Chicago!
Chicago may have the moniker “Second City,” but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
It is one of the best cities in the world thanks to its beautiful architecture, world-class museums, and delectable cuisine.
They provide everything with a welcoming Midwestern attitude.
And it also offers so many activities that it is difficult to do them all in one trip.
Although you may be more familiar with the sites of New York City, Chicago’s sightseeing is of the highest calibre.
You must plan your finances in advance for this trip, just as you would for any other excursion to a major city.
There are undoubtedly a lot of free activities in Chicago.
But if it’s your first time there, you should definitely check out the key sights in the Windy City.
But to do so, you need a lot of money!
And it goes without saying that travel costs can add up.
So, how can you visit all of Chicago’s major attractions without breaking the bank?
Confused?
Worry not! We have something for everyone!
The Chicago CityPASS!
It is an excellent choice to save money as well as time.
This attraction pass can help you save hundreds of dollars if you use it wisely.
Now you’ll ask how to use it wisely!
Don’t worry! Let’s see what else it has to offer and how you can use it wisely!
What is the Chicago CityPASS?
The Chicago CityPASS is a popular tourist pass that allows you to save money on Chicago sightseeing.
It bundles entrance prices for some of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.
By bundling fees and including admission to these sights in the price of the pass, you save markedly over paying at the door.
It can save you up to 48% on admission to the included attractions in this case.
That’s a sizable sum of money, especially if you’re going on a trip in a group.
It covers admission to a set number of attractions.
With this pass, you’ll have “free” access to five of Chicago’s top seven attractions.
Simply select your top five, and you are free to visit the attractions in any order you desire.
The tickets are valid for nine consecutive days, beginning with the first day you use the pass.
The Chicago CityPASS is available electronically on your phone or in paper form.
You can choose whatever suits you better.
In most cases, you can just show the ticket as you walk in.
Regardless, the cost of your package includes admission to these sites.
Now that we have seen how it works, let’s see what attractions it covers!
What attractions does it cover?
The Chicago CityPASS includes admission to five of the city’s top seven attractions.
The first three attractions are already included, and you can select two of the remaining five options.
The following attractions are already included:
Furthermore, you can select two of the following:
Some tourist attractions in Chicago can be sold out or have a line for the next entry time.
There is no doubt that each attraction is worthwhile.
But as you can see, touring in Chicago can get quite pricey, particularly if you’re going with family.
This is when a Chicago CityPASS can be useful.
Let’s see how it helps you save money!
How much does the Chicago CityPASS cost?
Now that we know what is covered, let’s look at the Chicago CityPASS’s price.
| Visitors’ Age | Chicago CityPASS Price | Regular Price of Attractions | Savings with a Pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult (Ages 12+) | $119 | $219 | $100 (46%) |
| Child (Ages 3-11) | $97 | $187 | $90 (48%) |
Adults can save up to 48% on admission by purchasing a five-attraction Chicago CityPASS!
That’s a significant savings, and it certainly makes this pass worthwhile to consider.
If you only visit three attractions, this pass will more than pay for itself.
To be honest, it’s difficult to find a sightseeing pass that offers that much value in any city.
If you’re going to these attractions anyway, the Chicago CityPASS is practically a no-brainer.
Now that we’ve seen how we can save money, let’s see what these attractions are all about.
Chicago CityPASS Attractions Guide
As previously stated, the Chicago CityPASS includes “free” admission to some of the city’s best attractions.
The pass already includes three attractions, and you can choose two of the remaining five.
But what exactly are these attractions?
Here is a quick overview of each location.
Shedd Aquarium
The Shedd Aquarium is a must-see if you enjoy marine life.
This is one of Chicago’s most popular attractions, with over 32,000 sea creatures from all over the world.
As you explore the exhibits, get up close and personal with whales, sharks, penguins, and other animals.
Be sure to see the dolphin show while you’re there because it’s also a pleasure.
Field Museum
The Field Museum in Chicago is another must-see attraction in the Windy City.
This amazing museum showcases Egyptian mummies, a striking display of more than 10,000 years of Chinese history.
The biggest T. Rex skeleton in the world is among the stunning exhibits at this amazing museum.
Your Chicago CityPASS also grants you access to one of the museum’s 3D movie exhibitions.
The touring exhibits may have an additional fee, but there is plenty to see without it.
Skydeck Chicago
View the city in its entirety in 360 degrees and up to 4 states at once.
You can see it all when you soar to the top of the renowned Willis Tower.
This spectacular skyscraper, formerly known as the Sears Tower, is the second-tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.
Aside from the view, this attraction features interactive exhibits and a short film about the tower’s history.
You can even walk out onto The Ledge, which is a 103-story-high glass floor balcony.
This experience is seriously, incredibly awesome.
Art Institute of Chicago
Spend some time leisurely exploring the museum.
Observe works by Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet, Matisse, Cezanne, Rembrandt, and others up close and personal.
Their extensive collection also includes two well-known works:
American Gothic and the important pointillist masterpiece Sunday Afternoon on La Grande Jatte.
Adler Planetarium
America’s first planetarium, located on the shores of Lake Michigan, has over 60,000 square feet of exhibit space and two dome theaters.
There are numerous learning opportunities and hands-on activities for both adults and children.
One of the few existing urban research observatories, the Doane Observatory, is also housed in the building, along with its telescope.
360 CHICAGO Observation Deck
360 The CHICAGO Observation Deck provides a unique perspective of Chicago’s impressive skyline.
It’s on the roof of the John Hancock Center.
This attraction features interactive exhibits that teach visitors about Chicago’s turbulent history.
From over 1,000 feet in the air, you get an incredible view of Chicago’s beaches while being near the lake.
Museum of Science and Industry
This is the largest science museum in the country, covering 14 acres.
A captured German U-boat from WWII, a replica coal mine, and the Apollo 8 spacecraft are among the exhibits here.
(Yes, that’s the one that took the first astronauts to the moon!)
Many people consider this to be their favourite Chicago attraction, and it’s easy to see why.
What other benefits do I get?
You save money!
As previously stated, the Chicago CityPASS can save you up to 48% off regular admission prices.
If you only visit three attractions, the pass will more than pay for itself.
That’s an incredible deal!
Skip the Line Access
With a Chicago CityPASS ticket, you can get “fast track entrance” to a number of attractions.
This can help you avoid spending valuable time in line during rush hours.
Convenience
It’s extremely convenient to have all of your tickets on your phone.
It can also help you save time.
Valid for 9 Days
From the first day of use, the Chicago CityPASS is valid for nine days.
This gives you plenty of time to visit each location without feeling rushed.
Who is this Pass good for?
First-time Visitors to Chicago
If this is your first visit to Chicago, a sightseeing pass is an excellent choice.
The pass includes the city’s most important attractions and saves you a lot of money.
Families and Small Groups
This pass is ideal for saving money in Chicago for families and small groups.
With the Chicago CityPASS, you can save hundreds of dollars, or close to half off the standard adult entrance rates.
Seriously, this thing is difficult to beat.
Anyone Visiting three or More Attractions
By visiting just three of these locations, the pass more than pays for itself.
And since you get to pick five of them, the pass really becomes a no-brainer.
Travelers Wanting to Take Their Time
You get nine days after your initial usage to use your pass, so you have plenty of time to take in each site.
You can, of course, visit more than one attraction per day, but you don’t have to.
How to use your pass
The Chicago CityPASS is very simple to use.
However, there are a few quirks that could reduce its value if you are not careful.
Here are some pointers to help you get the most out of your pass.
Visit all five attractions
Even though the Chicago CityPASS more than pays for itself after three visits, make sure to use all five visits to get the most out of the pass.
Don’t rip out your tickets
This is critical: If you have a physical ticket booklet, do not rip your tickets out of it!
Tickets removed from the booklet may be deemed invalid, so don’t take a chance.
Pay attention to expiration dates
It is critical that you redeem your pass before it expires.
Your pass is valid for 365 days from the date of purchase.
Remember that after your first use, you have nine days to visit the included attractions.
Where can I buy the Chicago CityPASS?
Getting your pass is a piece of cake.
Simply click on the link to purchase your Chicago CityPASS online right now!
Your pass will be sent to your email address immediately after purchase.
You can then use the pass on your phone or print your tickets if you prefer a paper copy.
Final Thoughts
Is the Chicago CityPASS Worth It? Absolutely!
If you want to go sightseeing in Chicago, the answer is (almost always) a resounding YES!
Although the Chicago CityPASS is small, it packs a punch.
It includes all of Chicago’s “must-see” attractions and could save you over a hundred dollars per adult.
Frankly, almost 48% off the list price is practically unheard of.
If you’re planning a trip to Chicago, the Chicago CityPASS is a must-have.
We think it’s a great deal, and we believe you will as well.
But it’s likely that these passes will sell out soon due to their popularity.
So, don’t wait and purchase your Chicago CityPASS now.
Featured Image: getyourguide.com