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

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

Famously generally known as “the Second Metropolis” (that means second in inhabitants to New York), I really feel like Chicago is usually neglected by vacationers. It sees a fraction of the guests LA and NYC obtain, which is a disgrace, because it’s one in all my favorite cities in the world.

Chicago is chock-full of world-class establishments, Michelin-starred eating places, awe-inducing structure, and verdant parks. There’s a lot to do right here and the town has a very wealthy historical past. I believe extra folks ought to go to.

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

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

1. Take a Strolling Tour

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

For a extra distinctive tour, attempt the Gangsters and Ghosts Tour. You’ll study all about Chicago’s darkish aspect and creepy previous as you discover the Chicago Loop. The tour lasts two hours and actually talks about one of many pivotal instances in Chicago’s historical past. Even when you’re not a historical past buff like me, you’ll get quite a bit out of it.
 

2. Chill out in Grant and Millennium Parks

Situated downtown, these gigantic parks present an important place to hang around, have a picnic, or go for a run. Folks play chess right here when the climate is sweet and, in the course of the summer time, there are numerous free live shows and occasions right here. The bigger Grant Park stretches alongside Chicago’s waterfront, whereas Millennium Park is the subsection the place the well-known “Chicago Bean” sculpture is positioned. This iconic work of public artwork is a must-see. And, beginning at midday on the primary and third Saturdays from April by November, the Chicago Cultural Heart hosts strolling excursions specializing in the artwork of Millennium Park. It’s actually attention-grabbing. I really like strolling by the park or simply chilling right here with a great e-book on a pleasant day.
 

3. Absorb some artwork on the Artwork Institute of Chicago

Since 1879, the Artwork Institute of Chicago has been wowing guests with its glorious assortment of works from around the globe. Situated in Grant Park, the museum has a couple of instantly recognizable items, together with “American Gothic” by Grant Wooden, Edward Hopper’s “Nighthawks,” and “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of Grande Jatte” by Georges Seurat. The huge assortment additionally consists of works by Picasso, Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, Jasper Johns, and Jackson Pollock. There are additionally wings dedicated to African, Asian, and American indigenous artwork. In case you’re going to go to at least one museum in Chicago, this needs to be it. Anticipate to spend a couple of hours as a result of the gathering is so huge.

To beat the crowds, skip a weekend go to because the place will get packed. As a substitute, go on a Monday or Thursday night (they’re open late on Thursdays). You’ll have the place nearly to your self.

111 S Michigan Ave, (312) 443-3600, artic.edu. Open Thursday-Monday 11am-5pm (8pm on Thursdays). Admission is $32 USD ($40 USD for advance skip-the-line entry). Day by day excursions (included within the worth of your ticket) are provided at 1pm and 3pm.
 

4. Admire wonderful structure on a river cruise

Chicago is an structure lover’s dream. The easiest manner to soak up its famed buildings is by way of a river cruise. This manner, you possibly can sit again and cruise down the canals whereas an professional information offers context for what you’re taking a look at. The guides offers you an in depth historical past of the structure. A number of the buildings you’ll see on the boat trip embody the Tribune Tower, 333 West Wacker, Navy Pier, the Willis Tower, the Wrigley Constructing, and Marina Metropolis, amongst others. All in all, there are about 50 constructions to see on this fascinating tour, and I promise, it’s way more attention-grabbing than it sounds!
 

5. Stroll down the Magnificent Mile

Typically nicknamed “Magazine Mile,” this stretch alongside Michigan Avenue from the Chicago River to Oak Avenue is thought for its upscale designer boutiques. The truth is, hire right here is the third highest within the US (after Fifth Avenue in New York Metropolis and Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills). Even when you don’t need to blow your price range purchasing, it’s nonetheless an expertise to walk alongside the avenue and take within the sights and the folks, and benefit from the view of the Chicago River. There are a number of landmarks and sights alongside the way in which too, together with the 360 Chicago Remark Deck for expansive views over the town (extra on this under).
 

6. Go to the Shedd Aquarium

In case you’re visiting the town with youngsters (otherwise you’re a child at coronary heart), head to the huge Shedd Aquarium. It’s the third-largest aquarium within the Western hemisphere and residential to over 32,000 animals. They’ve turtles, penguins, sea otters, snakes, sharks, and extra. They actually emphasize schooling right here so that you’ll study a ton when you roam the totally different exhibitions. You’ll be able to even pay additional to do issues like feed penguins and sharks, and so they additionally host all types of enjoyable night occasions (akin to reside music after hours). I completely love coming right here. Simply make certain to e-book your ticket prematurely as they do get busy and promote out!

To beat the crowds, skip the weekend and go to in the course of the week as a substitute. Additionally, attempt to go to proper when it opens (particularly Wednesday-Friday). It’s normally quieter then.

1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, (312) 939-2438, sheddaquarium.org. Open 9am-5pm Monday-Friday (9pm on Tuesdays), 9am-6pm Saturday, and 11am-6pm on Sundays. Tickets begin at $37 USD. Admission can also be included with the Chicago CityPASS.
 

7. Absorb some pure historical past on the Subject Museum

In 1893, the World’s Columbian Exposition (also called the Chicago World’s Truthful) came about within the Windy Metropolis to have fun the four-hundredth anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ arrival in 1492. The honest displayed some unimaginable artifacts from around the globe, notably within the Columbian Museum of Chicago, which showcased anthropological and organic collections. After the honest was over, organizers puzzled what to do with all of it. So, the Columbian Museum grew to become the Subject Museum, named after benefactor Marshall Subject, a division retailer mogul, and the whole lot remained on show.

One of many largest museums on this planet, the Subject homes intensive collections spanning anthropology, geology, botany, and zoology. Some essential collections embody the shows of taxidermied animals, a wing devoted to astronomy, and engaging artifacts from historical Egypt. I like to recommend planning to spend no less than 3-4 hours to actually take all of it in.

1400 S. Dusable Lake Shore Drive, (312) 922-9410, fieldmuseum.org. Open each day 9am-5pm (final admission is at 4pm). Basic admission is $30 USD. Particular exhibitions are an extra cost (which varies), although you may get an all-access cross for $43 USD.
 

8. Get a surprising view at 360 Chicago Remark Deck

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

In case you’re a thrill seeker and wish extra than simply the view, join Tilt. This a part of the statement deck is the place you possibly can stand in entrance of a glass window, which then tilts ahead, till it seems you’re trying immediately down on the avenue, 94 flooring under.

Simply make certain to examine the climate earlier than you go so you’ll even have a view to take pleasure in. Moreover, if you wish to beat the crowds, come early (earlier than 10am).

875 N Michigan Ave, (888) 875-8439, 360chicago.com. Open each day 9am-11pm (the final entry is at 10pm). Admission begins at $30 USD (get your tickets in advance for skip-the-line access).

9. Feast on deep-dish pizza

If there’s one meals Chicago has develop into synonymous with, it’s deep-dish pizza. It was invented in 1943 by Pizzeria Uno, which is now a nationwide restaurant chain. For one thing extra native, Chicagoans swear by Lou Malnati’s. Personally, I’m not normally an enormous fan of deep-dish (I like NYC pizza higher), however it’s one thing you need to attempt when you’re right here.

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

10. Stroll the Chicago Riverwalk

Stretching from Lake Michigan to Lake Avenue, the 1.25-mile Riverwalk alongside the Chicago River makes for a enjoyable stroll. Alongside the way in which, you’ll not solely get unbelievable views of the river and metropolis, however you’ll encounter a legion of waterfront eating places, cafés, and bars. There’s a ton of public artwork and inexperienced house too (nice for picnicking and people-watching). It’s the right place to decelerate and benefit from the second on this Midwestern metropolis, however when you favor a extra lively expertise, there are additionally a number of aquatic actions right here too (akin to kayaking or taking a river cruise).
 

11. Eat your manner by the Mexican eateries in Pilsen

The neighborhood of Pilsen was based in 1878 by Czech immigrants, who named the realm after the fourth-largest metropolis within the Czech Republic, the place pilsner beer was born. The Czechs could also be gone now, however right this moment Pilsen is Chicago’s fundamental Latino neighborhood, significantly Mexicans from the Michoacán area. Immediately you possibly can wander the realm, consuming a number of the finest tacos whereas taking within the vibrant avenue artwork.
 

12. Watch an improv present

The Second Metropolis is without doubt one of the hottest and well-known improv troupes within the nation. It’s the place greats like Invoice Murray, John Sweet, Catherine O’Hara, Steve Carell, Tina Fey, and Amy Poehler all minimize their tooth. They placed on common performances and in addition host all types of particular occasions. They even host workshops and lessons if you wish to give improv a attempt your self. Simply you should definitely get your tickets prematurely as the most well-liked exhibits promote out quick.

230 W North Ave, (312) 337-3992, secondcity.com. Performances are held each day so examine the web site for what’s on. Tickets begin at $35 USD.
 

13. Have enjoyable at Navy Pier

This 3,300-foot-long (1,010-meter) pier on the shore of Lake Michigan began off as a delivery website, however it has additionally been a jail for draft dodgers throughout World Battle II, a Naval coaching middle, and a short lived college campus. Since 1995, it has reopened to the general public in its present type and has develop into a type of carnival. It’s Chicago’s second-most visited vacationer attraction (after “The Bean”) and accommodates some rides, a Ferris wheel, a number of eating places, a Shakespeare theater, boat excursions, a lot of beer gardens, mini-golf, and extra! It’s a great place to have some foolish enjoyable (particularly when you’ve got youngsters).

600 E Grand Ave, (312) 595-7437, navypier.org. Open Sunday-Thursday 11am-8pm and Friday-Saturday 11am-9pm (particular person sights and eating places might have separate hours). Admission to the pier is free, although sights cost their very own charges (the Centennial wheel is $21.30 USD, for instance).
 

14. Catch a sport at Wrigley Subject

Dwelling of the Cubs, Wrigley Subject, on Chicago’s North Facet, is smack in the course of city. It additionally occurs to be one of many oldest baseball stadiums in america (it opened in 1914). In case you’re in Chicago in the course of the baseball seasons (April to October) and the Cubs are on the town, do your self a favor and go to a sport. It’s some of the intimate and atmospheric baseball stadiums within the nation. If the Cubs are usually not on the town, you may also take a 90-minute behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium.

1060 W Addison St, (773) 404-2827, mlb.com/cubs/ballpark. Tour dates and instances differ relying on the season (examine the web site for availability). Tour admission is $30 USD. Tickets to see a game vary greatly but start at just $10 USD (for higher seats at a well-liked sport, anticipate to spend nearer to $80-125 USD).
 

15. Feast in Chinatown

Convey your urge for food to Chinatown, the place you possibly can feast on low-cost dim dum, do karaoke, or calm down at one of many many tea homes. One of many oldest Chinatown’s within the nation, over a 3rd of Chicago’s Chinese language inhabitants lives in Chinatown, making it one of many largest concentrations of Chinese language-People within the USA. Don’t miss Ping Tom Memorial Park, and preserve an eye fixed out for colourful murals across the neighborhood. A few of my favourite locations listed below are Hing Kee, MCCB Chicago, and Phoenix.
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16. Expertise St. Patrick’s Day

Subsequent to Ireland, Chicago is without doubt one of the finest locations to be on March seventeenth, St. Patrick’s Day. To honor its massive Irish-American inhabitants, the town dyes the Chicago River inexperienced, hosts an enormous parade, and events till the solar comes up (full with copious quantities of inexperienced beer).

The custom started in 1843, when Chicago’s first Irish parade was held, however it wasn’t till 1962 that the dyeing of the river began, on the suggestion of a plumber’s union, which continues to be chargeable for the inexperienced river annually, although it gained’t reveal its secrets and techniques about what’s used (it’s environmentally pleasant, although). Take a river cruise on the emerald waters or snap a pic from the sidelines and luxuriate in. This is without doubt one of the largest days of the yr right here!
 

17. Discover Oz Park

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

There’s a playground named after Dorothy, a inexperienced house known as the “Emerald Gardens,” and quite a few life-size statues of common characters from the musical adaptation, together with the Dorothy, Toto, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, and the Scarecrow.

Open each day 6am-11pm. Admission to the park is free.

Chicago doesn’t get the eye it deserves. I believe it’s enjoyable and ideal for a weekend getaway. And you actually can’t beat the summers right here both. With a number of attention-grabbing museums, loads of inexperienced house, and a few nice eats, Chicago needs to be on each traveler’s listing!