When traveling to big cities, I love finding ways to explore as much as possible without breaking the bank. One of my favorite budget-friendly travel hacks is the Go City attraction pass. It allows you to visit multiple attractions for a set price, helping you get more bang for your buck—something I’m always on board with!
Each city has its own selection of attractions, and the number varies depending on where you go. For example, while planning my upcoming trip to Boston, I discovered that the pass includes 47 different attractions to choose from. When I visited Chicago, there were 38 attractions available. With so many options, it makes sightseeing easier and more affordable, whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to see new places.
At first glance, purchasing a Go City pass might seem like a big expense. When we visited Chicago, we bought the 3-day pass for $220 each, which felt like a lot at the time. However, once we started using it, we quickly realized how much money we were saving. We made sure to only do experiences included in the pass, most of which ranged from $30 to $60 per ticket. That meant we only needed to visit four or five attractions to break even—and after that, every experience felt like a bonus!
In total, we packed in 15 to 20 attractions, bringing our cost per experience down to around $15 each. That’s an incredible deal, especially considering we got to try things we might not have done otherwise. For me, that kind of value makes the pass completely worth it!
I’ve used the Go City pass in Chicago and Miami, and it made both trips so much easier and more budget-friendly. I’m planning to use it again for Boston and New York, and I love that it lets you see so much without worrying about the cost of individual tickets.
Some close friends used the pass in Oahu and had an amazing time. They were able to do way more than they expected, and hearing about their experience just confirmed for me how worth it this pass really is, no matter where you’re traveling.
Tips for Using the Go City Pass
1. Plan Ahead
Before your trip, take some time to research the attractions included in the pass. Look at what interests you most and what would make the pass worth it for you. Knowing your options ahead of time can help you decide whether the pass is the best deal for your trip.
2. Don’t Be Afraid to Switch Plans
One of the best perks of using the pass is that if you try an attraction and don’t enjoy it, you can simply leave without feeling like you wasted money. You’ve already paid for the pass, so skipping something doesn’t cost extra. When I was in Chicago, we started a murder walking tour but lost interest halfway through, so we left and went to an illusion museum instead—definitely more my vibe!
3. Consider the Explorer Pass
If you don’t plan on visiting a lot of attractions, the Explorer Pass might be a better option. This pass lets you pick a set number of attractions rather than paying for unlimited visits over a certain number of days. I considered this for Boston, but after comparing prices, I realized that a one-day all-inclusive pass gave me the same value as picking four individual attractions—plus, it left room to add extra activities if we had time.
4. Check for Reservations & Seasonal Closures
Some attractions require advance reservations, sometimes days ahead, so it’s important to check before your trip. Also, make sure the attractions you’re interested in will be open when you visit. For example, in Boston, the hop-on-hop-off trolley (included in the pass) doesn’t open for the season until April 9—just in time for my trip! But some water-based experiences won’t be available.
5. Understand Multi-Day Pass Rules
If you’re buying a multi-day pass, check the rules for that specific city. Some cities require the pass to be used on consecutive days, while others let you spread the days out over a 14-day period. This flexibility can make a big difference in your itinerary.
6. Know the Layout of the City
Take a look at where attractions are located in relation to each other, as well as other places you plan to visit, like restaurants. This will help you create a more efficient itinerary and avoid unnecessary travel time.
The Go City pass has been one of my favorite ways to explore big cities while saving money. It takes the stress out of planning by bundling attractions together, making sightseeing easier and more budget-friendly. Some of my favorite experiences across different cities have been the hop-on-hop-off bus tours, which give a great overview of the city, and sightseeing cruises, which offer a unique perspective from the water. I also love using the pass for bike rentals, allowing me to explore at my own pace, and visiting an observation deck to take in breathtaking city views from above.If you’re planning a trip to a city that offers the Go City pass, I highly recommend looking into it. With a little research and planning, it can help you see more while spending less—something I’m always on board with!
Stay Safe and Start Exploring!