Chicago · TICKETS

Chicago Tickets & Passes: The 15 Worth Buying Ahead

38 tours  ·  from $16 a head

Decks, museums, the wheel at Navy Pier and the passes that bundle them. These 15 tickets are priced and clear about timed entry, so you know which ones to buy before you go.

Chicago: Willis Tower Skydeck and The Ledge Ticket - The elevator ride leads to the main event
Chicago Observation Decks, Chicago Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews

Chicago: Willis Tower Skydeck and The Ledge Ticket

1.Willis Tower Skydeck and The Ledge Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 4,350 reviews · 45 min · from $42Our pick

At Willis Tower’s Skydeck, timed entry takes you through Chicago-focused exhibits and a short theater presentation before the 103rd-floor observation deck. Step onto The Ledge, a glass balcony extending 4.3 feet beyond the building, and use the free app’s viewfinder to spot landmarks. Plan for a brief visit, and aim for opening time or after 5 p.m. to reduce crowd pressure.

“What experience , the views are amazing , defo worth the trip out”

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Chicago: Architecture River Cruise Skip-the-Ticket Line - Three branches, one changing view of Chicago
Chicago Architecture Tours, Chicago Boat Tours, Chicago River Cruises, Chicago Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews

Chicago: Architecture River Cruise Skip-the-Ticket Line

2.Architecture River Cruise Skip-the-Ticket Line

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 4,325 reviews · 1 hour - 90 minutes · from $39

Cruise all three branches of the Chicago River for a close look at landmark buildings such as Marina City, Willis Tower, and Trump Tower. A live guide connects the skyline to Chicago’s architectural history, while a seasonal cash bar offers drinks for purchase. Expect a 75-minute ride in warmer months and a shorter 60-minute trip from November 1 to April 15.

“Love this cruise! Even if you have done it before, you always learn something new!”

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Chicago: 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck Ticket - Chicago’s neighborhoods before the skyline
Chicago Observation Decks, Chicago Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews

Chicago: 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck Ticket

3.360 CHICAGO Observation Deck Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,173 reviews · 30 min · from $29

At 360 CHICAGO, ride an elevator to the 94th-floor observation deck at 875 N. Michigan for broad views of Chicago and Lake Michigan. The ticket skips the ticket-purchase line, but not security. Explore the Chicago history exhibit and CloudWalk art, stop at CloudBar, and buy the TILT ride separately on site.

“Love the view! It’s worth the money . Love the lounge and sitting areas with great view..”

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Chicago: Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Ticket - The views: skyline, lake and pier
Chicago Observation Decks, Chicago Tours, Navy Pier Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews

Chicago: Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Ticket

4.Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,807 reviews · from $24

At Chicago’s Navy Pier, the 15-minute Centennial Wheel ride rises nearly 200 feet above Lake Michigan and makes three full rotations. Choose a regular ticket or Fastpass Express, then look across downtown, the water and the pier from a climate-controlled gondola. Tickets allow a visit up to seven days after the selected date.

“Our experience was amazing! It was easy to find and the sites, once up there, were amazing! We only went around three times, but it was just enough time for what we paid!!! Definitely worth doing.”

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Medieval Torture Museum Ticket with Audio Guide and Ghost Hunting - The ghost-hunting app: extra fun, not the main event
Audio Tours, Chicago Ghost Tours, Chicago Museum Tickets, Chicago Tours, Guided, Self-Guided Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews

Medieval Torture Museum Ticket with Audio Guide and Ghost Hunting

5.Medieval Torture Museum Ticket with Audio Guide and Ghost Hunting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 962 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $35Top rated

At Chicago’s Medieval Torture Museum, you’ll see hundreds of devices and wax scenes spanning punishment, restraint, interrogation and execution. The roughly 90-minute visit is self-guided, with an audio tour and a ghost-hunting app you can use as you go. Expect dim lighting, interactive displays and grim subject matter. Admission costs $35.83 per person.

“I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this museum. I went because by daughter wanted to see it. Very informative audio tour. You go at your own pace.”

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Chicago: Art Institute of Chicago Fast-Pass Ticket - Finding Your First Must-See
Chicago Museum Tickets, Chicago Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews

Chicago: Art Institute of Chicago Fast-Pass Ticket

6.Art Institute of Chicago Fast-Pass Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 819 reviews · 1 day · from $40

Enter through the Michigan Avenue entrance with a one-day fast-pass ticket for the permanent collection and non-ticketed exhibitions. See works by Monet, Van Gogh, Hopper, and more, then explore art from ancient Egypt to Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. The free app offers English, Spanish, and Mandarin audio tours.

“Some amazing art that you will only experience here is Chicago”

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Chicago: Field Museum of Natural History Ticket or VIP Tour - Choose the ticket that fits your day
Chicago Museum Tickets, Chicago Tours, Historical Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours, VIP

Chicago: Field Museum of Natural History Ticket or VIP Tour

7.Field Museum of Natural History Ticket or VIP Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 717 reviews · 1 day · from $29

Spend a day at Chicago’s Field Museum, home to Sue the T. rex, Maximo the Titanosaur, the Lions of Tsavo, and more than 35 exhibitions. Choose general admission, a pass with one special exhibition, an All-Access Pass, or an early VIP dinosaur tour with a museum docent. The VIP tour takes place before opening and includes all-access admission.

“Cool experience. Loved Egypt and the dinosaurs. The building is cool too!”

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Field Museum of Natural History Admission Tickets - Follow the trail from mummies to ancient America
Chicago Museum Tickets, Chicago Tours, Historical Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews

Field Museum of Natural History Admission Tickets

8.Field Museum of Natural History Admission Tickets

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 489 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $29

Visit Chicago’s Field Museum with general admission, see SUE the T. rex, 23 Egyptian mummies, and exhibits spanning natural history and ancient cultures. Free docent-led tours run daily, and you can stay at your own pace. Plan for plenty of walking; 3D films cost extra, and some special exhibits may require an upgrade.

“The Field Museum is great! You can easily spend all day there. I highly recommend one if the free tours done by volunteer docents.”

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Museum of Ice Cream Chicago Admission Ticket - Ice cream stations: unlimited, with a practical catch
Chicago Museum Tickets, Chicago Tours, Dessert Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews

Museum of Ice Cream Chicago Admission Ticket

9.Museum of Ice Cream Chicago Admission Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 396 reviews · 45 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $43

Pick an entry time and explore 14 ice cream-themed installations at the Museum of Ice Cream in Chicago. You’ll find interactive games, a sweet-themed mini golf course, ice cream sampling stations and a full-sized sprinkle pool. Frozen cocktails and shakes are available at the hidden Speakeasy, with drinks for adults sold separately.

“This was an amazing time no matter your age. Great flavors of ice cream along with fun activities! The speakeasy was the best!!”

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Chicago: 360 Chicago Observation Deck Sip and View Ticket - The 40-second ride to the 94th floor
Chicago Observation Decks, Chicago Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews

Chicago: 360 Chicago Observation Deck Sip and View Ticket

10.360 Chicago Observation Deck Sip and View Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 355 reviews · 1h 30m · from $44

Spend about 90 minutes at 360 CHICAGO, 1,000 feet above Michigan Avenue. Your ticket covers the 94th-floor deck, Chicago history exhibits, CloudWalk, CloudBar, and one drink from the Sip Menu. The ride up takes about 40 seconds. TILT, the window-leaning thrill ride, costs extra. Entry is for adults 21 and older.

“Vista linda, alto astral, bar no topo com drinks e snacks.”

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Chicago: Museum of Ice Cream Entry Ticket - Fourteen installations, and touching is part of the plan
Chicago Museum Tickets, Chicago Tours, Dessert Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews

Chicago: Museum of Ice Cream Entry Ticket

11.Museum of Ice Cream Entry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 325 reviews · 1h 30m · from $33

At Chicago’s Museum of Ice Cream in Tribune Tower, you get 90 minutes to explore 14 hands-on installations, sample unlimited ice cream in five forms, ride the pink Sprink-L line, play mini golf, and visit the sprinkle pool. Staff members Tirusoma and Blue Moon have received praise for their service.

“The museum doesn’t check in your ticket from the app but they will have your information on their tablets! Easy and convenient!”

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Chicago: Griffin Museum of Science and Industry Ticket - A World’s Fair building with room to roam
Chicago Museum Tickets, Chicago Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews

Chicago: Griffin Museum of Science and Industry Ticket

12.Griffin Museum of Science and Industry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 294 reviews · 1 day · from $25

Enter the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry with a timed ticket and spend the day exploring hands-on science, the U-505 submarine, Apollo 8 and more. The optional Marvel’s Spider-Man: Beyond Amazing exhibition requires a separate ticket. Underground parking is available, and you can bring your own lunch.

“It was amazing but we could easily have spent another day as we didn’t get to see all of the exhibits. Will return next time we’re in Chicago!!”

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Drunk Shakespeare Ticket – Chicago - Choosing a showtime and seat
Chicago Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews

Drunk Shakespeare Ticket – Chicago

13.Drunk Shakespeare Ticket – Chicago

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 157 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)

In Chicago’s Loop, Drunk Shakespeare pairs a classically trained actor who takes five shots of whiskey with a cast performing a Shakespeare play. Expect a different, comedy-heavy show each time, audience interaction, a special treat on arrival, and cocktails for purchase. Choose from two showtimes and several seating areas. The experience is for ages 21 and older.

“This was one of the most fun experiences I’ve ever had. The cast was incredibly interactive from the moment I walked in until the moment I walked out. Their energy was amazing, and everything was so well prepared and executed. I laughed nonstop and felt fully immersed the entire time. Drunk Shakespeare Chicago is an absolute must. Such a unique and unforgettable experience.”

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Chicago: Museum of Illusions Timed Entrance Ticket - Tilted rooms, shrinking people, and odd angles
Chicago Museum Tickets, Chicago Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews

Chicago: Museum of Illusions Timed Entrance Ticket

14.Museum of Illusions Timed Entrance Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 134 reviews · from $40

At the Museum of Illusions in Chicago’s Loop, you can explore more than 60 interactive exhibits, including the Tilted Room, Ames Room, Vortex Tunnel, and Infinity Room. Finish in the Smart Playroom with memory and logic games. Plan on 45 to 60 minutes, and bring a camera or phone for the photo spots.

“Extensive and amazing illusions, most of which are highly interactive. Many I have never seen or heard of before. A fun experience for all ages. The puzzle room at the end was an extra bonus.”

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Frank Lloyd Wright's Home & Studio Tour Ticket - The guide makes the details matter
Frank Lloyd Wright Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Home & Studio Tour Ticket

15.Frank Lloyd Wright’s Home & Studio Tour Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 133 reviews · 1 hour (approx.)

At 951 Chicago Ave in Oak Park, take a one-hour English-language tour of the home Frank Lloyd Wright designed for his family and the studio where he developed his early ideas. Groups are limited to 16. Guides named on recent tours include Adam, Polly, Tom, Karl, and Carolyn, though your guide may differ. Reserve a specific time before you arrive.

“The tour was thorough and allowed ample time and access to appreciate the home. The interpreter Tom was very knowledgeable and made the tour more enjoyable. The home itself is beautiful and well worth the visit.”

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