Things to Do in Chicago, IL - Chicago Attractions
Things to Do in Chicago
Popular things to do
- Day Cruises
- Historical Tours
- Speciality Museums
- City Tours
- Cultural Tours
- Architectural Buildings
- Architecture Tours
- Ghost & Vampire Tours
- Parks
- Art Tours
- Half-day Tours
- Points of Interest & Landmarks
- Bus Tours
- Segway Tours
- Historic Sites
- Self-guided Tours & Rentals
- Night Tours
- Art Museums
- Photography Tours
- Museum Tickets & Passes
- Monuments & Statues
- Mountain Bike Tours
- Dining Experiences
- Beer & Brewery Tours
- Cooking Classes
- Airport & Hotel Transfers
- Likely to Sell Out
- Top Picks
- Luxury & Special Occasions
- Holiday & Seasonal Tours
- Water Sports
- Family Friendly
- Air, Helicopter & Balloon Tours
- Shopping Tours
- Theme Parks
- Multi-day & Extended Tours
- Weddings & Honeymoons
- Special Offers
- Ports of Call Tours
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Chicago.
Top Attractions in Chicago
Architectural Buildings • Observation Decks & Towers
Near North Side
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Open now
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
Millennium Park
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Parks
Millennium Park
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Open now
Natural History Museums • Science Museums
South Loop
Admission tickets from HK$217.17
Arenas & Stadiums
North Side
Neighbourhoods • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Near North Side
Historic Walking Areas
Downtown / The Loop
Art Galleries • Architectural Buildings
Downtown / The Loop
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Open now
Speciality Museums • Art Museums
Near North Side
Historic Sites • Gardens
East Garfield Park
Aquariums
South Loop
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Open now
Biking Trails • Hiking Trails
Near North Side
Neighbourhoods
Downtown / The Loop
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Fountains
Grant Park
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Open now
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Downtown / The Loop
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Open now
Parks
North Side
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Open now
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Downtown / The Loop
Speciality Museums
Downtown / The Loop
Admission tickets from HK$112.61
Parks • Playgrounds
Downtown / The Loop
Amusement & Theme Parks • Piers & Boardwalks
Near North Side
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Open now
Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
Hyde Park
Admission tickets from HK$217.17
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Downtown / The Loop
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Open now
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travellers are saying
- Amelia L4 contributionsThe Art Institute is a great encyclopedic museum. We saw the Cezanne show which was great but the permanent collection is also fantastic. I would dedicate 3 hours minimum. Take public transportation! Parking is very expensive.Written 23 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Candice (Candi)United States314 contributionsThis was a very cool place that I visited for a class trip. There was so much to do, unique things to see and learn. Thanks!
(Date of visit, not exact)Written 23 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - TravelingMamaNew York, NY346 contributionsBeautiful views of the shoreline and city. We opted for a daytime view and it didn’t disappoint. They have the tilt attraction- we didn’t do it - but it looked like the people who did enjoyed it.Written 14 April 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- MN_PilotMetro Minneapolis-Saint Paul, MN15 contributionsThe ‘bean’ is always a hit. Chicago landmark. You have to get there early in the day if you want decent photos due to the crowds.Written 22 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- ALMA CLouisville, KY5 contributionsA must see in Chicago. The “bean” is beautiful. The park has other things to see. Excellent place to go with the family and have a picnic.Written 23 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Darryl GRichmond, VA96 contributionsThis museum, which takes a full day to explore, has the best and largest exhibit of dinosaurs and other fossils I have ever seen! All of the exhibits, and there are many other topics covered, with the exception of the gem exhibit, are all large, and well displayed. But back to the dinosaurs and fossils, not only is the display large, but it is divided by geologic periods, with summaries of how the earth changed from one period to the next, and how those climate and geological changes affected life on earth, both giving rise to and the demise of, various types of both plants and animals, until the modern age. For my taste, this is the best museum in Chicago, and several others are also good.Written 1 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- DTBinFWDFriendswood, TX123 contributionsAnyone with any interest in seeing what a classic baseball has been, or could be, should make a trip to a day game here. We were there on a beautiful
May afternoon and saw a game that featured 12 home runs. The stadium is a delight. The fans are awesome.Written 22 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - MelanieFort Madison, IA5 contributionsWhether you truly want to shop or just take it all in. The flowers were beautiful and so was the city-scape.Written 23 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- B1714DBelgrade, Serbia12,637 contributionsChicago is a pretty expensive city. However, to admire its worldwide famous skyscrapers and river scenery you don't need a penny.
Just enter the Riverwalk at any place and follow it. You'll pass by many astonishing buildings and see them from another perspective.
We did it early morning and at night - felt safe all the time.Written 22 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - B1714DBelgrade, Serbia12,637 contributionsI've visited several free zoos worldwide, but none of them is so well maintained and interesting to visit. Mostly, they're small and animals are cramped within them.
Contrary to that, Chicago's one is large, animals are well cared for and as an added bonus you have great city vistas from the grounds. Great job and must visit.Written 22 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - MacpubsMount Shasta, CA6 contributionsAt the time of our visit they had a retrospective of artist ROBERT COLESCOTT. Fantastic! I perhaps had heard of him and recognized his paintings. The exhibit was very informative and the Chicago Cultural Center was free. It's a great example of wonderful architecture in Chicago, right on Michigan Ave.Written 23 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Jaime L5 contributionsThis museum is very well organized and maintained. From reception to end you can find staff that can answer your questions regarding the collections. Tiffany!!Written 2 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- MorellaFarmington Hills, MI1,010 contributionsAbsolutely loved this place!
There are different environments connected by doors. Each one has a different theme. Plants and flowers are in great shape, evidently cared well.
The diversity of environments and colors is enjoyable.
There is also an area where you can drink coffee and teas, and have good quality croissants and muffins. This was a great find.
Some of the areas have pathways through the plants. Nicely done.
Reservations highly recommended at this time.Written 7 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Here and There Wendy80 contributionsNice aquarium. Some outdated areas, but clean for the amount of people that were there. All in all it was okay, not an aquarium I would make the trek to again.Written 15 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Taylor BChicago, IL7,563 contributionsIf you live in downtown Chicago, as I do, you are aware of what separates Chicago from other cities. Lake Michigan, of course. And the 18.5-mile-long Chicago Lakefront Trail, which stretches from Edgewater Beach to the north and South Shore to the south. Along the way, you'll parallel Lake Shore Drive and catch glimpses of Lincoln Park Zoo, Belmont Harbor, Monroe Harbor, Waveland Clock Tower, North Avenue Beach, Oak Street Beach, Navy Pier, Chicago River, Millennium Park, Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, Soldier Field, McCormick Place, Promontory Point and the Museum of Science and Industry. Not to mention one of the most picturesque sight-seeing opportunities you can imagine, a picture postcard look at Chicago's Skyline from North Avenue Beach. The Lakefront Trail is a popular destination for walking, jogging, skateboarding, scootering and cycling. It passes through four major lakefront parks--Lincoln Park, Grant Park, Burnham Park and Jackson Park--along with various beaches and recreational facilities. On a busy summer day, it is estimated that 70,000 people use the trail. In 1963, Mayor Richard J. Daley designed the Lakefront Trail as the city's first official bike path.Written 21 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chicago
- The top attractions to visit in Chicago are:
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Museum of Science and Industry
- 360 Chicago Observation Deck
- Cloud Gate
- Millennium Park
- The best outdoor activities in Chicago according to Tripadvisor travellers are: See all outdoor activities in Chicago on Tripadvisor
- The most popular things to do in Chicago with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:See all kid friendly things to do in Chicago on Tripadvisor