Chicago is the 3^rd largest city in the United States and we get more than 50 million visitors a year. For anyone keeping track at home that’s 137,000 visitors every single day. So naturally, Chicago has an almost endless supply of things to do. Activities can be the most expensive part of your trip an also the most memorable one. To help visitors save money there are several companies that offer savings discount cards and passes. The key to any of these passes is to make sure that you do in fact visit as many of the places as possible to maximize their savings. If you’re here and interested in Chicago Savings Passes then you’ll want to check out our Ultimate Chicago Budget Travel Guide.

We’ll help break down the costs and the benefits for you here so you can pick the best card for your trip to Chicago. Some passes you have to use in a day, some allow you to skip the lines and others make you choose between destinations.

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Go Chicago Card All Inclusive Pass

For those looking for discounts for a large number of locations, The Go Chicago Card All Inclusive Pass is a great choice. This discount card offers deals to 25+ attractions discounts for a number of days. Meaning you can go to as many attractions as you want during your stay for one low price.

The Go Chicago Card is built for travelers that are planning to see a lot of popular Chicago attractions in a fairly short amount of time. Visiting and paying for those attractions individually can add up quickly and this savings pass really starts to pay for itself once you have visited more than a handful. What is really great is they include a few really popular (and not very cheap) attractions such as the Big Bus (Hop on Hop off) and an Architectural River Cruise by Shoreline.

Go Chicago Card Attractions

Go Chicago Card is the leader in the number of attractions you can visit by a wide margin. With this attraction pass, you have access to more than 25 popular Chicago attractions that include Museums, Bus Tours, Boat Tours, Segway Tours, Bike Rentals, Escape Rooms, and more! The pass will almost pay for itself by using it for the Chicago Big Bus and Shoreline River Architecture Tour. Here’s a short list of their top 10 attractions. (Full list of Chicago Go Card Attractions)

1. Shedd Aquarium
2. Shoreline Architecture River Cruise
3. Chicago Big Bus (Hop on Hop Off)
4. SkyDeck Chicago (Willis Tower)
5. 360 Chicago (Hancock)
6. Grand Tour (Seasonal)
7. Art Institute of Chicago
8. Field Museum
9. Bike Rental (Navy Pier)
10. Chicago Theatre Tour

How does the Chicago Go Card work?

When you purchase the Go Chicago Card you are purchasing access to ALL of the attractions that are a part of their program. You have two options for how to actually get the pass. You can print the pass out on paper or download their app and show each venue your mobile phone.

In addition to the actual pass, you’ll receive a guide to all of the attractions that include addresses, descriptions of each, a helpful map and hours of operation. It’s important to note that certain attractions are seasonal so please make sure to double check before you buy!

Go Chicago Card Pricing

The Chicago Go Card is priced based on how many days you have to use it. Buying a 1-day pass is the cheapest and the prices go up from there. Prices start at $109 for the one day all inclusive pass. The base price for the card gives you access to all of the attractions, dining and restaurant discounts for a 24 hour period. You can upgrade to  2, 3, 4 or 5 day periods with the cost increases with each additional day.

For example, let’s say you purchase a 3 day Chicago Go Card. You now have access to the 25+ attractions and tours included, and the shopping/dining discounts for a full 72 hours. After that, your card is no longer valid.

The starting price is $109, and that includes one card valid for one person, for one day. Even with only the 1 day pass at $109 you are likely going to save money, but you will be busy. A one-day itinerary might look like this:

• Chicago Big Bus ($45)
• Willis Tower SkyDeck ($24)
• Chicago Architecture River Cruise ($46)
• Shedd Aquarium ($40)

Total spent without the card $155. Total savings with Go Chicago Pass $46 (30% savings). The more tours and attractions you visit, the more you will save.

Go Chicago Card Pricing Tiers

(Prices subject to change, please see their website for most up-to-date pricing)

# of Days.    Adult/Child

1 day pass      $95 / $69

2 day pass      $135 / $95

3 day pass      $165 / $110

5 day pass      $195 / $135

This is the easiest of the passes to use as each attraction can just scan a barcode from your mobile phone. The Go Chicago Card also comes with a handy guidebook that helps you keep track of all the attractions and where they’re located. The guide is a very useful tool in mapping out the path you’ll take to maximize your savings.

Determining the exact savings you’ll get from this card is hard to do because it depends on what passes and what attractions you visit. The more you visit the more you save. It’s fairly common for purchasers to save more than 50%.

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Go Chicago Card Explorer Pass

The Go Chicago Card Explorer Pass is a variation of the all-inclusive pass but instead of unlimited visits in a short time window, you choose the number of attractions you want to visit and get 30 days to do so.

Your choices of attractions are the same as the Go Chicago Card All-Inclusive.

So you get more time to use the pass, but it’s not unlimited visits – you have to choose 3, 4 or 5 attractions and the price of the card is based on how many you choose.

Go Chicago Explorer Card Pricing Tiers

3 attractions    $79 /$49          (Adult/Child)

4 attractions    $104 / $69         (Adult/Child)

5 attractions    $119 / $79       (Adult/Child)

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Chicago CityPASS

The Chicago CityPASS is more like a VIP access pass to a curated assortment of attractions. One of the big draws for the CityPASS is that you’ll get line-skipping VIP entry everywhere and all “add-ons” are included which is such a nice feature. You can really spend time and explore everything they have to offer and not worry about being nickeled and dimed.

What you need to know: Chicago CityPASS gives you 9 days to use the pass and you can select up to 5 attractions from a list of 7. Recap: 5 attractions, 9 days.

Chicago CityPASS VIP Admission

Your Chicago CityPASS includes VIP admission to the following 3 attractions (note, we’re only calling out VIP admission here. You get access to 5 total attractions, these three you get expepetited entry)

• Shedd Aquarium

With the CityPASS you’re granted VIP entry here ($39.95 value), access to the 4D Experience at no extra cost ($4.95 value), allowed to see animal presentations, and are invited to partake in the Stingray Touch for free.

• Skydeck Chicago

With the CityPASS, you get fast pass admission ($49 value) that allows you to skip the at times very long lines. Regular admission to the SkyDeck is $24.

• Field Museum

With your CityPASS, you get VIP entry and an all-access pass to the rest of the museum ($38 value). These include areas such as ‘Traveling The Pacific’, which centers around life on Tropical Pacific islands, and ‘Restoring Earth’, the museums own program that focuses on natural conservation techniques and strategies to help protect our environment.

Chicago CityPASS Attractions

Now you choose between Museum of Science and Industry or 360 Chicago Observation Deck.

• Museum of Science and Industry

With the CityPASS, you get access to everywhere within the museum, and it includes a free experience in their motion simulator ride. ($33.95 value)

OR..

• 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

The CityPASS includes express entry admission that allows you to skip the lines ($18.90 value)

For you last attractions you choose between the Adler Planetarium or Art Institute of Chicago.

• Adler Planetarium

With the CityPASS, you’ll get an all-access pass ($34.95 value). However, you must choose between this, or seeing the Art Institute of Chicago when purchasing your pass.

OR…

1. Art Institute of Chicago

With the CityPASS, you get fast pass admission and access to everything in the institute, including an audio guided tour. (Value $35)

Chicago CityPass Value

Visiting all of these locations would cost you over $217. The Chicago CityPASS costs $106, so you are saving $111! Purchasing a pass is simple. You can choose to print the pass at home or collect yours at the first destination that you visit.

The Conclusion

All 3 of these options deliver on their promise to save you money. Your decision will depend on what your travel style is. Do you prefer to cross as many things off your bucket list as possible (Chicago Go Card) or take it slower while enjoying every corner of the place (CityPass Chicago)? You really can’t go wrong; all these savings passes will enhance your visit to Chicago!

If you are heading to Chicago and want to experience the city on a budget, you came to the right place. We have built our entire business on offering free tours of Chicago,  But we aren’t the only game in town. Luckily we’ve narrowed down the top free things to do in Chicago for you. The great thing about these attractions is that they are always free. There is no special date or time you have to be there to get free admission. That way, you don’t need to plan your schedule around getting free admission and you can go whenever you want.

Chicago is full of free attractions, but the list below is picked from our favorites.

Lincoln Park Zoo

The Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the only free zoos in the country. The Lincoln Park Zoo is also one of the oldest zoos in the country! It may not be as large as other zoos, but it has over 230 different species of animals on a 35 acre lot. A great place to spend an hour with your family, or take a walk on your lunch break. This zoo has monkeys, reptiles, polar bears, and even tigers!

There is even an oak tree present here that has been around since 1830, before the city was founded!

Millennium Park

Millennium is one of the largest public parks in Chicago. Its original intention was to celebrate the entrance into the third millennium. You can view exhibits, architecture, a beautiful garden, and even go ice skating! This park even offers concession stands. This is among one of the best places to go in Chicago, and admission is always free. Get an unclose and personal experience on our Millennium Park Tour.

Chicago Cultural Center

This place is so awesome we either stop in or talk about it on almost all our Free Chicago Walking Tours. The Chicago Cultural Center offers so many different things to do so there is always something for everyone. Admission to the center is always free as well as the events. Be sure to check their calendar when coming into town! You can view free theater, music, dance and even films right here in the cultural center. The center also has great art on display and you can attend lectures and get guided tours for free.

Navy Pier

Although Navy Pier’s attractions costs money, you are able to walk up and down Navy Pier and join in on the fun for free! Sometimes, concerts and events are offered that are free of charge, so be sure to check your schedule if you want to make the most out of Navy Pier without breaking into your wallet.

National Museum of Mexican Art

For those who love art, the National Museum of Mexican Art is a completely free attraction open to the public. The museum is divided into separate sections for each era of latin american art and culture! This approach also makes this museum appeal to lovers of history. Exhibits change frequently, so check out what they have before you make an appointment. If you have been before, chances are that you can go again and see some entirely new works of art!

Buckingham Fountain

Located on Columbus Drive, Buckingham Fountain is one of the largest fountains in the world! For those who want a fun experience in Chicago should come on by and check this fountain out. This is also a great place to spend your lunch break, or take your family to see the fountain go off! This is one of our favorite places to get a group picture after the Millennium Park Tour!

When you look at a picture of the Chicago skyline, almost anyone could point out the Willis Tower. It is one of the most iconic buildings in Chicago, and even one of the most iconic buildings in the United States! Heck, we’ll say it – Willis Tower is one of the most iconic buildings in the world! The Willis tower is a beautiful sight from the streets, but you can also visit and explore this building from the inside.

Willis Tower History

The Willis Tower, formerly called the Sears Tower, is one of the top attractions in the city of Chicago. Until the Freedom tower was built in New York city, the Willis tower was the tallest building in the United States. It was also the tallest building in the western hemisphere! From 1973 to 1998, it was also the tallest building in the world and is currently in 19th place, so the height of this building has made it a Chicago icon. This building is so iconic and easy to find we start and finish our Total Loop Tour right outside their front doors. But the massive height is not the only reason you should visit this building during your time in Chicago.

Reasons to visit

The Willis Tower features a lovely skydeck which is a must see attraction. They even have a ledge, so you can stand above the city. One of the coolest features of the skydeck is that you can see four states up there! You will have views of Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan if you look across Lake Michigan! In fact, people in southwest Michigan can see the Willis Tower on a clear day and can see it lit up at night. That is one spectacular building!

Cost & Tours

The cost of admission varies depending on what type of admission you want. Standard adult admission is $24, while youth admission is $16. You can purchase a ticket at anytime, and tickets are valid up until 6 months after purchase. If you have a Chicago Citypass, you can save 50% or more as well as save on admission to dozens of other places in Chicago. If you have a large group going with you, you can save on admission! This is perfect for larger family events.

Private events

For those who want a more intimate and memorable experience, the Willis Tower offers a special dining package. For roughly $200, you and one other person can share a meal in the Willis Tower while looking over the city! One of the coolest packages is called ‘Pie in the Sky’, where you are served a Chicago style deep dish pizza.

For those who are looking to spend some time in Chicago, try to make some time to explore this iconic Chicago building. Spending some time at the Skydeck is a fun and memorable experience, as well as a great way to view the city.