Chicago CityPASS®

The Chicago CityPASS® offers a practical way to explore the Windy City at a great value, priced at $142 per person. This nine-day mobile ticket grants you admission to five of Chicago’s most popular attractions, including Shedd Aquarium and Skydeck Chicago, plus your choice of three additional sites such as the Field Museum, Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Science and Industry, 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck, Adler Planetarium, or Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture River Tour.

The flexibility of a 9-day window makes this pass ideal for travelers who want to pace their sightseeing comfortably while saving money. Many reviews highlight the cost-saving benefit, especially when visiting multiple sites, and praise easy mobile access. However, some users note that navigating the app and securing reservations can be initially confusing, particularly during busy periods. This pass is best suited for families and casual visitors eager to enjoy Chicago’s key landmarks with less hassle and expense.

Key Points

• Affordable multi-attraction pass covering Chicago’s top sights for $142.
• Valid for 9 consecutive days, providing ample time to explore at your own pace.
• Includes admission to Shedd Aquarium and Skydeck Chicago with expedited entry.
• Allows choice of three additional attractions from a selection of museums, observation decks, or a river tour.
• Mobile ticket simplifies access, but reservation management can be tricky during peak times.
• Well-rated with an overall 4.5/5 from nearly 500 reviews emphasizing great value and convenience.

Start Your Chicago Adventure at the Shedd Aquarium

The tour begins with all-access admission to Shedd Aquarium, one of the most celebrated aquariums in the country. Visitors can explore a variety of exhibits, including Animal Spotlights and seasonal activities like Stingray Touch. The 4-hour visit includes a 4-D Experience (subject to availability), making it a favorite for families and animal lovers alike. Reviewers often mention the Beluga whales as a highlight, and the aquarium’s central location makes it easy to access from public transportation.

Next on the itinerary is the Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower, with expedited entry allowing you to skip long lines. The 3-hour visit provides stunning panoramic views of Chicago’s skyline from the 103rd floor. Many say the “High in the sky” experience delivers unforgettable vistas, and the Fast Pass feature helps avoid crowds during busy times, making it a popular choice.

Exploring Chicago’s Architecture with the Shoreline Sightseeing River Tour

The Architecture River Tour by Shoreline Sightseeing offers a 5-hour 20-minute cruise through Chicago’s famous skyline. The free tour showcases the city’s notable skyscrapers and modern architecture, guided by knowledgeable narrators. Reviewers highlight the great value, noting it as one of the most memorable experiences on the pass, especially for architecture enthusiasts.

This tour departs from a convenient location near the city center and provides a relaxed way to learn about Chicago’s architectural history while enjoying beautiful river views. The comfortable boat ride is suitable for most travelers, with no specific physical requirements noted.

Visiting the Art Institute of Chicago with Priority Access

The Art Institute of Chicago is accessible via Fast Pass, ensuring quick entry to its world-class collection. The 3-hour visit focuses on the permanent collection and non-ticketed exhibitions, with the added benefit of skipping lines. The museum’s extensive art holdings make it an enriching stop, especially for those interested in impressionist paintings, American art, and Asian collections.

Many reviews emphasize the ease of access and the quality of the exhibits. It’s a prime stop for art lovers who want to enjoy Chicago’s cultural offerings without the hassle of long waits.

The 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck: Sky-High Views

The 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck offers fast pass entry and a 3-hour visit to breathtaking views from the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center. The deck features interactive exhibits and the thrilling TILT attraction, which leans visitors outward over Michigan Avenue.

Reviewers frequently mention how spectacular the views are and appreciate the priority access that cuts wait times. This attraction stands out for anyone eager to see Chicago’s skyline, lakefront, and iconic landmarks from above.

The Museum of Science and Industry: Interactive Exhibits

The Museum of Science and Industry offers a 3-hour visit that includes multiple exhibits like Science Storms, Numbers in Nature, and You! The Experience. The pass includes one timed-entry experience, which could be a Giant Dome Theater film or a Motion Ride.

Reviewers appreciate the museum’s variety, especially noting that it is family-friendly. The pass grants free admission for all exhibits, making it an excellent choice for those with children or anyone interested in hands-on science displays.

The Adler Planetarium: Space and Sky Shows

The Adler Planetarium provides four hours of exploration, including two Sky Shows and access to all exhibitions in the museum. Visitors can also experience Community Design Labs, Space Visualization Lab, and Doane Observatory.

Many praise the world-class collections and the sky shows as highlights. The admission is included, and the Sky Shows offer breathtaking views of stars and planets, perfect for space enthusiasts and families alike.

Additional Attractions and Choice Options

The CityPASS® allows travelers to select three additional attractions from options like the Field Museum or the Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture River Tour. The Field Museum features all-access admission to its extensive exhibits, including dinosaur skeletons and prehistoric artifacts. The Shoreline Sightseeing tour offers an alternative to museum visits, focusing on Chicago’s architectural marvels from the water.

The choice enables visitors to customize their trip based on interests, and many reviews mention how this flexibility enhances the overall experience.

Logistics and Booking Tips for the Chicago CityPASS®

The mobile ticket simplifies entry to all attractions. To maximize convenience, travelers should download the tickets and make reservations where required via the my.citypass.com platform. The pass is valid for nine consecutive days from the first use, allowing for flexible planning.

Most attractions operate 7 days a week from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, providing plenty of options for fitting in visits. However, some attractions like 360 CHICAGO may experience sell-outs during busy periods, so early booking is recommended. The reservation process can be initially confusing, but the app generally manages bookings well once understood.

Who Will Benefit Most from the Chicago CityPASS®?

This pass is especially valuable for families or groups seeking to visit multiple top attractions without paying full price at each site. The cost savings and priority access are appreciated by those planning to see at least five attractions within the nine-day window.

While most attractions are accessible to most travelers, some reviews note that app navigation and reservation management may pose challenges during peak times. The flexibility of the 9-day window makes it suitable for travelers who prefer a relaxed pace or want to spread out their sightseeing.

Final Thoughts on the Chicago CityPASS®

The Chicago CityPASS® offers good value for money, with many highlights like the Shedd Aquarium, Skydeck, and the Art Institute included in the price. Its 9-day validity allows visitors to enjoy attractions at their own pace, making it ideal for family trips or leisure travelers.

The main strengths lie in the cost savings, priority access, and wide selection of attractions tailored to different interests—whether art, science, or architecture. Some users find the reservation process initially confusing, but overall, the ease of use and the quality of included sites make this pass a worthwhile investment for many visitors.

Those eager to explore Chicago’s skyline, museums, and marine life will find this tour a practical and enjoyable way to see the city’s best sights without the hassle of buying individual tickets.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Chicago CityPASS® valid?
The pass is valid for nine consecutive days from the first day of use, providing flexibility to spread out your visits.

Can I use the mobile ticket instead of printing?
Yes, the mobile ticket is accepted at all attractions, making it convenient for travel.

Are reservations required for attractions included in the pass?
Most attractions do not require reservations, but some, like the 360 CHICAGO, are recommended to book early due to potential sell-outs.

Is the pass suitable for families?
Absolutely, many reviews highlight the family-friendly nature of the pass, especially with stops like Shedd Aquarium and Museum of Science and Industry.

What attractions are included?
The pass includes admission to Shedd Aquarium, Skydeck Chicago, and your choice of three from options like Field Museum, Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Science and Industry, 360 CHICAGO, Adler Planetarium, and Shoreline Sightseeing.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and beverages are not included in the pass.

What if I want to visit more than five attractions?
The pass covers five attractions plus three additional choices, but if you wish to see more, you will need to purchase separate tickets.

What are the main benefits over individual tickets?
The cost savings, priority access, and nine-day duration provide greater flexibility and convenience for travelers wanting to see multiple sites efficiently.