Chicago CityPASS®

If you’re planning a trip to Chicago and want to see the city’s highlights without breaking the bank, the Chicago CityPASS® might be worth considering. We haven’t personally taken the tour, but based on reviews and the detailed itinerary, it offers a streamlined way to visit some of Chicago’s best sights with convenience and savings in mind.

What we appreciate about this pass is how flexible it is—you’re given up to nine days to use it, and it covers some truly iconic attractions like Shedd Aquarium and Skydeck Chicago. Plus, the ability to choose three attractions from a list including the Field Museum, Art Institute, or Museum of Science and Industry makes it adaptable to different interests.

A potential drawback is that some travelers have found booking certain slots challenging, especially during busy times or holidays, with limited availability at spots like Skydeck Chicago. Plus, the app experience has received mixed reviews, so be prepared for a little tech hiccup here and there.

This kind of pass is best suited for visitors who want to maximize their sightseeing without spending hours in lines or paying full price at each site. If you’re someone who likes having a clear plan but prefers flexibility, the CityPASS® can be a real time-saver and money-saver.

Key Points

• Flexible Usage Period: You have up to 9 days to enjoy all the attractions, giving you plenty of time to see Chicago at your own pace.
• Cost Savings: It’s a budget-friendly way to access multiple top-tier sights, with reviews confirming it’s “well worth the expense.”
• Convenience: The mobile ticket system streamlines entry, and some attractions offer expedited or fast-pass entry.
• Variety of Attractions: Options include museums, observation decks, aquariums, and river tours—something for every interest.
• Pre-Planning Needed: Some attractions can sell out or have limited time slots, so early reservations are recommended.
• Good for First-Time Visitors: It covers the city’s biggest draws, perfect for those new to Chicago or short on time.

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary and Experience

Shedd Aquarium: Up Close with Marine Life

Starting with the Shedd Aquarium, you’ll find that this attraction offers all-access admission, including exhibits, animal spotlights, seasonal stingray touch tanks, and even a 4-D Experience (subject to availability). Visitors generally spend around four hours here, and reviews frequently mention how impressive the aquarium is—especially the Beluga whales, which many travelers find memorable. One reviewer called it “one of the best in the country,” emphasizing its close-up encounters and vast collection.

The aquarium’s layout makes for an engaging visit, especially if you’re traveling with kids or just love marine creatures. The all-access pass means you don’t have to worry about missing out on any exhibits, making it an easy, comprehensive experience.

Skydeck Chicago: The City’s Iconic Viewpoint

Next up is the Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower—an absolute must for many visitors. The expedited entry feature helps save time, which is especially helpful during busy periods. The view from the Skydeck offers a bird’s-eye perspective of the city and lake, and you’ll love the famous glass boxes that extend out from the building, giving that “walking on air” feeling.

A reviewer shared, “Skydeck was an amazing experience,” and many appreciate that they could skip long lines, thanks to the fast pass. However, some mention that during peak times, availability for tickets can be limited, so booking in advance is wise.

Shoreline Sightseeing: The Architectural River Tour

One of the most loved experiences on the pass is the Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture River Tour. Traveling along the Chicago River, you get a front-row seat to the city’s stunning architecture. This tour lasts around five hours, and reviews highlight it as a fantastic way to see the city’s skyline and learn about its buildings.

Travelers have said, “We kept on track with this tour and saw the top sites,” and the boat’s vantage point offers views you simply can’t get from land. The fact that it’s included for free with the pass makes it a great value.

The Museums: Field Museum, Art Institute, and Science & Industry

Your choice of three museums from a list that includes the Field Museum, Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Science and Industry, 360 CHICAGO, and Adler Planetarium allows for tailored experiences.

• At the Field Museum, you’ll find an extensive collection of specimens and artifacts. Reviewers praise it for the breadth of exhibits, stating it’s “awesome with hundreds of birds and other specimens.”
• The Art Institute is perfect for art lovers, offering a fast pass entrance to their renowned collections and special exhibitions.
• The Museum of Science and Industry is geared more toward families but offers engaging displays like Science Storms and a Blue Paradox exhibit that adults can enjoy too.

360 CHICAGO & Adler Planetarium: Observation & Space

The 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck provides stunning panoramic views of the city and lake, with a fast-pass entry that minimizes wait times. Similarly, the Adler Planetarium offers immersive shows and exhibits, including two sky shows, providing a different perspective of the universe.

One user review noted, “The views from the observation decks are worth every penny,” reinforcing how these spots add memorable photo ops to your trip.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of Your CityPASS®

• Book early for high-demand attractions like Skydeck and 360 Chicago, especially during weekends or holidays.
• Download the app early and familiarize yourself with the reservation process—it can be a bit confusing initially, but many find it manageable after some setup.
• Plan your route to maximize your day; the attractions are spread out, and some, like the river tour, take a good chunk of time.
• Be prepared for some attractions to sell out, particularly during busy seasons, so flexibility is key.
• Bring your mobile ticket or printed version for smooth entry, as most attractions require it.

What Do Travelers Say?

The reviews are mostly positive, with an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 from nearly 500 reviews. Many comment on the value for money, with a recurring theme that the pass saved time and reduced costs significantly.

One reviewer said, “Great way to see a city in a quick trip,” while another highlighted the easy reservation system but also flagged the app as needing improvement. A few expressed frustrations about availability issues at popular spots, but these seem to be manageable with planning.

The Sum Up: Is the Chicago CityPASS® Right for You?

The Chicago CityPASS® offers a practical, money-saving way to explore the city’s top attractions without spending hours waiting in lines. It’s particularly suited for first-time visitors wanting to hit all the highlights, or travelers on a tight schedule who prefer to plan ahead. The nine-day window provides flexibility, so you don’t have to rush, but some attractions may require early reservations.

The included attractions, such as the Shedd Aquarium and Skydeck, are standout experiences that many reviews rave about. The ability to tailor the museum visits to your interests makes it versatile for different tastes.

However, be aware that during peak times, some spots can sell out or have limited availability, so advanced booking is recommended. Also, the app experience may have some quirks, but the core benefits—cost savings, convenience, and access—are clear.

Overall, if you’re aiming for an efficient, affordable way to see Chicago’s best and don’t mind some pre-planning, the CityPASS® could be a smart choice.

FAQ

Is this pass valid for multiple days?
Yes, the pass is valid for 9 consecutive days starting from the first day of use.

Can I use the pass to visit multiple attractions in one day?
Yes, you can visit multiple attractions within the 9-day window, but some spots may require reservations, so planning ahead helps.

How do I access my tickets?
Your tickets are provided via a mobile ticket, which you can download or print. Present it at each attraction for entry.

Are reservations required for attractions?
Some attractions may require reservations; check the specific site details. The pass makes booking easier, but availability can vary.

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

Is the pass family-friendly?
While not explicitly aimed at families, many attractions like the aquarium and river tour are suitable for children.

Can I buy the pass on the day I arrive?
Yes, the pass is available for purchase online, and most travelers book about two weeks in advance, though last-minute options might be available.

What if I encounter issues with the app?
Some users have experienced app difficulties; if that happens, contacting CityPASS customer support or visiting the attraction directly can help resolve the issue.

Whether you’re on your first visit or just want to see the highlights efficiently, the Chicago CityPASS® offers a practical way to experience the city’s top sights without the hassle—just plan ahead, and enjoy your trip!