Finding things to do and see in Chicago is easy, but deciding which ones are the best and coolest could take a lifetime. From world-class museums to famous attractions, shopping, dining, and exceptional entertainment, Chicago has something to offer everyone.
With so many choices, every visit to Chicago is unique, and planning your trip can be an adventure all on its own. Here are a few of our favorite things to do the next time you visit the Windy City.
Stroll The Chicago Riverwalk
The 1.25-mile-long Chicago Riverwalk is a unique blend of sights and sounds that traces the Chicago River's slow meander through the magnificent urban landscape of downtown Chicago.
Take time to explore the Marina where you can watch boaters dock and find a restaurant to eat at. Here, you’ll also be treated to exceptional river views, and the perfect spot to take pics of the “twin corn cobs,” a Chicago architectural icon.
Other highlights of the Chicago Riverwalk include the River Theater and the Boardwalk where you get stunning views of the Chicago River’s three branches.
Hang Out In A Park
As its motto says, Chicago is a city in a garden. Its beauty lies not only in its magnificent architecture but also in its over 600 parks and 8,300 acres of green spaces. These include 70 nature and bird sanctuaries, 307 sports fields, and 26 miles of open lakefront.
Millennium Park, close to Navy Pier, houses Crown Fountain, a large LED sculpture with a reflecting pool. In our opinion, the best time to fully enjoy the LED sculpture is in the early evening.
Take A Chicago Architecture Walking Tour
Chicago is a city of innovative architecture, from 19th-century mansions in the Prairie Avenue District to record-setting and record-breaking skyscrapers downtown.
There are many options for self-guided tours that take you to some of Chicago’s iconic buildings. We suggest going between May and October to take advantage of good weather.
Be sure to check out Oak Park, home to the largest collection in the world of buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
Spend Time At An Interactive Museum
Interactive museums offer visitors hands-on experiences with art, science, history, and culture. Some of our top museums include:
- The Sloomoo Institute allows the young and young at heart to play with stretchy, colorful slime.
- Harry Potter: Magic at Play lets you seek out the Sorting Hat, grab a butterbeer, and then head out for an adventure.
- Chicago Sports Museum is a high-tech playground for sports fans of any skill level.
Catch A Show In A Historic Theater
Chicago's historic theaters have stories to tell that are just as fascinating as the stories told on their stages.
The Chopin Theatre opened its doors in 1918 as a nickelodeon, showing movies for 5 cents apiece. It has done stints as a theater, savings and loan office, and a bistro. Since reopening in 1990, it has presented over 120 original works, focusing on Eastern and Central European work to stay true to the area’s roots.
Groove To Live Music
The Chicago music scene birthed the influential styles of house, modern gospel, and Chicago-style blues. It continues as a place for exciting, innovative musical styles.
In Uptown, there is the Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom, built in 1926. Legend has it that secret tunnels link it to The Green Mill, a Prohibition-era speakeasy that was a favorite of Al Capone.
The Aragorn hosts everything from alternative acts to pop stars. For a great night of jazz, we highly recommend stopping in at the Green Mill. While there, ask the bartender which booth Al Capone used. It’s still there. There’s nothing quite like sitting in that booth and enjoying great jazz!
Visit Chicago’s Neighborhoods
The heart of the city is often found in its neighborhoods, and Chicago has 77 of them.
From Albany Park, hailed as one of the most diverse spots in the United States with its array of culinary choices, to Wrigleyville, home of Wrigley Field and the Chicago Cubs, Chicago’s neighborhoods embrace a rich diversity of cultures, heritages, and tastes.
Begin Your Chicago Adventure
Now you know a few of our favorite places to see and things to do in Chicago. Chicago is the perfect place to embark on an unforgettable journey, have great adventures, and create lasting memories by yourself or with family and friends.
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