Planning a trip to Chicago? Expect sky-high views, dazzling architecture, lakefront vibes and museums that live up to the hype. From the Skydeck’s glass boxes to river cruises and science-packed days at MSI, it’s a playground for first-timers and frequent visitors alike. Go City Chicago bundles entry to dozens of top spots into one easy purchase, with two flexible products to match your style: the All-Inclusive Pass for big days with lots to see, and the Explorer Pass for slower, pick‑your‑favorites trips. Families, solo travelers, weekenders, and culture chasers all win her: less planning, more doing—and big savings.
The basics: what is the Go City Chicago pass?
Go City offers two different pass types to suit your sightseeing style:
All-Inclusive Pass
- Choose a 1, 2, 3 or 5-day pass.
- Best if you want to pack your days with museums, tours and views. The more you do, the more you save.
- Visit as many as you like from the included attractions during your active days—great for first-timers or anyone chasing a full-on Chicago experience.
- Handy perks like fast-entry at select spots keep you moving.
Explorer Pass
- Choose 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 attractions.
- Best if you prefer a relaxed pace or already have a sightseeing shortlist. No need to squeeze everything into consecutive days.
- You’ll have 30 days to use your choices from first activation—ideal for longer breaks or mixing sightseeing with socializing.
- Pricing scales with how many picks you choose, so it’s easy to tailor to your budget.
Both options are fully digital, live in the Go City app, and deliver solid savings compared to buying separate tickets on the day.
Buying and activating your pass
- Buy online: Grab your pass via the official Go City website or app for the latest prices and customer support. You’ll get a confirmation email with everything you need.
- Download the Go City app: Pop your pass into the Go City app using the confirmation link in your email. You’ll find attraction info, opening hours, maps and booking links right there.
- Activate when you’re ready: Activation happens the moment staff scan your pass at the first attraction. All-Inclusive Passes run for consecutive calendar days from then; Explorer Passes give you 30 days to visit the number of choices you selected.
Using your pass
What’s included?
What’s included?
With a lineup that spans 40+ must-see viewpoints, blockbuster museums, architectural tours, lakefront fun and neighborhood gems, there’s something for every Chicago traveler. A few favorites...
Sky-high views
Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower pairs city history with a serious adrenaline rush—step onto The Ledge’s glass boxes 103 floors up and watch the streets buzz beneath your feet. Time your visit for golden hour and you’ll catch the sun melting over the West Side. Up north, 360 Chicago Observation Deck delivers sweeping lake and skyline views from the former Hancock building. The optional Tilt experience is a cheeky add-on if you’re seeking extra thrills.
Museums and science
The Museum of Science and Industry could fill a day by itself—check out the U-505 submarine, wander through a mirror maze, and watch storms form in Science Storms. The Field Museum brings natural history to life with Sue the T. rex and rotating exhibitions that go deep without ever feeling stuffy. At Adler Planetarium, gaze into space, enjoy immersive sky shows and grab unbeatable skyline photos from its lakefront perch.
Architecture and the river
Chicago’s architecture is pretty much the main character here, and an architecture river cruise lets you hear the stories behind those Art Deco, Modernist and postmodern giants. Drift past Wacker Drive and the Riverwalk as your guide points out details you’d never spot from the sidewalk. Prefer land? Hop on a Big Bus panoramic tour to cover major neighborhoods and landmarks with ease.
Lakefront and neighborhood gems
Navy Pier delivers classic Chicago fun with the Centennial Wheel and a breezy stroll along the lake. Bike rentals make it easy to cruise the Lakefront Trail and hop between beaches and parks. For design fans, Oak Park tours of the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio and nearby landmarks put you in the birthplace of the Prairie School. Add the Chicago History Museum or a theater tour to round out your cultural deep-dive.
Plan ahead
- Sort your must-sees by neighborhood. Pair Skydeck with the Loop’s public art and the Riverwalk; group 360 Chicago with a stroll down the Magnificent Mile and a lakefront wander. You’ll save time and energy by exploring one area at a time.
- Start early for blockbuster spots. Morning slots at Skydeck and popular cruises often mean shorter lines and better photos.
- Check hours and seasonal schedules. River cruises ramp up in summer; some museums close on select weekdays or run limited hours in winter. The app keeps you up to date, so be sure to take a peek a day or two before you plan to go.
- Build in buffers. Chicago’s transit is solid, but traffic can spike around rush hour and big events. Leave wiggle room between timed entries, and plan a coffee stop or park break nearby in case you arrive early.
- Mix big-ticket attractions with hidden gems. A morning at MSI pairs nicely with a relaxed afternoon in Hyde Park or along the lake. You won’t burn out, and you’ll see more sides of the city.
Reservations
Reservations
Some Chicago experiences require timed entry or advance booking, especially on weekends and holidays. Think Skydeck time slots, popular architecture cruises or guided tours like Frank Lloyd Wright sites and the Chicago Theatre Marquee Tour. You’ll find clear, step-by-step booking links and instructions in the app—reserve there, then show your pass on the day. If there's no slot available on your chosen day, check nearby dates or pivot to another attraction in the same area; there’s plenty within walking distance across the Loop, River North and the lakefront.
What’s the main advantage of Go City Chicago passes?
- Flexibility to match how you travel: see a lot in a few days, or pick a handful and stretch them over a few weeks.
- Clear savings versus individual tickets, especially on big hitters like observation decks, cruises and major museums.
- Instant entry via the app—no printing tickets, no juggling multiple bookings.
- Discover more of Chicago with included tours and neighborhood experiences you might otherwise miss.
- Helpful planning tools in one place: opening hours, maps and reservation links.
Is buying a pass worth it?
Is buying a pass worth it?
If you plan to visit even a few headline attractions, it’s an easy yes. Bundling your entry with Go City Chicago keeps costs down, removes guesswork and smooths out logistics so you can focus on the fun parts—like hovering over the city at Skydeck, gliding past gleaming towers on the river, and losing track of time in world-class museums. Pick the product that matches your pace, tap through the app, and let Chicago do what it does best: big-city magic with lakefront charm.
For example, if you’re planning a few headline experiences—say Skydeck, the Field Museum and an architectural river cruise —you’ll typically come out on top. Prices for many big-ticket attractions can run upwards of $50 individually, so it doesn’t take very long for the pass to pay for itself.
Let’s say you get a 3-day All-Inclusive Pass and visit:
Day 1
- Shoreline Architecture River Cruise ($48.77)
- Flyover in Chicago ($38.03)
- Navy Pier Ferris Wheel and Rides ($62.14)
Day 2
- Museum of Illusions Chicago ($41.94)
- Big Bus Chicago Hop-on Hop-off Tour ($58)
- 360 Chicago ($38)
- The Chicago Theatre Tour Experience ($29.78)
Day 3:
- Adler Planetarium ($40)
- Field Museum ($43)
- Skydeck Chicago ($54)
That’s $453.66 worth of tickets on a $249 pass. That equals serious savings of over $200 or around 45%!*
*prices accurate as of October 2025
Looking for more Chicago inspiration? Check out the best shopping districts and neighborhoods and compare two of the city’s top literary attractions.
Step up your sightseeing with Go City®
We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.
See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® - just choose a pass to get started!
