Go City: Chicago All-Inclusive Pass Review 2025: Is It Worth the Investment?

Chicago, known for its stunning skyline and vibrant cultural scene, offers a wide array of attractions that will keep you busy throughout your visit. However, with so many must-see spots, the cost of sightseeing can quickly add up. That’s where the Go City: Chicago All-Inclusive Pass comes in. In this review, we’ll take a close look at how this pass works, what it offers, its cost, and whether it’s the right choice for your trip.

How Does the Go City: Chicago All-Inclusive Pass Work?

The Go City: Chicago All-Inclusive Pass is a sightseeing pass that provides access to more than 20 of Chicago’s top attractions for one upfront price. The pass offers the potential to save up to 50% on regular admission prices, making it a great choice for budget-conscious travelers.

This pass operates on a consecutive day basis. Available in 1, 2, 3, and 5-day options, the pass is activated as soon as you visit your first attraction. After activation, the pass remains valid for the number of calendar days you selected when purchasing. You can use the pass to visit as many attractions as you want during those days, making it perfect for those looking to pack in as much sightseeing as possible.

One of the best features of the Go City pass is its convenience. As soon as you purchase it, the pass is sent to you via email, allowing you to easily store it on your smartphone through the Go City app, or print it at home. You’ll be able to use it instantly, and it remains valid for up to two years from purchase.

Attractions Included with the Pass

The Go City: Chicago All-Inclusive Pass includes a wide variety of attractions, ensuring that there’s something for every type of traveler. Some of the top attractions available with the pass include:

• Shedd Aquarium – $48.51
• Skydeck Chicago – $45.00
• Hop-on Hop-off Big Bus Tour (1-Day Classic Tour) – $49.99
• Shoreline Architecture River Cruise – $54.49
• 360 Chicago – $35.00
• Museum of Science and Industry – $33.95
• Field Museum – $35.57
• Adler Planetarium – $35.00
• Navy Pier 4-Ride Pass – $51.23
• Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio Tour – $18.00

While this list only highlights a few attractions, the pass grants you access to over 20 sites across the city, from cultural experiences and history museums to outdoor tours and family-friendly activities.

Pricing and Value

Here’s a breakdown of the pricing for the Go City: Chicago All-Inclusive Pass:

• 1-Day Pass: $114 (Adult), $69 (Child)
• 2-Day Pass: $159 (Adult), $99 (Child)
• 3-Day Pass: $204 (Adult), $129 (Child)
• 5-Day Pass: $239 (Adult), $169 (Child)

For the best value, the 5-day pass is the most cost-effective option, offering a lower per-day price compared to the 1-day pass. For example, the 1-day pass costs $114, but to make it worth the money, you’ll need to visit at least $114 worth of attractions. A visit to the Shoreline Architecture River Cruise, Field Museum, and Shedd Aquarium would normally cost $138.57, so you’d only save about $24.57. However, with the 2-day pass, you’ll get a much better value, with savings of up to $111.

The 3-day and 5-day passes provide even more value per day, allowing you to visit multiple attractions and save more in the process. If you plan on making the most of your sightseeing, the longer passes are the way to go.

Why You Should Consider the Go City: Chicago All-Inclusive Pass

1. Save Money: The primary advantage of the Go City pass is the potential savings. If you plan to visit several attractions each day, the pass can help you save a significant amount, especially with the multi-day options.
2. Wide Range of Attractions: The pass includes access to a diverse selection of attractions, including museums, tours, boat cruises, and family-friendly activities. Whether you’re into history, art, science, or outdoor adventures, there’s something for you.
3. Flexibility: The pass provides unlimited sightseeing for the duration of your chosen pass. This means you can visit as many attractions as you like within your pass’s validity period, which offers great flexibility for travelers.
4. Fast-Track Entry: For some of the city’s most popular attractions, such as the Shedd Aquarium and Skydeck Chicago, the pass allows you to skip the ticket lines, saving you time and hassle.
5. Great for Families: With its family-friendly attractions, such as the Shedd Aquarium and the Adler Planetarium, the pass is a great option for those traveling with kids. The savings can add up quickly, especially for families visiting multiple attractions.

Drawbacks of the Pass

1. Limited Selection of Tours: While the pass includes several great tours, it only covers five options, which is relatively small compared to some other cities. If you’re hoping to take a wide variety of tours, this might not be the pass for you.
2. Art Institute of Chicago Excluded: Unfortunately, the Art Institute of Chicago, a beloved institution in the city, is not included in the pass. If this museum is a must-see for you, you may want to reconsider purchasing the pass.
3. Smaller Selection Compared to Other Cities: Although the Go City pass covers 20+ attractions in Chicago, this is still a smaller selection compared to some larger cities like New York or London. If you’re looking for a pass with a wider variety of options, you might find it lacking.

Who Is the Go City: Chicago All-Inclusive Pass Best For?

• First-Time Visitors: If you’re visiting Chicago for the first time, the Go City pass provides an easy way to see all the city’s top attractions at a discounted price.
• Sightseers on a Tight Schedule: If you’re planning a short trip and want to maximize your sightseeing, the Go City pass is perfect. You can visit as many attractions as you want each day, making it a great choice for travelers with limited time.
• Families: Families with children can take advantage of the family-friendly attractions included in the pass, all while saving money on multiple visits.
• Museum Lovers: With access to some of Chicago’s most popular museums, including the Field Museum and Museum of Science and Industry, the pass is ideal for those interested in history, science, and culture.

Who Should Skip the Pass?

• Relaxed Travelers: If you prefer a more leisurely pace with fewer attractions per day, the Go City pass may not be the best fit. If you want to take your time at each location, consider a more flexible option, such as the Chicago Explorer Pass.
• Non-Sightseers: If you’re not interested in visiting museums, taking tours, or seeing the city’s major attractions, you might not get much value out of the Go City pass.
• Travelers on a Tight Budget: While the pass offers great savings, it’s still an investment. If you’re on an extremely tight budget, you may be better off focusing on free activities around the city.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Pass

1. Start Early: Your pass is activated when you visit your first attraction, so make sure to start early in the day to maximize your sightseeing.
2. Visit Multiple Attractions: The more attractions you visit, the more money you save. Try to visit at least three attractions per day to get the most value out of your pass.
3. Choose Higher-Priced Attractions: Focus on visiting more expensive attractions to ensure you’re getting the most savings.
4. Take Advantage of Fast-Track Entry: Skip the long lines and save time by using the pass for fast-track entry at popular attractions.

Conclusion

The Go City: Chicago All-Inclusive Pass is a great way to save money on sightseeing if you plan on visiting multiple attractions. With access to over 20 top sights and the ability to skip ticket lines at some places, it offers great value for travelers who want to make the most of their time in Chicago. If you’re looking to save on sightseeing costs, this pass is definitely worth considering.