The 12 Greatest Issues to Do in Chicago (Up to date 2024)

Famously generally known as “the Second Metropolis” (that means second in inhabitants to New York), I really feel like Chicago is commonly missed by vacationers. It sees a fraction of the guests LA and NYC obtain, which is a disgrace, because it’s one in every of my favourite cities on the planet.

Chicago is chock-full of world-class establishments, Michelin-starred eating places, awe-inducing structure, and verdant parks. There’s a lot to do right here and the town has a extremely wealthy historical past. I feel extra individuals ought to go to.

Positive, the winters are brutal. However, come spring, Chicago blossoms right into a dynamic city panorama of avenue life, out of doors cafés, and sunny parks when locals take over the outside to benefit from the few months of good climate. (I don’t assume you possibly can actually beat Chicago in the summertime.)

That can assist you plan your go to, right here’s my record of one of the best issues to do in Chicago:

1. Take a Strolling Tour

One of many first issues I do after I arrive in a metropolis is take a strolling tour. They’re a good way to see the principle sights, get the lay of the land, and join with an skilled native information who can reply all my questions. Free Chicago Strolling Excursions hosts common free excursions that may introduce you to the town. You’ll get to see lots of the coolest buildings within the metropolis whereas additionally studying in regards to the historical past of Chicago. The tour lasts a couple of hours. Make sure to tip the information on the finish!

For a extra distinctive tour, attempt the Gangsters and Ghosts Tour. You’ll study all about Chicago’s darkish facet and creepy previous as you discover the Chicago Loop. The tour lasts two hours and actually talks about one of many pivotal occasions in Chicago’s historical past. Even for those who’re not a historical past buff like me, you’ll get rather a lot out of it.
 

2. Chill out in Grant and Millennium Parks

Situated downtown, these gigantic parks present a terrific place to hang around, have a picnic, or go for a run. Folks play chess right here when the climate is sweet and, throughout the summer season, there are loads of free concert events and occasions right here. The bigger Grant Park stretches alongside Chicago’s waterfront, whereas Millennium Park is the subsection the place the well-known “Chicago Bean” sculpture is situated. This iconic work of public artwork is a must-see. And, beginning at midday on the primary and third Saturdays from April via November, the Chicago Cultural Middle hosts strolling excursions specializing in the artwork of Millennium Park. It’s actually attention-grabbing. I really like strolling via the park or simply chilling right here with a great e-book on a pleasant day.
 

3. Soak up some artwork on the Artwork Institute of Chicago

Since 1879, the Artwork Institute of Chicago has been wowing guests with its wonderful assortment of works from all over the world. Situated in Grant Park, the museum has a couple of instantly recognizable items, together with “American Gothic” by Grant Wooden, Edward Hopper’s “Nighthawks,” and “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of Grande Jatte” by Georges Seurat. The huge assortment additionally consists of works by Picasso, Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, Jasper Johns, and Jackson Pollock. There are additionally wings dedicated to African, Asian, and American indigenous artwork. When you’re going to go to at least one museum in Chicago, this needs to be it. Anticipate to spend a couple of hours as a result of the gathering is so huge.

To beat the crowds, skip a weekend go to because the place will get packed. As a substitute, go on a Monday or Thursday night (they’re open late on Thursdays). You’ll have the place nearly to your self.

111 S Michigan Ave, (312) 443-3600, artic.edu. Open Thursday-Monday 11am-5pm (8pm on Thursdays). Admission is $32 USD ($40 USD for advance skip-the-line entry). Each day excursions (included within the value of your ticket) are supplied at 1pm and 3pm.
 

4. Admire wonderful structure on a river cruise

Chicago is an structure lover’s dream. The easiest manner to absorb its famed buildings is through a river cruise. This fashion, you possibly can sit again and cruise down the canals whereas an skilled information gives context for what you’re . The guides gives you an in depth historical past of the structure. Among the buildings you’ll see on the boat journey embody the Tribune Tower, 333 West Wacker, Navy Pier, the Willis Tower, the Wrigley Constructing, and Marina Metropolis, amongst others. All in all, there are about 50 buildings to see on this fascinating tour, and I promise, it’s rather more attention-grabbing than it sounds!
 

5. Stroll down the Magnificent Mile

Usually nicknamed “Magazine Mile,” this stretch alongside Michigan Avenue from the Chicago River to Oak Road is understood for its upscale designer boutiques. In truth, hire right here is the third highest within the US (after Fifth Avenue in New York Metropolis and Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills). Even for those who don’t wish to blow your funds procuring, it’s nonetheless an expertise to walk alongside the avenue and take within the sights and the individuals, and benefit from the view of the Chicago River. There are a number of landmarks and points of interest alongside the way in which too, together with the 360 Chicago Statement Deck for expansive views over the town (extra on this beneath).
 

6. Go to the Shedd Aquarium

When you’re visiting the town with children (otherwise you’re a child at coronary heart), head to the large Shedd Aquarium. It’s the third-largest aquarium within the Western hemisphere and residential to over 32,000 animals. They’ve turtles, penguins, sea otters, snakes, sharks, and extra. They actually emphasize schooling right here so that you’ll study a ton whilst you roam the completely different exhibitions. You’ll be able to even pay further to do issues like feed penguins and sharks, and so they additionally host every kind of enjoyable night occasions (equivalent to reside music after hours). I completely love coming right here. Simply ensure to e-book your ticket upfront as they do get busy and promote out!

To beat the crowds, skip the weekend and go to throughout the week as a substitute. Additionally, attempt to go to proper when it opens (particularly Wednesday-Friday). It’s normally quieter then.

1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, (312) 939-2438, sheddaquarium.org. Open 9am-5pm Monday-Friday (9pm on Tuesdays), 9am-6pm Saturday, and 11am-6pm on Sundays. Tickets begin at $37 USD. Admission can be included with the Chicago CityPASS.
 

7. Soak up some pure historical past on the Discipline Museum

In 1893, the World’s Columbian Exposition (often known as the Chicago World’s Honest) happened within the Windy Metropolis to have a good time the four-hundredth anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ arrival in 1492. The truthful displayed some unimaginable artifacts from all over the world, notably within the Columbian Museum of Chicago, which showcased anthropological and organic collections. After the truthful was over, organizers puzzled what to do with all of it. So, the Columbian Museum grew to become the Discipline Museum, named after benefactor Marshall Discipline, a division retailer mogul, and all the things remained on show.

One of many largest museums on the planet, the Discipline homes intensive collections spanning anthropology, geology, botany, and zoology. Some necessary collections embody the shows of taxidermied animals, a wing devoted to astronomy, and engaging artifacts from historical Egypt. I like to recommend planning to spend at the least 3-4 hours to essentially take all of it in.

1400 S. Dusable Lake Shore Drive, (312) 922-9410, fieldmuseum.org. Open every day 9am-5pm (final admission is at 4pm). Primary admission is $30 USD. Particular exhibitions are an extra cost (which varies), although you will get an all-access move for $43 USD.
 

8. Get a surprising view at 360 Chicago Statement Deck

Chicago is a skyscraper metropolis, together with a couple of relatively iconic towers. Situated atop what was previously generally known as the John Hancock Constructing and now (uninspiringly) referred to as 875 N. Michigan, the 360-degree viewing deck a thousand ft up and permits guests to get one of the best view of the Windy Metropolis and Lake Michigan. You’ll be able to even seize a pint on the Cloud Bar, which serves beer from Moody Tongue, a neighborhood brewery.

When you’re a thrill seeker and need extra than simply the view, join Tilt. This a part of the remark deck is the place you possibly can stand in entrance of a glass window, which then tilts ahead, till it seems you’re trying instantly down on the avenue, 94 flooring beneath.

Simply ensure to test the climate earlier than you go so you’ll even have a view to take pleasure in. Moreover, if you wish to beat the crowds, come early (earlier than 10am).

875 N Michigan Ave, (888) 875-8439, 360chicago.com. Open every day 9am-11pm (the final entry is at 10pm). Admission begins at $30 USD (get your tickets upfront for skip-the-line entry).

9. Feast on deep-dish pizza

If there’s one meals Chicago has change into synonymous with, it’s deep-dish pizza. It was invented in 1943 by Pizzeria Uno, which is now a nationwide restaurant chain. For one thing extra native, Chicagoans swear by Lou Malnati’s. Personally, I’m not normally an enormous fan of deep-dish (I like NYC pizza higher), but it surely’s one thing it’s important to attempt whilst you’re right here.

When you actually wish to indulge, hop on a Chicago Pizza Tour, on which you’ll get to pattern all of the varieties on supply on the town. Excursions begin at $49 USD.
 

10. Stroll the Chicago Riverwalk

Stretching from Lake Michigan to Lake Road, the 1.25-mile Riverwalk alongside the Chicago River makes for a enjoyable stroll. Alongside the way in which, you’ll not solely get improbable views of the river and metropolis, however you’ll encounter a legion of waterfront eating places, cafés, and bars. There’s a ton of public artwork and inexperienced house too (nice for picnicking and people-watching). It’s the proper place to decelerate and benefit from the second on this Midwestern metropolis, however for those who choose a extra lively expertise, there are additionally a lot of aquatic actions right here too (equivalent to kayaking or taking a river cruise).
 

11. Eat your manner via the Mexican eateries in Pilsen

The neighborhood of Pilsen was based in 1878 by Czech immigrants, who named the world after the fourth-largest metropolis within the Czech Republic, the place pilsner beer was born. The Czechs could also be gone now, however at the moment Pilsen is Chicago’s predominant Latino neighborhood, significantly Mexicans from the Michoacán area. At present you possibly can wander the world, consuming among the finest tacos whereas taking within the vibrant avenue artwork.
 

12. Watch an improv present

The Second Metropolis is among the hottest and well-known improv troupes within the nation. It’s the place greats like Invoice Murray, John Sweet, Catherine O’Hara, Steve Carell, Tina Fey, and Amy Poehler all minimize their tooth. They placed on common performances and in addition host every kind of particular occasions. They even host workshops and courses if you wish to give improv a attempt your self. Simply remember to get your tickets upfront as the preferred reveals promote out quick.

230 W North Ave, (312) 337-3992, secondcity.com. Performances are held every day so test the web site for what’s on. Tickets begin at $35 USD.
 

13. Have enjoyable at Navy Pier

This 3,300-foot-long (1,010-meter) pier on the shore of Lake Michigan began off as a transport website, but it surely has additionally been a jail for draft dodgers throughout World Conflict II, a Naval coaching heart, and a brief college campus. Since 1995, it has reopened to the general public in its present type and has change into a kind of carnival. It’s Chicago’s second-most visited vacationer attraction (after “The Bean”) and accommodates some rides, a Ferris wheel, a lot of eating places, a Shakespeare theater, boat excursions, a lot of beer gardens, mini-golf, and extra! It’s a great place to have some foolish enjoyable (particularly when you’ve got children).

600 E Grand Ave, (312) 595-7437, navypier.org. Open Sunday-Thursday 11am-8pm and Friday-Saturday 11am-9pm (particular person points of interest and eating places might have separate hours). Admission to the pier is free, although points of interest cost their very own charges (the Centennial wheel is $21.30 USD, for instance).
 

14. Catch a sport at Wrigley Discipline

Dwelling of the Cubs, Wrigley Discipline, on Chicago’s North Facet, is smack in the course of city. It additionally occurs to be one of many oldest baseball stadiums in the USA (it opened in 1914). When you’re in Chicago throughout the baseball seasons (April to October) and the Cubs are on the town, do your self a favor and go to a sport. It’s some of the intimate and atmospheric baseball stadiums within the nation. If the Cubs are usually not on the town, it’s also possible to take a 90-minute behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium.

1060 W Addison St, (773) 404-2827, mlb.com/cubs/ballpark. Tour dates and occasions range relying on the season (test the web site for availability). Tour admission is $30 USD. Tickets to see a sport range tremendously however begin at simply $10 USD (for higher seats at a preferred sport, anticipate to spend nearer to $80-125 USD).
 

15. Feast in Chinatown

Convey your urge for food to Chinatown, the place you possibly can feast on low cost dim dum, do karaoke, or calm down at one of many many tea homes. One of many oldest Chinatown’s within the nation, over a 3rd of Chicago’s Chinese language inhabitants lives in Chinatown, making it one of many largest concentrations of Chinese language-People within the USA. Don’t miss Ping Tom Memorial Park, and preserve an eye fixed out for colourful murals across the neighborhood. A few of my favourite locations listed here are Hing Kee, MCCB Chicago, and Phoenix.
&nbsp

16. Expertise St. Patrick’s Day

Subsequent to Eire, Chicago is among the finest locations to be on March seventeenth, St. Patrick’s Day. To honor its giant Irish-American inhabitants, the town dyes the Chicago River inexperienced, hosts an enormous parade, and events till the solar comes up (full with copious quantities of inexperienced beer).

The custom started in 1843, when Chicago’s first Irish parade was held, but it surely wasn’t till 1962 that the dyeing of the river began, on the suggestion of a plumber’s union, which remains to be liable for the inexperienced river every year, although it received’t expose its secrets and techniques about what’s used (it’s environmentally pleasant, although). Take a river cruise on the emerald waters or snap a pic from the sidelines and revel in. This is among the largest days of the yr right here!
 

17. Discover Oz Park

This whimsical little park, situated within the Lincoln Park space, was created to honor L. Frank Baum, the creator of The Wizard of Oz. He lived within the space on the finish of the nineteenth century, and when the town wished to renovate the park they determined to take action in a manner that honored Baum’s standard e-book.

There’s a playground named after Dorothy, a inexperienced house referred to as the “Emerald Gardens,” and quite a few life-size statues of standard characters from the musical adaptation, together with the Dorothy, Toto, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, and the Scarecrow.

Open every day 6am-11pm. Admission to the park is free.

Chicago doesn’t get the eye it deserves. I feel it’s enjoyable and ideal for a weekend getaway. And you actually can’t beat the summers right here both. With a lot of attention-grabbing museums, loads of inexperienced house, and a few nice eats, Chicago needs to be on each traveler’s record!