Chicago CityPASS®

Chicago CityPASS®: Your Ticket to the Best of the Windy City

Traveling to Chicago? Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned visitor, the Chicago CityPASS® provides a smart way to explore the city’s top sights without the hassle of buying individual tickets. For $142 per person, you receive discounted, skip-the-line access to five major attractions, with a generous 9-day window to use your passes. The highlights include the Shedd Aquarium, the Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower, and your choice among several world-class museums and experiences like the Art Institute or the Museum of Science and Industry.

What we love about this pass is how it balances value and flexibility. You get to enjoy some iconic Chicago views—like those from the Skydeck or the 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck—plus a chance to explore through engaging museums such as the Shedd Aquarium or the Field Museum. The ability to choose three additional attractions means you can tailor your trip to your interests, making it perfect for families, culture lovers, or architecture buffs.

A potential consideration is that reservations are sometimes needed, and availability can be limited during peak times, especially for popular attractions like the Skydeck. Also, the app and booking process might be a little confusing at first for some travelers, but many reviews mention that once set up, everything runs smoothly. This pass is best suited for visitors who want to maximize their time, cut down on lines, and get good value for their money.

If you like the idea of easy access to Chicago’s highlights, enjoy a flexible schedule, and want to avoid the hassle of multiple ticket purchases, then the CityPASS® is worth considering—especially if you plan to visit at least five of the included attractions.

Key Points

• Great value for travelers looking to see Chicago’s top sights without paying full price.
• Flexible nine-day window to experience the included attractions at your own pace.
• Mobile tickets streamline entry, with the convenience of digital access.
• Includes popular highlights like Shedd Aquarium and Skydeck Chicago, plus your choice of three other major attractions.
• Ideal for families and culture enthusiasts who want to customize their itinerary.
• Reservations may be required at busy attractions, so plan ahead.

Exploring the Chicago CityPASS® Itinerary in Detail

Shedd Aquarium: An Underwater World Near Downtown

Starting your adventure, the Shedd Aquarium offers all-access admission with access to all exhibits, seasonal Stingray Touch, Animal Spotlights, and a 4-D Experience (when available). Located on Lake Michigan, it’s a great first stop to get an introduction to aquatic life from Beluga whales to colorful tropical fish. We appreciated how the aquarium’s layout makes it easy to navigate, with interactive exhibits that are great for kids and adults alike.

Many reviewers highlight the Shedd Aquarium as one of the best in the country. Josephine mentions, “High in the sky! Skydeck was amazing experience! We still much more of Chi to discover.. definitely recommend the city pass,” which shows the appeal of combining popular sights. Expect around four hours here, which allows enough time to see the main exhibits without feeling rushed.

Skydeck Chicago: An Iconic Viewpoint

Next, the Skydeck at Willis Tower is a must-see for panoramic city views. The expedited entry feature means you’ll spend less time waiting in line—definitely a perk in busy times. The view from above is breathtaking, especially on a clear day, offering a unique perspective on Chicago’s skyscrapers and Lake Michigan.

According to reviews, the Skydeck is “amazing” and “definitely worth it.” Some travelers mention that it can be quite crowded, especially during peak hours, so early visits or off-peak times might provide a more relaxed experience. Allow about three hours for this stop, including the time to enjoy the observation deck.

Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture River Tour: A Unique Perspective

One of the most lauded features of this pass is the architecture river tour, which many find to be the highlight of their trip. Running for about five hours, this cruise offers a close-up view of Chicago’s iconic skyline, with commentary on its history and architecture. Many reviews mention how enjoyable and informative the tour is, making it a worthwhile experience for architecture buffs or first-time visitors.

Gail praises it as “a great way to see the top sites in a quick trip,” pointing out that it helped her cover major landmarks without wasting time in lines or public transportation. The boat glides past famous buildings like the Tribune Tower, Marina City, and the Wrigley Building, giving you a fresh perspective you can’t get from the street.

The Field Museum: A Treasure Trove of Natural History

The Field Museum is a favorite for those interested in biodiversity and specimens. With the all-access pass, you can explore exhibits ranging from ancient fossils to rare birds. This stop is a solid four-hour commitment, perfect for those who want a deep dive into natural history.

Sara D. appreciated the vast collection of specimens and the “awesome” experience of walking through its halls. The museum’s extensive collections make it suitable for families, school groups, or anyone curious about the natural world. Some reviews note that outside ticketed exhibitions may incur extra charges, so it’s good to check ahead if specific exhibits pique your interest.

360 CHICAGO Observation Deck: Another Stunning Skyline View

The 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck offers a fast pass entry, giving you quick access to impressive views from the John Hancock Center. It’s especially popular for its Tilt experience, where you lean out over the city for a thrilling perspective.

Reviewers describe it as “worth the visit” and praise the spectacular cityscape. Expect about three hours here, which includes time to enjoy the view and perhaps take some memorable photos. While some viewers mention limited availability during busy periods, the fast pass helps minimize wait times.

Museum of Science and Industry: Interactive and Fun

The Museum of Science and Industry provides a hands-on experience with exhibits like Science Storms, a mirror maze, and the Blue Paradox. It also includes a timed-entry experience like a film in the Giant Dome Theater or a motion ride.

Travelers like Beom S. found the museum “satisfying,” especially with the variety of exhibits catering to different interests. Kids and adults alike will find plenty to explore here. The three-hour limit allows a good overview without exhaustion, though some reviews suggest prioritizing the exhibits that interest you most.

The Art Institute of Chicago: A World-Class Art Collection

Art lovers will enjoy fast pass access to the Art Institute’s permanent collection and non-ticketed special exhibitions. The museum’s collection spans thousands of years and includes masterpieces from around the world.

Kelley H. called it “great value” and appreciated how easy it was to skip lines. It’s a perfect stop for those who want to experience Chicago’s artistic culture at a relaxed pace, with around three hours to enjoy its highlights.

Adler Planetarium: A Journey Through the Cosmos

Lastly, the Adler Planetarium offers museum entry plus two Sky Shows. The exhibits include space visualization labs, community design labs, and the Doane Observatory, providing an engaging look into the universe.

Travelers like Josephine_m appreciated the “high in the sky” experience, and many reviews mention how the Sky Shows enhance the visit, especially for space enthusiasts. Expect about four hours, including the shows and exhibits.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The CityPASS® includes admission to all the major attractions we’ve discussed, with some offering fast pass entry to save time. You also get discounts on shopping and entertainment, which adds extra value.

However, food and drinks are not included, so plan to bring snacks or dine outside the attractions. Also, transportation to and from each site is your responsibility, although most attractions are conveniently located near public transit.

Reservation Tips and Flexibility

Most attractions require reservations, especially during busy times. The mobile ticket simplifies this process—just show it at each site. The nine-day window gives you plenty of flexibility to spread your visits over a week or more.

A common theme in reviews is that initial setup might seem complicated, with some travelers reporting difficulty accessing passes through the app. But once sorted, most agree that the process becomes straightforward.

Who Will Love the Chicago CityPASS®?

This pass is ideal for families, first-time visitors, or anyone wanting to see the highlights without the stress of ticketing lines. It’s especially valuable if you’re planning to visit at least five of the included attractions—which most savvy travelers do. The flexible schedule helps those who prefer to customize their days, and the cost savings are clear, with many reviewers noting it’s “well worth the expense.”

It’s less suited for travelers who prioritize specific experiences that are not included or who prefer free exploration without a structured itinerary. Also, if you’re only visiting for a day or two, the nine-day window might offer more flexibility than you need.

The Sum Up

For anyone heading to Chicago, the CityPASS® offers a practical, cost-effective way to enjoy some of the city’s most iconic sights. It’s particularly useful if you value skip-the-line access, want to maximize your time, and appreciate personalized choices among top attractions. Many reviewers say it’s “great value,” with the ability to see big-name sights like the Skydeck and Shedd Aquarium without breaking the bank.

While there can be some logistical hurdles—like reservations or limited availability during peak times—the overall experience is highly positive. The flexibility of nine days, combined with the convenience of digital tickets, makes it a smart investment, especially if you plan to explore multiple museums and viewpoints.

This pass is perfect for families, culture enthusiasts, or architecture lovers eager to get a broad yet tailored experience of Chicago. We think it’s a great way to make your trip smoother, more affordable, and packed with memorable moments.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I use the CityPASS®?
You have up to nine days from the first use to enjoy all the attractions, giving you plenty of time to spread out your visits.

Is the ticket mobile or paper?
The CityPASS® is a mobile ticket, but you can also print it if you prefer. Show it at each attraction for entry.

Do I need reservations for each attraction?
Most attractions require reservations or timed entries, especially during busy periods. The pass helps streamline this process.

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

Are there any extra costs?
Extra charges may apply for special exhibitions outside of the included attractions or food and drinks. Transportation is not included.

Can I visit attractions on consecutive days?
Yes, the nine-day window allows you to visit attractions on separate days, giving flexibility in planning.

What if I encounter problems with my pass?
Customer support is available, though some reviews mention initial difficulty with the app. Once sorted, most users report smooth experiences.

Is this suitable for families?
Absolutely, the pass is family-friendly and covers many interactive and kid-appropriate attractions, like the Shedd Aquarium and Museum of Science and Industry.

Are there any notable drawbacks?
Availability for some attractions, particularly popular observation decks, can be limited during peak times. Planning ahead helps avoid disappointment.

In the end, the Chicago CityPASS® is a smart choice for those wanting a comprehensive, flexible, and budget-friendly way to explore the Windy City’s highlights. With good planning, you’ll find it a reliable companion for making the most of your Chicago adventure.