Boston CityPASS®: Save up to 46% at 4 Top Attractions

One ticket, four top sights, easy planning. Boston CityPASS is a smart way to see the best of Boston without spending your trip doing math, because you bundle 4 attractions into one mobile pass with up to 46% savings.

I especially like that the core picks are strong for a wide range of ages: the New England Aquarium and the Museum of Science are both included, so you’re not stuck hoping your favorites line up with the day’s plan. And there’s real convenience here too, since your CityPASS mobile tickets are delivered instantly so you can get scanned at each stop as you go.

The one thing to watch is that this pass is built for one-time entry at each attraction, and some places may require reservations. That means you’ll want to check my.citypass.com before you commit your days, especially if you’re traveling during a busy time.

Key things I’d clock before you buy

• 9 days to use the pass: you can spread visits out instead of cramming.
• Two guaranteed anchors: New England Aquarium + Museum of Science are included no matter what.
• Choose 2 extras based on your vibe: Harbor cruise, View Boston, Franklin Park Zoo, or Harvard Museum of Natural History.
• Mobile ticket scanning at each stop: present and go at the attractions.
• Reservations may be required: check my.citypass.com so you don’t get stuck at the wrong moment.
• Good value math for families: one adult saver noted it would have cost over $34 more without CityPASS.

What Boston CityPASS really is (and why it’s worth your attention)

Boston CityPASS is not a guided tour with a group schedule. It’s a ticket bundle that lets you walk into major attractions using one mobile pass. The “experience” is the freedom: you choose your pace across 9 days, and you don’t have to decide at every stop whether it’s worth buying another ticket.

For me, the appeal is simple. You’re buying certainty. The pass already includes two headline attractions, and then you pick two more based on what you want to be your trip memories. If your group has mixed interests, that mix matters.

Also, the pass is built for convenience. You get instant delivery of mobile tickets, and at each attraction you present the mobile ticket for scanning. That cuts down on the usual trip headache of locating paper tickets or figuring out where you’re supposed to check in.

Value is the other big reason to consider it. Boston CityPASS says you can save up to 46% versus buying separately, and one saver calculated the pass would have cost over $34 more for one adult without it. Even if you don’t hit the maximum discount, the structure is designed so the package price stays competitive.

Price and value: how to think about $79 per person

The listed price is $79 per person, and CityPASS positions that as savings up to 46%. You should treat that as your main “decision lever,” but don’t stop there.

Here’s how I’d evaluate value in real life:

• If you want the Aquarium and Museum of Science anyway, your pass is already doing most of the heavy lifting. Those are included no matter what.
• Your choice of the final 2 attractions affects the payoff. If you pick two experiences you’d otherwise pay for separately, you’re maximizing savings.
• Your group type matters. If you have kids, big-interest adults, or anyone who likes seeing animals and hands-on exhibits, the included mix is usually a win.

One more practical point: because you have one pass for 4 one-time entries, you’re effectively betting that you’ll actually use all four attractions. If you’re the kind of traveler who changes plans daily or wants to keep things very flexible, consider whether your schedule can fit four major stops across nine days.

Using the pass the smart way: 9-day flexibility without the chaos

Your CityPASS is valid for 9 days from first use, and you have one year from purchase to start using it. That’s a rare setup that reduces stress: even if your exact trip days shift, you’re not locked forever.

Here’s the practical way to use that flexibility:

• Plan for four visits across the 9-day window, but don’t feel forced to do everything early.
• If an attraction may need reservations, check my.citypass.com before you finalize which days you’ll go.
• Because each included attraction is one-time entry, make sure you’re comfortable with the day you choose—no swapping later if you miss your window.

Also, keep your mobile ticket ready. The process is basically: present the CityPASS mobile ticket at each attraction so it can be scanned for entry. That’s it. No extra complication is built in—your job is to arrive informed.

New England Aquarium: marine life, plus the kind of moments kids remember

The New England Aquarium is one of the two attractions included by default. If your group likes animals, this is typically the anchor stop that makes the whole pass feel worthwhile.

What stands out in the experience details you get from people who’ve been there:

• You can see a lot of marine life, including penguins and seals, plus octopus and many fish.
• A standout memory mentioned is live feeding of the giant Murtle turtle, described as nearly 95 years old.
• The habitats are set up in a way that makes it easy to spend time just watching.

That live-feeding moment is the kind of thing that’s hard to recreate on your own itinerary. It also tends to be kid-friendly because it adds an activity cue to the “look and learn” flow.

One downside to flag: there’s at least one documented period when the aquarium gift shop and café were closed for renovation (noted for 24 September 2024). If you care about buying souvenirs or grabbing a snack right there, it’s worth checking up-to-date attraction info on my.citypass.com before you count on it.

Museum of Science: a strong “do something today” option

Your pass also includes general exhibit halls admission to the Museum of Science. This is the second guaranteed anchor, and it’s a smart choice because it’s naturally good for mixed groups.

Since the pass covers general exhibit halls admission, you’re not limited to one tiny section. You can spend your time where you want, which is useful if:

• one person is more into hands-on experiences,
• another likes exhibits that are more observational, or
• you simply want a place that doesn’t require a specific appointment to enjoy your visit.

The key thing to remember: like the aquarium, this is part of the one-time entry structure. So pick a day you can actually give the museum the time it deserves, instead of treating it as a rushed stop.

Your two “choose-your-own” picks: how to select the right combo

After the aquarium and science museum, you choose 2 additional experiences from the options below. This is where you can tailor the pass to your family’s interests and avoid paying for something you won’t use.

Boston Harbor City Cruises (60-minute historic sightseeing cruise)

If you want a break from indoor attractions, this is a solid option because it’s specifically a 60-minute Historic Sightseeing Cruise of Boston Harbor.

It also works well as a change-of-pace day. When you’re doing animal exhibits plus science displays, a short cruise can reset the vibe without eating your whole day.

View Boston Observation Deck (General Admission)

If your group likes views and a straightforward outing, View Boston Observation Deck is the pick here, with general admission included.

This option tends to fit travelers who want a memorable photo moment and a low-planning add-on. Just remember it’s one-time entry, so make sure the day you pick works for the rest of your itinerary.

Franklin Park Zoo (General Admission)

For animal lovers, the Franklin Park Zoo option gives you general admission. One key consideration is that separate after-hours events are not included, so if you’re aiming for special evening programming, you’ll need other tickets beyond the pass.

If your group loves animals but also needs flexibility, a zoo can be perfect because you can spend as long as you want moving through exhibits—within the time you have available during your nine-day window.

Harvard Museum of Natural History (plus the Peabody Museum)

If your group is into natural history and exhibits, this is a great scholarly option with a practical bonus: it includes admission to all permanent and special exhibits and special programs, plus admission to the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology.

That added museum access is the kind of “value multiplier” that helps the CityPASS feel like more than a simple discount. It’s also a strong pick if you want your trip to include learning without being stuck in a classroom setting.

A sample way to structure your four attractions (so it feels relaxed)

CityPASS gives you freedom, but four major admissions can still feel like a lot if you schedule badly. Here’s a simple approach that keeps things from turning into a checklist:

• Pick one indoor anchor early (Aquarium or Museum of Science), then give yourself a lighter day between heavy spots.
• Use one of your choices for a different format:
• cruise if you want a time-boxed change,
• observation deck if you want views,
• zoo if you want animal time,
• Harvard Natural History if you want exhibits and programs.
• Save your last two admissions for days when the weather and energy level are on your side.

Because your pass is valid for 9 days from first use, you don’t need perfect timing. You just need a plan that keeps your group happy and keeps you from wasting one-time entries.

Reservations and what to do when plans are not set in stone

CityPASS points you to my.citypass.com for attraction reservations (if required), plus up-to-date entry instructions, hours, and helpful tips.

That’s the step that matters most for smooth days. If an attraction requires reservations, waiting until you’re already at the ticket scanner is where trips get annoying.

So I’d do this:

• After you buy, visit my.citypass.com and check whether any of your selected attractions require reservations.
• Use that info to decide your days within your 9-day window.
• Bring your mobile ticket and make sure it’s accessible for scanning at each venue.

The scan-in process: easy, but don’t forget the mobile ticket

There’s no complicated meet-up. You start by presenting your CityPASS mobile ticket at each attraction to be scanned for entry, and the activity ends back at the meeting point (meaning you’re not joining a guided group that has a set route).

In practice, this is what you should plan for:

• Keep your phone charged (obvious, but it’s the whole workflow).
• Arrive with enough time to find the correct entry spot.
• Expect the experience to be self-directed once you’re inside.

Also, the pass is listed as wheelchair accessible, so if your group needs accommodations, it’s worth confirming the entry process directly through the attraction info on my.citypass.com.

What’s included and what you must plan outside the pass

Included:

• Admission to the New England Aquarium
• Admission to the Museum of Science (general exhibit halls)
• Admission to any 2 of the following: Boston Harbor City Cruises, View Boston Observation Deck, Franklin Park Zoo, Harvard Museum of Natural History (including admission to the Peabody Museum)

Not included:

• Transportation
• Food and drink

That matters for budgeting. The CityPASS reduces ticket cost, but it doesn’t remove all the everyday trip spending. If you’re trying to keep a tight budget, plan for meals separately and build transportation time into your day.

Who Boston CityPASS fits best

This pass is a great match if:

• you want big-name Boston attractions without buying tickets one by one,
• your group has mixed interests (science, animals, views, cruises, or museums),
• you like the idea of a 9-day window to avoid rushing.

It’s less ideal if:

• you’re not sure you’ll use all four admissions (one-time entry is the rule unless the attraction changes),
• you don’t want to check reservations ahead of time,
• your schedule is so flexible that you can’t reasonably commit to four major visits.

Should you book Boston CityPASS?

If you’re planning a first-time or “best-of” Boston trip and you know you want the Aquarium and the Museum of Science, Boston CityPASS is usually a smart buy. The pricing is built for savings, and the pass structure helps you spend less time planning and more time actually doing.

I’d book it especially if one of your priorities is a memorable animal experience—like the Aquarium’s live feeding moment featuring the giant Murtle turtle—or if you want to combine science with a second big attraction without paying for everything separately.

If, on the other hand, your group is unpredictable and you might not use all four admissions, you could end up paying for something you don’t fully capitalize on. In that case, consider whether a la carte tickets match your style better.

FAQ

What attractions are included in Boston CityPASS?

The pass includes admission to the New England Aquarium and the Museum of Science, plus you choose 2 additional attractions from Boston Harbor City Cruises, View Boston Observation Deck, Franklin Park Zoo, and Harvard Museum of Natural History.

How many attractions does the pass cover?

Boston CityPASS provides one-time admission to 4 attractions total.

How long is Boston CityPASS valid after I use it?

It’s valid for 9 days from your first use.

Do I have to use the ticket soon after purchase?

You have one year from the date of purchase to start using the ticket.

Is the ticket entry one-time or unlimited?

Unless otherwise noted, the tickets are valid for one-time entry to each included attraction.

Do I need reservations?

Reservations may be required at some attractions. You can check the latest reservation and entry instructions on my.citypass.com.

How do I enter the attractions?

Present your CityPASS mobile ticket at each attraction to be scanned for entry.

Are transportation, food, or drink included?

No. Transportation and food and drink are not included.

What are my booking options and cancellation rules?

You can reserve now and pay later, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.