Chicago CityPASS®

Planning a trip to Chicago? If so, you’ve probably encountered the excitement and challenge of deciding how to make the most of your limited time in this bustling city. That’s where the Chicago CityPASS® shines — a ticket package designed to give travelers a smooth, money-saving way to visit some of the city’s top attractions. Whether you’re a seasoned city explorer or a first-time visitor, this pass promises to streamline your sightseeing while offering good value.

Based on hundreds of reviews, the CityPASS® seems to hit the sweet spot for most travelers. We love that it’s flexible — you get nine days to use it, so no need to rush. It also includes a solid lineup of must-see sights like Shedd Aquarium and Skydeck Chicago, with options to customize your itinerary by choosing other popular attractions. One potential caveat: the mobile app and reservation process can sometimes pose a minor hassle, but most find it manageable once set up.

This pass is best suited for visitors who want to explore Chicago at a relaxed pace, appreciate skipping long lines, and enjoy a good deal. Families, first-timers, and those looking for an efficient way to see the city’s highlights will find this package particularly appealing.

Key Points

• Nine-day usage window provides flexibility for planning your trip.
• Includes top attractions like Shedd Aquarium and Skydeck Chicago.
• Offers a choice of three additional attractions to tailor your experience.
• Known for good value and convenience, especially with skip-the-line benefits.
• App and reservation process can be tricky for some, so plan ahead.
• Ideal for first-time visitors, families, and anyone wanting a rundown of Chicago.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The Chicago CityPASS® is designed with simplicity and value in mind. For $142, you gain admission to five major attractions with the convenience of a mobile ticket. The included attractions are:

• Shedd Aquarium: All-access entry, including exhibits, Animal Spotlights, seasonal Stingray Touch, and a 4-D Experience. Expect about four hours to thoroughly enjoy this aquatic wonderland filled with Beluga whales, penguins, and colorful fish.
• Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower: Fast-track entry to one of the city’s most iconic views, with about three hours recommended to savor the panoramic cityscape from 1,353 feet up.
• Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture River Tour: A 5-hour 20-minute guided boat tour that showcases Chicago’s architectural marvels from the water — a favorite for many, with reviews highlighting the convenience and beauty of the city’s skyline.
• Field Museum: Full access to its extensive exhibits, including fossils, cultural artifacts, and the famous T. rex skeleton. Expect around four hours here; a highlight for those interested in natural history.
• 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck: With fast-pass access, you’ll spend about three hours here, enjoying stunning views and possibly brave the TILT attraction for a unique perspective.
• Museum of Science and Industry: All-access, including major exhibits like Science Storms, the Mirror Maze, and the Blue Paradox. You’ll also get a timed-entry experience, typically a movie or ride, lasting around three hours.
• The Art Institute of Chicago: Fast pass entry to one of the world’s best art collections, with highlights like works from Monet, van Gogh, and American masters. Plan for about three hours.
• Adler Planetarium: Full museum access plus two Sky Shows, offering a celestial perspective that’s both relaxing and inspiring. Expect around four hours.

You choose three of the remaining attractions, which include options like the Shoreline Architecture Tour, Field Museum, 360 Chicago, Museum of Science and Industry, Art Institute, or Adler Planetarium. This flexibility means you can tailor your trip based on your interests, be it art, science, or scenic views.

What’s Not Included

While the pass covers many big highlights, it doesn’t include food and drinks or transportation. You’ll need to organize how to get to your attractions — Chicago’s public transit makes this easy — and budget for meals separately.

How It Works in Practice

Most travelers find the CityPASS® straightforward once they understand the reservation and app process. You’ll receive your tickets via mobile, which you can show at each attraction. Some sites require timed reservations, but the pass provides a way to streamline entry, helping you avoid long lines and wait times — a real time-saver during busy seasons.

The nine-day window gives a nice buffer to pace your sightseeing. For example, you might spend the first two days exploring the museums and aquariums, then spend a leisurely day riding the architecture boat and enjoying the city views from above. Many reviews note that the flexibility to spread out activities over several days is a major plus.

A Closer Look at the Attractions

Shedd Aquarium

Few visitors leave Shedd without marveling at its diverse marine life. From Beluga whales to colorful tropical fish, it’s a must-see for families and marine enthusiasts alike. The all-access admission including seasonal Stingray Touch and a 4-D experience makes it more than just a standard aquarium. Expect about four hours to see everything comfortably, especially if you enjoy the exhibits at a relaxed pace.

Reviewers like Beom_S highlight their satisfaction: “It was good. I used this pass ticket to see the observatory and the boat tour museum, and I was so satisfied!” That kind of feedback emphasizes how the pass can make a big difference in seeing more without stress.

Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower

The city’s iconic skyline isn’t complete without a visit to the Skydeck. Thanks to expedited entry, you avoid long lines, and the panoramic views from 1,353 feet are unforgettable. Spend about three hours here, soaking in the city from above, maybe even daring the TILT for a slight adrenaline rush. Many reviews praise the convenience, with one stating the pass acts as a “fast pass for most attractions.”

Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture River Tour

This is a standout experience for many visitors. The boat glides past Chicago’s architectural giants, narrated by guides who bring the city’s history and design to life. The tour lasts over five hours, so it’s best to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a leisurely ride that reveals Chicago’s storied skyline from a unique perspective.

The Museums: Field, Science and Industry, Art

Chicago’s museums are world-class, and with the CityPASS®, you gain full access without the hassle of buying individual tickets. The Field Museum’s fossils and cultural artifacts are a hit, especially with reviews highlighting its vast collection of specimens. The Museum of Science and Industry offers interactive exhibits like Science Storms and a Mirror Maze — excellent for kids and curious adults.

The Art Institute offers a treasure trove of masterpieces; many visitors appreciate the priority access, avoiding long lines. Meanwhile, Adler Planetarium’s Sky Shows and exhibitions make for an awe-inspiring experience, especially for stargazing enthusiasts.

The Value and Practicality of the Pass

At $142 per person, the CityPASS® offers significant savings compared to purchasing tickets individually — especially if you plan to visit most attractions. Reviews consistently praise its cost-effectiveness and convenience. For instance, Kelley_H notes, “Great experience for a great price,” and Deborah_A mentions how the app and reservations made the trip smoother.

However, some users have found the app’s functionality less than perfect, with Mary_S mentioning difficulties accessing passes. Yet most reports indicate that customer service was helpful once issues arose, and the overall convenience outweighs minor hiccups.

The ability to skip lines, especially at busy sites like Skydeck and Art Institute, adds substantial value. Plus, the flexibility of nine days allows you to enjoy Chicago without feeling rushed, which is important when sightseeing with family or in unpredictable weather.

Who Will Love the Chicago CityPASS®?

This pass is particularly well-suited for first-time visitors who want an overview of the city’s highlights without the hassle of buying individual tickets or waiting in long lines. Families with kids will appreciate the convenience and the variety — from aquariums to museums — that keeps everyone engaged. It’s also a good choice for travelers on a tight schedule, wanting to maximize their time.

If you’re someone who prefers to explore at a leisurely pace, taking time to soak in views or linger at favorite spots, this pass provides the flexibility you need. Plus, the cost savings make it a smart option for those who plan to visit multiple sites.

Final Thoughts: Is the Chicago CityPASS® Worth It?

Yes, for most travelers, especially those eager to see Chicago’s top attractions without the stress of planning every detail. The included sights — Shedd Aquarium, Skydeck, Art Institute, and more — are iconic and well worth a visit. The pass’s convenience, combined with skip-the-line benefits and flexible usage window, makes it a practical investment, particularly for first-timers or families.

That said, it’s essential to review the attractions included and match them to your interests. If you’re a museum lover, the Art Institute and Field Museum alone could justify the price. If panoramic city views are your priority, Skydeck and 360 Chicago are hard to beat. For those who want a scenic, relaxing experience, the boat tour adds a memorable touch.

In summary, the Chicago CityPASS® offers excellent value and a practical way to experience some of the city’s best features. Just remember to plan ahead, download the app, and be prepared for some reservation requirements. When used wisely, it can transform a potentially hectic sightseeing trip into a well-paced adventure filled with memorable moments.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many attractions does the pass include?
It includes five attractions, with the option to choose three additional sites from a select list.

How long can I use the pass?
You have up to nine days from first use to visit all your included attractions.

Is the ticket mobile or paper?
The pass is a mobile ticket, so you can show it on your device or print it if preferred.

Do I need to make reservations?
Yes, some attractions require timed reservations, but the pass helps streamline this process.

Can I visit the attractions in any order?
Yes, as long as each is used within the nine-day period and reservations are made as required.

Is the pass suitable for families?
Absolutely, many reviews mention it as family-friendly with a variety of engaging attractions.

Are transportation costs included?
No, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to and from the attractions.

What if I encounter issues with the app?
Customer service is available to help, and most users report that problems are resolved promptly.

Can I get a refund if I change my plans?
No, the ticket is non-refundable and non-changeable once purchased.

In the end, the Chicago CityPASS® is a practical, money-saving way to see the city’s highlights in a relaxed, flexible manner. Whether you’re a history buff, art lover, or just want to enjoy the views, this pass helps you maximize your time and budget.