Things to Do in Chicago, IL - Chicago Attractions
Things to Do in Chicago
Grab a slice of deep dish pizza, snap a selfie with the Bean at Millennium Park, and take in the city by boat on Lake Michigan or the Chicago River.
Explore popular experiences
See what other travelers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings.
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Chicago.
Architecture Toursfromper adult$54
City Toursfromper adult$44
Skyscrapers & Towersfromper adult$44
Historical Toursfromper adult$49
Historical Toursfromper adult$35
Historical Toursfromper adult$29
Skyscrapers & Towersfromper adult$30
Food & Drinkfromper adult$100
Historical Toursfromper adult$65
Historical Toursfromper adult$48
Art Museums
Spanning Impressionist to Modern art, this museum features iconic works, including Van Gogh's self-portraits and Hopper's Nighthawks, alongside interactive children's activities and the Thorne Miniature Rooms.
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Points of Interest & Landmarks
Urban park with serene Lurie Garden, interactive art installations like Cloud Gate, ice skating ribbon, climbing walls, and free open-air concerts.
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Speciality Museums
River cruise and walking tours blend history with architecture, led by knowledgeable guides through lush green spaces and iconic buildings in diverse neighborhoods.
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Science Museums
Interactive science museum featuring a historic U-Boat tour, a coal mine exhibit, and engaging activities for all ages, including a Mirror Maze and fairy castle.
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Neighborhoods
Renowned shopping district lined with a mix of high-end and specialty stores amid historic architecture, with scenic views and dining spots.
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Points of Interest & Landmarks
Admission tickets from $44
Elevated attraction with a glass-floored observation area for 360-degree city views and a thrilling ledge experience. Mini museum and photo opportunities available.
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Arenas & Stadiums
Historic baseball stadium renowned for its classic ballpark charm and iconic atmosphere, complete with tours of behind-the-scenes areas and traditional game-day treats.
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Points of Interest & Landmarks
Reflective sculpture in Millennium Park presents a playful canvas for photography and interaction, set against a dynamic cityscape backdrop. Early morning visits recommended for a serene experience.
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Natural History Museums
Admission tickets from $27
Natural history museum with a vast array of dinosaur fossils, including a famed T-Rex skeleton, cultural artifacts, and a 3D dinosaur movie. Features special exhibits and educational moments.
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Architectural Buildings
Admission tickets from $30
Observation deck in the downtown area providing panoramic urban and lakeshore vistas, with a unique tilting attraction and a souvenir shop for mementos.
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Historic Walking Areas
Riverside walkway providing scenic views, casual strolls, and a variety of dining spots. Features include boat and kayak rentals and architectural tours.
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Zoos
Located near public transit, this zoo showcases diverse wildlife in spacious habitats, from big cats to polar bears, set against a scenic park with nature paths and a boardwalk around South Pond.
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Other Top Attractions around Chicago
*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 travelers are saying
- Felicia BMorrisville, NC254 contributionsOH MY GOODNESS!!! This was such a wonderful way for us to end our visit/vacation! Thank you SO MUCH Ms. Darlene King and Leneese for the welcome, we appreciate you both! This was our last day of vacation and we decided to visit The Art Institute of Chicago, it was the right decision. I do have to admit that I have a new phone and I was "that person" that snap the flash photo on the tomb. I was embarrassed (as I should have been, I should have checked to see if the flash was on) and frustrated with myself when Ms. Tam and another associate yelled out "NO FLASH"! Please forgive me! From this day forward, I will have my husband to take ALL photos! LoL! We look forward to visiting and seeing the new exhibits next year/two years from now, thank you for all that you do! The art is exquisite and worth the view, the experience is priceless! In regards to parking, there is a parking garage across the street. Getting out of the parking garage was like a maze to us, however, we probably didn't pay close attention. The parking fee was not bad at all. If time permits and the weather is good, you may want to also check out the local areas nearby, we will most certainly visit during our next vacation.Written May 1, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Reeni01Washington DC, DC171 contributionsIt is crowded and a tourist thing, but that just makes it even more fun! Pick a spot get those cool reflecting photos, then move aside for someone else to get a spot. It is easily a 10min photo op but nothing much else.Written April 22, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- valeriek1212Skokie, IL9 contributionsOld post office with Lorie. Very comprehensive, knowledgeable. Learned a lot in 90 min. Saw how the old building has been reworked and repurposed.Written April 29, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- MojoLadGraton, CA307 contributionsWhat a GREAT museum! So much to see, and so well presented. We were keen on touring the U-505, the only German U-Boat captured in WWII, and we were not the least bit disappointed by it. Other science exhibits were beautifully done and often breathtaking, like when the actual Boeing 727 directly overhead suddenly drops its landing gear. And as a fan of HO-scale model trains I was particularly pleased with their immense and gorgeous layout, which I could have stared at for an hour. We didn't even see a third of the other exhibits, and are keen to go back if we ever visit Chicago again.Written April 22, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Uccman39North Brunswick, NJ212 contributionsA wonderful place to visit on a nice day. I stopped in Chicago for the day on my way out west. Chicago is an underrated city for shopping and beautiful lake views. Didn’t have time for the restaurants but would like to return soonWritten April 3, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Orlando Airport Transportation MCOOrlando, FL26 contributionsThe Best City,Great Chicago Fire of October 8-10, 1871, on the original flag. The points of the star signify transportation, labor, commerce, finance, populousness and salubrity (health).
World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893, on the original flag. The points of the star signify religion, education, aesthetics, justice, beneficence and civic spirit.
Century of Progress Exposition, added in 1933. The points of the star represent significant attributes of the city: world's third largest city (in 1933), Chicago’s motto "Urbs in Horto," the “I will" motto, Great Central Market, Wonder CityWritten April 15, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - hecubus23Las Vegas, NV124 contributionsFirst time here after being a life long Cubs fan. Absolutely awesome! Very friendly and helpful staff. Its a great place to watch a ball game!Written April 24, 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.
- Brenda MLowell, MA10 contributionsI 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, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- LaurenSCOScotland, UK91 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. - Baybug2Macon, GA292 contributionsThe views were all around. The river was kinda dark, but I can not wait to go back when they turn it green for St. Patrick's Day. It was a windy day, but it wasn't too bad down by the river. It was a different story out on the Navy Pier. Overall, it was a pleasant sunny walk and views just every angle.Written April 30, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Sara AKihei, Hawaii19 contributionsThe zoo lights were a truly magical experience! The way that the entire zoo was lit up was incredible. I found the singing porta potties to be hilarious and the entire experience to be a highlight of my trip. I recommend stoping by the fires to warm up and make sure to go into the tiger building - they were sleeping right by the windows!!!Written April 7, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chicago
- The top attractions to visit in Chicago are:
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Route 66
- Museum of Science and Industry
- 360 Chicago Observation Deck
- Cloud Gate
- The best outdoor activities in Chicago according to Tripadvisor travelers are: See all outdoor activities in Chicago on Tripadvisor
- The best day trips from Chicago according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- Private Tour to Monterey, 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, & Carmel
- Private Shopping Tour from Chicago to Lighthouse Place Outlets
- Private Frank Lloyd Wright Architectural Tour by Luxury Vehicle - 3 hours
- Windmill Island-Tulip Festival Day Tour from Chicago
- Private Shopping Tour from Chicago to Fashion Outlets of Chicago
- The most popular things to do in Chicago with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are: