• Cut sightseeing costs with a Chicago Go Card, which includes admission to over 25 of the city’s top attractions, activities and tours. There are also exclusive retail and restaurant savings and discounts (from 10 percent to 50 percent). The cards work best for those who plan to visit multiple attractions and/or those who plan multiple visits over several days or who have changing itineraries. Available in 1-, 2-, 3-, 5- and 7-day increments, they can be purchased online in advance (small fee for shipping) or picked up or purchased at select city locations. Travel Bonus: With your Go Card in hand, you can skip the often long ticket purchase lines at most of the attractions you visit!
• Get discounted theater tickets online (or in person at three city locations) from the League of Chicago Theatres Hot Tix service. Sign up for a daily e-mail alert (Tuesday through Friday) on what’s available each day.
• Purchase a City Transit Visitor Pass for unlimited rides on all CTA buses and trains. Available in 1-, 2-, 3-, or 5-day passes, you can see as much as you want of Chicago starting at just $5 a day! Travelers’ Tip: Order passes online and in advance of your trip. Many of the local outlets have only a limited number of Visitor Passes in stock.
• Check out StyleChicago.com for restaurant, entertainment (including half-price theater tickets) and other local product and service discounts.
• Buy a copy of the current Chicago North Entertainment Book, It includes discounts and savings for local restaurants, shops and attractions as well as travel discounts for hotels and rental cars. Depending on when you buy it, it’s as little as $9.99. But even at full price, you’ll save many dollars more than its cover price. (The locals love these books because of the many discount coupons for popular eateries, movie theaters and retail stores. And many also buy the book as a gift for their visiting friends and family.)
• Check your itinerary. You may be able to cut costs by purchasing a Chicago City Pass, which includes free (or discounted) admission to five top attractions (the Shedd Aquarium, The Field Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, the Adler Planetarium and the John Hancock Observatory).
© Cheapflights Ltd Marlene R. Fedin
