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An aerial view of the skyscrapers of the Chicago Loop. (Bob Stefko)

Things To Do In Chicago

The Second City. The Windy City. City of Big Shoulders.
Whatever you call Chicago, it’ll always amaze.

Visit Chicago

Welcome to Chicago, a city with a heart as big as its skyscrapers, and a spirit that runs deeper than Lake Michigan.

When you visit Chicago, you visit one of the world's great cities, full of rich history and cultural experiences. But you also visit a tight collection of proud, diverse, and friendly neighborhoods, each with its own style and story.

Here, we've collected some of Chicago's greatest sights and experiences, from the magic of Millennium Park and its iconic Cloud Gate sculpture, to the family fun of Navy Pier, to the world-renowned Art Institute of Chicago. Get a taste of deep dish pizza and Chicago's best restaurants, and discover the music and performing arts that echo to every corner of the planet.

Come experience the heart of Illinois in Chicago. Your journey begins here.

"It's a bustling metropolis with the warmth of a small town; where the world already comes together every day to live and work and reach for a dream—a dream that no matter who we are ... we can make it if we try."

President Barack Obama
Big city buildings
Inside Chicago Architecture Tour - Chicago
Crowds of people on Oak Street Beach, Chicago, on a sunny day. Chicago skyscrapers are in the background.
Oak Street Beach - Gold Coast - Chicago
Metal cloud gate object
Cloud Gate - Chicago - Millennium Park
Crowd at lollapalooza
Crowd - Lollapalooza - Chicago
A crowd enjoys a show at Second City in Chicago.

Things To Do in Chicago

Make it an unforgettable visit

There are countless activities, experiences, and things to do in Chicago. Here we've gathered just a few of the best. Plus, check out the events trending around Chicago this week and this month.

Couple staring at a painting

View masterpieces

Art Institute of Chicago Art Institute of Chicago
Hundreds of people sitting down on picnic rugs in front of Pritzker Pavillion

Explore the magic

Millennium Park Millennium Park
A fair with people and rides

Enjoy family fun on the lakefront

Navy Pier Navy Pier
The exterior to the museum

Discover something new (or old)

The Field Museum The Field Museum
Kids looking at a whale through the glass

Delve into the deep

Shedd Aquarium Shedd Aquarium
Women walking across the street with shopping bags

Shop, sightsee, and dine

The Magnificent Mile The Magnificent Mile
Family posing for a photo outside of a stadium

Catch a game

Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field
Four people leaning in the Tilt 360 attraction at the John Hancock Center.

Take in the view

360 Chicago - TILT 360 Chicago - TILT
A city with big buildings and a river running through it

Follow the sights

Chicago’s Second Shoreline Chicago’s Second Shoreline
An architecture river tour boat passes under a bridge in Chicago

Go on an architectural adventure

Architecture River Cruise Architecture River Cruise
People standing on the sky deck looking down at the buildings below

Step out over the city

The Ledge at Skydeck Chicago The Ledge at Skydeck Chicago
Indoor Greenhouse.

Go green

Garfield Park Conservatory Garfield Park Conservatory

More Things to do in Chicago

"It is hopeless for the occasional visitor to try to keep up with Chicago—she outgrows his prophecies faster than he can make them. She is always a novelty; for she is never the Chicago you saw when you passed through the last time."

Mark Twain
The Route 66 sign in Chicago which maps the start of the historic route
Route 66 Sign - Chicago - Illinois
A fountain with lights
Buckingham Fountain - Congress Parkway - Chicago
People ice skating on a track
Ice Skating - Maggie Daley Park - Chicago
One of Chicago's elevated trains running on its raised line near Milwaukee Avenue
Chicago El Train - Milwaukee Avenue - Chicago
Two chicken drumsticks and pickles on a piece of bread

Where To Eat in Chicago

Dishing on deep dish - and more

Chicago's restaurants, bars, cafes, and other dining spots are the heart of America's culinary scene. Discover the must-try flavors and dining experiences of Chicago, from Michelin stars to the classic stars of the local scene.

    Chicago Restaurants and Other Places to Eat

    "Chicago is a town, a city that doesn't ever have to measure itself against any other city. Other places have to measure themselves against it. It’s big, it’s outgoing, it’s tough, it’s opinionated, and everybody’s got a story."

    Anthony Bourdain
    People posing for a photo by river under bridge
    River Walk - Chicago
    A view of a street with trees and vehicles
    Streetview - Wicker Park Bucktown - Chicago
    A girl running
    Lurie Garden - Chicago
    Adler Planetarium
    Planetarium - Adler Planetarium - Chicago
    A man playing guitar in a bar

    Chicago Nightlife

    WHAT TO DO AFTER DARK

    Chicago has some of the nation’s best restaurants, a deep-rooted history of house, jazz and blues music, and a diverse theatre and comedy scene that’s full of talent.

    Plan Your Night on the Town
    The city

    Chicago Itineraries & Road Trips

    Inspiration for Chicago adventure

    Chicago is a city of endless stories. Whatever you do with your time here, it'll be unique... but these road trips and itineraries are a good start to planning your adventure.

    "I'd rather be a lamppost in Chicago than a millionaire in any other city."

    William Hulbert
    Neon sign for The Second City above theatre entrance
    Theatre Entrance - The Second City - Chicago
    A couple biking along path beside lake and taking a photo
    Biking - Lakefront - Chicago
    People standing on the sky deck looking down at the buildings below
    Skydeck - Chicago - Willis Tower
    Male in a suit singer at the Chicago blues festival
    Singer - Blues Festival - Chicago
    People running and biking on the bike bridge

    Getting To and Getting Around Chicago

    Tips for transportation

    By train, by car, by foot, by bus, by bike, and even by boat, journeying to the next stop on your Chicago adventure will be a pleasure. The only hard part will be figuring out how to leave...

    Chicago Transport

    Chicago Accommodation

    Places to stay in Chicago

    Looking for a Chicago hotel room? A vacation rental? A pet-friendly Chicago hotel? Maybe a taste of luxury? Check out our Chicago accommodation picks!

    Places to Stay in Chicago

    "Perhaps the most typically American place in America."

    James Bryce
    Ladies dancing with big skirts
    Annual Pilsen Mexican Independence Day Parade - Chicago
    The exterior of the Aqua Tower in Chicago, against a cloud-filled blue sky.
    Aqua Tower - Chicago
    Balloons spelling out 'pride'
    Ballons - Pride Parade - Chicago
    Family posing for a photo outside of a stadium
    Ballpark - Chicago - Wrigley Field

    Chicago Icons

    Pizza on a plate

    Deep Dish

    Dishing on Chicago-Style Pizza
    The cast of the award-winning show, Discontent, pose outside Second City Comedy Club in Chicago.

    Theater

    Chicago Theatre Scene
    Big city buildings

    Architecture

    City by Design
    A blues singer wearing a classy metallic suit on stage belting out a song

    The Blues

    Sweet Home Chicago Blues

    "It’s a 106 miles to Chicago, we’ve got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes; it’s dark, and we’re wearing sunglasses."

    Elwood Blues
    Interior of building with a large staircase
    The Rookery, Chicago
    Two people biking down a bridge
    BP Bridge - Chicago - Columbus Drive
    Chicago Botanic Garden
    A person with a dog walking in front of a Mexican Heritage Mural
    Mexican Heritage Mural - Pilsen - Chicago
    A road and river

    Where To Go From Chicago

    The journey has only just begun...

    Chicago has enough experiences for a lifetime. But there’s even more for you to discover in Illinois beyond. Let Chicago be your starting point to further adventure.

    • Things To Do in Rockford

      Rockford greets visitors with a mix of history, art and natural beauty. Explore a nature museum featuring a T. Rex, stroll through Asian gardens and discover work from David Chihuly and Ansel Adams at at the Rockford Art Museum.

       Things To Do in Rockford
    • Three people staring up at a waterfall

      Things To Do Near Starved Rock, Utica

      Starved Rock State Park, with its serene waterfalls and beautiful lodge, offers a quiet retreat for visitors. Explore this lush forest, located just minutes from wineries, quaint shops and restaurants in Utica.

       Things To Do Near Starved Rock, Utica
    • Child coming down yellow Great America Hurricane Harbor water slide

      Things To Do Near Gurnee

      Just north of Chicago in Gurnee, you’ll find a nirvana of theme parks and shopping. Race down a roller coaster, splash through a water park and shop the largest outlet mall in Illinois, packed with more than 200 stores.

       Things To Do Near Gurnee
    • A couple walking across the main street in Galena with buildings either side

      Visit Great Rivers Country

      In Western Illinois, adventure through historic nineteenth-century towns, sip wine in vineyards and explore everything from French forts to ancient civilizations.

       Visit Great Rivers Country

    • Visit Land of Lincoln

      In Central Illinois, presidential history meets Americana. Visit towns that honor their legacies with museums, festivals and American-sized helpings of roadside nostalgia.

       Visit Land of Lincoln
    • Two people climbing up big rocks in Shawnee National Forest

      Visit Trails to Adventure

      Experience the beautiful scenery in the southernmost region of Illinois and Shawnee Forest Country. See it all as you hike, golf, and sip wine in quaint towns, state parks, and wineries.

       Visit Trails to Adventure

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