30 Best Things To Do In Downtown Chicago, Illinois

1. Enjoy heightened luxury at John Hancock Center

Trailing behind the Willis Tower in the vertical race, but also offering a pretty stunning vista of Chicago’s skyline and the expansive waterfront is the John Hancock Center, standing at a height of about 343m (1,128ft). The building is home to several offices, eateries, and condominiums, but its star attractions are the 360 Chicago observation deck, a five-star restaurant, an open-air skywalk, a sky lobby, and USA’s highest indoor swimming pool. Just like Willis Tower’s observation deck, the one at the John Hancock Center also has something special in-store. Hop on to the enclosed TILT moving platform on the building’s 94th floor and it will literally tilt you out over Chicago’s Michigan Avenue. The John Hancock Center is located on Chicago’s historic Magnificent Mile (covered later), so you easily pair the two trips in a single day.

John Hancock Center

Address: 875 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA

Website: John Hancock Center

2. 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 of showcasing Chicago’s journey into becoming one of the largest metropolitan towns of 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.

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

3. Enjoy fun rides at Chicago Children's Museum

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

4. Visit the exceptional Richard H. Driehaus Museum

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

5. Explore the American Writers Museum

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

6. Tour the fabulous Pritzker Military Museum & Library

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

7. Visit the Charnley-Persky House Museum

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

8. 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

9. Tour the unique International Museum of Surgical Science

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

10. Appreciate art at Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago

Strolling along the Magnificent Mile, you’ll come across the Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago, which you must visit once. Established in 1967, the museum, with each of its exhibits, is a stunning ode to modern art. Decorated in the museum’s run-on gallery style are several artworks and installations, featuring some of the century’s best pieces of modern art. And, not only are the installations a sight, but also the museum’s interior design itself – every aspect is in sync with the overall harmony. Browse through the museum’s five floors with the assistance of a tour guide and gain insightful bits about everything placed there. You’re likely to find a lecture or an event happening there, which you’re free to attend!

Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago

Address: 220 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA

Website: Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago

Opening hours: Sat - Mon & Wed - Thu: 10am - 5pm; Tue & Fri: 10am - 9pm

Price: 8 - 15 USD

11. 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

12. Go sightseeing at Chicago Water Tower

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

13. Wander into Chicago's bustling Navy Pier

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

14. Enjoy recreational activities at Chicago Riverwalk

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 entertaining 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)

15. Stroll around Millennium Park

Bask in the glory of the American sun and soak in the calming vibe of Chicago at Millennium Park, a public facility that makes for a popular spot for outdoor activities. 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)

16. Enjoy a walk at Grant Park

If Millennium Park is one, Grant Park is another fantastic spot for the outdoorsy soul. It is connected to Millennium Park from the northwestern side. Grant Park is located within the city’s commercial business district and sees thousands of people coming in to enjoy the parks’ manicured greenery, well-kept trails, Chicago’s waterfront, and other aesthetically pleasing additions - the Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain is being only one such feature. Other than that, Grant Park is home to some of Chicago’s biggest music and food festivals, which draw a large local and tourist footfall.

Grant Park

Address: 337 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601, USA

Website: Grant Park

Opening hours: 6am - 11pm (daily)

Price: Free

17. Play mini golf at Maggie Daley Park

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

18. Spend your time leisurely at The Mart

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)

19. Enjoy a show at Cadillac Palace Theatre

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

20. Catch one of Chicago Symphony Orchestra's concerts

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

21. Catch a game at Wrigley Field

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

22. Head to McCormick Place

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

23. Check out the green spaces at Garfield Park Conservatory

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

24. Explore the gangster past of Chicago (from USD 46.0)

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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

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25. Cruise on the Chicago River (from USD 47.0)

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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

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26. Admire stupendous views from Willis Tower (from USD 44.5)

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

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27. Take a relaxing walk along Magnificent Mile (from USD 30.0)

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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 them 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

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28. Explore The Art Institute of Chicago (from USD 35.0)

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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

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29. Admire the beauty of Chicago from a helicopter (from USD 155.0)

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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

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30. Dig into The Chicago Theatre's history (from USD 24.0)

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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

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Plenty to do

By now, you may have realized that culture abounds every part of Downtown Chicago. Right from the many museums to the awe-inspiring skyscrapers, exploring the nature to engaging in outdoor activities, there’s plenty to keep you busy. Use this list of things to do in Downtown Chicago, Illinois, and consider your holiday sorted.