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Perched on Lake Michigan in the state of Illinois, Chicago is one of the most beautiful and exciting cities in the USA.
Not only is it home to the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, but it also has vast outdoor spaces, vibrant and friendly neighborhoods, and world-leading museums and cultural spaces waiting to be explored.
Whether you’re traveling as a family, couple, or group of friends, you’ll have no trouble finding fun and unique activities in the Windy City. Here are the 18 must-see attractions in Chicago.
1. Millennium Park
- Address: Chicago, IL
- Opening hours: 6.00 am – 11.00 pm daily
Millenium Park is a lakefront campus in The Loop area of Chicago. It’s home to the famous Cloud Gate (known as The Bean), a mirror-like sculpture by British artist Anish Kapoor.
Swing by to take selfies with The Bean and enjoy the park’s public art exhibits, interactive Crown Fountain, and lush gardens on offer.
2. The Lakefront Trail
- Location: Running from Ardmore Ave. on the north to 71st St. on the south
- Opening hours: 24 hours
This pretty 18-mile trail along Lake Michigan’s shoreline is a great way to get some steps in while enjoying panoramic views of Chicago’s skyline. You’ll find plenty of points of interest along the way, including lakeshore beaches, playgrounds, and places where locals gather to fly kites.
3. Wrigley Field
- Address: 1060 W Addison St, Chicago, IL
- Opening hours: Check the website for game times, tours, and events
Wrigley Field is the second-oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball and home to the Chicago Cubs. Catching a game is the best way to experience this historic stadium — the atmosphere is lively and exciting and it’s a great opportunity to immerse yourself in America’s love of sports.
4. Lincoln Park Zoo
- Website: lpzoo.org
- Address: 2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL
- Opening hours: 10.00 am – 5.00 pm daily
Lincoln Park Zoo is home to more than 1,100 animals across almost 200 species. Visitors can watch feedings, take part in interactive demonstrations, and learn about the animal kingdom from knowledgeable zookeepers.
5. Chicago Riverwalk
- Address: 22 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL
- Opening hours: 6.00 am – 11.00 pm daily
This 1.25-mile-long stretch on the south bank of the Chicago River is an attractive outdoor space with lots of attractions that appeal to both locals and visitors. Here, you’ll find popular bars and restaurants boasting stunning waterfront views, fascinating museums and galleries, and sightseeing activities such as river cruises and kayak rentals.
6. The Art Institute of Chicago
- Website: artic.edu
- Address: 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
- Opening hours: 11.00 am – 5.00 pm Friday to Monday / 11.00 am – 8.00 pm Thursday
Art fans won’t want to miss The Art Institute of Chicago and its huge collection of American and international works that span centuries. One of the most interesting exhibits is The Thorne Miniature Rooms — a collection of miniature models that showcase historic interiors from around the world.
7. Navy Pier
- Address: 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL
- Opening hours: 11.00 am – 9.00 pm Sunday to Thursday / 11.00 am – 10.00 Friday & Saturday
Known as The People’s Pier, this Chicago landmark is home to a diverse collection of attractions that visitors of all ages will love. You’ll find an eclectic range of bars, restaurants, and stores to spend your dollars in, and the Centennial Wheel — a gigantic Ferris wheel offering panoramic views of the city — shouldn’t be missed.
Navy Pier is also where many of Chicago’s best events and public programs take place, so check the website to see what’s scheduled during your visit.
8. Willis Tower Skydeck
- Address: 233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL
- Opening hours: 9.00 am – 10.00 pm daily
There are lots of impressive vantage points in Chicago, but Willis Tower’s observation deck is by far the best of the bunch. This is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere — head to SkyDeck Chicago on the 103rd floor, where it’s possible to see up to 50 miles across four states on a clear day.
If you’re looking for a thrill while enjoying the lake views, step out onto The Ledge. This glass balcony is over 400 meters above the ground and protrudes from the main structure of the skyscraper, making visitors feel as though they are flying.
9. Chicago Theatre
- Website: msg.com/the-chicago-theatre
- Address: 175 N State St, Chicago, IL
- Opening hours: See the website for the current performance schedule
This iconic theater has been hosting performances since 1921 and is renowned for its opulent architecture and impressive interior. Visitors can see various performances here, from Broadway musicals and plays to live musical concerts and stand-up comedy.
Theater fans will love the behind-the-scenes tours that uncover the fascinating history of this legendary venue.
10. The Magnificent Mile
- Location: North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
- Opening hours: Store opening times vary
The Magnificent Mile is an iconic stretch of Michigan Avenue that offers a luxurious selection of boutiques, department stores, and malls. It’s the best place in the city for high-end retail therapy — start at the Water Tower Place to get your shopping day off to a great start.
11. River Architecture Tour
Chicago is known for having some of the most eclectic architecture in the USA, and a boat tour is the easiest way to see the city’s highlights.
During tours, expert guides will share their knowledge of the design and construction that went into making the Chicago skyline what it is today. Expect to see ultra-modern glass skyscrapers, steel castles, and Art Deco buildings nestled next to one another.
12. Pilsen
Pilsen is located on the city’s south side and is the heart and soul of the city’s Chicano (Americans of Mexican descent) population. The first thing you’ll notice is the urban street art that adorns many of the neighborhood’s buildings. Foodies will love the authentic Mexican cuisine here, and you’ll find countless cool bars to enjoy a cocktail or two once the sun goes down.
A walking tour is a great way to explore Pilsen, but you’ll also have a great time discovering this vibrant neighborhood for yourself.
13. Chicago’s Family-Focused Museums
Chicago is home to a multitude of museums that will enchant visitors of all ages and interests. To save on admission fees, grab a Chicago CityPASS which provides discounted access to many of the top attractions and museums in the city.
Here are three of our favorite museums for families visiting Chicago:
The Field Museum of Natural History
- Website: fieldmuseum.org
- Address: 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL
- Opening hours: 9.00 am – 5.00 pm daily
A visit to The Field Museum will take you on an adventure through 4.6 billion years of history and culture. Here, you can meet the largest dinosaur known to man, visit an Egyptian tomb, and go 10,000 years back in time to ancient China without ever leaving Chicago.
Chicago Children’s Museum
- Website: chicagochildrensmuseum.org
- Address: 700 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL
- Opening hours: 10.00 am – 5.00 pm daily
Kids will love the Chicago Children’s Museum’s interactive exhibits. From splashing around in a water playground to digging for dinosaur bones, there’s plenty to keep young visitors entertained for an entire afternoon.
Museum of Science and Industry
- Website: msichicago.org
- Address: 5700 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL
- Opening hours: 9.30 am – 5.30 pm daily
This museum is equally exciting for adult visitors as it is for kids. One of the most-loved attractions is the Science Storms exhibit where you can safely experience tornadoes and other storms via simulations.
Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum
- Website: adlerplanetarium.org
- Address: 1300 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL
- Opening hours: 9.00 am – 4.00 pm Thursday to Tuesday / 4.00 am – 10.00 pm Wednesday
Adler is one of the oldest planetariums in the country and offers a wide range of experiences, workshops, and exhibits. Don’t miss the state-of-the-art theater that transports visitors to far-away galaxies and extinct civilizations.
14. Wicker Park
Wicker Park is one of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods and is the perfect place to spend a relaxing afternoon browsing boutiques, record shops, and bookstores. This area is also known for its eclectic nightlife — expect everything from dive bars to fine dining here.
15. Garfield Park Conservatory
- Website: garfieldconservatory.org
- Address: 300 N Central Park Ave, Chicago, IL
- Opening hours: 10.00 am – 8.00 pm Wednesday / 10.00 am – 5.00 pm Thursday to Sunday
This lush oasis is home to an incredible 12 acres of plants from every corner of the planet. Visiting is an immersive experience in which you can wander among huge palm trees and admire pretty orchids. Be sure to pass by the Fern Room, where you can learn the fascinating science behind carnivorous plants.
16. Shedd Aquarium
- Website: sheddaquarium.org
- Address: 1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL
- Opening hours: 9.00 am – 5.00 pm Monday, Thursday, Friday / 9.00 am –6.00 pm Saturday & Sunday / 9.00 am – 9.00 pm Wednesday
Meet more than 32,000 aquatic animals when you pay a visit to the educational and exciting Shedd Aquarium. Here, you can watch cute dolphins and penguins play, admire colorful tropical fish, and even observe beluga whales.
Visitors interested in marine biology will also enjoy the schedule of presentations and exhibits that detail the aquarium’s conservation and sustainability efforts.
17. Chicago Cultural Center
- Website: chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca
- Address: 78 E Washington St, Chicago, IL
- Opening hours: 10.00 am – 5.00 pm daily
This landmark building started life as a library and is now a center for arts, culture, and education. The ever-changing program encompasses film screenings, lectures, live performances, and exhibits — be sure to check the schedule to see what’s on during your visit.
Tip: Even if you don’t plan to partake in the scheduled program at the Chicago Cultural Center, the building is home to the largest Tiffany stained-glass dome in the world, which, in itself, is a must-see.
18. Grant Park
- Address: 331 E. Randolph St. (Columbus Drive), Chicago, IL
- Opening hours: 6.00 am – 11.00 pm daily
Grant Park is a vast public space that hosts a wide range of events throughout the year. The park is home to the famed Jay Pritzker Pavilion — an open-air amphitheater where music fans can enjoy live performances with the city skyline as the backdrop.
Which Tourist Attractions Will You Visit in the Windy City?
As you can see, the Windy City has no shortage of exciting sights and activities on offer, and every visitor is sure to find a reason to come back time and again. Where will you head first on your sightseeing adventure?
