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When I started planning Chicago, I thought choosing the attractions would be the easy part.
I was wrong.
Within half an hour, I had more places saved than I could realistically visit in three days. Skydeck Chicago looked unmissable, the architecture river cruise kept appearing in every travel guide, and then there were museums, observation decks, and experiences I hadn’t even considered.
That’s when I started looking at the GoCity Pass.
At first, I assumed it was just another sightseeing pass claiming to save money.
But after comparing the included attractions with the places already on my list, I realised it deserved a closer look.
Instead of asking, “How much does it cost?”, I found myself asking something more useful:
“Would I have bought these attraction tickets anyway?”
That simple question changed how I judged the pass.
What’s Actually Included?
One thing I appreciated was that the pass wasn’t limited to just one type of attraction.
Some of the experiences that immediately stood out were:
- Skydeck Chicago
- 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck
- Shoreline Architecture River Cruise
- Shedd Aquarium
- Field Museum
- Adler Planetarium
- Museum of Science and Industry
What I liked was the variety.
If you’re travelling with family, you’ll probably spend more time around the museums and aquarium.
If it’s your first visit to Chicago, chances are you’ll want the observation decks and river cruise near the top of your list.
Having everything grouped under one pass made comparing options much easier than jumping between different ticket websites.
The Two Pass Types Took Me a While to Understand
I almost picked the wrong one.
Not because the information was confusing, but because I assumed every GoCity Pass worked the same way.
Chicago mainly gives you two choices.
Explorer Pass lets you choose a specific number of attractions and visit them over a longer period.
All-Inclusive Pass works differently. Instead of counting attractions, you can visit as many included attractions as possible during the number of days you’ve purchased.
Once I understood that difference, deciding became much easier.
Personally, if I knew I only wanted four or five attractions, I’d lean towards the Explorer Pass.
If I had a packed sightseeing schedule from morning to evening, the All-Inclusive option would probably make more sense.
I Checked the Price Before Looking for Discounts
Like most people, my first instinct was to search for a GoCity promo code.
Then I realised I hadn’t even decided which pass I needed.
So I checked the pricing first.
At the time I was researching, the approximate prices looked something like this:
| Pass Type | Approx. Starting Price |
| Explorer Pass (2 Attractions) | From $84 |
| Explorer Pass (3 Attractions) | From $109 |
| All-Inclusive Pass (1 Day) | From $139 |
Prices can change throughout the year, so it’s always worth checking the latest rates before booking.
Looking at those numbers in isolation doesn’t tell you much.
Looking at them alongside your itinerary does.
If the attractions you already plan to visit cost close to the same amount individually, the pass starts to look much more interesting.
Who I Think This Pass Is Best For
After comparing the attractions and pricing, I realised the GoCity Chicago Pass isn’t designed for every visitor.
If you’re flying in for a weekend and only plan to visit one or two attractions, I’d probably skip the pass and buy individual tickets.
On the other hand, if your itinerary already includes places like Skydeck Chicago, the Shoreline Architecture River Cruise, Shedd Aquarium, or the Field Museum, the maths starts to work in your favour.
I also think it’s a good fit for families.
Buying one pass instead of several individual tickets can make the day feel a lot less stressful, especially when you’re moving between multiple attractions.
What I Liked Most
A few things genuinely stood out while I was comparing the pass.
Good attraction mix
The pass isn’t built around one type of traveller. Whether you’re interested in museums, skyline views, or sightseeing cruises, there’s a decent variety.
Different pass options
I liked that I wasn’t forced into a single product. Choosing between the Explorer Pass and the All-Inclusive Pass makes it easier to pick something that matches your plans.
Mobile-friendly entry
Having everything stored on your phone is much simpler than keeping track of several booking confirmations.
A Couple of Things I’d Keep in Mind
No travel pass is perfect, and I don’t think this one is either.
The biggest thing I’d say is this:
Don’t buy it first and build your itinerary afterwards.
Do it the other way round.
I also noticed that some attractions may require advance reservations, especially during busy travel periods. It’s a small detail, but checking those requirements before you arrive can save a lot of frustration.
Apart from that, the pass itself is fairly straightforward to use.
I Didn’t Waste Hours Hunting for Coupon Codes
I’ll be honest, I typed “GoCity promo code“ into Google almost immediately.
Like most travellers, I hoped I’d find an easy discount.
Some websites listed GoCity promo codes, but quite a few were outdated or no longer valid.
Eventually, I stopped chasing random coupons and simply checked the latest official offers before deciding.
If you’re buying a pass, that’s probably the easiest approach too.
One Thing I Learned From Comparing Other GoCity Passes
Researching Chicago reminded me of something I’d already noticed while looking into the Dubai pass.
The best city pass isn’t always the one with the most attractions—it’s the one that fits the city you’re visiting and the trip you’ve planned.
That became much clearer after I compared the GoCity Dubai Pass, where I ended up asking many of the same questions before deciding whether it was worth buying.
So, Would I Recommend the GoCity Chicago Pass?
After spending time comparing the attractions, pass options, and pricing, my answer is yes—but not for everyone.
If I were visiting Chicago for three or four days and planned to see several paid attractions, I’d seriously consider buying it.
The convenience alone is a big advantage.
Instead of booking every attraction separately, you have one pass covering most of the places already on your itinerary.
That said, if your plan is simply to walk around Millennium Park, explore neighbourhoods, and visit one paid attraction, you probably won’t get enough value from the pass.
For me, the GoCity Chicago Pass makes the most sense when you’ve already identified at least three or four attractions you genuinely want to visit.
Before Buying, I’d Do These Three Things
Looking back, these are the three things I’d check before purchasing any GoCity Pass.
- Compare the attractions included with your own itinerary.
- Decide whether the Explorer Pass or All-Inclusive Pass suits your travel style.
- Check the latest pricing and recent customer reviews before paying.
That takes less than fifteen minutes, but it can save you from buying the wrong pass.
Before making my final decision, I also spent a few minutes reading what other travellers had to say on Trustpilot. It helped me understand both the positives and the occasional issues people experienced.
I wouldn’t base my decision on reviews alone, but they’re a useful final check before booking.
Final Thoughts
The biggest thing this review taught me wasn’t whether the GoCity Chicago Pass was good or bad.
It was that city passes work best when they fit your plans, not when you try to force your plans around the pass.
Chicago has enough attractions to make the pass worthwhile for many visitors, but only if those attractions are already on your list.
That’s exactly how I’d approach it if I were booking today.
If you’re still researching city passes or looking for practical travel tips before your next trip, you’ll find plenty of similar guides on The Prestige Route, where I share the kind of information I wish I’d had before making my own travel decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GoCity Chicago Pass worth it?
If you’re planning to visit several major attractions like Skydeck Chicago, Shedd Aquarium, or the Field Museum, it can offer better value than buying separate tickets.
Which GoCity Chicago Pass should I choose?
The Explorer Pass is ideal if you’ve already chosen a set number of attractions. The All-Inclusive Pass is better if you want to visit as many attractions as possible over one or more consecutive days.
Do GoCity promo codes always work?
Not always. Some GoCity promo codes are seasonal or time-limited, so it’s worth checking the latest available offers before purchasing.
Can I buy the pass before travelling?
Yes. Many travellers buy it before their trip so they can plan attractions in advance and avoid booking individual tickets later.
Disclosure
This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through one of them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps support The Prestige Route, and I only recommend products I believe provide genuine value after careful research.
