City pass or Go Chicago

Question

I’m heading to Chicago in mid October and I’m going to be visiting some museums and tours and I was wondering if anyone has used the CityPass or Go Chicago ?

Answer

Both the Chicago CityPASS and the Go Chicago Card can be useful for visitors looking to save on admission to multiple attractions, but they cater to slightly different styles of sightseeing, so your choice depends on your itinerary and pace.

Chicago CityPASS:

CityPASS includes pre-selected popular attractions—currently the Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, Skydeck Chicago, Museum of Science & Industry (or 360 Chicago), and either Art Institute of Chicago or Adler Planetarium.
Valid for 9 consecutive days from first use.
Good for travelers who want to hit the “must-see” attractions without worrying about picking and choosing each ticket individually.
Saves roughly 40% compared to buying each ticket separately.
Easy to use: you get a single booklet or mobile pass, show it at each attraction, and enter without buying separate tickets.
Does not include public transit or smaller tours; it’s purely for museum and attraction entry.

Go Chicago Card:

Offers a flexible choice of 25+ attractions, including museums, river cruises, bus tours, and even some experiential activities.
Comes in 1, 2, 3, or 5-day options; you can visit as many attractions as you like during the card’s validity.
Good for travelers who want more flexibility or a mix of experiences beyond the main museums.
Digital card that you can load on your phone—can also be printed.
Potential to save money if you plan to do multiple attractions per day, especially shorter experiences or guided tours.
Some attractions require advance reservations, so planning is important.

Considerations for your trip:

If you mainly want to see the big museums and are okay with a fixed list, CityPASS is simpler and straightforward.
If you want flexibility, tours, cruises, or want to mix in more attractions beyond the major museums, Go Chicago Card may be better.
Check whether your chosen attractions are included and if there are blackout dates.
Both can be purchased online ahead of time; CityPASS often works well as a printed ticket or on mobile, Go Chicago Card is mostly digital.

In short, CityPASS is ideal for a focused museum-heavy itinerary, while Go Chicago Card offers flexibility and a broader range of experiences. For mid-October, either can save money and skip ticket lines, but your choice depends on how many attractions you realistically plan to visit in a few days.