Chicago CityPASS: Experience, comparison & prices

Can you really save money with the Chicago City Pass? Chicago is a popular destination for city breaks in the USA. But if you really do see all the sights, sightseeing in Chicago can quickly become expensive. The Chicago City Pass is often advertised as a good way to save money. But is it really worth it? In this article, I compare for you which sights in Chicago you can save money on.

Buy your Chicago City Pass here*

More about Chicago:
➜ Top 20 sights in Chicago (+map!)
➜ Food Guide Chicago
➜ Architecture in Chicago
➜ Helpful information for Chicago

#1 Skydeck Chicago on the Willis Tower

Incidentally, the Willis Tower used to be called the Sears Tower, after the company that had the building constructed, and was even the tallest skyscraper in the world when it was inaugurated in 1974. It is now “only” the second tallest building in the USA after the One World Trade Center in New York, but hey, I can tell you that’s high enough!

On a good day you can see four states at the same time and Chicago, with its 2 million inhabitants, looks absolutely tiny.

Incidentally, there are four glass balconies, the ledges, on the Skydeck Chicago – made entirely of glass: walls, ceiling, floor! The area is approx. 2×3 meters in size. So if you take a step forward, you are standing completely on glass. Under one: over 90 floors! Incidentally, I thought I wouldn’t dare – but the idea of standing hundreds of meters above the road on nothing but a glass floor is so bizarre and incredible that my reservations immediately evaporated.

The glass balconies alone are worth a visit!

Regular price for the Day/Night package 48$

Get free access to Skydeck Chicago*

Advantage with the Chicago CityPass: The CityPass entitles you to not just one, but TWO admissions to the Skydeck on the same day. In addition to the regular admission during the day, you also get an admission for the evening from 18 on top, so that you can also see Chicago at night! Especially recommended for photography.

#2 Art Institute Chicago / Adler Planetarium

With the Chicago City Pass you have to decide: Art or science? The Chicago City Pass entitles you to admission to the Art Institute Chicago or the Adler Planetarium.

Art Institute Chicago

The Art Institute Chicago is exceptional in the scope of its collection: you can find everything from Byzantine art to contemporary photography here. You will definitely need a day to see the entire exhibition. So it makes sense to think about what you would like to see before you are overwhelmed by so much art. I really wanted to see “Nighthawks” by Edward Hopper, and even if the name doesn’t ring a bell – everyone knows the picture. And there is hardly any other image that is perceived as so quintessentially American.

The entrance fee of 25$ is very expensive, but also justified – the collection is fantastic, and ongoing exhibitions are always interesting and varied. The helpful audio guide also costs extra!

Regular price 25$ + 7$ audio guide = 32 $

Adler Planetarium

The Adler Planetarium is the sightseeing attraction in Chicago for all space enthusiasts. Here you can see an old space capsule and many other interesting exhibits on the subject of space travel.

We also recommend the movie screenings (Sky Shows)! Without them, the planetarium is only half as exciting!

Regular price admission + 2 Sky shows 35$

#3 Field Museum

The Field Museum of Natural History is one of the most visited museums in the USA! It is known worldwide as a natural history museum and has one of the largest natural science and anthropological collections. Here you can marvel at the best-preserved Tyrannosaurus Rex ever found!

Regular price All-Access Pass 40$

#4 Shedd Aquarium

The Shedd Aquarium is the largest indoor aquarium in the world and has been around since 1929! Here you can truly immerse yourself in the underwater world and experience all marine animals, amphibians and insects from seahorses to beluga whales live!

Regular price 39,95 $

Click here to buy your Chicago City Pass*

#5 360 Chicago Observation Deck / Museum of Science and Industry

If you don’t want to go to a viewing platform again, you have a choice here: as an alternative to 360 Chicago, you can also visit the Museum of Science and Industry!

360 Chicago Observation Deck

The 360 Chicago Observation Deck is located in the John Hancock Center in the middle of the Magnificent Mile, right in the middle of it all!

In addition to the naturally fantastic view, TILT is a special feature: floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that you lean against and tilt forward together with the window!

TILT costs an additional $8, and $7 for Chicago City Pass holders. There is also a day/night package here, but this is not included in the Chicago City Pass.

Regular price 360 Chicago 25 $

Museum of Science and Industry

The Museum of Science and Industry is the largest science museum in the USA. There are exciting and interactive exhibitions on the subject of science here. Not only children and nerds will get their money’s worth in this elaborately designed museum! Disadvantage: The Museum of Science and Industry is quite far away from all the other sights south of the city center. So if you don’t have much time, it’s better to choose 360 Chicago.

Regular price 19,95 $

Advantages and disadvantages of the Chicago City Pass:

Advantages:

• Long validity The Chicago City Pass can be used for up to one year after purchase. So you can plan well in advance, but still be flexible.
• Long Use From the first day of use, the Chicago City Pass is valid for 9 days, which is more than most people stay in the city! So you can look at everything in peace and quiet, without the hustle and bustle!
• You don’t necessarily need the coupon booklet – you can print out the Chicago City Pass immediately after purchase or save it on your cell phone. Only then do you show your smartphone at the attractions.
• All major attractions The Chicago City Pass covers the major attractions in Chicago, so everything you probably want to see anyway!
• Faster entry At some attractions you can get in faster with the Chicago City Pass

Disadvantages:

• Superfluous options The Chicago City Pass includes a few options that you wouldn’t necessarily add if you bought it separately, such as the Sky Shows at the Adler Planetarium or the audio guide at the Art Institute
• Not everywhere Fast Track Where it would be really interesting, namely the ride up to the Skydeck, the Chicago City Pass does not give you quick access via the Fast Track entrance. The Fast Pass costs $30 with a Chicago City Pass (normally: $75). If you are in a hurry, you should add this amount to your budget.

Conclusion: Is the Chicago City Pass worth it?

I recommend the Chicago City Pass to anyone who is visiting Chicago for the first time and for several days! My bucket list for Chicago included the Skydeck, the Art Institute and 360 Chicago! I would have paid $105 for this alone without a pass – the Chicago City Pass costs $108.

The Chicago City Pass is worthwhile for first-time visitors and trips lasting several days!

So with 3 out of 5 attractions you have the price out (except for 3 $). Since you have a whole 9 days to redeem the other two vouchers and explore two more great (and otherwise expensive!) sights, the Chicago City Pass is well worth it!

Buy your Chicago City Pass online*

You should also check out my tips for Chicago!
Find out what else you can experience in Chicago here: