Chicago, Illinois, is a city bustling with life and energy. With its glassy skyscrapers and rocking festivals, this windy city will figuratively blow your mind! But don’t be fooled by its modernity. The city’s art museums have just the right amount of old in their new that continues to amaze locals and travelers alike. When you are done exploring the artsy side of the city, don’t forget to indulge in its diverse culinary scene. The accommodation choices are just as pleasing, especially in the downtown area! From historic hotels featuring timeless elegance to fully equipped Airbnb vacation rentals, the bustling heart of the city is brimming with options. Downtown Chicago is so versatile that there is something for everyone. But don’t be overwhelmed by all these options. Read this article to know about some of the best things to do in downtown Chicago, Illinois.
1. Taste a variety of pizza styles on a walking pizza tour (from USD 55.0)
Known as the “Pizza Capital of the World,” Chicago offers a diverse array of pizza styles, and this tour is the perfect opportunity to savor them all. Led by local guides, you’ll stroll through the city’s iconic neighborhoods, visiting renowned pizzerias and hidden gems alike. Each slice offers a distinct and delightful taste, from classic deep-dish to thin-crust tavern-style and everything in between.
As you savor the mouthwatering flavors, you’ll also learn about the history of pizza in Chicago and the cultural significance of this beloved dish. The tour not only celebrates the city’s culinary heritage but also provides an immersive way to explore the streets and culture of Chicago.
Downtown Chicago Walking Pizza Tour
Duration: 2 to 3 hours
2. Enjoy a fully immersive experience at the Museum of Ice Cream (from USD 49.29)
Enjoy a fully immersive experience at the Museum of Ice Cream in Chicago, Illinois. Inside the museum, you’ll find a variety of imaginative exhibits, larger-than-life ice cream sculptures, and vibrant installations designed to ignite your senses. Every corner offers a unique and Instagram-worthy experience, from colorful sprinkle pools to candy-filled rooms.
As you journey through the museum, you’ll have the chance to taste delicious ice cream treats and learn about the history and science behind this beloved frozen dessert. The museum also hosts engaging activities and games, creating a joyful atmosphere for families, friends, and ice cream enthusiasts.
Chicago: Museum of Ice Cream Entry Ticket
3. Check out the free cultural performances at Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park
Jay Pritzker Pavilion is one of the best places in Chicago to catch free cultural activities and performances. If you are in the city during the summers, then don’t forget to catch their Summer Music and Film Series and World Music Festivals including Broadway in Chicago, the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic, etc. The massive Jay Pritzker Pavilion is made of stainless-steel structures that frame the stage and stands 120 ft (36 meters) tall above the ground.
Jay Pritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park
Address: 201 E. Randolph Street Michigan Ave. & Columbus Ave. Chicago, IL 60601-6530
Website: Jay Pritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park
Opening hours: 6am - 11pm (daily)
Price: Free
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Stroll around Millennium Park
Happy Birthday to ME! Millennium Park established July 16, in 2004.
Posted by Millennium Park on Tuesday, 16 July 2019
Bask in the glory of the American sun and soak in the calming vibe at Millennium Park, a public facility that makes for a popular spot for outdoor activities to do in Downtown Chicago. Enjoy a picnic or indulge in a game or two, marvel at the beauty of nature or luxuriate in the manicured gardens, it makes for an ideal place for all. Not just this, it is also quite an abyss for the architecture and design enthusiast. Head over to marvel at “The Bean” and get tons of pictures clicked. Regardless of the time of year, you’re visiting, you’re likely to find an exhibition, festival, tour, or one of the other activities happening here. It is a classic family-friendly spot, so don’t miss it!
Millennium Park
Address: 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602, USA
Website: Millennium Park
Opening hours: 6am - 11pm (daily)
5. Climb to the top of Willis Tower
If you’re wondering what to see in Downtown Chicago, you should climb the Willis Tower. It is one of the tallest buildings in the world that gives you brilliant vistas of the sky above and streets below. On a clear day, hike up to the United States’ highest skydeck to get sprawling views of up to four states! Once you are done admiring the steely beauty of Chicago from the top, you can scurry down to its 99th floor. The space is reserved specifically for events. Explore Willis Tower to your heart’s content because no structure captures the city’s architectural marvel and aesthetics like this building.
Skydeck Willis Tower
Address: 233 South Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60606
Website: Skydeck Ledge Willis Tower
Opening hours: 9am - 10pm (daily)
Price: 25 USD
6. Admire stupendous views from Willis Tower (from USD 38.25)
Standing proud amidst Chicago’s stunning skyline is the Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower. Otherwise, an ordinary office building, what makes the Willis Tower such a major attraction is its staggering height and the stupendous views that visitors are able to enjoy from its viewing deck. Towering at a height of a phenomenal 442m (1,450ft) approximately, the building is among the world’s tallest and definitely one of Chicago’s most iconic. Head over to the building and learn amazing facts about its architects, history, and how it came to be the title holders of the world’s tallest building for a solid 25 years. You can climb up the Skydeck, on the building’s 103rd floor, which is still the highest viewing deck in all of USA and marvel at the panoramic views from “The Ledge”, the deck’s main attraction, which is a glass balcony that the visitors can climb onto and admire views from a height of about 412m (1,353ft)! Quite thrilling and definitely a must-visit.
Chicago: Willis Tower Skydeck and The Ledge Ticket
7. Wander into Chicago's bustling Navy Pier
While there are lots of new things to see in downtown Chicago, Navy Pier remains a crowd favorite. We called Chicago’s Navy Pier home to gaiety and we weren’t kidding. Some of the largest and liveliest events and festivals are hosted here. It can easily be called a landmark and has several eateries and other fun attractions, all for you to enjoy.
Right from an amusement park to yoga and dance classes, musical shows to drama performances, fine dining to zingy street food, there’s everything here. Set against a backdrop of the waterfront, the Navy Pier really makes for a stunning location for outdoor events, which are also regularly hosted here. Do head there for a full-blown amazing experience!
Navy Pier
Address: 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Website: Navy Pier
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)
Price: Free
8. Explore The Art Institute of Chicago (from USD 35.0)
The Art Institute of Chicago is home to some excellent impressionist, post-impressionist, modern, as well as contemporary art. Among the various stellar pieces of art, you’ll see here would be those of famed artists, such as Monet, van Gogh, Renoir, Matisse, and Picasso among others. The latest addition to the museum is the Modern Wing, which has impressive graphic and industrial design artworks on display. Go in for this fast pass tour and gain some insightful knowledge about the showcases as well as the lives of the artists who made them. There are also some kid-friendly activities you can have your little ones participate in.
Art Institute of Chicago Fast Pass Admission in Grant Park
Duration: 3 hours
9. Cruise along Chicago River from Navy Pier
A cruise on the Chicago River from Navy Pier is one of the best ways to explore the night views of the city. Just sit back and relax as you sail through billion city lights. Navy Pier cruises are not just for romantic seafaring. You can also indulge in its adrenaline pumping speedboat tour and thrilling rides. Choose from a list of tours that best suit your taste and explore Chicago in a whole new way!
Navy Pier
Address: 600 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611
Website: Navy Pier cruises
Opening hours: 10am - 8pm (daily)
Price: 40 USD
10. Check out famous paintings at The Art Institute
No trip to Chicago is complete unless you visit the Art Institute. Located in the heart of the city, the Art Institute is one of the greatest art museums in the world and houses an enviable collection that goes far back in time. Known to be the largest and the oldest art institute, this prominent attraction is famous for its curatorial efforts to offer its visitors the best of the best.
The Art Institute
Address: 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603, USA
Website: The Art Institute of Chicago
Opening hours: 10.30am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 25 USD
11. Stand atop John Hancock Center to get sprawling city views
John Hancock Center is a 100-story building located in the Magnificent Mile district of downtown Chicago. Thanks to its sprawling observation deck, 360 Chicago, you will get the most breathtaking views of the city’s sprawling skyline and Lake Michigan. If that wasn’t enough, you can also take the adrenaline-pumping thrill ride, TILT, a moving platform that will literally tilt you from the 94th floor! 360 Chicago tour has been curated in such a way that it will definitely become one of your most unforgettable memories.
John Hancock Center
Address: 875 N Michigan Avenue, 94th Floor
Website: 360 Chicago
Opening hours: 9am - 11pm (daily)
Price: 22 USD
12. Take a relaxing walk along Magnificent Mile (from USD 30.0)
Chicago is an easily walkable city and making it so are the many beautiful stretches that provide the best of views and surroundings – the Magnificent Mile is one. It is also a shopping district, so keep your monies ready, shopaholics! This guided walking tour takes you through the history of the street and throws light on the many striking buildings that fall along its way.
You’ll gain some important information on the inspirational architecture of these Gothic-, Parisian-, Neoclassical-, and Art Dec-style inspired buildings along with those made alike newer architectural styles. The tour is about an hour and a half long, so keep that kind of time aside.
Chicago: Magnificent Mile Small-Group Walking Tour
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
13. Deep-dive into marine life at Shedd Aquarium
Shedd Aquarium, located in the heart of Chicago, is home to beluga whales, Rockhopper penguins, alligators, turtles, and much more. If you really want to experience life underwater and introduce your kids to the marine world, then this is the place to be! Explore the thriving aquatic animals from around the world and understand how to protect it! Go deep into the underwater world at Shedd Aquarium that has been a part of Chicago’s key attraction since 1930.
Shedd Aquarium
Address: 1200 S Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60605
Website: Shedd Aquarium
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 39.95 USD
14. Shop till you drop at the Magnificent Mile
Chicago’s Magnificent Mile is also one of the best places to visit in downtown Chicago if your agenda is to shop till you drop. It is your one-stop guide for all shopping in the city. This iconic strip is packed with history, culture, cafes, and a 94th-floor observation deck. But amongst its many features lies the upscale shopping outlets such as Macy’s, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and many more stylish names that will give you a heartfelt retail therapy.
From its elaborate window displays to some of the biggest names in the fashion industry, the Magnificent Mile is truly a shopper’s delight.
Magnificent Mile
Address: 625 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 401 Chicago, IL 60611
Website: Magnificent Mile
15. Go back in time at Field Museum
The Field Museum, located in Chicago, is one of the largest museums of natural history in the world. The museum houses a collection of 24 million objects that explore all facets of the physical earth, right from its inception. Understand the evolution of plants, animals, people, and cultures at this informative Chicago institution that gives you the best tour of the biological and anthropological world. Take a trip around the world and 4.6 billion years back in time at this comprehensive lakefront museum.
Field Museum
Address: 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr
Website: Field Museum
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 24 USD
Tip from Trip101 local expert
A trip to the Field Museum is great for people of all ages that are interested in natural and human history. Make sure to check out all of the dinosaur skeletons and head over to the Ronald and Christina Gidwitz Hall of Birds, my personal favorite exhibit. With a multitude of exhibits to explore, this museum can keep you occupied for a full day and makes for a great rainy day activity!
16. Explore the interactive Museum of Science and Industry
Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry celebrates curiosity. Take a guided walk around the Moon and German U-boats, watch informative science movies in its Giant Dome Theater, explore the Numbers in Nature exhibit, and do lots more. You can also visit the Yesterday’s Main Street exhibit that recreates Chicago Street from 1910 tand quite literally takes you back in time. Once you are done exploring the exhaustive museum, you will certainly feel enlightened and overwhelmed with all the new information.
Museum of Science and Industry
Address: 5700 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60637
Website: Museum of Science and Industry
Opening hours: 9.30am - 4pm (daily)
Price: 21.95 USD
17. Eat the best food on the Chicago River North food tour (from USD 64.0)
On this culinary walking tour of Chicago, you will get the best taste of this city’s very own cuisine. Just walk through narrow downtown streets with your guide as you learn about Chicago’s food and gain VIP access to popular restaurants in the city. Eat some of the finest foods and see some major Downtown Chicago landmarks as you explore five food tastings!
Best in Chow: Chicago River North Food Tour
Duration: 150 to 180 minutes
18. Tour McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum
Spread across five floors is the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum, which celebrates Chicago’s river and movable bridges. While the ground level is the Chicago River itself, it climbs up five floors showcasing Chicago’s journey into becoming one of the largest metropolitan towns in the USA.
There are historic maps, photographs, newspaper articles, and several other exhibits that make the trip enriching. Here, you’ll even get an insider’s preview into the workings of the bridge house’s massive machinery. Visit this museum is among the cheapest things to do in downtown Chicago, Illinois, so don’t miss it!
McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum
Address: 99 Chicago Riverwalk, Chicago, IL 60601, USA
Website: McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum
Opening hours: Thu: 12pm - 7pm; Fri - Mon: 10am - 5pm (closed on Tue & Wed)
Price: 5 - 6 USD
19. Enjoy fun rides at Chicago Children's Museum
Where else can you play with a 6-foot bass drum? #ChicagoChildrensMuseum
Posted by Chicago Children's Museum on Friday, 10 May 2019
Located on Chicago’s historic Navy Pier (covered later), the Chicago Children’s Museum is spread across three floors and has more than 13 open exhibits. Take your little ones to the Tinkering Lab and let them work with real equipment and tools to create products and develop ideas. Else, there’s the Art Studio where they can get their hands dirty, doing some arts and crafts. The Sound Playground and Treehouse Trails also provide for pretty interesting activities that children can indulge in. There are activities for kids of all age groups here, so don’t forget to stop by.
Chicago Children's Museum
Address: 700 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Website: Chicago Children’s Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 10am - 5pm; Thu: 10am - 8pm; Fri - Sun: 10am 7pm
Price: 13.95 - 14.95 USD
20. Visit the exceptional Richard H. Driehaus Museum
What an eye! When the museum first opened to the public in 2008, the renowned architectural photography firm, Hedrich...
Posted by The Richard H. Driehaus Museum on Saturday, 18 May 2019
The Richard H. Driehaus Museum or just Driehaus Museum is an architectural design enthusiast’s paradise. Preserving the relics of the American Gilded Age and the Art Nouveau era beautifully in its permanent and temporary exhibits, the museum’s elegantly furnished interiors are a testament to the most celebrated designers of the 19th and 20th centuries. Built originally as a palatial home for a wealthy American businessman, the museum was designated a Chicago landmark status in 1977 and sees many tourists visiting it to admire the richness and near-perfect restoration of the interior.
Richard H. Driehaus Museum
Address: 40 E Erie St, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Website: Richard H. Driehaus Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 10 - 20 USD
21. Explore the American Writers Museum
Posted by American Writers Museum on Tuesday, 14 November 2017
The American Writers Museum is a celebration of literary works and their writers. Although modest in size, the museum throws light on the phenomenal works of various writers across the ages. While the Nation of Writers hall brings American literary history to the fore, the Readers Hall features theories of writing entities on wall text. The children’s gallery, too, is a cosy space to enter into with couches and banners adorning its interior along with the much-loved illustration books and other children’s books.
American Writers Museum
Address: 180 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601, USA
Website: American Writers Museum
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 8 - 12 USD
22. Tour the fabulous Pritzker Military Museum & Library
Have you stopped by our D-Day +75 exhibit recently? We recently did a refresh to the exhibition, adding 2 new videos to...
Posted by Pritzker Military Museum & Library on Wednesday, 24 July 2019
Making for a unique experience is the Pritzker Military Museum & Library, aimed at spreading information about military history and detailed research on it. It is housed on the beautiful Monroe Building’s second floor and welcomes everyone to sneak a peek into the major contributions of the citizen-soldier in American history. While the museum has some great archival exhibits, the library has more than 65,000 books, covering all periods of history, countries, and basically every subject you could think of.
Pritzker Military Museum & Library
Address: 104 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603, USA
Website: Pritzker Military Museum & Library
Opening hours: Mon & Fri - Sat: 10am - 4pm; Tue - Thu: 10am - 6pm; Sun: 12pm - 4pm
Price: 5 USD
23. Visit the Charnley-Persky House Museum
On July 27, SAH will host an open house at Charnley-Persky House in celebration of our 79th anniversary. Please join us...
Posted by Charnley-Persky House Museum Foundation on Tuesday, 18 June 2019
Adding to an already long list of excellent museums in Chicago is the Charnley-Persky House Museum, also known as The James Charnley Residence. What is notable about this museum is that its building design was spearheaded by the famous American architect Louis Sullivan with valuable inputs from another famed architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. The building’s relatively modest exteriors are in sharp contrast to richness the interior exudes. The top-quality woodwork and tasteful adornment with architectural embellishments make the interior quite a sight to behold, while the exterior is a fitting example of modern American architecture.
Charnley-Persky House Museum
Address: 1365 N Astor St, Chicago, IL 60610, USA
Website: Charnley-Persky House Museum
Opening hours: Wed: 12pm - 1pm; Sat: 10am - 1pm (closed on Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri & Sun)
Price: 8 - 10 USD
24. Explore Chicago Sports Museum
Located along the Magnificent Mile (covered later), the Chicago Sports Museum is a real treat for the sports enthusiasts. Packed with an abundance of interactive exhibits and other exciting experiences related to the Chicago sports scene, the museum combines the best of information, presented in an engaging manner. Right from sports artefacts to personal belongings of famous sportspersons, there’s everything you’ll find on display here.
Chicago Sports Museum
Address: 835 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Website: Chicago Sports Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11:30am - 8:30pm; Fri: 11:30am - 9pm; Sat: 11am - 9pm; Sun: 11am - 6pm
Price: 6 - 10 USD
25. Tour the unique International Museum of Surgical Science
It's #nursesweek2018 and the IMSS would like to thank nurses around the world for the hard work and care that they offer...
Posted by International Museum of Surgical Science on Wednesday, 9 May 2018
Explore the wondrous world of medicine and the surgical sciences at the International Museum of Surgical Science. Featuring numerous exhibits about the Eastern and Western medicine, the museum’s galleries are divided theme-wise or surgical discipline-wise. Browsing through its alleys, you’ll find photographs, artefacts, medical equipment, and even medical specimens up for display among other things. There’s also a library containing a collection of more than 5,000 books that you can access.
International Museum of Surgical Science
Address: 1524 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60610, USA
Website: International Museum of Surgical Science
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9:30am - 5pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 5pm
Price: 8 - 16 USD
26. Catch a game at Wrigley Field
Posted by Wrigley Field on Thursday, 12 April 2012
Don’t worry sports enthusiasts, we have something for you too. Built in 1914, the Wrigley Field makes for an essential part of Chicago’s sports scene. It is a baseball park and home ground of the Chicago Clubs team. Offering seating in the two-tier roof decks and the indoor clubhouse along with a fully serviced bar, watching a game at the Wrigley Field makes for a refreshing experience. Check up the team’s website or the field’s Facebook page for the latest game schedule and book your tickets accordingly.
Wrigley Field
Address: 1060 W Addison St, Chicago, IL 60613, USA
Website: Wrigley Field
27. Catch one of Chicago Symphony Orchestra's concerts
Posted by Chicago Symphony Orchestra on Friday, 5 July 2019
You can’t be in Chicago and not attend one of Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s exceptional performances. Part of USA’s “Big Five” and among the world’s leading symphony orchestra groups, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra has a solid footing in the international music scene. While their home venue is the Orchestra Hall in Chicago, they perform at several other prominent music festivals across the world. Their distinct tones and crystal-clear recordings are a world-class affair, definitely making it one of the most stellar experiences you’ll have in Chicago. Their shows are usually booked out, so remember to make your bookings well in time.
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Website: Chicago Symphony Orchestra
28. Enjoy a show at Cadillac Palace Theatre
Posted by Cadillac Palace Theatre on Friday, 23 March 2012
Catch the best of Chicago’s theatre scene at one of the shows being performed at the Cadillac Palace Theatre. Done up in a typical French Baroque style, the theatre has a capacity to seat up to approximately 2,350 guests! It is operated by Broadway in Chicago, a theatre production company, whose troupes stage some of the best theatre performances you’d have ever seen. Keep a tab on their website for the latest showcases and premieres, and remember to book your tickets in advance!
Cadillac Palace Theatre
Address: 151 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601, USA
Website: Cadillac Palace Theatre
29. Dig into The Chicago Theatre's history (from USD 24.0)
Also a landmark you must include in your to-see lists is The Chicago Theatre and one of the shows being performed there. Having opened its doors in 1921, the theatre has since been a popular venue for movie showcases, stage plays, music concerts, and visual art performances among others. This guided walking tour includes the best of in-depth information about the theatre’s history, architecture, the several historic performances hosted here and access to parts of the building that are otherwise not open to the public. And, once you’re done touring the place, you can also catch one of the performances too!
The Chicago Theatre Tour Experience
Duration: 1 hour
30. Spend your time leisurely at The Mart
Posted by The MART on Tuesday, 1 November 2016
Also, a landmark in the city is The Merchandise Mart or just The Mart as the locals like to call it. This Art Deco building, located at the Chicago River’s junction, is a leading commercial space where you’ll find some best-kept secrets of the shopping scene in Chicago. The building’s first, sixth, fifteenth, sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth floors have some pretty amazing stores that you can raid. Right from fashion to residential design, these stores cater to clients for everything. And, if not shopping, the building is in itself quite a sight to behold.
The Mart
Address: 222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago, IL 60654, USA
Website: The Mart
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 6pm; Sat: 10am - 3pm (closed on Sun)
31. Play mini golf at Maggie Daley Park
We can't think of a better way to end this beautiful weekend than with a round of 18 at City Mini Golf! Open till 8:00 pm tonight.
Posted by Maggie Daley Park on Sunday, 24 September 2017
Also connected to Grant Park is Maggie Daley Park, which is home to one of the best miniature golf courses you’ll find in Chicago. It is an 18-hole course that also has some interesting obstacle additions and other unique features to make the game even more fun. The park is decorated with mini-sized replicas of some of Chicago landmarks, so golfers find themselves aiming for the hole standing right underneath the not-so-towering, pseudo Willis Tower. The course is located towards the southern end of the BP Bridge. Although, do note that the park admission fee and golfing fee may slightly differ.
Maggie Daley Park
Address: 337 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601, USA
Website: Maggie Daley Park
Opening hours: 6am - 11pm (daily)
Price: 3 USD
32. Check out fabulous exhibits at Chicago Cultural Center
Bringing some of the best cultural performances to the audiences and that too for free is the Chicago Cultural Center, featuring thousands of cultural programmes each year. Right from visual to performing to literary arts, the centre hosts shows for all. Not only are the performances a treat, but also the centre’s building, which is exceptional in all its aspects. The building’s magnificent stained-glass ceilings, palatial lobbies, and sumptuous decoration make it a fitting venue for the rich performances that it showcases. Keep a tab on their Facebook page for the latest line-up and remember to catch one of the shows. Trust us, you’ll not regret it.
Chicago Cultural Center
Address: 78 E Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602, USA
Website: Chicago Cultural Center
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 7pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 5pm
Price: Free
33. Enjoy recreational activities at Chicago Riverwalk
The Riverwalk comes alive at the stunningly beautiful Riverbank which is the confluence of the three branches of the...
Posted by Chicago Riverwalk on Thursday, 16 August 2018
Spend your time, leisurely strolling around the Chicago Riverwalk and partaking in the many activities that keep happening there. Stretched along the Chicago River, there’s a host of restaurants, cafes, shops, parks, and other fun stuff to do here. While The Marina Plaza has a restaurant, provides outdoor seating, and access to boat rentals, the Cove primarily offers options for kayak and canoe rentals along with a few eateries. If you’re heading to the riverwalk only to enjoy walking or sitting around, The River Theater, The Water Plaza, and The Boardwalk are the place to be. The Jetty also has some fun things to do. Head here and you’ll be able to pack in quite a bit in a single day.
Chicago Riverwalk
Address: Chicago Riverwalk, Chicago, IL 60601, USA
Website: Chicago Riverwalk
Opening hours: 6am - 11pm (daily)
34. Go sightseeing at Chicago Water Tower
Chicago Water Tower #Chicago
Posted by Chicago Life on Monday, 24 December 2018
Hiding amidst a swarm of towering buildings yet standing out for its iconic Gothic Revival architecture is the Chicago Water Tower, which you must head over to admire. Originally built to serve as a water station for the city, the building houses the City Gallery in the Historic Water Tower now. You can head inside and dig into the works of local photographers and artists that are on display. The tower sits along the Magnificent Mile, so you can easily couple the two trips.
Chicago Water Tower
Address: 806 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Opening hours: 10am - 7pm (daily)
Price: Free
35. Head to McCormick Place
Posted by McCormick Place on Friday, 17 August 2018
Bordering the shore of Lake Michigan and touted to be North America’s largest convention centre is the McCormick Place, a complex of four interconnected buildings and an indoor arena where some of the largest public events, trade fairs, and other shows are hosted; this is where the Chicago Auto Show takes place. You can easily check up their website and plan to attend one of the ongoing shows. Head there to see the meaning of the word ginormous take shape in the form of the McCormick Place’s sheer size, amenities, and facilities.
McCormick Place
Address: 2301 S King Dr, Chicago, IL 60616, USA
Website: McCormick Place
36. Admire the beauty of Chicago from a helicopter (from USD 155.0)
Nothing screams awesome more than a helicopter ride above Chicago’s formidable skyline and landscape. Lasting about 12-15 minutes, this tour offers some of the best views of towering skyscrapers of the city and the expansive cover of the water bodies. While you soak in some fantastic views, the pilot will also be providing a commentary of information about the many buildings in your sight and the city on the whole. Quite a unique experience, this one.
Chicago Helicopter Tour
Duration: 12 to 15 minutes
37. Check out the green spaces at Garfield Park Conservatory
Drinking in all the rain. #Tulips and #muscari in the Artist’s Garden getting ready to give us a big show. #SeeAtGPC #grapehyacinth #thinkspring #natureinthecity #?
Posted by Garfield Park Conservatory on Friday, 19 April 2019
Truly, the open areas in Chicago are stunning, but taking that a notch higher is the Garfield Park Conservatory, one of USA’s largest greenhouse conservatories and home to some of the most exquisite flora exhibits. Rife with diverse plant species and cycads that are more than 2,000 years old, the conservatory is refreshing and invigorating for the eyes, lungs, and the whole being. The Garfield Park Conservatory regularly hosts showcases of new arrangements and light-and-sound shows, which you can easily attend. Both the indoor as well as outdoor gardens and their landscaping are a visual, educational as well as aesthetic delight, so you must NOT miss it for anything.
Garfield Park Conservatory
Address: 300 N Central Park Ave, Chicago, IL 60624, USA
Website: Garfield Park Conservatory
Opening hours: Thu - Tue: 9am - 5pm; Wed: 9am - 8pm
Price: Free
38. Explore the gangster past of Chicago (from USD 46.0)
While Chicago is usually a safe city for the locals and tourists, there’s a lurking grey area in the city. Head forth this one and a half-hour tour and learn Chicago’s historical connection with a gangster past and a rampant crime scene at one point. The tour is guided by a docent who enlightens you with some very interesting yet freaky details about Chicago’s past. The tour is conducted in a luxury air-conditioned coach with participants being allowed to get off at certain points and explore the area for themselves. There’s also a shorter tour variant available for the time-pressed travellers, so opt-in for that if an hour and a half don’t work for your itinerary.
Chicago Criminals, Mobsters and Gangsters Bus History Tour
Duration: 90 to 120 minutes
39. Cruise on the Chicago River (from USD 47.0)
What is there to do in Downtown Chicago, you ask? If not the birds-eye view, enjoy views from the waterfront. One hour and fifteen minutes long, the cruise ride and the on-board commentary provides some valuable insight into the varied architecture of Chicago’s buildings. Right from the John Hancock Centre to the Willis Tower, the tour covers a total of about 40 buildings and their architecture.
Chicago Architecture River Cruise Guided Tour
Duration: 1 hour
Explore the best of Chicago
Chicago is a city blessed with versatility and pulsating energy that attracts locals and tourists alike. With the multitude of activities in Chicago, one can easily feel overwhelmed and miss out on must-do recreation. So use this list as your reference point and be sure to experience everything that this city has to offer!
Frequently asked questions about the best things to do in downtown Chicago, Illinois
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
-
10 Best Hotels With Rooftop Pools in Chicago, ILChia Han Keong -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Create an account to