Chicago Explorer Pass: Top 3 Attractions

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With summer finally arriving in Chicago it’s about time to talk about all that the city has to offer. One of our favorite ways to experience attractions in Chicago AND save some money is by purchasing a Chicago Explorer Pass from Smart Destinations.

The Chicago Explorer Pass allows you to purchase admission to 3, 4 or 5 different attractions in Chicago for a discounted price. Below are our top 3 attractions. (Note: You can select from 28 different ones, so even if there isn’t something you like below make sure to check out all they have to offer.)

The 3-attractions Chicago Explorer Pass will cost $79/adult. The 3 destinations that we selected below would cost $114.92 at the gate for a total savings of $35.92 or 31%! If 3 attractions is not enough there are 4 attraction, 5 attraction and unlimited options as well.

Hop on, Hop off Big Bus Chicago 1-Day classic tour

Gate Price: $45.00

We’re guessing that after a 2-hour Free Chicago Walking Tour you’ll want to kick back and relax and there isn’t a better way to do than on the Big Bus Chicago 1-Day Class Tour with live guides, a comprehensive route that takes you through the best Chicago sites & gives you a chance to hop on and off at your leisure.

shoreline architecture river cruise

Gate Price: $45.92

We’ve said a million times (ok, not really). There is nothing better than being on a boat cruising the Chicago River. The sun. The beer. The gorgeous architecture. The incredible live guides.

Honestly, every guide for Free Chicago Walking Tours takes a Chicago River Architecture cruise each year. And most times we’re bringing our families along too. Every single year!

As a guest aboard the Shoreline Architecture River Cruise you will sail all 3 branches of the Chicago River: Main Branch, North Brand & South Branch. Heads up that this tour is CLOSED from November to April.

skydeck chicago

Gate Price: $24.00

Skydeck Chicago is perched some 1,353 feet above the streets of Chicago in The Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower). From up there you can see parts of 4 different states and take a step out onto “The Ledge” which is a glass balcony that extends past the side of the building. Fair waring it is nerve-racking.

Make sure to bring your camera and if you’re able to try and go early on a weekday as the weekends can get really busy and sometimes the wait is more than an hour to get up there.