Chicago Essentials Pass 2026
Top attractions from $99 - choose 3 out of 11 highlights, without any restrictions.
Up to $73 cheaper than separate tickets
What is the Chicago Essentials Pass?
The Chicago Essentials Pass from Go City gives you access to three of the city's most important sights - at a fixed price, without having to book a comprehensive sightseeing package.
You choose 3 attractions freely from a pool of 11 curated top highlights. There is no compulsory category and no restrictions: Whether Skydeck Chicago, an Architecture River Cruise or the Field Museum - you put together your own personal Chicago program. You make your selection on site or via the Go City app.
The Essentials Pass is valid for 30 days from the first visit and can be canceled free of charge for 90 days until activation. Go City also offers a savings guarantee: if you don't save compared to individual tickets, Go City will refund the difference. This makes the Chicago Essentials Pass ideal for a short trip where you want to visit the most important highlights - without having to book tickets individually.
Choose 3 out of 11 top attractions
The Chicago Essentials Pass gives you free choice: combine any 3 attractions from a pool of 11 curated highlights - no compulsory category, no restrictions.
Top attractions in Chicago Essentials Pass
Free choice - combine any 3 attractions
Skydeck Chicago
Adler Planetarium
Field Museum
Navy Pier Ferris Wheel and Rides
360 CHICAGO
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
All 11 attractions in the pool:
- Navy Pier Ferris Wheel and Rides $62
- Skydeck Chicago $55
- 10pin Chicago Bowling & Pizza! $55
- Shoreline Architecture River Cruise $52
- Field Museum $46
- Museum of Illusions Chicago $42
- Mobsters and Haunted Mysteries Walking Tour $42
- Adler Planetarium $40
- Griffin Museum of Science and Industry $38
- 360 CHICAGO $38
- Flyover in Chicago $38
Is the Essentials Pass worth it for you?
Select your favorite attractions and immediately see how much you save compared to individual tickets.
Choose 3 attractions
Please select 3 more attractions.
Normal price
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Pass price
$99
You save
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How the Chicago Essentials Pass works
Buy Essentials Pass
Book online with Go City. Confirmation will be sent immediately by e-mail.
Synchronize app
Connect the Essentials Pass with the Go City app - available for iOS and Android.
Reserve dates
Book a fixed time in advance for Skydeck Chicago, 360 CHICAGO, 10pin Bowling and the Mobsters Walking Tour.
Scan on site
Show the QR code from the app at the entrance. The validity of 30 days starts with the first scan.
Which Go City Pass is right for you?
Go City offers three different Chicago passes. You can find the right offer for your visit here.
Explorer Pass
For flexible travelers who want to choose spontaneously.
per adult
- 3 to 7 attractions to choose from
- Choice of 37 attractions
- Valid for 30 days from first use
- Spontaneous selection possible on the go
- Hop-on hop-off bus included
Essentials Pass
For travelers who want to see exactly the top highlights.
per adult
- 3 out of 11 top attractions
- Free choice without compulsory category
- Valid for 30 days from first use
- 90 days cancellation free of charge
- Savings guarantee from Go City
All-Inclusive Pass
For first-time visitors with a packed sightseeing program.
per adult
- Access to 38 attractions
- 1 to several consecutive days
- Spontaneous selection possible on the go
- Best choice with 4+ attractions per day
- Hop-on hop-off bus included
What is NOT included in the Chicago Essentials Pass?
So that you are not surprised at the entrance, you will find the most important exclusions here:
- Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Chicago - only included in the Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass.
- Shedd Aquarium - only included in the All-Inclusive Pass.
- Art Institute of Chicago - not included in Go City passes.
- Broadway in Chicago shows - not included.
- Public transportation (CTA bus and L-Train) - not included.
- Food, drinks and personal expenses in the attractions.
Frequently asked questions about the Chicago Essentials Pass
How long is the Chicago Essentials Pass valid for?
The Chicago Essentials Pass is valid for 30 days from the first visit. The 30 days start with your first visit to an attraction. After purchase, you have a whole year to activate the Essentials Pass.
Can I cancel the Essentials Pass free of charge?
Yes, you can cancel the Essentials Pass free of charge within 90 days of the date of purchase - as long as it has not yet been activated. Once you have presented the Chicago Essentials Pass at the first attraction, it is considered activated and can no longer be refunded.
Do I have to book attractions in advance?
Partial. Skydeck Chicago, 360 CHICAGO, 10pin Bowling and the Mobsters Walking Tour require a reservation in advance. Bookings can be made directly via the Go City app and are free of charge.
In the high season (June to August), popular dates fill up quickly. Reserve your preferred dates as soon as possible after purchase.
Is the Chicago Essentials Pass really worth it?
Yes, in most cases. Three top attractions cost between $116 and $172 individually. With the Chicago Essentials Pass you always pay $99 - that's a saving of up to $73 per person, depending on your choice. Go City also offers a savings guarantee: if you don't save compared to the individual purchase, Go City will refund you the difference.
How do I connect the Essentials Pass to the app?
After your purchase, you will receive a confirmation email with a confirmation code. Download the Go City app from the App Store or Google Play and enter the code. The Essentials Pass will then be synchronized with your account. Synchronization does not yet activate the Chicago Essentials Pass - the 30-day validity only starts when you visit an attraction for the first time.
Can I buy the Essentials Pass for several people?
Yes, you choose the number of adults and children when purchasing. Each person receives their own digital Essentials Pass in the app. Children from 3 to 12 years pay $79 instead of $99. Children under the age of 3 usually do not need a ticket - however, the exact rules depend on the respective attraction.
Is public transportation included?
No. CTA Bus and L-Train are not included in the Chicago Essentials Pass. For local transportation in Chicago, we recommend a Ventra card, which is available at all CTA stations.
Which attractions can I not select in advance?
You do not commit to individual attractions at the time of purchase. The Chicago Essentials Pass includes three admissions that you can freely allocate to attractions - you only make the decision on site or via the app. There is no compulsory category: you choose any 3 from the entire pool of 11 attractions.
Ready for your Chicago trip?
Secure the Chicago Essentials Pass now and reserve your preferred date - the popular times on the Skydeck and on the Architecture River Cruise are quickly booked up in the high season.