CityPASS, 4 Top Attractions

Buy a CityPASS that covers 4 Boston attractions and saves up to 45% on entry prices. The pass is valid for 9 days from first use, so you can spread your visits across several days.

Overview

One purchase covers one-time entry to four Boston attractions of your choice, with nine days to use the tickets from first activation. The pool to pick from includes the New England Aquarium, the Museum of Science, a one-hour narrated historic harbor cruise with Boston Harbor City Cruises, the View Boston Observation Deck, Franklin Park Zoo, the Harvard Museum of Natural History, and the Museum of Fine Arts. Each admission is single entry, and the pass clock only starts when you visit your first attraction, so there is no pressure to cram everything into a day or two.

The pass works through the My CityPASS app, which holds your mobile tickets, attraction details, and any reservations that individual venues require. You have a year from purchase to begin using it, and cancellation is possible up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Transportation and food are not covered, so you plan your own routes between venues.

This suits travellers staying in Boston for at least a few days who want a mix of museums, animals, and a harbor cruise at a lower combined cost. Reviewers often describe it as straightforward to use, with entry scanned straight from the phone.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Buy and activatePurchase the pass and download the My CityPASS app for mobile tickets and attraction details. The nine-day validity begins at your first attraction visit, and you have a year from purchase to start.
2. Choose your four attractionsPick any four from the included venues. Each ticket is one-time entry unless otherwise noted.
3. New England AquariumAdmission covers all exhibits, daily animal presentations, and the Exploration Station interactive learning space.
4. Museum of ScienceExhibit Halls general admission includes all exhibits, live presentations, and drop-in activities.
5. Boston Harbor City CruisesA one-hour historic harbor cruise with live narration. Reservations may be needed, handled through the app.
6. View Boston Observation DeckGeneral admission includes 360-degree views from indoor and outdoor decks, interactive exhibits, and access to the rooftop bar and bistro.
7. Other optionsFranklin Park Zoo daytime admission, Harvard Museum of Natural History including the Peabody Museum, or the Museum of Fine Arts with all-day access to open galleries and select exhibitions.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will shape how the pass works for you, from app setup to which venues need reservations.

• Set up the app. The listing directs you to download the My CityPASS app before you go. It holds your mobile tickets, attraction details, and reservations where applicable.
• Plan your four picks. There are more venues on the list than admissions on the pass, so you need to choose.
• Pace yourself. Nine days of validity means no need to rush. The listing itself highlights taking your time exploring the sights, so you can spread the four visits comfortably across that window.
• Getting around. Transportation is not included, so you arrange your own travel between attractions. Check each venue's location when deciding which four to visit.
• Food and drink. Food and drink are not covered by the pass. The observation deck has a rooftop bar and bistro you can access, and one reviewer noted the aquarium cafe was closed for renovation during their visit.
• Weather and photos. The cruise runs outdoors, and one traveller reported going out in overcast, cold conditions and still enjoying it. The observation deck has both indoor and outdoor sections, which helps in poor weather. One reviewer mentioned good photos from the deck.

Common issues. A few travellers reported that online reservations were not possible for the cruise and the aquarium, which meant arranging entry differently than expected. Transportation between venues is not included, so budget time and money for getting around. One reviewer noted the aquarium gift shop and cafe were closed for renovation during a visit, though the exhibits themselves were unaffected. Separately ticketed after-hours events at Franklin Park Zoo are not part of the pass.

Common Questions