Chicago Attractions Pass: Save up to 50% – Includes 360 CHICAGO

Planning a trip to Chicago? The Chicago Attractions Pass offers a convenient way to explore the Windy City, granting access to over 30 top sights with a single ticket. Priced at $139 per person, this pass is flexible—available for 1, 2, 3, or 5 days—and designed to help you create your own itinerary. From towering skyscraper views to fascinating museums and scenic boat tours, it covers many essentials in Chicago.

What we love about this pass is the ability to hop between attractions at our own pace and the significant savings compared to buying individual tickets. Plus, the digital guide and app make navigating the city quite straightforward—especially for first-time visitors. However, a key consideration is that reservations are often required for popular sights like the Skydeck and 360 Chicago, which can complicate planning if you’re not aware beforehand. This pass is perfect for travelers who love to customize their experience and don’t mind a bit of advance planning.

If you’re someone who enjoys a wide variety of attractions—from museums and architecture tours to boat rides and kid-friendly activities—this pass could be a great value. But if you prefer a more relaxed, unstructured visit or are visiting during off-peak seasons when some attractions might be seasonal, you’ll want to double-check attraction hours and reservation requirements in advance.

Key Points

• Flexibility: Choose 1 to 5 days to visit as many attractions as you wish.
• Cost Savings: Up to 50% off compared to buying individual tickets.
• Digital Convenience: Use the Go City app for entry, attraction info, and reservations.
• Reservation Requirements: Many popular sights require advance booking.
• Wide Range of Attractions: Museums, skyline views, boat tours, kid-friendly activities, and more.
• Potential Challenges: Some reviews mention difficulty with reservations, attraction hours, and ticket collection.

In-Depth Look at the Itinerary and Experience

The Chicago Attractions Pass packs a lot into a few days, offering a mixture of iconic skyline views, world-class museums, and scenic boat cruises. Let’s explore some highlights and potential pitfalls based on actual traveler experiences.

Skydeck Chicago – Willis Tower

Starting with Skydeck Chicago in the Willis Tower, you ascend 1,353 feet to the 103rd floor for breathtaking views of the city and Lake Michigan. This is an absolute must-see, especially for first-timers eager to see Chicago’s famous skyline. The view is spectacular, and standing on the glass ledge gives you a thrill. However, reservations are required for this attraction, and some reviews point out that the reservation window can be limited (like early morning). Travelers have noted that if you don’t plan ahead, you might find it difficult to get a convenient time slot.

360 Chicago Observation Deck

Next, in the 875 N. Michigan building, the 360 Chicago observation deck takes you up to the 94th floor via the fastest elevator in the city, arriving in under a minute. Here, you’ll find a celebration of Chicago’s history on the ground floor and stunning views that stretch for miles. Like Skydeck, reservations are necessary, and some visitors have reported that they arrived at 1 PM only to find the deck fully booked. Still, many praise the adrenaline rush from the tall glass “Tilt” feature and the museum exhibits, making this a favorite for those craving high-altitude thrill.

Museums and Cultural Stops

The Museum of Science and Industry is a full-day highlight, especially for families or science buffs. It’s housed in a building from the 1893 Columbian Exposition, adding historical charm to its engaging exhibits. Visitors raving about this museum often mention the hands-on activities and how the size—14 acres—means it’s easy to spend hours wandering through. The Field Museum adds a global perspective, with SUE the T-Rex, Egyptian mummies, and Chinese artifacts. Reviewers find it well worth the visit, with some noting it’s a perfect blend of education and entertainment.

Meanwhile, the Adler Planetarium offers an immersive journey through space—though currently unavailable due to Covid-19 restrictions, it’s still worth noting for future plans. The Chicago Children’s Museum on Navy Pier is another hit, especially for families, with interactive exhibits and art classes for kids of all ages.

Scenic and Relaxed Experiences

The Chicago Riverwalk and City Cruises provide leisurely alternatives to museums, offering marvelous views of the city’s architecture and skyline. The boat tour, guided by an expert, highlights architectural marvels from the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, and many reviewers enjoy the combination of scenic beauty and informative commentary.

Navy Pier itself is a lively hub, with rides, restaurants, and the Centennial Wheel. Rides like the carousel and climbing wall are included in the pass, which is ideal if you’re traveling with kids or just want some lakeside fun.

Unique Architectural and Cultural Stops

The Frederick C. Robie House offers a peek into Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie Style, essential for architecture enthusiasts. The Home and Studio tour adds context about Wright’s innovative designs. Similarly, the Chicago Theatre tour and Chicago History Museum provide deeper insights into the city’s vibrant past and cultural scene—though some, like the Theatre, are temporarily unavailable.

Family-Friendly and Fun Activities

The LEGOLAND Discovery Center and the Museum of Illusions are designed to keep the younger crowd entertained, with interactive models and mind-bending exhibits. Meanwhile, 10pin Bowling Lounge offers a lively setting for a friendly game, plus a pizza lunch included in the pass.

Considerations and Challenges

A common theme in traveler reviews is reservation difficulty. Several mention that attractions like the Shedd Aquarium, Skydeck, and others require advance booking, which is not always clear at first glance. For example, one traveler was turned away at Shedd because they hadn’t made a reservation. Others found the ticket collection process cumbersome, often requiring trips to Macy’s or other locations well before their planned visits.

Timing can also be tricky. Some attractions, such as the Skydeck and 360 Chicago, restrict access during certain days or hours, and seasonality impacts availability. As one review pointed out, November isn’t ideal for some Chicago attractions, which may close or have reduced hours, limiting the value of the pass.

Transportation is another aspect to consider. The hop-on-hop-off bus and boat tours are great for sightseeing, but bus frequency and waiting times can vary. Several reviews complain about long waits and infrequent service, which can eat into your sightseeing time.

Who Will Love This Pass?

This all-in-one pass is best suited for travelers who want a rundown of Chicago and are willing to do some planning ahead. Families, first-time visitors, or those with a tight schedule will enjoy the cost savings and convenience. If you’re someone who doesn’t mind making reservations early and appreciates flexibility within a structured itinerary, then this pass can be a money-saving, time-efficient solution.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed, spontaneous approach or are visiting during a season with limited hours, you might find the reservation requirements and seasonal closures frustrating. Some travelers have experienced difficulty with ticket collection and timing issues, so patience and planning are key.

Final Thoughts

The Chicago Attractions Pass offers a robust selection of sights and experiences for a good value, especially if you want to maximize your time and budget. It’s a smart choice for those who love variety and are comfortable with a bit of advance planning. The ability to customize your day, visit prominent landmarks like the Willis Tower and Navy Pier, and explore Chicago’s museums makes it an appealing option.

On the flip side, this pass is less ideal if your trip is during off-peak seasons or if you prefer a very leisurely pace without the hassle of reservations. The mixed reviews about ticketing and operational hours should remind travelers to double-check attraction schedules and plan ahead to avoid disappointment.

In the end, if you’re eager to see Chicago’s skyline, enjoy world-class culture, and explore its lakeside charm on a budget, this pass delivers value and variety. Just remember: a little preparation will help you make the most of your Chicago adventure.

FAQs

Do I need to make reservations for all attractions?
Many popular sights like Skydeck and 360 Chicago do require reservations, which means planning ahead is essential. Check the digital guide or app for each attraction’s booking process.

How do I access the pass?
Your pass is available immediately after purchase via the Go City app. You show the digital ticket at the gate or ticket office for entry, making it straightforward.

Are transportation and food included?
No, the pass covers admission to attractions only. Transportation between sites and food & drinks are not included unless specified.

Can I visit attractions on any day within my pass validity?
Yes, within your chosen number of days (1, 2, 3, or 5), you can visit attractions at your own pace. However, some attractions have specific hours or seasonal closures.

What are some of the most highly rated stops?
Traveler favorites include Skydeck Chicago, Museum of Science and Industry, and Navy Pier. Guides and views at these stops tend to receive especially positive feedback.

What if an attraction is temporarily unavailable?
Some sites, like the Adler Planetarium or Chicago Theatre, are currently closed or unavailable. It’s wise to verify opening hours before your trip.

Is the pass suitable for families?
Absolutely. Kids love Navy Pier rides, LEGOLAND, and the Museum of Illusions, making this a family-friendly option.

What should I watch out for?
Reservations, seasonal hours, and ticket collection logistics can be tricky. Stay flexible, plan ahead, and read all instructions carefully to avoid surprises.

To sum it up, the Chicago Attractions Pass is a practical, money-saving way to experience many of the city’s highlights. For those who enjoy a flexible itinerary, don’t mind a bit of planning, and want to see a lot in a short time, this pass offers excellent value. Just keep in mind the reservation requirements and potential seasonal limitations—preparation is key for a smooth adventure. Whether you’re bounding from skyscraper vistas to world-class museums or cruising the river, this pass can be your ticket to a memorable Chicago trip.