attractions to visit
The Chicago Explorer Pass is a multi-attraction Chicago Go pass where you can choose to visit 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 top attractions all for ONE low price, including the Art Institute of Chicago, Skydeck Chicago, and the Shedd Aquarium.
Go City currently have a TrustScore rating of 8.5/10 on Trust Pilot, which makes it one of the highest rated sightseeing passes. This flexible sightseeing pass can be a great option if you want explore Chicago at your own pace while making huge savings on popular attractions.
How the Explorer Pass works
Buy your pass online – pick a 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7-choice Explorer pass for one flat rate. Then download your pass instantly to your smartphone or print it at home.
No cash or tickets are needed. Once you have your pass, you’re all set. Visit your top 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 attractions easily. All you have to do is present your Chicago Explorer Pass be scanned at each attraction and you’re good to start your sightseeing adventure.
Attractions included with your Chicago Explorer Pass
The Chicago Explorer pass includes FREE admission to over 35 of the most popular things to do in Chicago. It’s all you need to sightsee in the windy city.
Here are some of the best attractions available with your pass and their regular admission prices in parentheses. (Prices and attractions current as of June 1, 2022)
- Museum of Science and Industry (normally $33.95)
- Adler Planetarium (normally $35)
- Field Museum (normally $35)
- Skydeck Chicago – Willis Tower (normally $42)
- Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour (normally $49.99)
- 360 Chicago (normally $30)
- Shoreline Architecture River Cruise (normally $51.23)
- Navy Pier – 4 ride pass (normally $45)
- LEGOLAND Discovery Center (normally $26.24)
- Plus FREE entry to 15 other great attractions! Check out the full list of included attractions here.
How much does the Chicago Explorer Pass cost?
The Chicago Explorer costs $121 (adults) or $81 (children) for the 4-Choice Pass, which is the most popular option.
You can click here to purchase your Explorer Pass from their official website.
The best part about the Explorer Pass is that you get to choose which attractions you want to visit. If you don’t want to visit one of the top 4 paid Chicago attractions, you can choose to visit something else. It’s up to you, which makes this a great money-saving option.
This can add up to significant savings, especially if you’re visiting Chicago with a group. I also like that the Explorer Pass gives you 60 full days to visit all four attractions. This means there’s no need to rush and you can take your time visiting each attraction.
All-Inclusive Chicago Pass
✓ Pick from over 25 Chicago attractions
✓ Valid for up to 5 days
✓ Save up to 55% compared to purchasing tickets at each attraction
✓ Visit unlimited amount of Chicago attractions each day
The Go City Chicago Pass is an all-inclusive sightseeing card which gives you FREE entry to over 25+ top attractions and tours in Chicago including the Art Institute of Chicago, Skydeck Chicago, and the Shedd Aquarium.
Go City currently have a TrustScore rating of 8.5/10 on Trust Pilot, which makes it one of the highest rated sightseeing passes.
This flexible sightseeing pass can be a great option if you want explore Chicago at your own pace while making huge savings on popular attractions.
How the All-Inclusive Pass works
Purchase the pass online for one flat rate and download your pass instantly on your smartphone using their App (or get it delivered). Then scan your pass to enter any of the 25+ attractions.
No cash or tickets are needed. And there’s no limit on how many attractions you can visit with your Go City Chicago Pass. The Go City Chicago Pass is available for purchase as a 1, 2, 3, or 5-day pass.
You can click here to purchase your Go City Chicago Pass from their official website.
It’s intended to be used on consecutive calendar days and will become activated once you visit your first attraction.
To save time and hassle, I recommend buying your Go City Chicago Pass before your trip. Then you can plan your itinerary and activate your pass anytime in the next 12 months.
This tourism pass is the most popular with visitors to Chicago because it has the potential to save you A LOT of money. By visiting just three attractions per day, you can save 55% vs. paying at the gate.
Attractions included with your Go City Chicago Pass
The Go City Chicago Pass includes FREE admission to over 25 of the most popular things to do in Chicago. It’s your ultimate sightseeing pass for the big city. Here are some of the best attractions available with your pass and their regular admission prices in parentheses. (Prices and attractions current as of January 1, 2020)
- Museum of Science and Industry (normally $33.95)
- Adler Planetarium (normally $35)
- Shedd Aquarium (normally $39.95)
- Field Museum (normally $35)
- Skydeck Chicago – Willis Tower (normally $42)
- Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour (normally $49.99)
- 360 Chicago (normally $30)
- Shoreline Architecture River Cruise (normally $51.23)
- Navy Pier – 4 ride pass (normally $45)
- LEGOLAND Discovery Center (normally $26.24)
- Plus FREE entry to 15 other great attractions! Check out the full list of included attractions here.
How much does the All-Inclusive Chicago Pass cost?
The All-Inclusive Chicago Pass costs $209 (adult) or $151 (children) for a 3-day pass, which is the most popular option.
The best part about the Go City Chicago Pass is that you can visit an unlimited amount of attractions for ONE flat rate.
Plus, you’ll get Fast-Track entry at some of the city’s most popular attractions so you can skip the long ticket lines and enjoy more time sightseeing. This can be an excellent option for first-time visitors who are interested in visiting a lot of attractions.
Which Chicago sightseeing pass is right for you?
Each of these tourism passes have been designed to help you save time, money and eliminate stress when sightseeing in a busy city like Chicago.
Which pass you decide to get will depend on which attractions you want to visit and how long you’re staying in Chicago.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the different passes:
Chicago CityPASS
- Great for those who want to visit the top 5 paid attractions in Chicago.
- You have 9 full days to visit the 5 attractions. This is a good option for those who don’t want to feel rushed when visiting each attraction.
- You’ll save 48% off admission vs. paying at the gate.
Chicago Explorer Pass
- Great for those who want flexibility to visit ANY attraction. Choose to visit 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 attractions based on the pass you purchase.
- You can choose from over 25 top attractions in Chicago. There’s no need to decide up front which attractions you want to visit.
- You have 60 full days to visit your choice of attractions. This is a good option for those who want to take their time sightseeing.
- You’ll save up to 40% off admission vs. paying at the gate.
Go City Chicago Pass – All-inclusive
- Great for those want to visit all the major attractions in Chicago. You can visit an UNLIMITED number of attractions based on the pass duration you choose to purchase. The Go City Chicago Pass is available for purchase as a 1, 2, 3, or 5-day pass.
- You can choose from over 25 top attractions in Chicago. There’s no need to decide up front which attractions you want to visit.
- You’ll save up to 55% off admission vs. paying at the gate. This can be a great option for those who want to visit Chicago’s most expensive attractions.
Final Note
As you can see, there are many ways to save money when visiting the top paid attractions in Chicago.
If you’re planning on visiting just a couple of paid attractions, then you can probably skip the tourism passes.
But if you’re planning on visiting 3 or more paid tourist attractions, then you’ll get the most bang for your buck by purchasing a tourism pass. This is because you’ll enjoy the extra perks of:
- Saving money (up to 55% vs. paying at the gate, depending on which pass you choose)
- Saving time (get Fast-Track entry and skip the long ticket lines)
- Stress-free sightseeing (you don’t need to worry about dealing with tickets or cash)
If you find yourself on a really tight budget, then I recommend choosing ONE paid attraction that you want to splurge on. Then you can enjoy checking out the free things do in the city. There is plenty of fun to be had on any budget in Chicago.
Happy travels!
Ready to plan your adventure to Chicago? See what hotel deals are available in the area thanks to Booking.com
Best city pass for Chicago FAQs
Is there a pass for all Chicago museums?
The Chicago CityPASS offers free entry to the top 5 museums and attractions in Chicago. This allows you to see the city’s most popular attractions for less, including Skydeck Chicago, the Shedd Aquarium, Art Instituite of Chicago, and Field Museum, and 360 Chicago.
How many days is the Chicago CityPASS good for?
The Chicago CityPASS is valid for nine consecutive days, including the first day of use.
