Chicago CityPASS vs. Pay-As-You-Go: The Ultimate Guide to Exploring the Windy City

What is the Chicago CityPASS?

When planning a trip to Chicago, deciding between a CityPASS and paying for attractions individually can significantly impact your budget and experience.  We had used New York CityPASS earlier this year and were so impressed at the value that we had high hope to for the Chicago CityPASS.

The Chicago CityPASS offers access to five premier attractions, including the Shedd Aquarium and Skydeck Chicago, along with three choices from the following:

1. Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture River Tour– (Weather dependent November-March)
2. Field Museum
3. 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck
4. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
5. Art Institute of Chicago
6. Adler Planetarium

Cost of the Chicago CityPASS

The Chicago CityPASS costs €138.49 for adults and kids 12 yearsand older and €108.60 for kids 11 and under.

Some things to note:

• A savings of up to 48% compared to individual tickets is possible
• The pass is valid for nine consecutive days, allowing flexibility and the option to skip lines at many locations, which can be a time-saver during peak periods.
• Once you purchase your Chicago CityPASS, you simply download the app and from there your tickets are all stored. From the App you can reserve your timeslot in advance and even amend/ cancel as your plans unfold. We really did find the App a huge plus to store tickets, and keep your reservations in one place.
• The Chicago CityPASS included expediated entry to the 360 Chicago Observation Deck and the Skydeck also included expediated entry to the deck itself which was a huge benefit in our view as queues for both in peak times can be very long.
• You can visit each attraction once and there is no limit to how many attractions you visit in one day.

What did we think of Chicago CityPASS?

The important part! So what did we think, how did we find using  Chicago CityPASS, did we save money and would we recommend? I do have full blog posts in progress on our itinerary however below, I will run through how we used our Chicago CityPASS and what we really thought, including some useful tips from our experience. I will be comparing the cost like for like so booking the same time as we did with the pass and showing the cost.

Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture River Tour

Nearly everybody we met who had been to Chicago told us to make sure we go on a sightseeing cruise. Seeing the Chicago skyline from the unique vantage point of the water was high on our list and as it happens was the first attraction we did when we landed in Chicago. The weather was on our side and we thoroughly enjoyed the short cruise and the informative commentary regarding the Chicago skyline.  With clear by skies we cruised by the Trump Hotel,  Tribune Tower,  Wrigley building, Navy Pier and many more. You can’t not but be wowed by the skyline of the birthplace of the skyscraper as you pass by (under!) over 40 historic notable buildings on the 60 minute cruise.

Top Tips:

• The cruise departs from 2 locations – Michigan Ave or Navy Pier – do note your departure to make sure you arrive to the correct location
• From November to March this tour is weather dependant/
• Wrap up warm can get cold on the weather even in the summer months
• You can by-pass the ticket booth with the pass and head straight to the boarding queue.

Cost: Family total cost including fees and charges – $175.58 (approx €165.75)

Skydeck Chicago (Willis Tower)

Skydeck Chicago, located on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), is one of the city’s most iconic attractions. At 1,353 feet high, it provides unparalleled 360-degree views of Chicago and beyond, stretching up to four states on clear days. The main highlight is The Ledge, a series of glass boxes that extend four feet out from the building. Standing on the clear floor, visitors can look directly down to the streets far below, providing a thrilling and slightly nerve-wracking experience.

It’s a popular spot for breathtaking photos and once-in-a-lifetime memories. The Chicago CityPASS offers expediated entry to the main building and an added surprise it also includes expediated entry to the Ledge experience. The regular queue was really long so this was a very welcome added bonus.

Top Tips:

• Locals still refer to this as the Sears Tower, you might even find they correct you when you call it the Willis Tower!
• Its really well run in terms of queuing and the expediated entry is a massive plus
• Do download your tickets to your phones wallet or screen shot. The mobile coverage wasn’t great up there and it took a while to get the tickets loaded for the Ledge to show our CityPASS
• You only get 90 seconds on the Ledge so do make the most of it! One you conquer your fear of heights!!
• Keep an eye on the weather and via the CityPASS app you can reschedule if the visibility is poor or weather very bad
• The Color Factory is located in the same building as you exit and its a lovely experience. Not included with the CityPASS

Cost: Family total cost including fees and charges – $229 (approx €216)

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

Its impossible to convey what an amazing, eclectic place the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (“MSI”)  is, we planned to stay 2-3 hours, we stayed over 5 and could easily have spent more time. It is just incredible in every way. Located in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago, the MSI is one of the largest science museums in the world. It occupies the former Palace of Fine Arts from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition and boasts a vast collection of interactive exhibits, historical artifacts, and immersive experiences.  Its located a little bit out of the main downtown area, we jumped in an Uber but I do understand you can get public transport easily enough to it.  Aside from 3 levels of displays there are some permanent special exhibits:

• • U-505 Submarine: A real German U-boat from World War II, with an incredible exhibit detailing its history.
  • Science Storms: A mesmerizing exhibit showcasing natural phenomena like tornadoes, lightning, and waves.
  • Coal Mine: A recreated coal mine offering an immersive journey underground to learn about mining. (We did this one)

There are often temporary exhibits like the current 007 one.  There is also a mega cool Omnimax Theater which is a massive dome screen showcasing science documentaries in stunning detail.

Top tips:

• CityPASS ticket includes an additional paid for item you can chose the motion simulator or the giant done. Don’t forget to add on when reserving your tickets.
• Reservations are required
• Some of the special exhibits cost extra and all have timed booking slots
• Allow plenty time, you will be mesmerised by the sheer scale
• Food on site is expensive but there is a huge selection
• It can get very busy on weekends
• A few people have commented that some of the older interactive exhibits are dated but this definitely does not detract from the experience in any way.
• Don’t miss the interactive simulators on the 3rd floor my pair really loved them, pay extra but well worth it in their view.

Cost: Family total cost including fees and charges – $123.80 (approx €118.52)

 

Shedd Aquarium 

Situated on Chicago’s stunning Museum Campus along Lake Michigan, the Shedd Aquarium is a premier destination for marine life exploration. Opened in 1930, it blends historic architecture with modern exhibits, housing over 32,000 animals from aquatic habitats worldwide. Its hard not to be wowed by the sea life on display and cool interactive 4d displays. Some add on’s are available however your Chicago CityPASS includes all this.  Some highlights include:

• Caribbean Reef: A central tank with a 360-degree view featuring vibrant coral reefs and marine life, including rays, sharks, and a green sea turtle named Nickel.
• Amazon Rising: A fascinating exhibit showcasing the biodiversity of the Amazon River basin, complete with piranhas, anacondas, and tropical fish.
• Wild Reef: A deep dive into coral reef ecosystems, featuring an impressive collection of sharks and other reef-dwelling creatures.
• Polar Play Zone: A family-friendly area with hands-on activities and a chance to see penguins up close.

Like MSI above plan to spend a good bit of time here, kids will really love it.

Top tips:

• Reservations are required again this is no problem at all via the CityPASS app
• It can get busy as its a very popular attraction with locals too
• Pair your visit with the Field Museum or Adler Planetarium for a full day on Museum Campus.
• We got a Uber but I heard people saying parking can be an issue in that area but public transport is good to the Museum campus.

Cost: Family total cost including fees and charges – $191.60 (approx €183.91)

 360 Chicago observation Deck

Located on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Centre, 360 CHICAGO offers breath-taking panoramic views of the Chicago skyline, Lake Michigan, and even neighbouring states on clear days. It’s a must-visit for those wanting to see the city from a stunning vantage point. Its a really chilled experience and the views are incredible.

There is a bar – Cloud Bar there too serving cocktails which you can enjoy while gazing over the Chicago Skyline. If you do fancy an adrenaline rush you can opt for the Tilt experience, its is paid extra with your CityPASS you do get a small discount.  You are tilted outwards 30 degrees out over the building above the road underneath. I originally didn’t think I would be brave enough but really surprised myself and conquered my fear and took park and im very glad I did it.

Top tips:

• Chicago CityPASS includes expediated entry which was great as we were there as the sun was setting which is a busy time usually.
  

  Pic Credit: Mamma F Blog

• The Tilt is extra but do show you CityPASS for a discount
• Tilt pictures are extra and you can’t take your own
• The queue for Tilt can be long but it moves quickty
• Stop for a drink at the bar to enjoy the views over Chicago
• We did Skydeck during the day and 360 at sunset which allowed us to see the city from day and night perspectives which we really enjoyed

Cost: Family total cost including fees and charges – $208 (approx €199.65)

Overall cost savings with Chicago CityPASS

• Total cost direct – €883.82
• Chicago CityPASS cost – €524.07
• CityPASS Savings – €359.76

If you are short on time in Chicago, CityPASS do offer a unique offer for Chicago known as their C3 card which gives you a saving of up to 29% on 3 attractions. Worth considering if you are short on time or perhaps on a return visit. This is certainly something we will consider when we do return which I am certain we will.

Conclusion – would we recommend?

The figures speak for themselves – we saved 41% on buying direct, is a no brainer, it represents really good value and its not just about the money.  Some of the huge benefits for us are the CityPASS app and the convenience  of having all the tickets saved in one central location which I then added to my Apple wallet. On the app you can also reschedule your time if it doesn’t suit on the day.

My 9 year old said to me when we by-passed the huge line at the 360 Observation deck due to the passes expediated entry that he felt like a VIP and I think that sums it up nicely. You get to see the best that Chicago has to offer like a VIP without blowing the holiday budget!

We have lots more over on our Instagram from our trip – saved in the highlights

Note: Thanks to CityPASS for the family pass. We were not asked nor expected to write this review. All views are mine and the kids where appropriate.