Chicago Explorer Pass: 2 to 7 Attractions including SkyDeck

If you’re planning a trip to Chicago and want to see the city without breaking the bank or fussing over ticket lines, the Chicago Explorer Pass from Go City might be just what you need. This flexible pass offers access to over 35 attractions, letting you pick between 2 to 7 sites to visit over a 30-day period. With a solid average rating of 4.3 out of 5 from 400 reviews, it’s clear a lot of travelers find this option worthwhile, especially those looking for a mix of iconic sights and fun experiences.

What I really appreciate about this pass is its cost-effectiveness—saving you up to 50% on combined admission prices—and its flexibility. You can choose your attractions based on your interests and pace, making it suitable for casual sightseeing, families, or even shorter stays. However, a couple of attractions require advanced reservations, so you’ll need to plan ahead a little. Overall, if you’re the type of traveler who enjoys exploring at your own speed and loves skipping long lines, this pass could be a real help. It’s especially suited for those who want to maximize their time and budget while soaking up the best of Chicago.

Key Points

• Flexibility: Choose 2–7 attractions from over 35 options and activate your pass within a year.
• Savings: Enjoy up to 50% off on combined admission prices.
• Convenience: Skip long lines at popular spots like Skydeck Chicago.
• Self-Paced: Have 30 days to use your pass after first activation.
• Includes digital tools: Free app and guide to help plan your visit.
• Popular options: Skydeck Chicago, Shoreline Architecture River Cruise, The Field Museum, Navy Pier Ferris Wheel, Adler Planetarium, and more.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Chicago Explorer Pass in Detail

When considering a city pass like this, the first thing to understand is how it fits into your travel style. We love the freedom it offers—you can tailor your itinerary without worrying about individual ticket purchases. Just activate your pass at your first attraction, and from there, all your entries are prepaid.

How Does It Work?

Once you buy the pass, you’ve got up to a year to activate it. After the first visit, you’ll have 30 days to explore your chosen attractions. This flexibility is great because it means you don’t have to cram everything into a few days, especially if your trip is longer or you want to spread out your sightseeing.

The digital guide and Go City app are handy tools—think of them as your personal travel assistant. They provide reservation instructions for attractions that require them, along with opening hours, maps, and other helpful info. For busy spots like Skydeck Chicago or the 360 Chicago observation deck, advance reservations are necessary, so plan ahead to avoid missing out.

What’s Included?

You can select attractions like the Shoreline Architecture River Cruise, The Field Museum, the Skydeck Chicago, and the Navy Pier Ferris Wheel. The variety is impressive because it covers everything from cultural spots to iconic city views. The pass also includes options like a hop-on hop-off bus tour, which is perfect for those who want to get their bearings and see multiple neighborhoods with ease.

Since the pass is all about flexibility, your best bet is to plan ahead, especially for attractions with reservations. Many reviews mention that getting tickets on the spot was no problem, but popular sites often fill up, so the early reservation tip is worth noting.

What Do You Actually Experience?

At the Skydeck Chicago, you’ll get breathtaking views from atop the Willis Tower—an essential stop for most visitors. Several reviewers found the experience worth the price, highlighting the staff’s kindness and the stunning vistas. One traveler mentioned that staff was accommodating enough to let them in an hour earlier than scheduled, which is a nice perk.

The Shoreline Architecture River Cruise is another favorite—it’s a laid-back way to see Chicago’s famous skyline and learn about its architecture. Reviewers loved how informative and relaxing this tour was, with some mentioning it as a highlight of their trip.

The 360 Chicago observation deck offers a different perspective—peering out over the city from the Hancock Tower. Reviewers described the views as “fascinating” and appreciated the staff’s helpfulness in accommodating early entrance requests.

More Great Tours Nearby

Is It Worth the Price?

At $84 per person for 2 attractions, the pass offers solid value, especially if you pick high-demand sites like Skydeck or the river cruise. Many reviews confirm it’s a cost-effective way to see multiple top sites without paying full price at each one. For example, individual tickets to Skydeck or the river cruise can be more expensive when purchased separately.

On top of that, travelers have noted that getting tickets at the attraction can be quick and easy, saving time in line. The convenience of being able to skip long ticket lines and just show your pass is a real time-saver.

Considerations and Downsides

While the pass is very flexible, it’s not without a couple of caveats. Some popular attractions, like Skydeck Chicago and 360 Chicago, require reservations, so you’ll need to plan ahead. If you’re someone who prefers spontaneous visits, this might be a slight inconvenience.

Another point is that not every attraction is available every day, and changes can happen. Always check the most recent information on the Go City app or digital guide before your trip.

A few reviews mention that some attractions, like Navy Pier, only offer limited experiences or available spots, which means you might find your options slightly constrained if you plan a very tight schedule.

Who Is This Pass Best For?

This pass is ideal for independent travelers who love exploring at their own pace. If you enjoy customizing your sightseeing and want to save money on major attractions, this is a good fit. It’s also suited for families or groups who want to experience Chicago’s highlights without the hassle of buying individual tickets or waiting in lines.

Those planning a shorter visit—say 3 to 4 days—will find it especially valuable, as it condenses many of Chicago’s top experiences into one cost-effective package. If your trip involves visiting multiple museums, taking a river cruise, and enjoying skyline views, this pass simplifies the process.

However, if you’re the type of traveler who prefers guided tours or prefers to have every detail planned out in advance, you might want to supplement this pass with guided options or additional reservations.

Final Thoughts

The Chicago Explorer Pass from Go City offers a robust, flexible way to see many of the city’s main attractions without the stress of individual ticketing. The ability to select your favorite sights and explore at your leisure makes it appealing for a range of travelers—from first-timers eager to hit all the major spots to repeat visitors wanting to revisit favorites.

The savings and convenience are what make this pass stand out, especially with popular sites like Skydeck Chicago and the Shoreline River Cruise. The included app and digital guides help smooth out planning and reservation challenges, though some attractions do require pre-booking.

For $84, you’re getting access to top sights with the freedom to choose your own adventure, which is a pretty good deal considering the high prices of individual tickets. The reviews support that it’s easy to use, offers good value, and enhances the overall experience of visiting Chicago.

In summary, if you’re comfortable organizing your own schedule and want to maximize your sightseeing while saving money, this pass is worth considering. It’s best suited for those who value flexibility, want to avoid long lines, and enjoy a mix of cultural, architectural, and scenic experiences.

FAQ

Do I need to activate the pass at a specific time or place?
You activate your pass by visiting any included attraction or tour. After activation, you’ll have 30 days to use the remaining admissions.

Are there attractions that require reservations?
Yes, popular attractions like Skydeck Chicago and 360 Chicago do require advance reservations. Be sure to check the instructions in your digital guide.

Can I visit attractions multiple times with the pass?
No, each attraction is typically a single entry. Once you’ve used your visit, it counts toward your total allowed.

How long do I have to use the pass after purchase?
Your pass is valid for one year from the purchase date, but it only activates upon your first attraction visit.

What if I change my mind or want to cancel?
You can cancel your pass up to 24 hours before activation for a full refund.

Is the pass suitable for families or groups?
While not specifically targeted at children, the pass can be used by families, especially for attractions like the Children’s Museum or boat cruises, but always check individual attraction policies.

Can I use the pass on the hop-on hop-off bus?
Yes, the pass includes a 1-day hop-on hop-off bus tour, giving you a flexible way to see multiple neighborhoods.

Are all listed attractions available during the entire year?
Attractions are subject to change and may have seasonal or operational hours, so always confirm via the app or digital guide before your visit.

If you’re set on exploring Chicago on your own terms, the Explorer Pass offers a lot of value. Just plan ahead for reservations, pick your must-see spots, and enjoy discovering the Windy City without the usual stress of ticket lines and last-minute planning.

You can check availability for your dates here: