If you’re planning a trip to Chicago, the CityPASS® offers a compelling way to see the city’s most popular sights without breaking the bank. With a well-curated list of five major attractions, this pass provides good value—up to 49% savings—and the convenience of skipping long lines.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor eager to tick off the highlights or a seasoned traveler looking to maximize your experience, the CityPASS® can be a smart choice.
What we particularly like about this pass is how it simplifies planning—one purchase, nine days of flexible use—and the opportunity to enjoy diverse attractions, from awe-inspiring skyscraper views to immersive museums. The downside? Some attractions might have specific reservation requirements or sell out of certain time slots, so it pays to plan ahead.
This experience suits travelers who enjoy a mix of culture, nature, and architecture, and who appreciate the chance to explore at a relaxed pace without feeling rushed. Families, couples, or even solo explorers will find that the combination of attractions creates a well-rounded Chicago adventure.
Key Points
1 / 6
2 / 6
3 / 6
4 / 6
5 / 6
6 / 6- Flexibility: 9 days to use your tickets means you can spread out your visits or enjoy them all in a shorter window.
- Cost Savings: Up to 49% off combined admission, making this a budget-friendly option.
- Convenience: Mobile tickets are delivered instantly, allowing seamless entry to each attraction.
- Variety: Includes iconic sights like Shedd Aquarium, Skydeck Chicago, and the Art Institute of Chicago, plus a river architecture tour.
- Skip the Lines: Fast Pass options, especially at Skydeck Chicago, help avoid long waits.
- Real User Feedback: Consistently high ratings (4.7/5 from 799 reviews) reflect genuine satisfaction across different types of travelers.
👉 See our pick of the We Rank Chicago’s 15 Top Workshops & Classes
Exploring the Major Attractions of the Chicago CityPASS®
Shedd Aquarium
Starting with the Shedd Aquarium, you’ll find a well-loved highlight of Chicago’s waterfront. All-access admission includes exhibits like the aquatic animals, seasonal Stingray Touch, and the 4-D Experience—though availability may vary. Visitors consistently praise how interactive and engaging the aquarium is, especially for families. One reviewer shared that their grandchildren loved touching stingrays and starfish, calling it a “highlight” of their trip. The aquarium is a perfect mix of education and entertainment, ideal for kids and adults alike.
Skydeck Chicago
A must-see for skyline lovers, the Skydeck at Willis Tower offers expedited entry—a real time-saver during busy periods. The views from the 103rd floor are spectacular, especially at sunset, with a panoramic outlook over the city, lakes, and beyond. The Fast Pass feature at Skydeck is highly valued, as many reviews mention how it significantly reduces wait times, especially during peak hours. Some visitors note that staying for long periods might be restricted, but most appreciate the quick access to the dizzying heights.
Architecture River Tour
The architecture river tour is a highlight that blends sightseeing with storytelling about Chicago’s iconic skyscrapers and historic buildings. The boat glides smoothly along the Chicago River, providing a different perspective from street level. Several reviews highlight how knowledgeable guides make the tour engaging—”the best way to see the city’s architecture,” as one reviewer put it. The leisurely pace and open-air boats make it suitable regardless of weather, making it a favorite for many.
The Field Museum
Home to Sue the T-Rex and countless other exhibits, the Field Museum offers a full-immersion look at natural history. The All-Access Pass includes all permanent and special exhibits, making it a comprehensive experience. Visitors often praise the museum’s layout and the quality of its collections. One reviewer mentioned that “the special exhibits outside of the main collection might cost extra,” so plan accordingly if you’re interested in specific displays.
Art Institute of Chicago
For art lovers, the Art Institute is an essential visit. Your fast pass grants entry to the permanent collection and some non-ticketed exhibitions. The museum’s collection spans thousands of years, from ancient to contemporary art. Several travelers highlight that it’s a “great way to see world-class art without waiting in lines,” and it complements the other attractions by offering a cultural depth to the trip.
Optional Choices (Choose 3 from):
– Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture River Tour: Some reviews mention that booking ahead prevents disappointment, especially during busy seasons.
– 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck: Offers stunning views from the John Hancock Center, with a Fast Pass to skip the line. Keep in mind some reviews note a small additional fee for certain experiences like the Tilt.
– Giant Dome Theater at Museum of Science and Industry: Features a large-format film or motion ride—great for science buffs or families.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Chicago.
What Does This Mean for You?
The Chicago CityPASS® is designed for ease and value, making it straightforward to plan your sightseeing. The nine-day window offers flexibility—ideal if you like to take your time or prefer a more relaxed pace. The mobile tickets mean no fuss with paper and quick access at every stop.
The value proposition is strong: paying $142 per person for access to five major attractions, some of which would normally cost more individually, plus skip-the-line benefits, can really add up. For families or groups, the savings can be substantial, and many reviews mention how much they appreciated the seamless experience and organized entry process.
However, it’s worth noting that some attractions require reservations or have limited availability, especially for popular time slots like the Skydeck or 360 Chicago. Also, transportation isn’t included, so plan to use public transit or walk between nearby sites. Food and drinks are also outside the package, so budget accordingly for meals.
The Authenticity of Visitors’ Feedback
Many travelers praise the “great value,” as one mentioned, “it covered all major attractions and saved money.” The ease of use is another recurring theme—“It was very easy to purchase and use,” says one review. The skip-the-line benefits are particularly appreciated during busy times, with some visitors noting how it saved hours of waiting.
The reviews also underline the quality of guides—especially on the architecture tour—and the stunning views from the Skydeck and 360 Chicago. That said, a few travelers experienced sold-out time slots or found that some attractions had extra fees for certain experiences, so planning ahead helps.
Practical Tips for Making the Most of Your CityPASS®
- Book ahead where possible, especially for the Skydeck or 360 Chicago to secure your preferred time slots.
- Use the mobile tickets for quick entry—no need to print anything.
- Take advantage of the fast pass options to minimize wait times, particularly at the Skydeck and Art Institute.
- Spread out your visits over several days if you like a slower pace, or pack them into a few busy days. The nine days give plenty of flexibility.
- If visiting during peak seasons, arrive early or late in the day to avoid the crowds, especially at popular attractions.
- Check for any reservation requirements on the attractions’ websites before you go to avoid surprises.
- Remember, transportation isn’t included, so plan your routes accordingly—Chicago’s public transit system is extensive and user-friendly.
Who Will Love the Chicago CityPASS®?
This pass is perfect for families with kids who want to explore multiple attractions without worry about individual ticket lines. It’s also great for culture vultures keen on art, history, and architecture, offering a well-rounded experience of Chicago’s most iconic sights. For first-time visitors, it simplifies planning and ensures you don’t miss out on must-see landmarks.
If you prefer a relaxed pace or enjoy combining museums with outdoor sights, the flexible nine-day period means you can customize your itinerary. The value for money is clear, especially if you plan to visit all five attractions, and the skip-the-line perks make busy days more manageable.
On the other hand, budget travelers should weigh whether all attractions are of interest—some reviews mention additional costs for certain experiences, and not everything is included. But overall, this is a smart, convenient option to make the most of Chicago in a short span.
Chicago CityPASS®: Save up to 49% at 5 Top Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to use my CityPASS?
Your tickets are valid for nine consecutive days starting from the date you activate them. You have up to one year from purchase to start using your tickets.
Can I visit all attractions at any time during the nine days?
Yes, you can visit each attraction once within the validity period. However, some attractions, like the Skydeck and 360 Chicago, might require reservations or specific time slots.
Are the tickets delivered instantly?
Yes, mobile tickets are delivered instantly, so you can present them directly from your phone at each attraction.
Is transportation included?
No, transportation costs are not included. You’ll need to plan how to get between attractions, with Chicago’s public transit being a convenient option.
Are the attractions wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour/activity is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for guests with mobility needs.
Do I need to make reservations?
Some attractions may require reservations, so it’s wise to check each site’s policy and book ahead where possible.
Can I upgrade or add experiences?
Some attractions, like the Tilt at 360 Chicago or certain special exhibits, might require extra fees if not included in the pass. You can plan ahead to purchase these separately if desired.
What if an attraction is sold out or unavailable?
It’s possible, especially during busy periods, so early planning and reservations are recommended. If you encounter issues, many reviewers noted that CityPASS® representatives are helpful in resolving reservation problems.
In the end, the Chicago CityPASS® makes sightseeing efficient, affordable, and enjoyable. Its balance of top attractions, flexible timing, and savings makes it a smart choice for anyone wanting a comprehensive Chicago experience without the hassle or expense of buying individual tickets. Whether you’re in town for a weekend or a longer visit, it’s a ticket to see the city’s highlights with confidence and ease.
You can check availability for your dates here:
