Chicago is a city where arts, culture, and commerce whirl together for a fun, skyline-backed Midwest destination. Before you storm the city, start planning out all of the tours and things to do in Chicago while on vacation. Get whisked away by all that the Windy City has to offer with some of the below vacation ideas.
Chicago has a lot to be proud of. Whether it’s iconic art installations or eateries along a popular pier, the people of Chicago know how to keep busy. Start off your vacation by knocking some of these iconic Chicago activities off your todo list.
The best things to do in Chicago include:
Check out the mind-bending reflections at Cloud Gate, also known as The Bean
Head to Millennium Park to take a selfie with the Crown Fountain
Climb Willis Tower and get a view of the Chicago skyline
Explore the 50 acres of gardens, amusement rides, shops, and eateries at Navy Pier
Go shopping at The Magnificent Mile, Chicago’s premier shopping destination
Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods feature much for tourists to explore. Whether it’s a scenic view of the skyline or a seeing the city like a local, there’s plenty of tourist attractions in Chicago to knock off your bucket list.
Popular attractions near Chicago include:
The Chicago Riverwalk is a hotspot with an iconic view of the city
Marvel the architectural feats of Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Visit Grant Park, Chicago’s most popular green space
Chicago Walking Tours have many stops against Chicago landmarks with a pay-what-you-want model
If you want to get to know Chicago, you need to do something new every day. After the tourist attractions, start exploring other fun things to do in Chicago.
Fun things to do in Chicago include:
Visit McCormick Tribune Plaza, which turns into a picturesque ice-skating rink in the winter
Visit Chicago Design Museum, offering changing exhibits related to anything from graphic design and architecture
Visit the Field Museum of Natural History
Walk on glass at Skydeck Chicago
Solve clues and complete challenges in an Urban Adventure Quest
“You can sleep when you’re dead,” is a common expression in this exciting city. From dance clubs to cocktail lounges, Chicago is no stranger to nightlife options.
Things to do in Chicago at night include:
Grab a pint at The Map Room
Order a cocktail with locally-made vodka from CH Distillery
Be charmed by the nonstop party at El Hefe Chicago
See the Chicago skyline architecture light up when the sun goes down
Enjoy a drink or two at tiki-inspired Three Dots and a Dash
Chicago has museums, cultural hotspots, and art galleries galore. Learning more about the Windy City is one of the best ways to take a break from all that wind.
Chicago things to do indoors include:
Explore the expansive Chicago Cultural Center, also known as the “People’s Palace”
Visit the National Museum of Mexican Art, which is free to the public every day of the week
The Oriental Institute is a part of University of Chicago’s renowned research center for Near Eastern Studies
Visit Hyde Park Art Center, a combination of shared art space and community resource
Explore the archives of the American Writers Museum
Relax in any of Chicago’s many parks or give water sports a try at the lake or river. Whatever you choose, bring your camera — there’s plenty of things to see in Chicago, don’t miss out on some breathtaking pictures.
Active things to see in Chicago include:
Wander the breathtaking native plants at Lurie Garden
Climb the wall at Maggie Daley Park
Go skating at the Skate Park in Grant Park
Try out Bobby’s Bike Hike, a local tour company
Visit the Garfield Park Conservatory for a display of houses and outdoor gardens