Chicago is an excellent, culturally diverse city with many impressive buildings, sights, and events for a visitor. So, whether you are a tourist visiting the city for the first time or an experienced traveler, you are welcome to discover Chicago’s top attractions. Whether with the most famous skyscrapers or with hidden treasures, one can never run out of must-see places in Chicago.
Here is your guide to the best things you cannot afford to miss in the city as we explore more attractions and activities. These must-visit attractions in Chicago will amaze you, especially if you love food, art, and history.
List of Chicago’s Top Attractions
1. Millennium Park – A Hub of Culture and Recreation
Millennium Park has become one of the main attractions in Chicago, and thousands of people visit it annually. The park has numerous varieties of art and structures that are globally recognized, such as the Columbus sculpture and the reflecting mirror sculpture, which is mostly referred to as the ‘The Bean.’ Another interest is the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, where concerts and other performances are free during the summer.
The largest city park in Chicago presents an exhaustive list of things to do in Chicago. Several enjoyable activities can be done in the fresh air in this park, from viewing sculpture displays to strolling through the peaceful gardens of Lurie Garden. It is also important not to leave without having walked through the park, taking your time to visit the wider walkway, and there is the opportunity to enjoy the picturesque view of the Chicago skyline for visitors who may wish for a picnic.
2. Navy Pier – A Chicago Icon
Another must-visit place in Chicago is Navy Pier, which is situated on the shores of Lake Michigan. On the pier, a Ferris wheel dominates the icon with beautiful sights of the city and the lake. Here, you can also go for boat rides, being it is a perfect place for children and the Chicago Children’s Museum and other fun activities to be undertaken.
As a food enthusiast, you’ll enjoy the many restaurants available at Navy Pier. Food ranging from fast foods to special restaurants is available for those who want to enjoy their meals. In the summer, the pier is filled with festivals, concerts, and musicals, making it a strong attraction for tourists and residents of the metropolis.
3. The Art Institute of Chicago – A Cultural Masterpiece
If you are interested in art, the Art Institute of Chicago will surely impress you. These include over 300,000 art pieces that signify art ranging from the ancient epoch to modern and contemporary ones. Among the most well-known paintings, visitors can see Grant Wood’s “American Gothic” and Georges Seurat’s “A Sunday on La Grande Jatte.”
It is not only one of the most famous tourist destinations of the city of Chicago but also one of the largest and oldest art museums in the United States of America. Fortunately, it does not matter whether you are interested in Impressionism, Modern Art, or Asian Art: the Art Institute has something to impress any visitor. Also, tourists can take a pictures of the brass lions standing guard outside the museum.
4. Willis Tower Skydeck – Reach New Heights
Among the fascinating attractions that a tourist or visitor should not miss in Chicago is the Willis Tower, which used to be the Sears Tower. Formerly, it was the tallest building in the world; its monumental structure had a height of 1,450 feet. There is the Skydeck, which is situated on the top floor, the 103rd floor, and will definitely offer some of the best beautiful views of the city, especially when taken at dusk or night.
One of the glass features of this building is the Ledge – small glass balconies extending far beyond the building and letting visitors look down the streets. It is one of the most famous places in Chicago, offering an incredible sightseeing point and a sweet memory to take home.
5. The Field Museum – Dive into Natural History
The Field Museum of Natural History is undoubtedly one of the biggest such museums, and its attractions will appeal to young and old alike. Among the exhibited pieces is the T. rex skeleton called Sue, which is the largest and most complete T. rex fossil.
Also, among the field museums and other attractions, you can examine the treasures of ancient civilizations, gems and stones, and the world’s wildlife. It is ideal for anyone inclined to go to times of science and history. The museum is informative and visitor-activated; therefore, it suits all the family.
6. Lincoln Park Zoo – A Family-Friendly Adventure
The Lincoln Park Zoo is amongst the oldest zoos in America and is a famous free attraction in downtown Chicago, Illinois. It covers about 35 acres of land and holds more than 1 1000 animals of different species like lions, monkeys, and some species that are scarce in the natural habitat.
Besides the animals, the zoo has many stunning gardens and holds events and activities for specific seasons. It is, therefore, ideal for families seeking to have fun and explore the above-described activities as among the things to do in Chicago in a fun, informative manner. The Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Chicago, whether you are traveling with your children or prefer to avoid large crowds.
7. The Magnificent Mile – A Shopper’s Paradise
For the shoppers, this is the place they should visit; it’s known as the Magnificent Mile. This is one of the most famous streets of Chicago, where shopping centers on various levels, luxurious shops, stores, and flagship stores are situated. No matter whether you want to get some luxury items, go to a specialty store, or buy groceries, the Magnificent Mile can offer them to you.
Apart from shopping malls, this place also has several historical structures and monuments, including the John Hancock Center. It is a good opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere of Chicago as a shopper’s paradise. The term ‘The Magnificent Mile is another famous attraction for anyone looking for a little more lively atmosphere in Chicago.
8. Chicago Architecture River Cruise – Explore the Skyline from the Water
Fortunately, one can enjoy many activities in Chicago, and one of the most popular among them is the architecture river cruise. The skyline of Chicago is perhaps one of the most beautiful in the world, and one of the best views of the buildings can be seen during the boat trip on the Chicago River. These buildings include the Willis Tower, the John Hancock Center, and the like, which are crucial in the city’s architecture.
A river cruise is one of the most relaxing forms of travel for the body, mind, and soul, and at the same time, it is a learning experience. Chicago’s expert guides share interesting features and facts regarding the architecture of certain buildings and neighborhoods. This cruise is definitely a must-take for those who are interested in history and design in the city of Chicago.
9. Chicago History Museum – A Glimpse into the Past
The Chicago History Museum has also become an excellent place for people interested in the city’s history. One can visit this museum for a better overview of the city’s history based on the Great Chicago Fire and its growth as an industrial city.
It has various histories and realistic displays that also make tourism favorable to the young and the elders. It is an ideal spot to go for more details on the city’s early history and embrace the urban culture. It is another must-see place in Chicago that you should include in your itinerary if you want to get acquainted with the history of this vibrant city.
10. The Shedd Aquarium – Dive into Marine Life
Shedd Aquarium is one of the most visited attractions in Chicago on Lake Michigan shores. Located in Simson, it occupies 31,500 animals of almost 1,500 species and thus provides the visitors with a unique perspective into the sea inhabitants.
The Shedd Aquarium showcases various sea creatures, from penguins to sharks. It has interesting facilities such as well-designed exhibits and live animals, allowing visitors to touch and feel some creatures. For anyone looking for places of interest in Chicago, the Shedd Aquarium is an informative and entertaining destination for all ages.
Final Words
Chicago simply has something for everyone, whether sightseeing or looking for things to do. The city offers diverse opportunities; therefore, once you get there, there will be no shortage of things to do. Today, Chicago has a history as rich as its architecture, ranging from historical monuments to the wonders of contemporary architecture. When traveling to the city, it is wise to incorporate the following into your list of places to visit. Even if you are not a first-time visitor, Chicago will definitely make an unforgettable impression on tour.
Some of the most famous tourist attractions that first-time visitors can go to are Millennium Park, Navy Pier, The Art Institute of Chicago, and Willis Tower Skydeck. These iconic spots showcase the city’s culture, architecture, and history.
Absolutely, there are quite several free attractions in Chicago that any tourist can enjoy. These free attractions include the Millennium Park, Lincoln Park Zoo, and the Chicago Cultural Center.
Fun activities for families with children include visiting Lincoln Park Zoo, Shedd Aquarium, or the Museum of Science and Industry. These are fun places specially designed for kids, including fun and exciting things to learn and do.
It is advisable to travel to Chicago during spring, which is from April to June, or during the autumn season, which is from September to November. These are winter seasons, and when there are few tourists, which is an added advantage since this is the time to discover the significant Chicago attractions all over the city.
