Category Tickets

Chicago · TICKETS

Chicago Attraction Tickets: The 15 Best Buys

39 tours

Most of Chicago’s headline attractions now sell timed entry, and the queue at the door is what you pay for not planning. These are the tickets worth holding in advance: observation decks, museums, the Centennial Wheel and the river boats, with prices and what each one includes.

Chicago: Willis Tower Skydeck and The Ledge Ticket

Chicago: Willis Tower Skydeck and The Ledge Ticket - Getting there at S. Wacker Blvd, and how the line works

Chicago: Architecture River Cruise Skip-the-Ticket Line

Chicago: Architecture River Cruise Skip-the-Ticket Line - Your route: all three branches and 40 landmark buildings explained

2.Architecture River Cruise Skip-the-Ticket Line

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

Skip the ticket line for a 3-branch Chicago River architecture cruise with live docent narration, skyline views, and optional drinks onboard.

“I recently had the pleasure of joining a boat tour led by our fantastic guide, Dillon, and Captain Albert, and I can't recommend them highly enough! From the moment we set sail, it was clear that we were in for an unforgettable experience. Dillon's enthusiasm and extensive knowledge made the tour both informative and engaging. He shared fascinating stories and insights about the local history and landmarks, making every moment on the water feel special. His passion for the area was contagious, and he encouraged questions, ensuring everyone felt involved. Captain Albert was the perfect complement to Dillon's guiding. His skillful navigation and calm demeanor made us feel safe and…”

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Chicago: Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Ticket

Chicago: Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Ticket - Finding your way in: boarding on the East Side of the wheel

4.Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Ticket

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

Ride the Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier for 3 rotations and skyline views from near 200 feet, with Fastpass options and heated gondolas.

“Beautiful! A nice long ride, with a short wait. Buying and sharing the tickets online was easy.”

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Medieval Torture Museum Ticket with Audio Guide and Ghost Hunting

Medieval Torture Museum Ticket with Audio Guide and Ghost Hunting - The main stop: exploring the 6000 sq ft exhibition

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

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

Chicago’s Medieval Torture Museum includes an audio guide and ghost-hunting app, with hands-on displays for a spooky 1.5-hour visit.

“There is a lot to see and interact with. Be mindful that lighting is very dim when you enter. However, this is unlike any traditional museum I have been to--aquarium, history, etc. I definitely recommend it.”

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Chicago: Art Institute of Chicago Fast-Pass Ticket

Chicago: Art Institute of Chicago Fast-Pass Ticket - What You Actually Get for $40, and Where the Value Comes From

6.Art Institute of Chicago Fast-Pass Ticket

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

Skip the line at Chicago’s Art Institute, spend a day on 5,000 years of art, and use a free multi-language app with audio.

“Amazing!! We are from Sault Ste. Marie, On Canada it was so worth it- definitely a two day tour though!! Got to see everything we wanted!! Definitely still in awe of it all!!”

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Chicago: Field Museum of Natural History Ticket or VIP Tour

Chicago: Field Museum of Natural History Ticket or VIP Tour - Ticket levels and the upgrade question you should ask first

7.Field Museum of Natural History Ticket or VIP Tour

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

Skip lines at the Field Museum with options from VIP early access for dinosaurs to All-Access special exhibitions, including Sue and more.

“I know some people said this was expensive for the price but it was a great tour! We got lucky and were the only couple and it was well worth the money. The guide was knowledgeable and friendly. Glad I didn’t miss out on this tour. Thanks Field Museum and Get Your Guide!”

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Field Museum of Natural History Admission Tickets

Field Museum of Natural History Admission Tickets - SUE and the Dinosaur Hall: the fossil stop you build your day around

8.Field Museum of Natural History Admission Tickets

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

Reserve Field Museum admission in advance to see SUE, mummies, gems, and 13,000 years of history. Great indoor Chicago day.

“A must do! So so much to see. You can spend hours here if you wanted! I have always wanted to see the Tsavo Lions and can now mark that off of my bucket list. My husband and I really enjoyed all of the skeletons of the different animals- it really makes you see the animal in a different way. And wow, so much we didn't know.”

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Museum of Ice Cream Chicago Admission Ticket

Museum of Ice Cream Chicago Admission Ticket - The ticket experience: timed entry and how to pace yourself

9.Museum of Ice Cream Chicago Admission Ticket

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

Chicago’s Museum of Ice Cream: timed entry, unlimited ice cream samples, putt-putt games, a speakeasy, and the iconic sprinkle pool.

“My girls had such a great time! We will definitely be back soon! So much fun! Truly a special day! We loved that every room was a different theme, Staff was amazing”

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Chicago: 360 Chicago Observation Deck Sip and View Ticket

Chicago: 360 Chicago Observation Deck Sip and View Ticket - The 94th-floor observation deck views you’ll actually use

10.360 Chicago Observation Deck Sip and View Ticket

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

Sip a cocktail while you soak up 360 Chicago views from the 94th floor, plus exhibits, CloudWalk, and optional TILT.

“Very easy to access and no queue at 5pm. Views were exceptional on a sunny clear day. Easy to get access to the windows to take photos. Sip and View cocktail options were great. Easy to find a seat near the window and not rushed to move on.”

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Chicago: Museum of Ice Cream Entry Ticket

Chicago: Museum of Ice Cream Entry Ticket - Your 90-Minute Sweet Spot: How the Experience Moves

11.Museum of Ice Cream Entry Ticket

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

Museum of Ice Cream Chicago: 90 minutes, $33, skip the line, unlimited ice cream, sprinkle pool, Sprink-L ride, and mini golf.

“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

Chicago: Griffin Museum of Science and Industry Ticket - The 1893 World’s Fair building makes the museum feel like a Chicago landmark

Drunk Shakespeare Ticket – Chicago

Drunk Shakespeare Ticket – Chicago - Audience interaction is not a side dish, it is the main course

13.Drunk Shakespeare Ticket – Chicago

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

Drunk Shakespeare in Chicago's Loop, a 90-minute adult comedy with whiskey-soaked Shakespeare, audience interaction, and cocktails for purchase.

“Impromptu comedy using Shakespeare's lines and the drinks as well as audience interaction was great.”

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Frank Lloyd Wright’s Home & Studio Tour Ticket

Frank Lloyd Wright's Home & Studio Tour Ticket - Stop 1: Inside Frank Lloyd Wright’s Home and Studio

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

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

Guided 1-hour visit to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Oak Park Home and Studio, a first masterpiece shaped over decades, in a small group.

“Unfortunately Viator.com charged for the tour 25 USD per ticket while it is available at Wright‘s Home & Studio for 20 USD. Other than that a great experience”

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