Chicago Attractions

Top Things to Do in Chicago, IL - Chicago Attractions

Things to Do in Chicago

Grab a slice of deep dish pizza, snap a selfie with the Bean at Millennium Park, and take in the city by boat on Lake Michigan or the Chicago River.

Book these experiences for a close-up look at Chicago.


Top Attractions in Chicago

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
1





*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

  • Coralmaya
    Exeter, UK29 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful museum with lots of contemporary American art. I am European so it was really interesting not to see, allow me the term, the usual imported art from the old continent.
    Written 10 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TravelingSoccerLoon
    Saint Paul, MN3,477 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Millennium Park is a beautiful green space in downtown Chicago most known as the location of "The Bean" or more correctly named Cloud Gate. However, there is much more to the park including the Crown Fountain, Millennium Monument, the Lurie Botanical Garden and the Jay Pritzker Pavillion which is an amphitheater offering open air concerts throughout the summer months, many of them free to the public. It is also just a great place to wander, sit on a bench, people watch or view the stunning Chicago skyline. However, the park is also very busy with visitors as it seems that everyone who visits Chicago has to see The Bean. Visit early in the day to avoid the crowds. The park opens at 6am if you really want to get a special photo.
    Written 13 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Abby B
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It was very informative and I learned alot about the buildings. It was very cold but I still enjoyed the tour. I liked how we discussed the buildings through the decades.
    Written 6 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Johna Rogers
    Covington, TN149 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Probably one of the most detailed and interactive museums I’ve ever been to. We had a great time spending most of the day here. Loved all the exhibits.
    Written 17 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TravelingSoccerLoon
    Saint Paul, MN3,477 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Magnificent Mile is a stretch of Michigan Avenue running from the Michigan Avenue Bridge over the Chicago River to Oak Street. It is Chicago's premier shopping street filled with the finest department stores and high-end retailers. There are no shopping bargains to be found here. Shop here if you enjoy spending a lot of money. It is mostly tourists walking up and down the Magnificent Mile taking in the scene. I find most of it rather uninteresting not being much of a window shopper. However, it can still make for a good stroll and the area is clean and safe both day and night. The best aspect of the Magnificent Mile is the architecture that can be viewed near the Michigan Ave Bridge over the Chicago River including of the Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower and the area near the Historic Watertower including nearby iconic John Hancock Center and Watertower Place.
    Written 12 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TravelingSoccerLoon
    Saint Paul, MN3,477 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    When I first viewed "the Bean", correctly named Cloud Gate, 15 years ago, I was underwhelmed and didn't understand all the fuss. Over time, I have learned to appreciate this public work of art. The reflective nature of the artwork is quite beautiful and the concave chamber inside that multiplies reflections is really cool. The much-photographed piece of art has now become an iconic part of Chicago. It, Millennium Park and adjacent Grant Park with its Buckingham Fountain is well worth seeing during a visit to Chicago. My only negative comment is that it is always mobbed with visitors which detracts from the experience. I suppose it could be fun to be part of the excitement when it is busy, but I would try to visit very early in the morning especially if you want to get some good photos. Even though it is all the good things I describe above, it really doesn't deserve the amount of attention that it ends up getting.
    Written 12 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kevin B
    Mount Juliet, TN2,325 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    My wife and I are Yankees fans, but we're also baseball fans in general and we've been making our way to all of the MLB ballparks (this was 14/30). Wrigley has always been our most anticipated ballpark given its history and we were not disappointed. The ballpark is amazing and they've been able to renovate and keep it modernized while keeping all the classic elements of the ballpark. Our seats were comfortable and our view was great and the food and drink selection was very good as well. It's in a great part of town and it was just a pleasure to see a ballgame here. We'd 100% come back for a Cubs game whenever we're in town!
    Written 19 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Edwin H
    Rotterdam, The Netherlands44 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The view is really great up there, and it is nice to learn about the (sometimes quite literal) rise of chicago whil on your way to the skydeck. So it is more than just a view. It is rather expensive though
    Written 30 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Johna Rogers
    Covington, TN149 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We really enjoyed this museum. There’s a whole lot to see though so definitely start your day here and plan to be there most or all of the day.
    Written 17 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • LaurenSCO
    Scotland, UK53 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The most amazing views! The tilt experience was great and I thought, reasonably priced! Staff were nice and queues moved fast. Only thing that stopped it being a 5 was the cost of the photos. You expect to pay a bit more at these things but I felt $30 for one print was excessive.
    Would definitely recommend when in Chicago!
    Written 21 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • jronkowski
    Chicago, IL203 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a great FREE zoo in Lincoln park . The food , snacks , and parking are expensive . Bring your own food and drink and take Convienent public transportation. Nearby north pond with birds , Peggy Notebaart nature museum , and free Caldwell lily ponds . There are all sorts of gardens and green areas nearby.
    Written 20 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TravelingSoccerLoon
    Saint Paul, MN3,477 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    There are several ways to experience the beautiful architecture of downtown Chicago. One of the best ways is to take an architectural boat tour on the river. However, another option is to stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk. Located on the south bank of the Chicago River, there are several different access points. This is a quiet and relaxing walk and offers stunning views of some of Chicago's most iconic buildings. The views of the Wrigley Building and Tribune Building near the Michigan Avenue Bridge are amazing and are especially rewarding at night when everything is illuminated.
    Written 11 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chicago