Okay, so museum passes worth buying? I’m all in on this topic, mostly because I’ve been that idiot who’s wandered into museums without one and cried over my empty bank account. Picture me last month, standing in the rain outside the Art Institute of Chicago, my sneakers soaked, fumbling with my phone to figure out if I could afford the ticket. Spoiler: I couldn’t. My coffee was cold, my vibe was wrecked, and I swore I’d never do that again. That’s when I dove headfirst into the world of museum passes, and lemme tell you, it’s been a wild, slightly embarrassing ride.
I’m writing this from a noisy café in Seattle, where the espresso machine is screaming louder than my thoughts. My table’s a mess—crumbs from a croissant I didn’t even enjoy, a notebook with scribbled museum names, and my phone, which is at 3% because I forgot my charger again. This is my life, and it’s why I’m obsessed with finding museum passes that actually save you money and sanity. I’ve made every mistake in the book, and I’m spilling it all here so you don’t have to.
Why Museum Passes Are My Lifeline
Museum passes are like that friend who’s always got your back but sometimes forgets to text you back. They’re not perfect, but they’ve saved me from blowing my budget on single-entry tickets. Like, I’m not made of money, okay? I’m a freelancer who spends too much on oat milk lattes and regrets it every time. A good museum pass lets me hop between exhibits without that sinking feeling of “I just spent $30 to look at old pottery for 10 minutes.”
Here’s why I’m sold on them:
- Saves cash: One pass, multiple museums. I’m not doing mental math every time I want to see some art.
- Skip-the-line vibes: I’ve waited in enough ticket lines to know I’d rather be eating a pretzel outside.
- Spontaneity: I’m impulsive. A pass lets me wander into a museum because I’m “in the mood” without overthinking it.
The Best Museum Passes I’ve Tried (and Messed Up With)
Okay, let’s get into the meat of it: which museum passes are actually worth your hard-earned cash? I’ve tested a bunch across the US, from New York to San Francisco, and I’ve got opinions—some contradictory, because I’m a mess like that. These are my top picks, based on my chaotic experiences.
The New York CityPASS: My Love-Hate Relationship
The New York CityPASS is like my ex: I love it, but it’s complicated. It covers big hitters like the Met, MoMA, and the American Museum of Natural History. I got it last summer when I was in NYC, thinking I’d be all cultured and stuff. Instead, I got lost in Central Park, showed up to the Met 10 minutes before closing, and accidentally left my pass in a deli. Classic me.
- Why it’s great: You get access to 5 attractions for about $140, which is a steal when a single Met ticket is $30. Plus, you can skip some lines, which is a godsend when you’re hangry.
- Why I screwed it up: I didn’t read the fine print. You’ve got 9 days to use it, and I wasted 3 days wandering Brooklyn for no reason. Plan your visits, unlike me.
- Pro tip: Check the CityPASS website for the latest deals. They sometimes throw in extras like the Statue of Liberty.
The Chicago CityPASS: My Redemption Arc
After my NYC disaster, I swore I’d be smarter in Chicago. The Chicago CityPASS is my favorite because it’s flexible and covers places like the Art Institute and the Field Museum. I used it last month, and it felt like I’d cracked the code. I was strutting around like I owned the place, even though I tripped over a stanchion at the Adler Planetarium. Embarrassing? Yes. Worth it? Totally.
- Why it’s awesome: It’s about $115 for 5 attractions, and you get 9 days to use it. The Art Institute alone is worth the price.
- My dumb mistake: I didn’t know you could pick between certain attractions (like the Skydeck vs. the 360 Chicago Observation Deck). I ended up at the Skydeck when I’m terrified of heights. Read the options on their site.
- Hot tip: Hit the museums early. I got to the Field Museum at 9 a.m. and had the dinosaur skeletons practically to myself.
The San Francisco CityPASS: My “I’m Cultured Now” Moment
San Francisco’s CityPASS is a vibe. It includes the Exploratorium, which is like a playground for nerds, and the de Young Museum, where I pretended to understand abstract art. I got this pass on a whim during a trip last fall, and it was the first time I didn’t feel like I was bleeding money. I even had enough left over for a burrito in the Mission, which is a win in my book.
- Why it rocks: Around $80 for 4 attractions, plus Muni transit access. I rode the cable cars like a tourist and didn’t care.
- My oops moment: I lost track of time at the Exploratorium and missed the last cable car. Had to Uber back to my Airbnb. Check schedules on their site.
- Pro move: Use the pass for the California Academy of Sciences at night. The aquarium after dark is magical.
Mistakes I Made So You Don’t Have To
I’m not saying I’m an expert on museum passes—clearly, I’m a walking disaster. But my screw-ups have taught me a few things:
- Read the fine print. Some passes have blackout dates or weird rules. I learned this the hard way when I tried to use a pass on a holiday.
- Plan (a little). I’m not a planner, but even I admit you need a loose itinerary to maximize a pass. Don’t be like me, wandering aimlessly.
- Keep track of your pass. I’ve lost two passes this year. Two. Keep it in a secure pocket, not your crumb-filled backpack.
Why I’m Still Obsessed with Museum Passes
Even with all my chaos, museum passes are my jam. They make me feel like I’m cheating the system, getting all this culture for a fraction of the price. Plus, there’s something thrilling about flashing a pass and waltzing into a museum like you belong there, even if you’re wearing mismatched socks (true story). I’m sitting here in this Seattle café, staring at my crumpled San Francisco pass, and I’m already plotting my next museum adventure.
Wrapping Up This Museum Pass Rant
Look, museum passes worth buying are a game-changer if you’re as broke and impulsive as I am. They’ve let me soak up art, history, and science without maxing out my credit card. Sure, I’ve made every mistake possible—losing passes, missing closing times, spilling coffee on maps—but that’s just me being me. If you’re planning a museum binge, grab a pass, make a vague plan, and don’t be like me (unless you want some funny stories). Got a favorite museum pass or a disaster story like mine? Drop it in the comments—I’m dying to hear I’m not the only one.
