THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Chicago - 2024 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor
Things to Do in Chicago

Things to Do in Chicago, IL - Chicago Attractions

Things to Do in Chicago

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What travelers are saying

  • GBoseman
    Orange, NJ110 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    On a short trip to Chicago for Memorial Day week-end –my daughter I didn’t want to miss the major attraction of this Art Museum, but we were short on time – not to fear – the museum offers a brochure on the most essential pieces in the collection- and believe me this is a massive museum with an overwhelming collection

    The brochure helps you to locate these major pieces via a map – that has some use but is a bit confusing – and fortunately there are guides to assist – conveniently located (all are not as knowledge as another but really try to be helpful) It took us about two hours – but we got to see all of the recommended pieces and a few not on the list including the American Gothic – which is not on the list (?)

    But to be up close to the Picasso’s work and the Rodan’s and Jatte’s A Sunday on La Grande, among others was amazing and even though there was some satisfaction in completing the fast route – you could easily spend an entire day here – and because I feel there was so much more to see; it is one of the reasons I feel like it’s worth returning to Chicago
    Written May 30, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TimCampbellSMS
    Puslinch, Canada47 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The park is gorgeous, and there's always something going on - from concerts to food trucks to buskers, it was so fun to walk through. I went three different days during a trip and there was always something cool to see!
    That said, the one caution I have that people can, frankly, suck. One person who worked at the park told me I couldn't have my DSLR camera. They couldn't tell me why, or what the rule was, and expected compliance; which, I didn't give and there were no problems. Some tourists also have no concept of how much physical space they inhabit and can disrupt the experience.
    Written May 28, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Journey68270937727
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Highly recommended tour of a beautiful and historic cemetery. Lovely grounds, trees and flowers in bloom. Very knowledgeable tour guide.
    Written May 26, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Anna Y
    Chicago, IL4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We have a fun day in here, some of the teens were noisy but still, The Museum change a few areas since the last time a visited it. Check out the U-505 too as someone recommended it for me and it is increrible, so I'm spreading the love here. All the Science exhibit is wonderful too.
    Written May 24, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Taylor B
    Chicago, IL8,239 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Chicago's Magnificent Mile, or Mag Mile, is the upscale section of the city's Michigan Avenue north from the Chicago River to fashionable Oak Street, the main thoroughfare between Chicago's Loop business district and its high priced Gold Coast neighborhood. The Streeterville neighborhood is to the east while Rush Street and River North are to the west. The Mag Mile currently is Chicago's largest shopping area, occupied by retail department stores, restaurants, museums and hotels. It features some of the city's most famous and historic buildings, including the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, Water Tower Place, the Chicago Water Tower, the Hancock building. Have an expensive cup of coffee at the world's largest Starbucks. Tourists can choose to stay at some of the most highly rated hotels in the country, including the Drake, Allerton, Peninsula, Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, Park Hyatt and Intercontinental. Going shopping? The Mag Mile features some of the world's most fashionable retail stores, including Bloomingdale's, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Gucci, Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Armani, Ferragamo, Burberry, Saint Laurent and Ralph Lauren. Ready for lunch or dinner? You won't find a McDonald's or Wendy's or Burger King or Taco Bell on the Mag Mile. And some outstanding restaurants have closed, including Spiaggia, Tru, Pump Room, Cape Cod Room, Signature Room at the 95th, Grand Lux and Lawry's Prime Rib. But diners won't go hungry. Among the headliners are Maple & Ash, Purple Pig, Labriola, Michael Jordan's Steakhouse, RL, Gibson's, Steak 48, Pizzeria Uno and Duo, Rosebud on Rush, Beatrix, Eataly, Bandera, NoMi, Volare and Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab. Take your time and you're sure to find everything you are looking for.
    Written May 29, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Pure_Diamond
    Helsinki, Finland180 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I'm afraid of heights and thought that I can't do this: stand on 103rd class floor and look down. We had 90 secs time to stand on that floor and I sneaked there and looked down. Wow... I did it👍👍👍. Very proud of myself..

    What a view.... I recommend this experience👍
    Written May 18, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Nathan S
    Pennsylvania83 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I had to visit it twice, big Cubs fan here got to Wrigley for the first time to see a night game for my birthday and loved it. As a matter of fact I enjoyed it so much we also decided to hit a day game the next day. The stadium seemed clean, had nice shops to get your cubs gear and plenty of stores and bars around the outside in Wrigleyville as well. It truly is a destination ballpark that you should visit if you have the chance.
    Written May 26, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mathias n
    6 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fun to see but the bean was fenced off for some reason put a real damper on the visit. I assume it’s either a short term project or for the winter weather. Regardless it was cool would like to see it up close next time.
    Written March 27, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Brenda M
    Lowell, MA10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I visited with my adult son and some family friends with little ones ages 5-10. We enjoyed the exhibits we saw and we only saw some of the museum, so would definitely return for more exploring. "Sue" is definitely a highlight.
    Written March 20, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • LaurenSCO
    Scotland, UK95 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 November 21, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • scott f
    32 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Chicago is amazing, must see Starbucks Reserve, Girl and the Goat, Chicago sports teams, lakefront , Museums and a LSD drive to Bahi Temple just to name a few!!!!
    Written May 21, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Taylor B
    Chicago, IL8,239 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    My wife and I are very fortunate. For more than 40 years, we have lived in Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood. Every day, weather permitting, we enjoy a stroll through Lincoln Park, the city's largest public park, that includes an obligatory visit to Lincoln Park Zoo. Located at 2204 North Cannon Drive, west of Du Sable Lake Shore Drive and Lake Michigan, south of Fullerton Avenue, it opened in 1868 and is the fourth oldest zoo in North America and one of the few free admission zoos in North America. The 35-acre property is home to 1,100 animals from 200 species, including big cats, polar bears, penguins, gorillas, seals, monkeys, reptiles, swans, flamingos and giraffes. Remember Marlin Perkins, the director of Lincoln Park Zoo from 1944 to 1962? He hosted the popular TV programs Zoo Parade and Wild Kingdom an gave wide-spread exposure to the zoo. The zoo features many exhibits, including Farm-in-the Zoo, the primate house, the children's zoo, wildlife center, seal pool, bird house, small mammal and reptile house, the center for African apes and the large mammal house. Perhaps the two most popular exhibits are the seal pool and Farm-in-the-Zoo. The seal pool, one of the oldest exhibits in the zoo, was established in 1879 and renovated in 1999. It features three main viewing areas, including an underwater viewing gallery. Training shows are presented twice a day. Farm-in-the-Zoo was designed to give Chicago kids a chance to experience a bit of the country in the city. Cows, pigs and horses are on display and visitors can pet and feed the animals. Each day cows are milked in public and the staff explains elements of farm life. The elephants are gone but we are always in awe of the polar bears, lions and tigers.
    Written May 30, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • MojoLad
    Graton, CA306 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We went here just to check out the famed Tiffany Dome, but as there was a free docent-led tour starting, decided to take in the whole experience. It was wonderful! And free! The building itself is something else, with jaw-droppingly beautiful mosaics throughout, recently cleaned and now in their full original glory, and of course the Dome, which just in itself is worthy of a visit. There's also a cool little (unafiiated) gift shop with very interesting art & souvenirs for sale entirely created by local Chicago artists. Strongly recommended.
    Written April 22, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Nomad31517801542
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I loved how expansive and comprehensive it was! 10/10 stars, definitely would tecommend coming here if you are on vacation.
    Written May 19, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Baybug2
    Macon, GA311 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Just be prepared for the wind...........it was nice and warm and people were out and about. It was our first time visiting the Pier. It was nicely done and very spread out so you could move about even when it was busy.

    We will come back for the boat tours and probably some good food as well.

    The view is just absolutely beautiful. It is really hard to believe it is a freshwater lake. Reminded us alot of the Destin FL harbor.
    Written April 30, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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