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

Boston CityPASS gives you a practical way to see four major attractions without locking you into a busy sightseeing schedule. The nine-day validity is the key: you can spread visits across several days instead of racing from one admission desk to the next.

I like the required combination of the New England Aquarium and Museum of Science, since they suit both first-time visitors and families. I also like choosing two extras, especially if you want to balance indoor museums with a harbor cruise or an observation deck. The main catch is simple: the $79 pass is not automatically a bargain for every plan, so you need to use all four admissions and choose options that would otherwise cost more.

Boston CityPASS at a glance

• Nine days to explore: Your pass starts with its first use, giving you room to plan around weather, energy, and opening hours.
• Two essential admissions included: Visit the New England Aquarium and the Museum of Science with one mobile ticket.
• Two choices shape the pass: Select Boston Harbor City Cruises, View Boston, Franklin Park Zoo, or Harvard Museum of Natural History.
• Mobile entry keeps things simple: Present your CityPASS ticket at each attraction for scanning.
• Reservations may be needed: Check my.citypass.com before visiting for current booking rules, hours, and entry instructions.
• A flexible family option: The mix of science, animals, views, and local history works for several types of Boston trip.

How the nine-day pass works

You buy the pass for $79 per person and receive mobile tickets. The ticket is valid for one year from the purchase date before you start using it, then remains active for nine days from your first attraction visit.

That timing matters. You do not need to use the pass on the day you buy it, and you do not need to visit four places in one weekend. If rain ruins your harbor cruise plans, you have time to rearrange the order. If you want a slow museum morning, the nine-day window gives you room for that too.

Each attraction offers one-time admission unless its specific terms say otherwise. You should check the CityPASS website before setting out, since reservations, hours, and entry instructions can change. The pass itself does not provide transportation, food, or drinks, so you will need to handle those costs separately.

The mobile format is convenient, but keep your phone charged and make sure the ticket is easy to access. At each stop, present it for scanning. This is not a guided tour, so you explore independently and decide how long to stay.

New England Aquarium: your first required stop

The New England Aquarium is one of the pass’s two fixed attractions. That makes it an important part of the value calculation, especially if marine life is already high on your Boston list.

You receive aquarium admission, giving you access to the attraction rather than a special behind-the-scenes program. The practical benefit is flexibility: you can visit on a day that fits your schedule instead of buying a separate timed package through this pass.

For families, the aquarium can be an easy anchor for a downtown sightseeing day. For adults, it offers a focused indoor stop when the weather is poor or you need a break from walking. I would allow enough time to see the exhibits without treating the visit as a quick box to check, though the exact amount of time you need depends on your pace and interest.

Check current entry instructions before going. The information supplied for this pass says reservations may be required at some attractions, and the CityPASS site provides the latest details. That small step can prevent an avoidable wait or a poorly timed arrival.

Museum of Science: the second required admission

The Museum of Science is the other attraction included for every pass holder. You receive admission to the general exhibit halls, not every possible special offering or separately priced feature.

This is a good match for curious families, science fans, and anyone looking for a substantial indoor activity. The general exhibit halls give you a broad visit rather than a single narrow topic, so you can spend more time with the subjects that interest you most.

I like this pairing with the aquarium because the two stops feel different. One centers on aquatic life, while the other gives you a wider science visit. If you are planning with children or a mixed-interest group, that variety can help keep the day from feeling repetitive.

The drawback is that a general admission pass does not promise access to every special event or add-on. Check the current attraction details so you know exactly what your CityPASS covers before you arrive.

Choosing your first extra: a 60-minute Boston Harbor cruise

Boston Harbor City Cruises is one of your four possible choices. The included option is a 60-minute historic sightseeing cruise of Boston Harbor.

This is the choice I would make if you want to see Boston from a different angle without adding a full day to your schedule. One hour is long enough for a change of pace, yet short enough to fit around another attraction or a meal.

The cruise also gives you a break from indoor exhibits. That can be valuable after the aquarium and Museum of Science, especially if you prefer a mix of activities. At the same time, it is weather-dependent in a way the museums are not. A cold, rainy, or windy day may make the cruise less appealing, so keep your schedule loose during the nine-day validity period.

Current departure times and reservation rules are important here. The pass includes the stated sightseeing cruise, but it does not include transportation to the departure point or food and drinks. Check the CityPASS information before you build the rest of your day around a sailing.

View Boston: a simple choice for city views

View Boston Observation Deck is another option for one of your two selections. The pass provides general admission.

This choice suits you if you want a broad look at Boston rather than another traditional museum. It is also a useful pick for a short visit, since an observation deck can fit into a morning, afternoon, or evening plan more easily than a large attraction.

I would compare this option with the harbor cruise based on the kind of view you want. The cruise puts you on the water for a timed hour, while View Boston gives you a high vantage point over the city. The best value depends on which experience you would actually buy separately.

As with the other attractions, general admission does not mean every possible extra is included. Check the current entry information, hours, and any reservation requirements before you go.

Franklin Park Zoo: a family-friendly outdoor option

Franklin Park Zoo offers daytime general admission as one of the two optional choices. Separately ticketed after-hours events are not included.

This is the pass’s clearest outdoor animal-focused option. If you are traveling with children, or if you want to replace a second indoor museum with open-air time, the zoo may be the right fit. It also gives your nine-day plan a different rhythm from the aquarium and Museum of Science.

The main consideration is timing. The included admission is for daytime entry, so you should not assume that an evening event or special program is covered. Hours and seasonal conditions can affect how well the zoo fits your itinerary, so use my.citypass.com for the current details.

The zoo may also take more planning than an attraction in central Boston, since transportation is not included. Factor in how you will reach it before choosing it as one of your two extras.

Harvard museums: two collections in one choice

Harvard Museum of Natural History provides general admission to its permanent and special exhibits and special programs, along with admission to the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology.

That makes this a strong choice if you want museum time with more academic and cultural depth. You are not limited to one collection, since the included admission also covers the Peabody Museum. For many people, this option will feel more distinctive than simply adding another general sightseeing stop.

The wording matters: the pass includes the listed general admission and the stated exhibits and programs, but you should still check the current details for what is available during your visit. Hours and entry procedures can change.

Harvard is also a separate part of the city from some downtown attractions. Since transportation is not part of CityPASS, plan the route and allow enough time to get there. The pass saves money only if the extra travel feels worthwhile to you.

Is $79 a good deal?

The advertised saving is up to 46 percent, but your actual result depends on how you use the pass. You receive four admissions, so the basic value test is straightforward: add up the individual prices of the aquarium, Museum of Science, and the two choices you would otherwise pay for. If that total exceeds $79, the pass saves money.

The word up to is important. If you choose lower-priced options, skip one attraction, or buy the pass for a child or adult whose individual admission would already be modest, the savings may be smaller. You also need to account for transportation, meals, and any extras not covered by general admission.

I think the pass makes the most sense when you already want the two required attractions and can confidently name two optional stops. It is less useful if you are undecided about museums, mainly want free sightseeing, or prefer to spend your trip outdoors without a fixed attraction plan.

The nine-day window improves the value because it reduces pressure. You can visit four places across a week and a half rather than force them into one expensive, exhausting day. That flexibility has practical value even when the raw ticket savings are not at the maximum.

A smart way to plan your four visits

Start by checking my.citypass.com for reservation needs and current hours. Do this before your first visit, not after you have already built a detailed schedule.

Then choose your two extras based on the kind of trip you want:

• Pick the harbor cruise for a one-hour change of pace and a water-based view.
• Pick View Boston for a shorter observation-deck visit.
• Pick Franklin Park Zoo for daytime outdoor animal exhibits.
• Pick Harvard Museum of Natural History for permanent and special exhibits plus the Peabody Museum.

You do not need to visit attractions in the order listed. I would keep the cruise or zoo flexible if weather matters to you, and use the indoor museums as reliable anchors. You can also avoid placing the aquarium and Museum of Science on the same day unless you enjoy long museum days.

Because there is no included transportation, make a simple route plan each morning. The pass covers admission, not the time and money required to move between neighborhoods. That is one of the few practical costs that can quietly reduce the savings.

Who will get the most from this pass?

The Boston CityPASS is best for you if you want a planned set of major attractions but do not want a rigid guided itinerary. Families can benefit from the variety, while first-time visitors can cover several recognizable Boston stops with less ticket buying.

It also suits anyone staying in Boston for several days. The nine-day period is generous for a short vacation and even more useful for a longer stay. You can wait for a better day for the cruise, take a slower museum visit, or shift plans when energy runs low.

Independent sightseers will appreciate the freedom. There is no guide, fixed group, or required meeting point beyond presenting the mobile pass at each attraction. You set the pace.

I would be more cautious if your Boston visit is very short. With only one or two free days, you may not have enough time to use all four admissions. I would also think twice if you strongly prefer small independent sights, neighborhood walks, or free public spaces over paid attractions.

Practical details before you buy

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the activity, and you can reserve now while paying later, which helps if your dates are not fully settled. The pass is wheelchair accessible, though you should still check the current attraction instructions for individual access details.

Your ticket can be used for entry by scanning the mobile code at each attraction. Reservations may be required, and attraction inclusions can change, so use my.citypass.com for the latest information.

The overall rating is 4.6 out of 5 from 125 ratings. A verified booking from Christine Poulain in France praised the experience as perfect while her trip was still underway, which fits the pass’s strongest quality: it keeps the admission side of a sightseeing plan simple.

Should you book Boston CityPASS?

Book it if you want the aquarium and Museum of Science, can name two optional attractions, and have enough time to use all four within nine days. The best pairings are personal: the harbor cruise and View Boston for city scenery, the zoo for outdoor family time, or the Harvard museums for collections and culture.

Skip it if you are unlikely to use every admission or if transportation and add-on costs would outweigh the savings. For a well-planned Boston visit, though, the pass offers a useful blend of savings and breathing room. At $79 per person, it is a sensible buy when your four-stop plan is already clear.

FAQ

How much does Boston CityPASS cost?

The listed price is $79 per person.

How long is Boston CityPASS valid?

The pass is valid for nine days from the time you first use it.

How long do I have to start using the pass after buying it?

You have one year from the purchase date to begin using the pass.

Which attractions are included for everyone?

Every pass includes admission to the New England Aquarium and general exhibit halls at the Museum of Science.

Which two additional attractions can I choose?

You can choose two from Boston Harbor City Cruises, View Boston Observation Deck, Franklin Park Zoo, and Harvard Museum of Natural History.

What does the Boston Harbor cruise include?

It includes a 60-minute historic sightseeing cruise of Boston Harbor.

Does the Franklin Park Zoo option include after-hours events?

No. The included admission is daytime general admission. Separately ticketed after-hours events are not included.

Does the Harvard option include the Peabody Museum?

Yes. The Harvard Museum of Natural History admission includes the permanent and special exhibits and special programs listed, plus admission to the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology.

Are reservations required?

Reservations may be required at some attractions. Check my.citypass.com for current reservation rules, entry instructions, hours, and planning information.

Is transportation included?

No. Transportation, food, and drinks are not included.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the pass wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.