Top Things to Do in Chicago
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
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Open now
Admission tickets from ZARÂ 431.39
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
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Open now
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
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Open now
Admission tickets from ZARÂ 223.69
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
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Open now
Admission tickets from ZARÂ 431.39
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
- CultureVulture60657Chicago, IL8Â 410 contributionsThe Cezanne retrospective now at the Art Institute through early September is stupendous. The curators have gathered works from the AIC's own large holdings of Cezanne plus other museums across Europe and the U.S. for a comprehensive look at the life work this important late 19th Century painter. Cezanne revisited the same subjects time after time over the course of decades. To see several in one room is a rare opportunity. I also loved the video in which the curators dissected 3 paintings, even using infrared technology, to explain how, using color, Cezanne built up his images. It's a large show, about 130 works, plus notebooks and other items, so plan to spend a couple hours with it.Written 13 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Emily S7 contributionsThis whole visit was so engaging and fun! It ticked all my boxes for interesting attractions. Even the exhibit about modern airlines had me learning things. It's an easy trip to get there on the bus, so it's nice and accessible even though it's a bit far away from other touristy things. I especially loved the two-story section about weather and storm systems.Written 17 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.
- Bren HSanta Rosa, CA87 contributionsJust a really fun place to take pictures. It was pretty warm yesterday and the reflections showed beautifully in the sun.Written 17 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- ReedmummyGeorgetown, SC20 contributionsIt was great go during the middle of the day it is safer. There was a lot of shootings in Chicago while we were there and mugging. The park is safe and very niceWritten 14 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.
- Mitch S5 contributionsWrigley is baseball history....The cubs lost but being there was an experience. Right on the red line easy to get to. Just keep in mind as this is an old stadium there will be obstructed seats due to the big metal polesWritten 11 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- ReedmummyGeorgetown, SC20 contributionsThis is a great experience to see The history and the scenery is great this is a must see in Chicago.Written 14 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- siochain12 contributionsWalked back to the hotel from the restaurant. Very active and very pretty. Lights on many of the buildings and one in particular plays a video which was very colorful.Written 13 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Matt F86 contributionsWow! We had visited Chicago before, but never Lincoln Park Zoo. Why? I couldn’t tell you because this place is INCREDIBLE! And…FREE!
My wife and I couldn’t believe that we were walking around such a vast, well maintained place, seeing Gorillas and Giraffes and Zebras and Hyenas up close without having to pay a penny (or a dime!)
It was a great experience! Seeing the Gorillas was a highlight for me!
If you’re ever in Chicago, this place is a MUST SEE! Visit here before anywhere else!Written 12 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - kkmckendreeBattle Creek, MI154 contributionsA nice stop that's free and you can wonder around and look at the beautiful architecture of this building. The pictures don't do it justice!Written 10 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, MI1Â 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.
- IrinaUnited States9Â 939 contributionsLakefront Trail is an invaluable part of Chicago. It's great -- and free -- for anybody: pedestrians, joggers, walkers, cyclists. From the trail one can admire some fantastic scenic views of the gorgeous Lake Michigan and the unique Chicago Skyline, the exciting Chicago Lakefront, the grand and welcoming Navy Pier, and many other beautiful sites of this vibrant city.
There are some new improvements to Lakefront Trail: it has a new addition -- the Navy Pier Flyover (constructed in 2014 -- 2021), which provides the separation of bicyclists from pedestrians in a very busy part of the city, that very often has traffic congestion in the area close to Navy Pier. For all visitors, and especially skaters and bicyclists I would recommend to study the current trail map and its regulations, safety instructions, etc. The trail is well-marked, has some very detailed info boards , and of course, there's much online info available, as well.
Lakefront Trail stretches for 18,5 miles along the western shore of Lake Michigan, and goes quite a way parallel to Lake Shore Drive. The lawns, and some large city parks along the trail length, are nicely landscaped and well maintained.
My friends and I have enjoyed our last visit to Lakefront Trail, as we always do!Written 6 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