Chicago is not just the title of a famous Broadway play. It’s America’s third most-populated city and Illinois most populous’. Declared a city in 1837, it prospered in the 19th century on the freshwater shores of Lake Michigan. Though the 1871 Great Chicago Fire destroyed the metropolis and left many homeless, Chicago recovered and became the world’s fifth-largest city in the year 1900. It’s now a global center for transportation, finance, technology, telecommunications, industry, commerce, culture, and education. It’s home to O’Hare International Airport (the world’s busiest airport) and several Fortune 500 companies. It ranks second to New York among the most-visited US cities. It has several famous landmarks, reputable universities, museums, parks, and sports venues for you to see. We’ve listed the best places to visit in Chicago, Illinois, for you to include in your travel plans!
1. Museum of Contemporary Art
MCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) was a non-collecting art gallery (a Kunsthalle) in 1967. It was built to present experimental and innovative work in all media forms combined with large-scale educational programs. Today, it’s among the largest global museums devoted to art. MCA’s objectives now include the collection and preservation of modern art for the appreciation of future generations. Its permanent collection inaugurated in 1974 has reached over 2,000 artworks. In 1996, it relocated to its current address a block to the iconic Water Tower’s east side. This spacious and impressive building houses its exhibits, collections, and programming room – very different from its Ontario Street storefront from 29 years ago.
2. Cloud Gate (from USD 46.95)
Popular as “The Bean”, this gigantic silver sculpture and iconic symbol of Chicago, is officially named Cloud Gate. It’s built on the Millennium Park grounds, behind Park Grill Restaurant, and on McCormick Tribune Plaza. It’s among the world’s largest permanent outdoor art installations since its reveal in 2004. The shiny polished surface made of stainless steel layers welded together into a seamless finish reflects the entire Chicago skyline and all the movements around the park. The curved underbelly serves as the entryway to the park so that visitors who walk through it can see the reflection of the sky above them. Hence its name – Cloud Gate.
Chicago: City Minibus Tour with Optional Architecture Cruise
Duration: 2.0 to 4.5 hour
3. Shed Aquarium (from USD 49.5)
John G. Shedd Aquarium or simply, Shedd Aquarium is Chicago’s massive indoor aquarium. It’s on Lake Michigan, Museum Campus Chicago together with the Field Museum of Natural History and Adler Planetarium. It opened in the 1930s, declared a ‘Historic Place’ by the National Register in 1987, and became the most-visited aquarium in 2005 and 2007. It holds around 32,000 animals and 1,500 species that include marine mammals, fish, insects, snakes, amphibians, and birds. Its main crowd-pleaser is the permanent saltwater exhibits and the impressive display of stuffed animals. The aquarium partnered with Daniel P. Haerther Center for Conservation and Research to continue providing on-site research.
Chicago: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour by Open-top Bus
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4. Lincoln Park Zoo (from USD 84.0)
Lincoln Park Zoo is among North America’s oldest zoos located in the massive Lincoln Park. It was built in 1868 and has been home to around 200 species of 1,100 animals. It also features the 1830 burr oak tree planted a few years before Chicago became a town. It houses big cat species like Siberian tigers and lions living around its grotto while in the center is the Kovler Lion House, its main attraction. The section called Farm-in-the-Zoo exhibits domestic animals like horses, pigs, and cows. Explore the vegetable gardens and interact with the animals to have a first-hand experience of farm life.
Chicago Explorer Multi-Attraction 60-Day Discount Pass
Duration: 60 days
5. Garfield Park Conservatory
Garfield Park Conservatory is among Chicago’s largest and most gorgeous botanical conservatories. It is found inside Garfield Park, an urban park among the oldest of the Chicago West Side Parks that was originally built as a pleasure ground. Today, the conservatory houses thousands of various plant species in eight of its indoor display gardens. Enjoy the indoor tropical temperatures and lush flora with lots of gardens, lily ponds, and natural spaces for children to play in. The conservatory is a cool and quick getaway from city life. You can rent the venue for a wedding or special event. There are educational programs about art and nature being offered.
6. National Museum of Mexican Art
National Museum of Mexican Art was founded in 1982 by Helen Valdez and Carlos Tortolero in its original location in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood in Harrison Park. It is a 10,000-piece collection of over 3,000 years of Chicano, Latino, and Mexican culture and art. Through its galleries, you will see bi-lingual stories of the pieces and an up-close-and-personal arrangement of the artworks. Their curators are Mexican art experts who also provide art educational and cultural programs to kids of all ages. The museum also owns the biggest Mexican art collection from ancient to contemporary and it is lso the lone Latino museum that has received the American Alliance of Museums accreditation.
7. Glessner House
John J. Glessner House is the only remaining historic home in Prairie Avenue Historic District. It was built in 1887, owned by John J. Glessner, and designed by Henry Hobson Richardson, a famous American architect. This architectural gem gained global fame for its deviation from the traditional Victorian structures common in the 19th century. It is a well-preserved L-shaped English Manor house with English-style interiors and heavy wooden beams. More than 80 percent of the furnishings are genuine based on the family photos owned by the Glessner family.
8. Crown Fountain (from USD 49.0)
The Crown Fountain is an amazing feature of the Millennium Park. It was built in 2004 and designed by Jaume Plensa, a Catalan artist. The fountain is made of two glass 50 feet brick towers (15.2 meters) with a reflecting pool made of black granite in between. The inward faces of the towers have digital video displays using LEDs (light-emitting diodes). From May to October, water flows down the two towers intermittently. The fountain is often the subject of many photographers and is a popular meeting place of people.
Chicago Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Tour
Duration: 2 hours
9. Promontory Point at Burnham Park
Burnham Park is a 600-acre (243 hectares) property at Grant Park’s south side on Chicago’s Lakefront. It features the Promontory Point, a man-made peninsula created by Alfred Caldwell using landfill. In the 1930s, a revetment or seawall was built to protect the area. Promontory Point features beautiful landscaping using native stone and plants, stone sitting rings by the lake’s edge used as fire pits, and a field house made of Lannon Stone often used as a venue for weddings and corporate events. From the Point, you have a wonderful view of the lake and the fireworks display of Navy Pier during Independence Day. It’s also used to access Lake Michigan for swimming, kayaking, windsurfing, and sunbathing.
10. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is Chicago’s first nature and science museum currently located in Lincoln Park between Cannon Drive and Fullerton Parkway. It’s operated and founded by the Chicago Academy of Sciences in 1857 and relocated and renamed after its benefactor in 1999. It was established to educate people about Chicago’s natural history. The live butterfly house, greenhouse demonstration, and displays regarding Illinois’ ecological history are among its popular attractions. See over 200 species of exotic and native butterflies that are being bred, studied, and cared for in the butterfly house. There are over 100 natural sciences educational programs offered to both adults and kids.
11. Oak Street Beach
Oak Street Beach is a famous summer destination located near the Streeterville or Gold Coast Neighborhoods along Lake Michigan and Oak Street offering bike and chair rentals, restrooms, volleyball rentals, ADA access to the beach walk, street parking, and more. Oak Street Beach Café offers food and drinks. Watch exciting professional and amateur volleyball tournaments held at the beach. You can do distance swimming parallel to the shores of Chess Pavilion to Division Street. A huge mural painted by Jeff Zimmermann called “You Know What You Should Do” is one of the highlights of the Lakefront Trail wall going to the underpass.
12. Maggie Daly Park
The park was built to commemorate Chicago’s first lady, Maggie Daly. It’s built on Grant Park’s northeastern side. It used to be a huge surface parking lot before it was transformed into a park with recreational facilities. In 2009, Chicago City and its Park District renovated the underground garage and improved the fieldhouse and outdoor elements of the area. Aside from the beautiful landscaping and awesome outdoor architecture, there are several highlights of the park like the Cancer Survivor’s Garden, the Climbing Wall, Fieldhouse, Mini Golf, picnic groves, Tennis courts, and Play Garden. You can rent rollerblades and scooters and ride them around the famous Skating Ribbon.
13. Oriental Institute Museum
OI or Oriental Institute is a center for interdisciplinary research and a world-class museum in one located in the University of Chicago. It was built in 1919 as a research center for ancient Near Eastern studies and it holds 350,000 archeological collections in its museum. Professor James Henry Breasted founded the OI for the university using the donations given by John D. Rockerfeller, Jr. Today, OI’s museum collection is revered as one of the best resources for studying the Middle East. When visiting the Museum and Gift shop, you may take photos but do not use tripods, selfie sticks, monopods, and additional lighting. Taking sketches are allowed but not eating and drinking inside the museum.
14. Chicago Water Tower
The Chicago Water Tower was built in 1869 for extracting water from Lake Michigan, storing water to be used in fighting fires, and regulating water surges in the city. This iconic Chicago landmark is the second-oldest United States water tower and being the only public building that survived the 1871 Great Chicago Fire. It is Chicago’s symbol of its past and rise to recovery. This castle-like structure still stands today on a tiny park in the Magnificent Mile shopping area serving as the art gallery of the Chicago office of Tourism. The City Gallery in the Historic Water Tower features various works of local artists, photographers, and filmmakers.
15. Buckingham Fountain
Buckingham Fountain is one of the loveliest and largest landmarks of Chicago found in Grant Park center. It’s styled like a rococo wedding cake with the Latona Fountain at the Versailles Palace as design inspiration. The fountain operates from April to October offering regular water shows and festival color-light shows during winter and at night. It serves as Chicago’s front door with the fountain representing Lake Michigan and the horses in the design representing the states of Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Illinois. The fountain is one of the largest in the world with Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain as its official name.
16. Chicago History Museum (from USD 19.0)
The Chicago History Museum (originally called the Chicago Historical Society) was established in 1856 for the purpose of studying and interpreting the history of Chicago. The original museum and most of its contents were destroyed in the Great Fire of 1871. The new building and collection were again destroyed by another fire in 1874. Its current location on Lincoln Park was built in 1932 as an expanded public museum in a Federal-style structure. It houses artifacts pertaining to American and Chicago history including dioramas showing how Chicago rose from being a federal outpost to the bustling city it is today. A section dedicated to Abraham Lincoln features alcoves that highpoint his election, his participation in the Civil War, and his assassination.
Chicago: History Museum Admission Ticket
17. Field Museum of Natural History (from USD 27.0)
FMNH or Field Museum of Natural History, also called The Field Museum is the largest museum of its kind in the world. It is Chicago’s premier natural history museum because of its size, its huge collection of artifacts and scientific specimens, and the high quality of its scientific and educational programs. Every year, at least two million visitors come to see its various top-quality permanent exhibits that feature ancient fossils, global cultural artifacts, gems, meteorites, and more. It has a collection of 24 million objects and specimens used for the scientific research programs of the museum. The museum is named after Marshall Field, a department store mogul, and its first major sponsor. Its contents and collections come from the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893.
Chicago Field Museum of Natural History Admission
Duration: 4 hours
18. Magnificent Mile
If you want to go on a shopping spree, head over to the largest commercial district of Chicago, the Magnificent Mile. Mag Mile, as it is sometimes called, is that upscale section of Michigan Avenue from Chicago River to the Near Northside of Oak Street. The area is busy and vibrant with its collection of luxury high-end shops, fashion outlets, posh hotels, and chic restaurants. This upscale neighborhood features hotels like the Chicago Marriot Downtown Magnificent Mile and high-class restaurants like Spiaggia and Michael Jordan’s Steak House. Currently, Magnificent Mile is the eighth-most expensive shopping district in the US. It also serves as the main thoroughfare passing through the Gold Coast and Loop business district.
19. The 606
The 606 is a 2.7-mi (4.35 km) multi-purpose park and recreational trail that was created from an abandoned rail line. The Bloomingdale Line used to be an elevated railway that the city government converted into an alternative transportation corridor and a green space the public can enjoy. The neighborhoods surrounding the railway like Logan Square, Humbolt Park, Bucktown, and Wicker Park converted their space into residential uses and are connected together by the 606. Nature, however, reclaimed Bloomingdale Line and the trees and shrubs that grew around it transformed it into a lovely trail and natural habitat for flowers and animals. It’s now a pleasant trail where you can safely ride a bike, jog, hike, or take a pleasant walk while enjoying awesome views of the city.
20. Grant Park
Formerly called Lake Park, this huge urban park renamed after US President Ulysses Grant, is one of the largest urban parks in Chicago’s Loop community area. The park’s highlights are the Museum Campus, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Millennium Park. Governed by Chicago’s Park District, Grant Park is fondly called the “Chicago’s front yard”. Here you’ll find lots of art displays, sports events, gardens, harbor facilities, and performance venues where you can host annual events and public gatherings.
21. Chicago Architecture Center (from USD 14.0)
CAC or Chicago Architecture Center was the former Chicago Architectural Foundation, a Chicago-based non-profit cultural organization. It opened on August 31, 2018, providing the public with an amazing overview of Chicago’s history of architecture. It is located in One Illinois Center, the final masterpiece of Mies van der Rohe built on the Chicago Riverwalk. It’s designed with floor-to-ceiling glass panes that award you with views of the Riverwalk and two of Chicago’s historic buildings – Tribune Tower and Wrigley Building. Inside the building are fascinating galleries like the Skyscraper Gallery featuring scale models of the world’s tallest structures and a model of Chicago City – an interactive presentation of Chicago’s history including 4,200 buildings and the Great Chicago Fire. The center is accessible by riding the city bus, taking a walking tour, or riding the river cruise.
Chicago Architecture Center Exhibits Admission
Duration: 45 to 60 minutes
22. Navy Pier (from USD 21.3)
Navy Pier is among the most-frequented tourist attractions in the Midwest. It’s the 1,010-meters (3,300 feet) long pier located on the Lake Michigan shores. It opened in 1916 originally called “Municipal Pier” with the intended use as a freight dock, passenger traffic, events venue, and for indoor and outdoor recreational activities. Today, you can book sightseeing tours like cruises and water taxis that will take you around the lake. Ride the iconic Centennial Wheel spinning above the ground with views of Lake Michigan and Chicago skyline. The Navy Pier offers several other carnival rides, a botanical garden, the Chicago Children’s Museum, Crystal Gardens, and many more attractions.
Chicago: Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Regular & Express Ticket
Duration: 15.0 minute
23. Willis Tower (from USD 38.25)
Known as the Sears Tower for the past 36 years, the Willis Tower is the iconic 110-story building of Chicago. Currently, it’s the 3rd-tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and in the US and the world’s 23rd tallest. Annually, millions of tourists visit the observation deck of this 442.1 meter (1450 feet) skyscraper where you get an awesome visual of the Chicago cityscape, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Lake Michigan. The Skydeck is on the 103rd floor of the building making it the highest US observation deck. In 2009, retractable glass boxes called “the Ledge” were installed to allow people to see the city streets from the 103rd floor!
Chicago: Willis Tower Skydeck and The Ledge Ticket
24. Riverwalk (from USD 47.0)
The Instagram-worthy Riverwalk was formerly a smelly shipping channel. Today, it’s a major city attraction great for a romantic date or for some fun activities on land and in the water. The Riverwalk is made up of six coves each with a unique name and features. Enjoy a moonlit stroll along the river. Dine at one of the riverside restaurants while listening to live music and sipping some wine. Join a boat tour or rent a kayak and paddle down the river while admiring Chicago’s fine architecture like Trump Tower, Willis Tower, Tribune Tower, Wrigley Building and more. Or keep your feet dry and visit the indoor museums and outdoor art galleries along the walkway. There are several shaded areas where families can have picnics with kids running around the fountains.
Chicago: Architecture River Cruise Skip-the-Ticket Line
Duration: 1.0 hour
25. Art Institute of Chicago (from USD 40.0)
Built in 1879, Art Institute of Chicago in Grant Park is one of the United States’ oldest and second-largest art museums. Yearly it welcomes 1.5 million visitors who come to view over 5 centuries of human expressions from diverse cultures; over 300,000 artworks displayed in 11 exhibits. It’s famous for its curatorial efforts having the finest paintings in its collection. Among these paintings are the iconic American Gothic of Grant Wood and The Old Guitarist of Pablo Picasso. It owns one of the largest libraries for architecture and art history, conservation, five conservation laboratories, and a conservation science department.
Chicago: Art Institute of Chicago Fast-Pass Ticket
26. Chicago Observatory (from USD 30.0)
High up in John Hancock Building’s 94th floor is the 360 Chicago Observatory. It was once called the John Hancock Observatory - named after the building where it is found. The observation deck offers 360-degree stunning views of the cityscape and Lake Michigan. It also features TILT – the glass-enclosed moving 94th-floor platform that accommodates 8 visitors at a time. It tilts you over the edge of the building so you have a heart-pounding downward-facing view of the city from 1000 feet (304.8 meters) above Magnificent Mile, Chicago’s premier business district.
Chicago: 360 Chicago Observation Deck Skip-the-Line Ticket
27. Museum of Science and Industry (from USD 52.95)
MSI or Museum of Science and Industry is in Jackson Park, a location in Hyde Park neighborhood between the University of Chicago and Lake Michigan. This massive science museum built-in 1893 formerly housed the Palace of Fine Arts. It features 75 major halls containing more than 2,000 exhibits. Among its main attractions are the World War II German submarine, a full-size replica of a coal mine, Apollo 8 command module, a model railroad 330-square meters (3,500 square feet) long, and Pioneer Zephyr – the first stainless-steel diesel-powered passenger train. An additional fee is required for access to special exhibits like the U-505 and Coal Mine.
Half-Day Grand Tour of Chicago
Duration: 4 hour
28. Millenium Park (from USD 200.0)
Millennium Park is a huge town square in the city center and the number one tourist destination in the Midwest. Expect to see a collection of high-tech architecture, awesome artworks, and breathtaking landscapes. Visit notable sites like Millennium Monument Fountain, Jay Pritzker Foundation, and Lurie Garden. The Cloud Gate is a giant stainless steel sculpture shaped like a teardrop which is America’s first public outdoor installation. See the amazing Crown Fountain featuring two majestic glass towers on each end of a shallow pool projecting images of people on the LED screens with water spouting out of their mouths. It’s hard to believe this area used to be an industrial wasteland. Today, this where the city’s Christmas tree is lit.
Chicago: Millennium Park Walking Tour With Photoshoot
Duration: 1 to 2 hour
29. Adler Planetarium (from USD 28.0)
Visit the Adler Planetarium located on the shores of Lake Michigan on Northerly Island. Adler Planetarium is the United States’ first planetarium and public museum dedicated to astrophysics and astronomy studies. It was established by Max Adler in the 1930s, received a gold medal for its design in 1931 from the American Institute of Architects Chicago chapter, and in 1987 declared as a National Historic Landmark. The planetarium features three full-size theaters, a huge collection of vintage print materials and scientific instruments, and massive space science exhibitions. The Doane Observatory, the pride of the Adler, is a one-of-a-kind public research-active urban observatory. Outdoor sculptures decorating the surroundings of the planetarium and these are Ary Perez’s America’s Courtyard; Henry Moore “Man Enters the Cosmos”, and John David Mooney’s “Spiral Galaxy”.
Chicago: Adler Planetarium
Duration: 1 day
30. Chicago Children's Museum (from USD 14.0)
The Chicago Children’s Museum was established by Chicago’s Junior League in 1982 at the Navy Pier as a response to the public schools’ programming cutbacks. The Junior League collaborated with Loyola Museum, Colombia College, and Education Resource Center to create the Express-Ways Children’s Museum. After 30 years, the museum evolved into space where children can learn, play, hone their creativity, and freely experiment with facilities that were designed for their enjoyment. The experience of visiting the museum creates wonderful memories for the children and the adults that accompany them. The museum has two hallways called the Chicago Cultural Center where art programs, creative plays, and STEM programs are designed specifically for children.
Chicago Children's Museum: Admission Ticket
Duration: 3 to 5 hours
Amazing Chicago
This city will never fail to surprise you because it has everything a tourist will want to see. It has jaw-dropping skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, giant fountains, and plenty of museums and galleries about their art, history, and culture. Aside from massive parks, there are also beaches close by so you don’t have to go outside the city to find a place to relax. Visit these places we’ve recommended on your next visit to Chicago and have an amazing trip!
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