Chicago is built for big days and big skies. This pass turns the usual ticket-bundle headache into a simple way to hit major stops like Skydeck Chicago and the city’s top museums. The best part is how flexible it feels once you start using it, not just on paper.

I like two things most. First: the pass is easy to use—scan and go—so you’re not stuck hunting for vouchers. Second: you can actually shape the trip, choosing your own mix of attractions from a long list that includes river cruises, planetarium-type experiences, and major museums.

One thing to plan around: many of the most popular stops require advanced reservations, and some options can be limited depending on season and availability. If you’re traveling when certain attractions run reduced schedules, the value depends on what you pick.

Key things to know before you buy

• Choose your own bundle: pick 2 to 7 attractions (not a fixed itinerary).
• Time rules matter: the pass activates when you use your first attraction, then you have 30 days to finish the rest.
• Reservations can be the whole game: especially for 360 CHICAGO and Skydeck Chicago.
• Your app is part of the plan: you’ll use the Go City app/digital guide to sync your pass and check access instructions.
• Savings are real, but pick carefully: if you land on attractions with limited hours, your “up to 50%” goal may feel less exciting.

What the Chicago Explorer Pass gets you (and how you actually use it)

The Chicago Explorer Pass by Go City is a ticket bundle for major attractions and tours in the city. You buy a pass that covers entry to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 options, chosen from a list that includes big-name skyline stops, museums, and tours.

Here’s how the timing works in real life. Your pass is valid for 1 year from purchase date, but it only “turns on” when you activate it at your first included attraction. After that first activation, you have 30 days to use the remaining attractions you purchased.

You also get a digital guide and can use the included app to manage your plan. That matters because opening hours and included options can change, and the app is positioned as the place to confirm what’s operating and how to access each attraction.

The pass is designed so you pay nothing at the gate for the attractions included in your selection. In other words, you’re buying a path to savings and convenience, not just a list of discounts.

Skydeck Chicago and the Willis Tower views you can build your day around

If you want one Chicago skyline moment that feels iconic, Skydeck Chicago is usually the anchor. It takes you up the famous tower experience at Willis Tower, and it’s one of the stops people tend to plan early because it draws crowds.

The pass includes entry, but it’s not a casual grab-and-go activity. Skydeck Chicago requires reservations, so you’ll want to check the Go City app instructions and secure your time slot before you’re standing outside.

Why it’s worth treating like a “core” booking: it gives you a strong anchor for your itinerary. Once you lock your Skydeck time, you can build the rest of the day around it—museums earlier, dinner nearby later, and a tour or walk afterward.

Architecture on the water: seeing Chicago from a Shoreline River Cruise

Chicago looks different from the river. The Shoreline Architecture River Cruise is a great example of a pass option that’s not just “another attraction.” You get moving views as you glide past some of the city’s most recognizable building styles.

This cruise also works well for pacing. If you’ve got museum plans that eat up long indoor blocks, the cruise breaks the day with fresh air and constant scenery. It’s also easier to fit into most schedules than something with tight timing like tower reservations—though you still should follow the access instructions in the app.

If you’re traveling with different ages or energy levels, this is often the kind of activity that keeps everyone interested without requiring anyone to commit to a long, seated museum session.

Museums and science time: where the pass shines for first-time visitors

The pass can be a smart way to sample Chicago’s best learning stops without paying full price for every ticket. Options in the lineup you can choose from include the Field Museum and Adler Planetarium, plus other science-leaning spots like Griffin Museum of Science and Industry and Museum of Illusions Chicago.

In practice, the “museum day” planning is straightforward. Pick one major museum as your centerpiece, then add a second option that complements it. For example:

• Pair a big museum with a planetarium-style or illusion-type experience if your group likes hands-on or mind-bending stops.
• Add a science museum when you want something that feels lighter than a deep-dive museum exhibit marathon.

A practical note: some attractions can be affected by seasonal schedules. If your trip lands in a month with reduced operations, you may find limited options at certain venues. That’s why it’s smart to confirm what’s open on your actual dates inside the Go City app before you commit.

360 CHICAGO, Flyover Chicago, and reservation headaches to plan for

Some experiences on the pass list come with extra friction. The standout example is 360 CHICAGO, which also requires advanced reservations. The booking process can be technical, and it’s the kind of task you don’t want to leave until the day before.

The same reservation story applies to major skyline-style experiences like Skydeck Chicago. When reservations are required, the pass still saves money, but the “management work” moves from ticket buying to time-slot planning.

Other pass options you can choose from include Flyover Chicago, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, and Navy Pier Ferris Wheel and Rides. Those can be great for specific group needs—families often like the energy and easy logistics of Navy Pier—just keep an eye on how many components are actually operating during your dates.

This is where your strategy matters. If you’re the type who likes spontaneous scheduling, build a flexible day around non-reservation options. Then place the reservation-required stops into fixed time blocks.

Hop-on hop-off bus and lake tours: stretch your sightseeing days

One of the most useful values of the pass is that it supports “connective tissue” activities—things that help you cover distance and avoid wasting time. The included option Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Chicago: 1-Day Discover Tour is designed for exactly that kind of day.

Hop-on hop-off tours are helpful when:

• you want to see lots of neighborhoods without figuring out every transfer,
• you’re juggling multiple ticket reservations,
• or you simply want a low-effort way to get your bearings.

The pass also mentions options like Skyline Lake Tour, which can add variety beyond the architecture cruise. If you’re trying to see Chicago’s skyline from water and want options that feel different, mixing a river cruise with a broader lake-style tour can keep your sightseeing from repeating itself.

Price and value: is $84 really a bargain for your style of travel?

The price shown here is $84 per person, with access designed around “save up to 50%” on selected bundles. That can be a great deal—or a so-so deal—depending on your choices.

Here’s the key idea: the pass only feels like a win when you choose attractions that match what you already want to do. If your list lines up with major, high-demand ticket sites (like Skydeck and 360) and you also add a couple of museums or tours, the value stacks quickly.

But if you end up with attractions that have limited availability during your dates, you might feel like you didn’t get the full bang for your buck. Some people have run into situations where certain parts of a venue were limited, or they had trouble finding the kind of time slots they wanted.

My advice is simple:

• Build your “must do” list first.
• Then check the Go City app for which reservation-required items have realistic time slots for your schedule.
• Finally, add one or two additional attractions that are less timing-dependent.

That approach protects the deal.

Tips that make the pass feel effortless (instead of annoying)

A good pass can save you time. A bad setup can waste it. Here’s how to avoid that.

First, sync your plan early. The pass can be saved to your phone/tablet or printed, but the app is where you’ll find the most up-to-date line-up and instructions. Before you head out for your first attraction, make sure your pass is activated and synced.

Second, treat reservations like bookings for the whole trip, not just one stop. 360 CHICAGO and Skydeck Chicago require them, and some booking systems can be temperamental. If you get errors when booking, don’t wait too long to solve it. Plan a backup option from the pass list that doesn’t depend on that exact time.

Third, start with the attraction you really want most. Because your 30-day countdown begins with your first activation, you don’t want to waste your “start window” on a minor add-on.

Finally, be smart about sequencing. If you have a fixed reservation, cluster your other stops around it. Then use hop-on hop-off transit or a river/lake tour to fill the gaps and keep the day from turning into a transit marathon.

Who this pass fits best in Chicago

This Explorer Pass is a strong match if you’re:

• visiting Chicago for the first time and want a curated greatest-hits set,
• traveling with a mix of ages and want options that can scale up or down in intensity,
• trying to control costs without giving up major landmarks,
• and the kind of person who likes planning a few fixed anchors but staying flexible otherwise.

It’s less ideal if you hate reservations or you prefer fully spontaneous sightseeing with no pre-booking. When advanced reservations are required, you’re trading “instant decisions” for “better value.”

Should you book the Go City Chicago Explorer Pass?

Yes, if you’re comfortable doing a little planning and you’re aiming to hit several big-ticket items during your trip window. The value tends to be strongest when you select the skyline stops and at least a couple of major attractions that are reliably open on your dates.

Before you buy, I’d do two quick checks in the Go City app:

• Confirm the specific reservation-required experiences you want (like Skydeck Chicago and 360 CHICAGO) have time slots that fit your travel days.
• Double-check that the attractions you’re counting on are operating during your month, not just listed on the pass.

If those checks look good, this is a practical way to see a lot of Chicago without juggling paper tickets or paying full price for everything.

FAQ

How many attractions does the Chicago Explorer Pass include?

You can book entry to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 attractions and tours, depending on the option you purchase.

What’s included with the pass?

You get a digital guide, plus entry to the attractions and tours included in your chosen bundle.

How long is the pass valid?

The pass is listed as valid for 2 months based on availability for starting times. After you activate it at your first attraction, you then have 30 days to use the remaining attractions.

When does the 30-day countdown start?

The 30-day period starts when you activate your pass at your first included attraction.

Do I need to make reservations for all attractions?

Not every attraction requires a reservation, but many popular activities do. The pass data specifically notes reservations are required for 360 CHICAGO and Skydeck Chicago, and 10pin Chicago Bowling & Pizza also requires reservations.

How do I use the pass at attractions?

You start by activating your pass at any included attraction or tour. For best results, follow the instructions from your booking confirmation to sync your pass with the Go City app, or save it to your phone/tablet or print a copy.

Where does the experience start and end?

You activate your pass at an included attraction. The activity ends back at the meeting point, but the practical use is that you’ll begin at your first chosen venue.

Can I cancel after booking?

Yes. Free cancellation is available if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are the attraction options and schedules guaranteed?

Attractions and tours are subject to change, and operating hours can shift. The Go City app has the most up-to-date lineup and instructions.

How much is the pass?

The price shown here is $84 per person.