Top Things To Do in Chicago, IL
Chicago packs in skyline cruises, world-class museums, comedy, food tours, and family attractions—everything you need for a quick plan. Start with an architecture boat tour, then head to Skydeck or 360 Chicago for views, the Art Institute and Museum Campus for culture, and neighborhood eats in the Loop, River North, West Loop, Lincoln Park, and Hyde Park. Below you’ll find the best things to do in Chicago right now with live availability.
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Top Things to Do in Chicago
Chicago has a lot to be proud of. Whether it’s iconic art installations or eateries along a popular pier, the people of Chicago know how to keep busy. Start off your vacation by knocking some of these iconic Chicago activities off your todo list.
The best things to do in Chicago include:
- Check out the mind-bending reflections at Cloud Gate, also known as The Bean
- Head to Millennium Park to take a selfie with the Crown Fountain
- Climb Willis Tower and get a view of the Chicago skyline
- Explore the 50 acres of gardens, amusement rides, shops, and eateries at Navy Pier
- Go shopping at The Magnificent Mile, Chicago’s premier shopping destination
Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods feature much for tourists to explore. Whether it’s a scenic view of the skyline or a seeing the city like a local, there’s plenty of tourist attractions in Chicago to knock off your bucket list.
Popular attractions near Chicago include:
- The Chicago Riverwalk is a hotspot with an iconic view of the city
- Marvel the architectural feats of Jay Pritzker Pavilion
- Visit Grant Park, Chicago’s most popular green space
- Chicago Walking Tours have many stops against Chicago landmarks with a pay-what-you-want model
- Gawk at the Mies Van der Rohe skyscrapers
If you want to get to know Chicago, you need to do something new every day. After the tourist attractions, start exploring other fun things to do in Chicago.
Fun things to do in Chicago include:
- Visit McCormick Tribune Plaza, which turns into a picturesque ice-skating rink in the winter
- Visit Chicago Design Museum, offering changing exhibits related to anything from graphic design and architecture
- Visit the Field Museum of Natural History
- Walk on glass at Skydeck Chicago
- Solve clues and complete challenges in an Urban Adventure Quest
“You can sleep when you’re dead,” is a common expression in this exciting city. From dance clubs to cocktail lounges, Chicago is no stranger to nightlife options.
Things to do in Chicago at night include:
- Grab a pint at The Map Room
- Order a cocktail with locally-made vodka from CH Distillery
- Be charmed by the nonstop party at El Hefe Chicago
- See the Chicago skyline architecture light up when the sun goes down
- Enjoy a drink or two at tiki-inspired Three Dots and a Dash
Chicago is teeming with kid-friendly activities. Try going to a water park, botanical garden, planetarium, or even a zoo.
Things to do in Chicago with kids include:
- Heading to Shedd Aquarium to learn more about marine life
- Playing with the the interactive exhibits at Chicago Children’s Museum
- Exploring Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum’s toddler-friendly butterfly spaces
- Visiting Brookfield Zoo, 216-acre nature park with more than 2000 animal residents
- Taking the kids to Adler Planetarium
Chicago has museums, cultural hotspots, and art galleries galore. Learning more about the Windy City is one of the best ways to take a break from all that wind.
Chicago things to do indoors include:
- Explore the expansive Chicago Cultural Center, also known as the “People’s Palace”
- Visit the National Museum of Mexican Art, which is free to the public every day of the week
- The Oriental Institute is a part of University of Chicago’s renowned research center for Near Eastern Studies
- Visit Hyde Park Art Center, a combination of shared art space and community resource
- Explore the archives of the American Writers Museum
Relax in any of Chicago’s many parks or give water sports a try at the lake or river. Whatever you choose, bring your camera — there’s plenty of things to see in Chicago, don’t miss out on some breathtaking pictures.
Active things to see in Chicago include:
- Wander the breathtaking native plants at Lurie Garden
- Climb the wall at Maggie Daley Park
- Go skating at the Skate Park in Grant Park
- Try out Bobby’s Bike Hike, a local tour company
- Visit the Garfield Park Conservatory for a display of houses and outdoor gardens
Inspiration for things to do in Chicago from The Gist!
Discover the Windy City With These 8 Must-Do Chicago Sightseeing Tours - So, you want to explore the Windy City? You’ve come to the right place. Chicago is home to many must-do sightseeing attractions and tours, from walks along the waterfront to boat rides down the Chicago River, all while eyeing up its iconic skyline… Keepin’ the Kiddos Busy in the Windy City: 9 Things to Do in Chicago With Kids - Whether you live in the Windy City or are there for a quick visit, you’ll find that there are plenty of things to do in Chicago with kids…Frequently Asked Questions
Chicago offers numerous attractions including Millennium Park, Navy Pier, the Art Institute of Chicago, Shedd Aquarium, The Field Museum and the SkyDeck at Willis Tower. The city also has a vibrant restaurant scene and numerous shopping opportunities, particularly along the Magnificent Mile.
The best time to visit Chicago is between May and September, when the weather is most pleasant. However, the city also has plenty of indoor attractions, making it a great year-round destination.
Chicago is full of family-friendly activities. Some examples include the Lincoln Park Zoo, Shedd Aquarium, and the Children's Museum at Navy Pier. You can also visit parks like Millennium Park or Maggie Daley Park, which feature play structures and seasonal skating rinks.
Chicago is famous for its deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs. It's also known for Italian beef sandwiches and a diverse restaurant scene featuring cuisine from around the world.
Yes, Chicago has the nation’s second-largest public transportation system and is best known for the L train, which covers most areas of the city. In addition to the train, there are buses available. Alternatively, many use taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft.
Visit Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower for a breathtaking cityscape, or enjoy panoramic views from the 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck at the John Hancock Tower. For a more unique perspective of the Chicago skyline, take an architectural boat tour on the Chicago River.