Save on entry to top Chicago attractions and shape your own itinerary with the Chicago Explorer Pass. From high-floor views to river architecture tours, the pass gives flexible access to the city’s essential sights — here’s how to use it smartly.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step out onto a pier and Lake Michigan pushes a cool, open hand toward the skyline — a jagged stack of glass and stone that dares you to rise higher. With a Chicago Explorer Pass in your pocket, the city unbuttons itself: observation decks, river cruises that make the Chicago River talk about its skyscrapers, and museums that lay out the city’s stories in artifacts and glass cases.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 day–30 days
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels — expect a fair amount of walking and stairs in older buildings
Wildlife
History
Chicago rebuilt quickly after the Great Fire of 1871 and became a proving ground for modern architecture and skyscraper engineering, shaping its identity as an architectural capital.
Conservation
Many museums and river tours practice sustainable operations and the city promotes public transit and bikeshare to reduce driving — minimize waste and stick to marked paths along the lakefront.
Reserve your spot on the Chicago Explorer Pass: 35+ Things To Do - Includes 360 Chicago today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Activate before use
Click ‘Get your ticket’ in your confirmation email and sync the pass to the Go City app; you won’t be able to reserve timed attractions without doing this.
Book timed-entry attractions early
Make reservations for SkyDeck and 360 CHICAGO as soon as you activate your pass to secure preferred time slots and reduce wait time.
Use public transit or bike rentals
Chicago’s transit network and bike-share make reaching spread-out attractions efficient — avoid relying solely on rideshares during peak hours.
Plan for museum days
Group Museum Campus stops (Field, Adler, Shedd) on the same day to minimize back-and-forth and get the most value from a single pass visit.
Comfortable walking shoes
Expect paved urban walking and stairs — supportive shoes keep you moving through long museum days.
Portable phone charger
You’ll use the Go City app and digital pass frequently; a charger prevents missed reservations from a dead battery.
Layered clothing
Chicago weather shifts quickly, especially near the lake — layers let you adapt for wind and sun.
spring
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated between stops; many venues have refill stations to reduce single-use plastic.
summer