Things to do in Chicago

Chicago · 638m from downtown

511 reviews

The Art Institute of Chicago was founded in 1879 and moved to its current location in 1893. Its gray-white stone building exemplifies classical Beaux-Arts style and stands as one of the United States' most historic and large-scale art museums. The collection spans millennia and covers all continents, encompassing painting, sculpture, prints and drawings, photography, decorative arts, African art and pre-Columbian American art, with a total of hundreds of thousands of works. It is often called a "museum of all nations." The French impressionist and post-impressionist collection is the highlight here. Beyond masterpieces by Monet and Renoir, Seurat's "A Sunday on La Grande Jatte," Van Gogh's "The Bedroom," Picasso's "The Old Guitarist," and Edward Hopper's "Nighthawks" are all on display. Grant Wood's iconic "American Gothic" is widely regarded as one of the symbols of American culture. The pair of bronze lions flanking the main entrance have stood guard for over a century, serving as both a city emblem of Chicago and a popular photo spot for travelers before entering. The museum also features a modern wing dedicated to contemporary art, architecture, and design collections, with densely packed exhibits worth seeing—plan to spend at least half a day to fully appreciate them.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Great Lakes Region

360 CHICAGO

7.8

Chicago · 2.4km from downtown

69 reviews

About360 CHICAGO 360 CHICAGOExciting content Take in the Chicago view from the 94th floor of 875 North Michigan Avenue (formerly the John Hancock Center). Experience the history of Chicago and 875 N Michigan through the new interactive lower lobby. Ride one of North America's fastest elevators and reach 1,000 feet into the clouds in just 40 seconds Overlook Chicago, Lake Michigan, and four US states from the 94th floor Discover Chicago's rich history, extraordinary architecture, and thriving neighborhoods Step onto the Skywalk and experience the breathtaking art installations by artists. Admire the vibrant and stunning new floor designs and window murals that showcase the flair of Chicago's famous neighborhoods. Sip Chicago-themed cocktails at CloudBar while taking in the stunning views of the city. At 360 CHICAGO, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Windy City from 1,000 feet above the famous Magnificent Mile. Full description 360 CHICAGO is located 1,000 feet above Chicago's legendary Michigan Avenue. Situated on the 94th floor of 875 North Michigan Avenue (formerly the John Hancock Center), it offers you the chance to take in sweeping views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan. The lobby level of 360 CHICAGO features an interactive exhibit highlighting the rich history and vibrant culture that make Chicago diverse and beautiful. Try exciting activities like T to explore Chicago beyond downtown.Beautiful cityandUrban communities. Reach the 94th floor in just 40 seconds, step onto the observation deck, and enjoy a view named one of America's notable views by Travel + Leisure magazine. Experience 360 CHICAGO and take in panoramic views of the city, the lakefront, and four neighboring states. DownloadThe Magnicity app lets you start your guided tour using just a smartphone. The app includes unique information, stories, and recommendations to help you explore Chicago further. TILT offers thrill-seeking visitors the chance to see Chicago from a one-of-a-kind perspective. Step onto TILT and look down at Michigan Avenue from 1,000 feet above through 30-degree floor-to-ceiling windows. TILT is a thrill ride. CloudBar serves iconic Chicago snacks, such as Garrett's popcorn, and specialty cocktails made with local beer. *TILT is not included with your general admission ticket.

No. 1 of Night Attractions in Chicago

875 North Michigan Avenue

7.8

4.5/5

244 reviews

The architecture of 875 North Michigan Avenue is informed by its expressive structural system and gently sloping façades. This innovative form was designed to efficiently accommodate the variety of uses contained in the building. The gentle inward slope creates optimally-sized floor plans for both the lower parking and office levels and the higher residential floors. Additionally, the tapered form significantly reduces wind loads, allowing for a reduction in the size of structural members. For Chicago's busy streetscape, the building's shape increases the visual verticality of the building; adding perceived height to an already impressively tall tower. The architectural form of the 875 North Michigan Avenue represents a radical departure from established aesthetics of the time. Initially, critics labeled the building as too industrial, but over time it has come to symbolize the gutsy tradition of structural expression in Chicago. It is often characterized as super-rational, logical, and a representation of the machine age of architecture. It exhibits its true structure much in the tradition of bridge construction. These qualities are at the heart of why the building has endured in the minds of so many.

Chicago · 2.4km from downtown

No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Great Lakes Region

Grant Park

7.5

Chicago · 943m from downtown

116 reviews

Grant Park covers approx. 319 acres and is a core cultural landmark in Chicago. In the center of the park is the Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain, completed in 1927. Its design was inspired by the fountains at the Palace of Versailles but on a grander scale, and after dark, its lights and water jets create a stunning display. The park connects cultural facilities such as Millennium Park and The Art Institute of Chicago. To the south stands the cast-iron sculpture group "Agora" by Polish artist Magdalena Abakanowicz—featuring numerous headless figures scattered across the lawn, it is a signature public art installation in the park. The park is also the main venue for many large annual events in Chicago. Strolling along the lakeshore path, you will see the vast waters ofLake Michiganon one side and the magnificent silhouette of the Chicago skyline on the other, making it a daily destination shared by locals and tourists alike for jogging, picnicking, or just taking a walk.

No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Great Lakes Region

Field Museum

7.4

Chicago · 1.7km from downtown

348 reviews

The Field Museum was established in 1893 and is one of the more important museums in Chicago. As part of the Chicago museum campus, it houses nearly 40 million specimens and artifacts. The Field Museum displays one of the largest and most complete T. rex fossils. Here, you can embark on an underground adventure with an insect's compound eye, enter an ancient Egyptian tomb, discover a dazzling jewelry chamber, interact up close with man-eating lions from Kenya, and experience coexisting with dinosaurs in the rotating Earth exhibition! It can be said that the Field Museum is like a complete natural treasure trove, offering very high visiting value.

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Missouri

U.S. Route 66

7

4.8/5

90 reviews

U.S. Route 66, also known as the Will Rogers Highway or Main Street of America, was one of the original highways in the U.S. Highway System, established in 1926. The highway stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica State Beach in Los Angeles, crossing eight states: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California, covering a total length of approximately 2,400 miles. With the development of the Interstate Highway System, the road was officially decommissioned in 1985, and some sections have since been designated as National Scenic Byways. The scenery along the route is a defining feature of this highway. From the farmlands of Illinois to the hills of Missouri, from the plains of Oklahoma to the red deserts of Arizona, and finally to the Pacific coast of California, the road connects a multitude of small towns, motels, neon signs, and roadside diners that retain their mid-20th-century appearance. Many sections still feature original gas stations and unique shops. U.S. Route 66 has had a profound influence on American pop culture. John Steinbeck used the road as the backdrop for the westward migration in The Grapes of Wrath, earning it the nickname "The Mother Road." The Pixar animated film Cars also uses this highway as its setting.

Custer County · 27.4km from downtown

2026 Americas 50 - Night Attractions

Skydeck Chicago

6.5

4.8/5

76 reviews

Skydeck Chicago is the breathtaking, thrilling observatory atop the iconic Willis Tower. The highest observation deck in the United States, Skydeck provides views of the city spanning up to four states and 50 miles on a clear day. Skydeck features The Ledge; five glass floor balconies extending 4.3 feet from Willis Tower and made up of three layers of half-inch thick glass laminated into one seamless unit. After an extensive transformation, Skydeck offers a can't miss, one-stop attraction to discover and see all that the city of Chicago offers from an incomparable vantage point. The revamped attraction features a brand-new, lower-level, museum-like interactive experience that celebrates the unique personality, history, neighborhoods, and sites of Chicago.

Chicago · 513m from downtown

No. 4 of Night Attractions in Chicago

Willis Tower

6.5

Chicago · 513m from downtown

511 reviews

The Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower, is a high point in the Chicago skyline. The building is currently used as an office building with a total of 110 floors. Tens of thousands of tourists come here every day just to board the 412-meter-high 103-story Chicago Sky Observation Deck to overlook the entire Chicago panorama. 1.103rd floor observation deck, enjoy the city view of Chicago. As soon as you enter the Willis Tower, you will be attracted by the words "Windy City", "Chicago" and "Chicago City" written in English on the wall. Then step into the elevator, and each floor the elevator goes up will display the current floor, the current height, and the buildings with the same height. For example, the 25th floor: the Statue of Liberty in New York, the 86th floor: the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and the 102nd floor: the Empire State Building in New York. When you get out of the elevator to the observation deck on the 103rd floor, you can overlook the entire Chicago city and the skyline across Lake Michigan. 2. A real sense of suspension, a thrilling and exciting experience When you come here, you must not miss the thrilling feeling of standing on the glass roof. In June 2009, the designer added 4 glass roofs, all of which were built on the west side of the building, extending about 1.2 meters to the interior. Standing on the transparent glass balcony, the city street view is unobstructed, but it is frightening. And you can also see the tourists on the rooftop next to it, and it feels like they are hanging in the air. Of course there are people standing on it, some people are squatting on the glass, and some people are even lying on it. 3. The sky is clear in the daytime, and the neon lights are bright at night. During the day, you can feel the openness of the mountains and small mountains. At night, you can overlook the brightly lit night scene of Chicago. It is recommended to arrive at the observation deck 30-45 minutes before sunset, so that you can see the beauty of the alternating day and night.

No. 8 of Best Things to Do in Great Lakes Region

Shoreline Sightseeing(Michigan Avenue)

6.5

Chicago · 1.4km from downtown

19 reviews

Explore Chicago's rich history, famous architecture, and breathtaking skyline. Choose from guided Chicago River Architecture Tours, classic sightseeing tours on Lake Michigan, fireworks tours, and more, such as Brew Cruises and Wine Tasting Cruises and Lakeshore Water Taxi. Lakeshore charters also host memorable events, from casual gatherings to corporate meetings. The Shoreline Sightseeing will give you a real Chicago experience!

No. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Chicago

Navy Pier

6

4.3/5

342 reviews

Located on the shore of Lake Michigan, Navy Pier has a history of nearly 100 years and is an iconic attraction in Chicago. Navy Pier is very large, it is U-shaped, with plazas and shops in the middle, and a walkway on the side, walking along the walkway, you can enjoy the view of Lake Michigan. At the end of the pier is the confluence of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. There is a plaza on which stands a large iron anchor, which was given to the Navy Pier by the cruiser Chicago as a memorial. 1. There is a sightseeing cruise at the entrance to the south side of the pier. You can buy a ticket here to get on the boat and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Lake Michigan on the boat. At night, there are many open-air bars and cafés along the promenade of the marina. When you are tired of playing, you can find a place to sit and enjoy the beautiful view of Lake Michigan, sip a cup of coffee or beer, and even look up at the brightly lit Ferris wheel in the night. 2. Surrounding attractions The large playground by the lake, covering an area of 50 hectares, has everything from parks, shops to restaurants and attractions. You can board the Ferris wheel for a panoramic view, or go for a merry-go-round, sky swing, mini golf, and more. The pier also has the Chicago Children's Museum (ChicagoChildren'sMuseum), Chicago Shakespeare Theater (ChicagoShakespeareTheater) and IMAX Theater. 3. Fireworks show From the end of May to the beginning of September, every Wednesday and Saturday, fireworks will be set off here to commemorate the people who once joined the army.

Chicago · 2.6km from downtown

No. 4 of Activities in United States

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Museums in Chicago

6

United States · Chicago

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BIG BUS Chicago hop-on hop-off bus tour

5.0/5

7 reviews126 booked

Chicago

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FromTWD 1,295

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4D3N • Lassic Chicago Panorama Tour: Oak Street Beach + Art Institute of Chicago + Field Museum + Shedd Aquarium

See Chicago's top museums, iconic architecture, scenic lakefront, and other urban highlights in one convenient tour. | Unlock hidden gems with a customized trip. Our experts are ready to help design your perfect journey. The optimized itinerary avoids long travel times, so you can enjoy a more relaxed trip. | With 8+ years of driving experience, regularly maintained vehicles, and full insurance coverage, your safety is our top priority. No hidden fees. Just relax and focus on the views.

EnglishGuaranteed departureArr. & dep. transfers incl.Choose your hotelMultiple car types availablePrivate Tours

From TWD 71,654

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6D5N • Milwaukee + Chicago

Max. 55 peopleMandarin and EnglishNo mandatory shoppingTour guide includedFree cancellationArr. & dep. transfers incl.Group Tours

2 reviews4 booked

A 6-day tour of the scenery of three of the Great Lakes in the United States: Lake Michigan + a large freshwater lake + Lake Huron. | Famous cities by the Great Lakes: Chicago + Milwaukee + the port city of Green Bay + historic Sault Ste. Marie + Traverse City. | We offer airport pick-up service at Chicago Airport, making it more convenient for out-of-state guests to join the tour.

From TWD 36,372

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Experiences you can't miss in Chicago

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Chicago CityPASS: 5 attraction admission tickets

5.0/5

· 1 review· 23 booked

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The Art Institute of Chicago: Fast Pass

4.3/5

· 4 reviews· 191 booked

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Chicago CityPASS

4.9/5

· 26 reviews· 199 booked

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26 consecutive positive reviews

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Flyover Experience in Chicago

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Medieval Torture Museum: Entry Ticket

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Chicago Explorer Pass: 2 to 7 Attractions including SkyDeck

4.8/5

· 20 reviews

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Museum of Ice Cream Chicago: VIP Anytime Entry Ticket

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Iconic Action Film and Movie Locations 1 Day Tour in Chicago

Duration: 5.6 hrs

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FromTWD 4,059

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Featured Food & drink in Chicago

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Chicago to Milwaukee Landmarks Day Trip w/optional Miller Brewery & Harley Davidson Museum

Duration: 8 hrs

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Free cancellation

FromTWD 4,107

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Alinea, the popular restaurant in Chicago, USA - Restaurant Reservation Service

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Chicago: Signature Dishes Bike Tour

Duration: 4 hrs

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Reservation service for the popular Eleven Madison Park restaurant in Chicago, USA

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Restaurant Reservation Service for the Trendy Addison Restaurant in Chicago, USA

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Chicago: Fulton Market Donut Adventure with Tastings

Duration: 24 hrs

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Secret Food Tour: Loop District and 6+ Tastings

Duration: 24 hrs

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Chicago's Delicious Downtown Donut Tour with 8 Amazing Tastings

4.9/5

· 895 reviews

Duration: 2 hrs

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27 consecutive positive reviews

FromTWD 2,300

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Featured Day tours in Chicago

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Chicago Architecture River Cruise

4.9/5

· 4.7k reviews· 229 booked

Duration: 60–75 mins

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96.7% of travelers recommend

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Best of Chicago: Premium Small Group City Tour

Duration: 1.9 hrs

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Go City: Chicago Essential Pass - 3 Attractions

Duration: 24 hrs

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Chicago: Underground Pedway & Downtown Secrets Walking Tour

4.8/5

· 18 reviews

Duration: 2 hrs

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Chicago: BYOB Spray Paint and Sip Workshop

5.0/5

· 2 reviews

Duration: 1.5 hrs

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Travel Internet Hubby eSIM - USA

Duration: 24 hrs

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Chicago Architecture River Cruise

4.9/5

· 4.7k reviews

Duration: 60–90 mins

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96.7% of travelers recommend

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Free things to do in Chicago

Grant Park

7.5

Chicago · 943m from downtown

116 reviews

U.S. Route 66

7

4.8/5

90 reviews

Custer County · 27.4km from downtown

Navy Pier

6

4.3/5

342 reviews

Chicago · 2.6km from downtown

Millennium Park

5.5

4.6/5

594 reviews

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Magnificent Mile

5.4

4.6/5

171 reviews

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4.9

4.2/5

70 reviews

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4.8

4.3/5

140 reviews

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Cloud Gate

4.5

4.5/5

297 reviews

Chicago · 737m from downtown

Lincoln Park Zoo

4.5

4.5/5

149 reviews

Chicago · 4.9km from downtown

Chicago Riverwalk

4.3