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

Posted: 5/13/2024 | Might thirteenth, 2024

Famously often called “the Second Metropolis” (which means second in inhabitants to New York), I really feel like Chicago is commonly neglected 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 earth.

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 town has a very wealthy historical past. I believe extra folks ought to go to.

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

That can assist you plan your go to, right here’s my listing of the most effective issues to do in Chicago:

1. Take a Strolling Tour

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

For a extra distinctive tour, attempt the Gangsters and Ghosts Tour. You’ll be taught 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 when you’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 fantastic place to hang around, have a picnic, or go for a run. Individuals play chess right here when the climate is good and, in the course of the summer time, there are loads of free live shows 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 by November, the Chicago Cultural Heart hosts strolling excursions specializing in the artwork of Millennium Park. It’s actually attention-grabbing. I really like strolling by the park or simply chilling right here with a great guide on a pleasant day.
 

3. Absorb 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 just a few 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 contains works by Picasso, Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, Jasper Johns, and Jackson Pollock. There are additionally wings dedicated to African, Asian, and American indigenous artwork. In the event you’re going to go to at least one museum in Chicago, this needs to be it. Count on to spend just a few hours as a result of the gathering is so massive.

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 just about 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 superb structure on a river cruise

Chicago is an structure lover’s dream. The perfect method to absorb its famed buildings is through a river cruise. This fashion, you’ll be able to sit again and cruise down the canals whereas an knowledgeable information offers context for what you’re . The guides offers you an in depth historical past of the structure. A number of the buildings you’ll see on the boat experience 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 constructions to see on this fascinating tour, and I promise, it’s way 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 Avenue is understood for its upscale designer boutiques. In reality, hire right here is the third highest within the US (after Fifth Avenue in New York Metropolis and Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills). Even when you don’t wish to blow your price range buying, it’s nonetheless an expertise to walk alongside the avenue and take within the sights and the folks, and benefit from the view of the Chicago River. There are a number of landmarks and points of interest alongside the best way too, together with the 360 Chicago Statement Deck for expansive views over town (extra on this beneath).
 

6. Go to the Shedd Aquarium

In the event you’re visiting town with youngsters (otherwise you’re a child at coronary heart), head to the huge 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 training right here so that you’ll be taught a ton whilst you roam the completely different exhibitions. You may even pay further to do issues like feed penguins and sharks, they usually additionally host every kind of enjoyable night occasions (similar to stay music after hours). I completely love coming right here. Simply be certain to guide your ticket upfront as they do get busy and promote out!

To beat the crowds, skip the weekend and go to in the course of the week as a substitute. Additionally, try to go to proper when it opens (particularly Wednesday-Friday). It’s often 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 may also be included with the Chicago CityPASS.
 

7. Absorb some pure historical past on the Area Museum

In 1893, the World’s Columbian Exposition (also referred to as the Chicago World’s Truthful) befell within the Windy Metropolis to have fun the four-hundredth anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ arrival in 1492. The truthful displayed some unbelievable 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 turned the Area Museum, named after benefactor Marshall Area, a division retailer mogul, and every thing remained on show.

One of many greatest museums on the earth, the Area homes in depth collections spanning anthropology, geology, botany, and zoology. Some essential collections embody the shows of taxidermied animals, a wing devoted to astronomy, and engaging artifacts from historic Egypt. I like to recommend planning to spend no less than 3-4 hours to actually 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 a further cost (which varies), although you will get an all-access move for $43 USD.
 

8. Get a shocking view at 360 Chicago Statement Deck

Chicago is a skyscraper metropolis, together with just a few slightly iconic towers. Situated atop what was previously often called the John Hancock Constructing and now (uninspiringly) known as 875 N. Michigan, the 360-degree viewing deck a thousand ft up and permits guests to get the most effective view of the Windy Metropolis and Lake Michigan. You may even seize a pint on the Cloud Bar, which serves beer from Moody Tongue, a neighborhood brewery.

In the event you’re a thrill seeker and wish extra than simply the view, join Tilt. This a part of the commentary deck is the place you’ll be able to stand in entrance of a glass window, which then tilts ahead, till it seems you’re trying immediately down on the avenue, 94 flooring beneath.

Simply be certain 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 grow to be 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 often an enormous fan of deep-dish (I like NYC pizza higher), but it surely’s one thing you must attempt whilst you’re right here.

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

10. Stroll the Chicago Riverwalk

Stretching from Lake Michigan to Lake Avenue, the 1.25-mile Riverwalk alongside the Chicago River makes for a enjoyable stroll. Alongside the best way, you’ll not solely get incredible 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 when you desire a extra energetic expertise, there are additionally a number of aquatic actions right here too (similar to kayaking or taking a river cruise).
 

11. Eat your method by 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 right now Pilsen is Chicago’s principal Latino neighborhood, significantly Mexicans from the Michoacán area. In the present day you’ll be able to wander the world, consuming a few of the finest tacos whereas taking within the vibrant avenue artwork.
 

12. Watch an improv present

The Second Metropolis is likely one of 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 lower their enamel. They placed on common performances and likewise host every kind of particular occasions. They even host workshops and courses if you wish to give improv a attempt your self. Simply you should definitely get your tickets upfront as the preferred exhibits 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 Battle II, a Naval coaching heart, and a short lived college campus. Since 1995, it has reopened to the general public in its present type and has grow to be a form of carnival. It’s Chicago’s second-most visited vacationer attraction (after “The Bean”) and incorporates some rides, a Ferris wheel, a number of eating places, a Shakespeare theater, boat excursions, numerous beer gardens, mini-golf, and extra! It’s a great place to have some foolish enjoyable (particularly when you have youngsters).

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 recreation at Wrigley Area

House of the Cubs, Wrigley Area, on Chicago’s North Facet, is smack in the course of city. It additionally occurs to be one of many oldest baseball stadiums in america (it opened in 1914). In the event you’re in Chicago in the course of the baseball seasons (April to October) and the Cubs are on the town, do your self a favor and go to a recreation. It’s probably the most intimate and atmospheric baseball stadiums within the nation. If the Cubs aren’t on the town, you can even 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 differ relying on the season (test the web site for availability). Tour admission is $30 USD. Tickets to see a recreation differ drastically however begin at simply $10 USD (for higher seats at a well-liked recreation, anticipate to spend nearer to $80-125 USD).
 

15. Feast in Chinatown

Deliver your urge for food to Chinatown, the place you’ll be able to 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 maintain a watch out for colourful murals across the neighborhood. A few of my favourite locations listed here are Hing Kee, MCCB Chicago, and Phoenix.
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16. Expertise St. Patrick’s Day

Subsequent to Eire, Chicago is likely one of the finest locations to be on March seventeenth, St. Patrick’s Day. To honor its massive Irish-American inhabitants, 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 continues to be answerable for the inexperienced river annually, although it gained’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 luxuriate in. This is likely one of the greatest days of the 12 months right here!
 

17. Discover Oz Park

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

There’s a playground named after Dorothy, a inexperienced house known as the “Emerald Gardens,” and quite a few life-size statues of well-liked 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 believe it’s enjoyable and ideal for a weekend getaway. And you actually can’t beat the summers right here both. With a number of attention-grabbing museums, loads of inexperienced house, and a few nice eats, Chicago needs to be on each traveler’s listing!