Things to Do in Chicago, IL - Chicago Attractions
Things to Do in Chicago
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Magnificent Mile
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Downtown / The Loop
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Natural History Museums • Science Museums
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Architectural Buildings • Observation Decks & Towers
Magnificent Mile
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Admission tickets from $30
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What travelers are saying
- ElaineAndGregChesterland, OH2,991 contributionsThe Art Institute of Chicago is one of the greatest art museums in the world. You should definitely visit it.
How you want to approach this enormous collection depends on your tastes. This museum has something like 300,000 works plus special exhibits. You cannot possibly see everything, and if you try to speed through you will certainly miss something.
They have a section on their web site of what to see in an hour, but it is highly subjective. You should also leave yourself a little time to see something you might not otherwise think about but end up liking.
So, here is our advice. First, think about what you like. Be honest. If you don't like old oils, spend more time on what you do like. If you don't have much time, it might not make sense to concentrate on subtle prints.
Pick up a map as you come in (or go on line). Like many growing collections, sometimes related areas aren't next to each other. This museum is generally well-organized, but some things just don't fit neatly into a classic structure. Note that the galleries are numbered on the map and at the doorways to help you navigate around.
For what it's worth, likely the most famous/popular works are:
The Impressionist Art. This collection is just up the stairs on the second floor as you enter. On the map it will be galleries beginning with 240. It's popular. It includes several works by Van Gogh. One star of this section is the enormous pointillist Georges Seurat painting "A Sunday on La Grande Matte." You will recognize it immediately. You will also see works by Monet, Manet, and other Impressionists. Enjoy what you like.
If you like art from a little after this period, head into the large addition at the back of the museum to the galleries on the third floor, which have works by Picasso, Kandinsky, Warhol, and others from the 20th century. Along the stairway (technically gallery 249) is the Georgia O'Keeffe "Sky Above Clouds IV."
In terms of American art, this is in a separate wing that is toward the back of the museum and you'll probably need the map to find it. It contains the iconic "American Gothic" by Grant Wood (you know, the farm couple in front of a house that used to be on the Corn Flakes box) and "Nighthawks" by Edward Hopper.
There are also extensive works from other continents including South America, Asia, and Africa. Again, use the map and if you have time, at least try to stop through to look closely at at least a few pieces. Many are very cool if you have a minute to focus on them. See, for example, the La Linda Nasca ceramic of an ancient Nasca goddess.
Just about everyone likes the armor court (Gallery 239).
We travel extensively and love to visit art museums. You probably want to give yourself 2-3 hours here, after which you will likely simply be tired. It's easy to take a break at one of the several cafes, but if you want to see more it may also be better to come back a second day rather than try to cram everything into one.
On a nice day, Millennium Park by the museum is great for walking and people watching.Written June 5, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - TimCampbellSMSPuslinch, Canada47 contributionsThe 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, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Taylor BChicago, IL8,257 contributionsThe Chicago Architecture Center is the perfect launch pad for discovering the city's stunning buildings and their enduring legacy and offers an engaging overview of its long history of groundbreaking architecture. It is Chicago's all-in-one architecture experience, a museum with two floors of exhibits and a gateway to more than 85 boat, walking, bus, bike and L tours. No matter which guided tour you choose to take, each one reveals stories and secrets of one of the most beautiful and architecturally inspiring and vibrant cities in the world. Located at 111 East Wacker Drive, in the Illinois Center, a building designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, a pioneer of modern architecture and one of the most influential architects of the 20th century. The new home of the CAC, which opened in 2018, is steps from the boat dock at the northeast corner of Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive, where Michigan Avenue crosses the Chicago River, for CAC river cruises aboard Chicago's First Lady, voted the No. 1 boat tour in North America. Why is Chicago architecture so famous? Because Chicago is the birthplace of the American skyscraper, the home to four different architecture schools--the First Chicago School, the Second Chicago School, the International School and the Prairie School. And it is home to such famous architects as Louis Sullivan, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Frank Lloyd Wright, Daniel Burnham, Jeanne Gang and Danielle Tillman. Step into the CAC and learn the captivating stories behind the city's grand hotels, soaring skyscrapers, distinct residential styles, parks and public spaces and cemeteries. Learn how Chicago became "the city of architecture" by touring CAC galleries that focus on the city's diverse neighborhoods, housing types, leading architects and future projects. The centerpiece of the center's Chicago Gallery is the Chicago City Model Experience, the largest scale model of the city with more than 4,250 miniature buildings, interactive touch screens and a cinematic, 3-dimensional cityscape that animates key moments in Chicago history, from its early growth to its rebirth after the devastating Great Chicago Fire of 1871 to its ever changing skyline. As you stroll through 10,000 square feet of exhibition space, you'll marvel at super-sized models and views of iconic skyscrapers from around the world and discover design and engineering innovations that push us even higher. Other interesting exhibits are Highrises and Loop as Lab: Reshaping Downtown. Highrises allows viewers to experience Art Deco buildings from a new point of view with Chris Hytha's unique photography from a collection of nearly 200 skyscrapers from across the United States. Loop as Lab, holds the central business district up to the light, exploring ways to keep our economic engine humming while diversifying uses and making the Loop more welcoming and more vibrant, resilient and livable to everyone after it emerged from the pandemic on shaky footing. In addition, you'll discover Chicago's continuing role in the design of tall buildings that has changed skylines around the world and learn how design can shape and sustain cities in the future and imagine what urban life will look like in 2050. The CAC is open from 9 to 5 Sunday through Thursday and 9 to 7 on Friday and Saturday.Written June 7, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ElaineAndGregChesterland, OH2,991 contributionsThis is a great museum, but it is being loved to death. There is a lot to see, but you will be competing with scads of others who want to see it, too. It's also more than a little pricey.
We visited this museum on a rainy Sunday and realized it would be crowded, and that it certainly was. We were interested primarily in the U-boat and in the James Bond exhibit, but wanted to see other things as well.
Wow was it crowded. We were able to see the U-boat, which is great with lots of explanatory material. We couldn't go inside. There is an additional fee and it was sold out anyway.
The James Bond exhibit could have been a lot more. The premise, we thought, was how the series used science, but the materials were dumbed down. I think there is a good/intelligent story about how the series and technology influenced each other. But it wasn't told well here. Jet packs? Supercool, but the description was superficial.
The cars, which are indeed terrific, were the best part.
We had lunch here, which was actually not bad, but kind of expensive. Plus it was crowded and the signage wasn't all that great so it was confusing where to sit.
We saw things we liked here, and were glad we came, but cost and crowds were unquestionably an issue. Try to come here on off hours.Written June 1, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - sanju_222323New Jersey15,938 contributionsTreat this as a 5th Avenue of New York or Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles or Champs-Élysées Ave in Paris
known for its world-class shopping, also has plenty to offer architecture buffs. more than 450 retailers within walking distance in downtown Chicago, make your way to The Magnificent Mile.
This portion of Michigan Avenue – Starts from Chicago River and ends at Lake Shore Drive (next is North Avenue beach)
I guess sharing the link is not possible other, I would have shared the link to starting and pointing.
department stores and luxury retailers like Bloomingdale's, Marcus, Macy's, Tory Burch and Nordstrom. also, The Magnificent Mile is home to several top-notch eateries and luxury hotels, including The Drake, the Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile, and the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile.
Architecture buffs - you are gonna like it, as this is your real downtown. While walking around, turn your eyes upward for views of the Chicago Water Tower, which survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and is the longest-standing structure on Michigan Avenue.
Other structural highlights include the Wrigley Building (once the headquarters of chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr.) and the Tribune Tower (former home to the Chicago Tribune daily newspaper).Written June 3, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Daniela DO'Fallon, IL27 contributionsIt is a beautiful experience, all employees are nice and helpful , I really like see the game and all players , many of them are really nice .Written June 2, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Pure_DiamondHelsinki, Finland180 contributionsI'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, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Mathias n6 contributionsFun 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, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Christopher LChicago, IL4 contributionsThe Museum was really great and had multiple different exhibits to visit. The Jane Goodall Exhibit was by far my favorite. It’s a nice walk through her journey and touched on the importance of climate change and it’s impact on the world.
The Dinosaur exhibit was incredible as well. With a full sized T. rex set up with a voice over going over each part of the dinosaur’s bones. As well as a real T. rex head!!!Written June 3, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - LaurenSCOScotland, UK95 contributionsThe 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, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - jodlynn95146 contributionsTerrific stroll with an amazing view! Everyone loved the sights and food. I could walk the Riverwalk every day and not tire of it.Written June 2, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Taylor BChicago, IL8,257 contributionsMy 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, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Donald L1 contributionVery awesome the sets are great gory and informative. The ghost tour is really cool you can record and snap a pic so all in all great.Written June 5, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- MojoLadGraton, CA305 contributionsWe 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, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Taylor BChicago, IL8,257 contributionsThe Chicago River is a winding, wandering, wonderful body of water. It flows backward, piercing the heart of Chicago, linking Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. It is a system of rivers and canals with a combined length of 156 miles that runs through downtown Chicago. It is dyed bright green on St. Patrick's Day and is spanned by iconic bridges that open and close to traffic. Today, the main stem of the river flows west from Lake Michigan to Wolf Point, near the Merchandise Mart, where it converges with the North Branch to form the South Branch, which flows southwest and empties into the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. The North Branch has its beginnings in the northern suburbs where its three principal tributaries converge -- Skokie River, Rondout and Mettawa -- and continue south through Niles before entering Chicago near the intersection of Milwaukee Avenue and Devon Avenue. Meanwhile, the South Branch enters the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal at Damen Avenue and flows down the canal through the southwestern suburbs and, in time, into the Des Plaines River between Crest Hill and Lockport, eventually reaching the Gulf of Mexico. Historically, Louis Jolliet and Jacques Marquette, though probably not the first Europeans to visit the area, are the first recorded explorers to have visited the Chicago River in 1673. Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, acknowledged to be the first permanent resident of Chicago, built a farm on the north bank at the mouth of the river in the 1780s. In 1803, Fort Dearborn was constructed on the bank opposite what had been Point du Sable's settlement, on the site of the present day Michigan Avenue Bridge. The first bridge over the river was constructed over the North Branch near present day Kinzie Street in 1832. A second bridge over the South Branch near Randolph Street was added in 1833. Today, the Chicago River is spanned by 38 bridges, down from a peak of 52. To learn about the history of the Chicago River and how the bridges are raised and lowered, visit the five-story, 1,613-square-foot McCormick Bridgehouse and Chicago River Museum at the southwest bridgehouse of the Michigan Avenue Bridge. Looking for other ways to enjoy the river? Take a lightening fast cruise on the speedy Seadog, which jets off from Navy Pier, speeds along the lakefront, then zips down the river. allowing passengers to see the most famous riverfront buildings, including Tribune Tower, Wrigley Building, Willis Tower, Marina City, Lyric Opera and Merchandise Mart. Take a ride on a fireboat, paddle a kayak, take a guided architectural tour that circles the Loop and glides past the spot where the first settlers to Chicago set up their home base or hail a water taxi to travel via the Chicago River to Chinatown, Navy Pier, the Museum Campus, Willis Tower, Michigan Avenue and Union Station. All in all, there are many exciting ways to explore the Chicago River.Written June 4, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
