Things to do in Chicago

What it lacks in New York bravado and LA style, Chicago makes up for in the astonishing variety of its architecture, vibrant culture, and thriving art scene, all of which are highlighted by the Art Institute of Chicago. Chicago is also a truly family-friendly destination where world-class attractions such as the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium will delight parents and children alike.

With so much to see, it's worth getting a sense of perspective from the start. Travellers can visit the 360 Chicago or the Willis Tower Skydeck for views of the city from breathtakingly high up. Then they can check out Navy Pier for a 3D motion simulation of Chicago's fascinating history and exciting future. Afterwards, they can hop on a boat tour departing from the adjoining pier to explore the waterfront area.

A good option for visitors is the Go City card, which gives discounted admission to all the city's key attractions, shopping and dining discounts, various free tours, and a guide book. A Go City card also allows visitors to skip some long queues, which can be useful in peak season. The card is available from a number of tour operators or online.

Art Institute of Chicago photo

Art Institute of Chicago

An impressive pair of bronze lions guards the entrance to the Art Institute of Chicago, a museum which houses one of the greatest art collections in the world. Works date from 3,00…

Chicago Field Museum photo

Chicago Field Museum

Chicago's wildly popular Field Museum of Natural History in Lake Shore Drive is home to 'Sue', the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex fossil ever found. The dinosaur came …

Frank Lloyd Wright's Home photo

Frank Lloyd Wright's Home

America's most renowned architect lived and worked in this complex, which served as private studio and architectural laboratory for the first twenty years of his career. Wright's h…

Lincoln Park photo

Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park, beginning at North Avenue and following the shore of Lake Michigan northwards, is Chicago's largest park. It contains many things to see and do, such as beaches, a bo…

Six Flags Great America photo

Six Flags Great America

Top of the list of attractions for families on holiday in Chicago is the Six Flags Great America. Featuring some of the country's most exciting theme park rides, such as the Dark K…

Shedd Aquarium photo

Shedd Aquarium

One of Chicago's best known attractions, the Shedd remains one of the world's largest indoor aquariums since its opening in 1930. The octagonal marble building houses more than 8,0…

Rockford photo

Rockford

Illinois' second city, Rockford, set in rolling hills, is just northwest of Chicago. It is worth a visit for culture vultures and golfers in particular. The city is known for its '…

Navy Pier photo

Navy Pier

Situated on Chicago's lakefront, Navy Pier has developed into one of the city's main tourist destinations, offering year-round attractions, events and entertainment for the whole f…

Willis Tower photo

Willis Tower

'You haven't seen Chicago until you've seen it from the Skydeck' is what many visitors will hear from locals and other tourists in the city. The iconic Sears Tower was renamed on 1…

Millennium Park photo

Millennium Park

Millennium Park is one of Chicago's most popular destinations and is seen by Chicagoans as the crowning glory of their city. The award-winning park is famous for its innovative arc…

Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum photo

Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum

Located on Lake Michigan, the Adler Planetarium is America's oldest planetarium and boasts a number of theatres. Inside its doors, visitors and locals alike have marvelled at the h…

360 Chicago photo

360 Chicago

Formerly known as the John Hancock Building, 875 North Michigan Avenue is Chicago's third highest skyscraper. Located on the 94th floor, 1,000 feet (305m) above street level, the 3…

Chicago Children's Museum photo

Chicago Children's Museum

The Chicago Children's Museum is a must for kids of all ages. Located on Navy Pier, the museum offers three storeys of interactive exhibits with plenty of hands-on fun. The main at…

Chicago Botanic Gardens photo

Chicago Botanic Gardens

With plenty of wide-open space for kids to run around, the Botanic Gardens is one of Chicago's most beautiful attractions. During the summertime, travellers should be sure to explo…

Chicago Loop photo

Chicago Loop

Stunning public art adorns downtown Chicago, created by world-renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro, Alexander Calder, Marc Chagall, Henry Moore, and David Smith. Numer…

Buckingham Fountain photo

Buckingham Fountain

Often referred to as the city's front yard, Buckingham Fountain is one of the Chicago's most popular attractions. Located alongside Millennium Park and the Art Institute of Chicago…

Magnificent Mile photo

Magnificent Mile

The stretch of Michigan Avenue in Chicago that runs from Chicago River to Oak Street is known as the Magnificent Mile. Famed for its nightlife, it also serves as the main thoroughf…

Route 66 Sign photo

Route 66 Sign

The world-famous Route 66 is colloquially known as the 'Main Street of America' or the 'Mother Road'. This is because it originally ran from Chicago through Missouri, Kansas, Oklah…

Chicago History Museum photo

Chicago History Museum

Chicago has a colourful and fascinating history, ranging from devastating fires to gangster assassinations. The Chicago History Museum represents this history through an intriguing…

Chicago Beaches photo

Chicago Beaches

While Chicago is not well-known as a beach holiday destination, its position on the shore of Lake Michigan gives the city access to an extensive network of waterfront recreational …