Looking for the best things to do in Chicago? You’ve landed at the right place. Chicago, known for its vibrant arts scene, cultural attractions, and fascinating architecture, is a city that never fails to impress. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there’s always something new and exciting to explore.
From the iconic Navy Pier to the magnificent Mile, the Windy City is packed with must-see sights and hidden gems. Foodies, shopaholics, history buffs, and adventure seekers alike will find something to love in this bustling metropolis. So, buckle up and get ready to discover the best of Chicago.
Remember, this isn’t just any city. It’s Chicago. A city that’s more than just a destination; it’s an experience. So, let’s dive in and uncover the top things to do in Chicago that’ll make your trip unforgettable.
Explore the Magnificent Mile
Stepping onto the Magnificent Mile, you’ll be swept up in the energy of this bustling Chicago hot spot. The Magnificent Mile, or Mag Mile as it’s colloquially known, is a stretch of Michigan Avenue teeming with high-end shops, luxe boutiques, world-class restaurants, and stunning architecture.
Your visit to Chicago’s Magnificent Mile isn’t just about browsing designer labels, though that’s certainly part of the experience. This notable strip is home to iconic American brands such as Tiffany & Co., Ralph Lauren, and Apple. You’ll also discover local gems like the Chicago-favorite Garrett Popcorn Shops and a multitude of eateries that serve up everything from gourmet cuisine to hearty Chicago-style pizza.
But shopping and food are not the only attractions of the Mag Mile. Pay a visit to the John Hancock Center or the plum-colored skyscraper, Water Tower Place. Take in the city scenes from 360 Chicago, an observation deck that offers sweeping views of the cityscape. And don’t forget the marvel that is the Wrigley Building, whose gleaming white facade stands out amidst the urban landscape.
Walk the Magnificent Mile at your own pace, pause, look up, and soak in the architecture. The mix of historic buildings with modern skyscrapers creates one of the most distinctive skylines in the world. Notable landmarks include the neo-Gothic Tribune Tower, with its embedded pieces of famous buildings and sites from around the world, and the Romanesque style Water Tower, one of the few structures that survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
Along this famed strip, you’ll find art installations and elegant monuments. It’s not uncommon to stumble upon a memorable street performance or an impromptu display. The details, surprises, and experiences along this mile truly make it magnificent.
As you wander the Magnificent Mile, you’re not just exploring a shopping district but immersing yourself in the pulse of Chicago. It’s a testament to the city’s enduring magnetism and thriving urban spirit. The vibrancy, the dynamism, the allure – it’s all part of the essential Chicago experience. Next up, let’s take a closer look at the thriving nightlife in Chicago.
Visit Millennium Park
As you trek through Chicago, don’t overlook the opportunity to visit Millennium Park. Located in the heart of downtown, this is a cherished public space that brims with free events, iconic art installations, and magnificent architecture. Talk about hitting the cultural jackpot!
One of the most recognizable features of Millennium Park is certainly the Cloud Gate. Fondly nicknamed “The Bean” due to its kidney-like shape, this polished stainless steel sculpture mirrors the city’s skyline, inviting all to marvel at its sleek, reflective surface. Close-up or far away, you’ll always want to have your camera at the ready.
Giving Cloud Gate some competition in the popularity stakes, Crown Fountain is another essential visit within the park. This visually mesmerizing installation showcases quirky digital faces on two massive, glass brick towers. Additionally, Crown Fountain serves as a refreshing water feature in warm weather months, so you’re encouraged to pack your swimwear.
Moving away from the park’s celebrated art installations, the Jay Pritzker Pavilion happens to be one of the most stunning outdoor concert venues you’ll come across. Its unique, futuristic design is arresting, and the experience of witnessing live music under its soaring steel framework is hard to match. You’ll be thrilled to know the concerts here often come without a ticket price.
Remember, Millennium Park isn’t just a summer spot. Should you find yourself in Chicago during winter, you’ll discover a magical transformation—Maggie Daley Ice Ribbon. This isn’t your traditional ice rink but a winding path of ice that mimics a meandering river. These chilled experiences are sure to take your Chicago visit to new heights.
Regardless of the season, Millennium Park offers diverse attractions that’ll cater to your leisurely needs. From immersing in finely crafted art pieces to relaxing among nature’s splendor or attending a concert in the midst of skyscrapers, your adventure within this urban oasis will surely be memorable. Needless to say, the park’s irresistible charm contributes to why Chicago is often referred to as a traveler’s paradise.
Take a Stroll along Navy Pier
Welcome to Navy Pier, another iconic destination in the vibrant city of Chicago. Positioned on the shores of Lake Michigan, this spot’s lively atmosphere is sure to captivate you.
Walking along the pier, you’ll relish the stunning panoramic views of Chicago’s skyline. It’s an ideal setting for capturing memorable photographs, thanks to the unobstructed sight of the expansive lake meeting the vast sky and the towering architecture in the backdrop.
Boasting an array of entertainment options, you’ll find more than just beautiful views here. If you’ve got a taste for adventure, consider getting ticket for the Centennial Wheel. Soaring nearly 200 feet in the air, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking perspective of the city.
If it’s tantalizing treats you’re after, Navy Pier has plenty of food stalls and restaurants to sate your appetite. From traditional Chicago-style hot dogs to gourmet cupcakes at the widely recognized Molly’s Cupcakes, there’s something for every palate.
What’s more, Navy Pier is a hub of year-round cultural events. Check out the calendar for the city’s premiere performing arts venue, Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Or, immerse yourself in vivid displays and sculptures at the Polk Bros Park, the pier’s gateway park.
Can you imagine a better way to spend an afternoon in Chicago? When you combine the energy, the views, and all the entertainment on offer, a stroll along Navy Pier provides a real feel of what Chicago’s all about.
Note: If you’re visiting during the festive season, don’t miss the Winter WonderFest. It transforms Navy Pier into a delightful winter playground complete with an indoor skating rink and thousands of twinkling
lights.
As you proceed on your Chicago adventure, let’s move onto our next spot: the Art Institute of Chicago. Prepare to be amazed by some world-renowned masterpieces. But let’s save that for our next section.
Discover Chicago’s Museums
Venturing away from Navy Pier, you’ll find a treasure trove of culture and history waiting to be explored in the Art Institute of Chicago. As one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States, it’s home to some of the most iconic pieces of art in the world. From Grant Wood’s American Gothic to Georges Seurat’s A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte, you’re in for an astounding visual treat. You can also explore the Thorne Miniature Rooms, perfectly scaled-down replicas of historical interiors.
Don’t miss the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago (MCA). This avant-garde museum showcases works from the most influential artists of our time, making it an integral part of Chicago’s vibrant cultural scene. Its ever-changing exhibitions, housed in a stunning modernist building, will open your eyes to groundbreaking contemporary art.
| Museum | Highlights |
| Art Institute | American Gothic, A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte, Thorne Miniature Rooms |
| MCA | Changing exhibitions, modernist architecture |
Immerse yourself in the natural world at the Field Museum of Natural History. With over 24 million specimens, from dinosaurs to Egyptian artifacts, there’s something to pique the interest of every visitor. It’s home to Sue, the largest, most complete T. Rex ever discovered.
Continuing your museum tour, the Museum of Science and Industry should be high on your list. It’s the largest science center in the Western Hemisphere and offers an array of hands-on exhibits. The museum hosts mind-blowing exhibitions including a life-sized replica of a coal mine, a WWII German submarine, and the Apollo 8 spacecraft.
| Museum | Highlights |
| Field Museum | Sue, the T. Rex; Egyptian artifacts |
| Museum of Science and Industry | Coal mine replica, German submarine, Apollo 8 |
Chicago’s museum scene is rich, diverse and full of opportunities for learning and discovery. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, a science enthusiast or a curious traveler, you’re sure to find something that piques your interest in the city’s captivating museum landscape.
Enjoy Chicago’s Food Scene
Away from the rollicking rides and mesmerizing museums, Chicago’s food scene is where you can feast your senses. The city’s culinary landscape is as diverse as its people – from the mouth-watering deep dish pizzas of Pizzeria Uno to the inventive gastronomy at Alinea, there is a flavor for every palate.
Dip your toes into Chicago’s robust food scene at the city’s historic Pilsen neighborhood. Nestled amidst the 19th-century architecture you’ll find a plethora of mom-and-pop taco joints, each boasting its unique take on the beloved Mexican street food.
Your gastronomic journey continues along the Magnificent Mile – renown for its upscale dining. This stretch is peppered with chic eateries like Spiaggia, where you can indulge in Italian gastronomy at its finest.
Another heavyweight in Chicago’s food scene, the West Loop neighborhood is a haven for artisanal food shops and innovative restaurants. Here, award-winning chefs push culinary boundaries creating extraordinary dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Girl & The Goat, Au Cheval, and Monteverde are some noteworthy mentions.
Not just satisfied with quality, Chicago places high emphasis on the dining experience. For a change in atmosphere, head to Navy Pier’s Offshore, the world’s largest rooftop bar. Enjoy panoramic views of the city while dining on scrumptious meals.
A strong advocate for fresh and local produces, your visit isn’t complete until you experience the Green City Market. One of the premiere farmers markets in the US, it’s where you can relish seasonal fruits, vegetables, and inviting bakery items directly from the farm.
Alongside these, Chicago offers a wealth of food festivals throughout the year. One such staple is Taste of Chicago, the world’s largest food festival. For five days in July, the city’s Grant Park transforms into a culinary paradise with over 80 restaurants showcasing their food.
Keeping up with Chicago’s food scene means venturing into the city’s neighborhoods, eateries, and food festivals that offer gastronomic delights as diverse and vibrant as the city itself.
Conclusion
So, you’ve journeyed with us through the vibrant streets of Chicago. From the awe-inspiring Navy Pier to the prestigious Art Institute, the city’s attractions are as diverse as they are captivating. You’ve tasted the city’s rich culinary scene, from the humble taco joints in Pilsen to the upscale dining of the Magnificent Mile. You’ve discovered the West Loop’s artisanal food shops and experienced the world’s largest rooftop bar at Navy Pier’s Offshore. You’ve even had a glimpse of the city’s food festivals, like the world-renowned Taste of Chicago. It’s clear that whether you’re an art enthusiast, a history buff, or a foodie, Chicago has something to offer you. This city’s vibrancy and diversity make it a must-visit destination. So, when are you planning your trip to the Windy City?