Things to do & places to visit in Chicago, Illinois, United States

You could spend months or years in Chicago and still not experience everything that this metropolis has to offer. Lively, diverse, vibrant and energetic describes both the city and its people. From skyscrapers to waterfronts to historic neighborhoods to shopping paradises, Chicago’s neighborhoods work together to create a multidimensional destination with unique experiences around every corner. The Windy City is home to movers and shakers including presidents, boxers, civil rights leaders, famed architects, business tycoons and iconic figures. It’s a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, foodies, shoppers, history buffs and everyone in between.

Chicago city in Illinois, United States. Timezone: America/Chicago, current date and time: Saturday, April 27, 2024, 17:23.

Top things to do (27)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 The Art Institute of Chicago (24.4k reviews)
- So great we visited twice
Saturday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Art Museums

See why the Art Institute of Chicago is the only museum in the world to be top-ranked by TripAdvisor four years in a row! Experience the greatest Impressionist collection outside Paris, and view contemporary masterpieces in the spectacular Modern Wing. Stand before classics like Nighthawks, and travel the globe through galleries devoted to the art of ancient Greece, Japan, Africa, and the Americas. See more..
5.0 Chicago Skyline (736 reviews)
- Simply spectacular
Spent More than 3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

We saw the Chicago skyline from the Sky Walk toll bridge yesterday. The skyline is amongst the best in the world. The Willis Tower stands out and the buildings, from far, look like they have been assembled. I have been to Chicago twice before and do recollect having gone up the Willis Tower (then known as Sears Tower) to view the city from top. The city’s skyline is amongst the best in the world. Also try to see the skyline after it is dark -simply stunning. Munir D. See more..
5.0 Lookingglass Theatre Company (469 reviews)
- Always good
Saturday: 12:00 PM - 7:30 PM Theaters

The Lookingglass Theatre Company seeks to redefine the limits of theatrical experience and to make theatre exhilarating, inspirational, and accessible to all.Through theatre, which invites, even demands, interaction with its audience, the company's goal is to fire the imagination with love, to celebrate the human capacity to taste and smell, weep and laugh, create and destroy, and wake up where we first fell --- changed, charged and empowered. See more..
4.5 Millennium Park (25.0k reviews)
- Very nice park
Saturday: 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Parks

Three square blocks of open lakefront complete with a Ferris Wheel, outdoor music pavillion and ice skating rink; expected to become one of the city's most popular sites. See more..
4.5 Cloud Gate (18.2k reviews)
- Visit to Chicago to take part in the Marathon.
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

Nicknamed "The Bean" for its sleek kidney shape, this Anish Kapoor sculpture is the centerpiece of AT&T Plaza in Millenium Park. See more..
4.5 Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower (17.7k reviews) from $44.00
- Great view of Chicago
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Observation Decks & Towers

Don't miss out on visiting Skydeck Chicago, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Check out the various exhibits here before heading straight up to the 103rd floor via a 70-second elevator ride. Visit on a clear day for panoramic views through floor-to-ceiling windows, where you can even see into the states of Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin or Indiana. For the adventurous, step out onto the Ledge, a glass box protruding 4.3 feet from the building. Skip the line at the elevator with a V.I.P pass. You can also choose the Chicago CityPASS for expedited entry, discounted admission and to combine your visit with other attractions in the city. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 The Magnificent Mile (15.8k reviews)
- Definitely worth it
Spent More than 3 hours Neighborhoods • Points of Interest & Landmarks

The Magnificent Mile is a prime hospitality, dining and retail destination in the heart of Chicago. This section of Michigan Avenue, running from the banks of the Chicago River to Oak Street, features more than 460 shops, from high-end boutiques like Gucci and Burberry to pocket-friendly department stores. Amid lots of shopping and fine dining options, don’t miss the avenue’s historic landmarks like the Wrigley Building and the Chicago Water Tower. You can also take a walking tour of the area to make sure you’ll cover all the must-sees or stay in a room with an impressive view of downtown Chicago. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Museum of Science and Industry (11.1k reviews)
- Enjoyable Science museum with lots to see and do
Spent More than 3 hours Science Museums

The largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere! Housed in the only remaining building from the 1893 World’s Fair, MSI is a Chicago must-see. You’ll experience 14 acres of hands-on exhibits and have the chance to stand before a 40-foot tornado; climb aboard a World War II German submarine; take a run in a human-sized hamster wheel; descend into an Illinois coal mine; tour a fully functioning eco-friendly home; board a 727 hanging from the ceiling; transmit your pulse to a 13-foot, 3-D beating heart; and much more! MSI is not a place where you walk around quietly and observe. No way! You get involved in the fun—and learn—by doing. Just a few miles from downtown with convenient underground parking. See more..
4.5 360 Chicago Observation Deck (11.0k reviews) from $30.00
- Spectacular views of the Lake Michigan and Chicago skyline
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Architectural Buildings • Observation Decks & Towers

Located on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center, 360 CHICAGO offers breathtaking views of Chicago’s skyline, the lakefront, and four states. It’s the only place you can enjoy Chicago’s highest thrill ride, TILT – a giant moving platform that literally TILTs visitors over the edge of the building. Relax at BAR 94 with local favorites, a large cocktail selection, and front-row seating to the city’s best views from 1,000 feet up. Explore HD interactive touch screens in seven languages and learn more about the Windy City. If you really want to experience Chicago, make your first stop 360 CHICAGO. See more..
4.5 Wrigley Field (9.908 reviews)
- Very good tour
Spent 1-2 hours Arenas & Stadiums

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the legendary home of the Chicago Cubs with Wrigley Field Tours. Built in 1914, this must-see Chicago attraction houses more than 100 years of history. New this year, fans can join us on a non-gameday Ivy Tour which includes the opportunity to take a photo in front of Wrigley Field’s historic ivy wall. See more..
4.5 Field Museum (8.854 reviews) from $68.00
- Tired but satisfied
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Natural History Museums • Science Museums

The Field Museum fuels a journey of discovery across time to enable solutions for a brighter future rich in nature and culture. With almost 40 million specimens and artifacts in our collections—including SUE, the world's most complete Tyrannosaurus rex—there's something for everyone. Start planning your visit at fieldmuseum.org. See more..
4.5 Lincoln Park Zoo (5.938 reviews)
- ZooLights delivers with even more lights this year!
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Zoos

Founded in 1868, the Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the country's last free-admission zoos. There are over 1,200 animal residents, self-guided tours, and interactive activities with seals, polar bears, and penguins—check the schedule for timings. Don’t miss the Regenstein Center for African Apes—a popular habitat showcasing cheeky chimpanzees and majestic gorillas. Navigating the zoo is a breeze with multiple points of entry and wide paths to boot. Check for early closures before visiting and arrive in the morning to cover the majority of the exhibits. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Buckingham Fountain (3.410 reviews)
- Try to Figure Out When the Tall Water Spike Shoots Up, and then Let Me Know, OK?
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Fountains

Chicago's landmark is considered one of America's finest fountains due to its Beaux-Arts-style landscape design, finely wrought bronze sculpture and innovative use of technology. See more..
4.5 Chicago Riverwalk (3.057 reviews)
- Beautiful walk in the city
Spent 1-2 hours Historic Walking Areas

Located on the south bank of the Chicago River, this bustling urban space is filled with public art, museums, water activities, and more. See more..
4.5 Chicago Cultural Center (3.050 reviews)
- Great free tour, very pretty building
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Galleries • Architectural Buildings

The Chicago Cultural Center is the nation's first free municipal cultural center and one of the most visited attractions in Chicago. The stunning landmark building, opened in 1897 as the city's first public library, is home to two magnificent stained-glass domes, and annually presents hundreds of free cultural exhibits and performances. Admission is free. See more..
4.5 Lakefront Trail (2.442 reviews)
- Walk, Run, Bike, Stroll, your views are excellent
Biking Trails • Hiking Trails

The Chicago Lakefront Bicycle Trail is roughly 22 miles of bike paths, stretching from Indiana border up to Evanston. The trail rides through many parks including Jackson Park (including U of Chicago), Grant Park (including Buckingham Fountain/Museum Campus) Millennium Park, and Lincoln Park with its Free Zoo. Plenty of beaches and bike rentals available at Bobby's Bike Hike - 540 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago IL 60611 (free maps, helmets). See more..
4.5 Chicago River (2.020 reviews)
- Amazing
Spent 1-2 hours Bodies of Water

We parked right at the marina and were greeted by friendly, helpful staff. Our tour guide, Hillary was outstanding, full of fascinating information about the history and the city, the buildings, and the architecture. She delivered the information in a fun, but informative way so it was never dull or boring. The views from the boat were incredible. We brought our teenage daughters and they loved it as much as we did. I highly recommend this tour ! See more..
4.5 United Center (1.495 reviews)
- Another great concert outing here!
Arenas & Stadiums

This modern arena replaced the old Chicago Stadium as home court for the NBA's Bulls and the NHL's Blackhawks. See more..
4.5 Richard H. Driehaus Museum (1.455 reviews)
- Excellent tour--do the guided tour
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Art Museums

The Richard H. Driehaus Museum explores the art, architecture, and design of the late 19th century to the present. Its permanent collection and temporary exhibitions are presented in an immersive experience within the restored Nickerson Mansion, completed in 1883. See more..
4.5 Maggie Daley Park (1.338 reviews)
- Terrific free park - #1 free place in city for kids
Parks • Playgrounds

Having been to Chicago many times, I'd say this is the #1 free place in the city to go with 5-12 year olds (with possible exception of Lincoln Park Zoo). There are a number of free towers, slides, and other very creative places for kids to play; plenty of benches for adults to sit in, and some other options like a climbing wall and bunji jump if you want to spend a bit of $. Easy to get to on public transportation or uber. Not a "hidden" gem but definitely a gem. See more..
4.5 The Loop (1.258 reviews)
- Hey it's in every Chicago movie...you simply must visit it
Neighborhoods

This 35-block district in downtown Chicago is the commercial core of the city and home to some of its most iconic buildings and artworks. See more..
4.5 Chicago History Museum (1.179 reviews)
- Chicago Overview
Saturday: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours History Museums

From Chicago's sports to politics, the Union Stockyards to the Great Chicago Fire - there's so much to explore at the Chicago History Museum. Dive right in with the Museum's exhibitions and programs or get out and explore the city through guided tours and events. Founded in 1856, the Chicago History Museum shares Chicago's stories, serving as a hub of scholarship and learning, inspiration and civic engagement. If you live in Chicago or visit here and are curious about the city's past, present and future, the museum should be your first stop. See more..
4.5 Holy Name Cathedral (1.112 reviews)
- Spectacular Catholic Church
Saturday: 7:30 AM - 9:00 PM Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

Whenever we are in Chicago on a Sunday, we always attend the 10:30am mass. Feels like attending a mass in a church in Europe. Not sure what is going on with the protestors in front of the Cathedral, they have been there every time there is a mass. They don’t harass or bother anyone, but it’s a bit strange. See more..
4.5 Lincoln Park (866 reviews)
- Another great park
Saturday: 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM Parks

Home to the Lincoln Park Zoo, this popular park is also located in a neighborhood called Lincoln Park. See more..
4.5 Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House (848 reviews) from $27.00
- Excellent and informative guided tour
Saturday: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings

In accordance with CDC recommendations, the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust requests that both vaccinated and unvaccinated persons wear a face mask indoors at all Trust sites. (8/3/21) The Frederick C. Robie House on the University of Chicago campus is considered one of the most important buildings in the history of American architecture. This Prairie style masterpiece is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the 20th Century Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright List. Discover the residence Wright described as “a cornerstone of modern architecture” on guided tours that take in both the exterior and interior of the building. Inspired by the expansive landscape of the Midwest prairie, Wright’s Robie House is the most famous of the architect’s groundbreaking Prairie houses. Public tours are available Thursday - Monday. The museum is closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Visit flwright.org to learn more. See more..
4.5 Garfield Park Conservatory (847 reviews)
- Loved this place
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Gardens

The Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago, Illinois is one of the largest and most stunning conservatories in the world, and it’s free. We change lives through the power of nature. Often referred to as landscape art under glass, the Garfield Park Conservatory occupies approximately 12 acres inside and out, and includes cold frames and propagating where thousands of plants are grown each year for displays in City parks and spaces. See more..
4.5 The Chicago Theatre (800 reviews)
- Gorgeous venue
Spent 2-3 hours Theaters

Chicago's breath-taking National Landmark Theatre hosts concerts, comedians, theatrical productions and special events every year. The 3,600 seat auditorium is seven stories high, and the vertical "C-H-I-C-A-G-O," sign is one of the few such signs in existence today. A symbol of State Street and Chicago, the marquee is a landmark in itself, as is the Wurlitzer pipe organ. Patrons can also go behind-the-scenes on their educational venue tour, which runs a few times a week. See more..
4.5 Oriental Institute Museum (559 reviews)
- Superb Collection
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

The Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago is a leading research center for the ancient Middle East. The museum houses some 350,000 artifacts—around 5,000 of which are on display—excavated mainly by OI archaeologists. Founded in 1919, at a time when the Middle East was called the Orient, the OI has pioneered innovative excavations and comprehensive dictionary projects that chronicle ancient civilizations. The Oriental Institute Museum aims to understand, reveal, and protect ancient Middle Eastern civilizations. See more..
4.0 Navy Pier (15.1k reviews)
- A Must-Stop for your Chicago Stay
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks • Piers & Boardwalks

Opened in 1995, Navy Pier is a 50-acre scenic waterfront destination that’s home to countless restaurants, exhibitions, shops, entertainment, and more. Take a ride on the 200-foot-tall Ferris wheel, explore the interactive Chicago Children’s Museum, enjoy a free concert, or go on an art and mural hunt—all against the spectacular views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. Adrenaline seekers will love the speedboat tours; otherwise, unwind on a sightseeing cruise. Parking can be rather pricey, so it’s best to make your way there via public transportation. You'll likely pass by the pier on a cruise of the Chicago River. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.0 Shedd Aquarium (9.807 reviews)
- Amazing array of both saltwater and freshwater animals from all around the world, spectacular!
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Aquariums

This amazing aquarium in Chicago houses an incredible array of aquatic animals from all over the world, from sharks to penguins to adorable Beluga whales. There are plenty of interactive experiences available too, like Animal Spotlights, shark feeding tours, and animal encounters. You can even spend the night with the "Asleep with the Fishes" program. Download the aquarium's official app before you go, so you can learn more about the animals and find your way around with ease. Visit on weekdays for fewer crowds and don't forget to buy your tickets online for additional savings with a Chicago CityPASS. – Tripadvisor See more..