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Chicago, United States

Destination Guide

Chicago

United States

Best things to do in Chicago

37 curated attractions in Chicago, United States. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

May - October

Average temp

12°C/54°F

Budget

Expensive

Safety

Generally safe

About Chicago

Chicago is defined by its architecture and the lakefront, shaped by the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 that led to a complete rebuilding of the downtown area in a bold, new style. This created a skyline filled with towering structures, from the Willis Tower to the sleek glass of Millennium Park, and established a culture that values innovation in design. The city's size and density encourage a mix of activities, from the famous Chicago Cultural Center to the Riverwalk and the food scene that offers everything from deep-dish pizza to upscale dining. Visitors come for the architecture river cruise, which offers one of the best views of this impressive skyline and an insight into the city's history.

Who it's for

Ideal for those who appreciate architecture, enjoy a variety of cultural experiences, and love trying local food. Not the best choice if you are looking for a quiet retreat or small-town charm, as the city’s size means crowds and noise are part of the package.

Getting around

Public transport: Good

  • The Loop is walkable in about twenty minutes, connecting many key attractions
  • Public transport is efficient, with trains and buses running frequently throughout the city
  • O'Hare International Airport is about a forty-minute trip to downtown by train
  • The Chicago Riverwalk is best enjoyed on foot, so wear comfortable shoes
Magnificent Mile

Magnificent Mile

Shopping streets & districts
875 North Michigan Avenue

875 North Michigan Avenue

Modern architecture & skyscrapers
Lake Shore Drive

Lake Shore Drive

Streets & neighbourhoods
Grant Park

Grant Park

City parks
Obama Presidential Center

Obama Presidential Center

Cultural & Heritage Sites
Oriental Institute Museum

Oriental Institute Museum

History museums
Art Institute of Chicago

Art Institute of Chicago

Art museums & galleries
Wrigley Field

Wrigley Field

Stadiums & sports venues
The Chicago Water Tower

The Chicago Water Tower

Historical
Lincoln Park Conservatory

Lincoln Park Conservatory

Botanical gardens
Chicago Riverwalk

Chicago Riverwalk

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
Garfield Park Conservatory

Garfield Park Conservatory

Botanical gardens
Chicago Botanic Garden

Chicago Botanic Garden

Botanical gardens
Millennium Park

Millennium Park

City parks
The Robie House

The Robie House

Historic houses & mansions
United Center

United Center

Stadiums & sports venues
Cloud Gate (The Bean)

Cloud Gate (The Bean)

Fountains, statues & public art
Museum of Science and Industry

Museum of Science and Industry

Science & natural history museums
Route 66

Route 66

Streets & neighbourhoods
The Field Museum

The Field Museum

Science & natural history museums
Buckingham Fountain

Buckingham Fountain

Fountains, statues & public art
Chicago Theatre

Chicago Theatre

Theatres & opera houses
Crown Fountain

Crown Fountain

Fountains, statues & public art
Loyola Beach

Loyola Beach

Beach & Coastal Attractions
Chicago Cultural Center

Chicago Cultural Center

Art museums & galleries
Willis Tower Skydeck

Willis Tower Skydeck

Observation decks & city views
The Second City

The Second City

Live music venues & clubs
Navy Pier

Navy Pier

Family & kids' attractions
Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo

Zoos
Chicago Public Library

Chicago Public Library

Urban Attractions
Chicago Children's Museum

Chicago Children's Museum

Family & kids' attractions
360 Chicago Observation Deck

360 Chicago Observation Deck

Observation decks & city views
The Water Tower

The Water Tower

Monuments & memorials
Willis Tower

Willis Tower

Modern architecture & skyscrapers
Shedd Aquarium

Shedd Aquarium

Aquariums
Union Park

Union Park

Urban Attractions
Chicago Party Boats

Chicago Party Boats

Urban Attractions

Where to eat in Chicago

The places worth planning a meal around.

Giordano's

Giordano's

Italian

★ 4.5 · 26,749 reviews

Portillo's

Portillo's

American · $

★ 4.4 · 24,810 reviews

Gino's East Pizzeria

Gino's East Pizzeria

Italian

★ 4.7 · 20,670 reviews

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria

Italian · $$

★ 4.4 · 13,448 reviews

Au Cheval

Au Cheval

American

★ 4.7 · 13,130 reviews

Shore Club

Shore Club

New American

★ 4.5 · 3,176 reviews

Things to do in Chicago

Tours, cruises and experiences, rather than places to visit.

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