Top 10 Things To Do in Chicago, Illinois From its iconic skyline and beaches to its
world-class attractions, there are so many things to see and do in Chicago.
Whether you’re looking for a day of museum hopping or would prefer a night out on the
town, this city has something for everyone.
Keep watching to learn more about the top 10 things to do in The Windy City.
Let ViaTravelers introduce you to the best 10 experiences in Chicago, Illinois!
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Hit the Beaches When you think of the Windy City, you may
not think of beaches.
But Chicago takes full advantage of its location right on Lake Michigan.
There are four amazing beaches on the shores of Lake Michigan (and several other smaller
beaches), so Chicago has plenty to offer if you want to swim, sail, fish, or enjoy the
sun.
From Oak Street Beach to Montrose Beach, let's look at why beaches are some of the best places
to visit in Chicago.
Oak Street Beach Oak Street Beach is located in the heart of
downtown Chicago and is one of the city’s most popular beaches.
The beach also features stunning views of the city skyline and Lake Michigan.
On any weekday, hundreds of office workers are taking their lunch breaks along the shore.
Oak Street Beach has plenty of amenities here, including beach volleyball courts, tennis
courts, and even a cafe for snacks and drinks.
If you'd like to take a break from sunbathing or swimming, many nearby restaurants and shops
are perfect for taking advantage of all the downtown Chicago offers.
North Avenue Beach North Avenue Beach is another popular beach
located just north of downtown Chicago.
This beach offers many activities, such as jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking, and more!
If relaxation is more your speed, then no worries; North Avenue beach also rents lounge
chairs right on the water's edge so you can kick back and soak up some sun without any
distractions.
It’s also worth noting that North Avenue Beach is home to several events throughout
the year, such as beer festivals and reggae concerts so be sure to check out what's happening
before your visit!
Montrose Beach Montrose Beach is located along the northern
shoreline of Lake Michigan near Uptown Chicago.
This beautiful beach stretches for nearly two miles and features plenty of space for
relaxing or participating in sports such as sand volleyball or soccer.
The beach also features concessions where visitors can purchase food and drinks and
restrooms for convenience.
Montrose Beach is a great spot for families looking to spend a day outdoors because it
also includes playgrounds for kids!
31st Street Beach Lastly, 31st Street Beach is located on Chicago’s
south side near the Chinatown-Bronzeville neighborhood.
This beach offers visitors incredible views of Lake Michigan while offering plenty of
amenities, including picnic tables perfect for lunching al fresco!
31st Street Beach has ample opportunities for swimming and enjoying sunny days outdoors,
but if you'd rather stay dry there are plenty of nearby attractions, such as museums or
public parks, perfect for exploring during your visit!
Chicago has some truly amazing beaches that offer something special, no matter what kind
of traveler you are.
Whether you're looking to relax in the sun or partake in exciting water activities, there's
something here waiting for you!
Magnificent Mile What is Chicago known for?
The Magnificent Mile is home to some of the most recognizable landmarks in Chicago.
The stretch of Michigan Avenue along the Chicago River is known for its upscale stores, iconic
landmarks, and stunning views.
Whether you’re visiting for a day or a weekend, The Magnificent Mile is at the top of Chicago
tourist attractions for shoppers.
Let’s explore this vibrant area of the Windy City!
Walking The Magnificent Mile Start your journey at the historic Tribune
Tower and take a few moments to admire its Gothic architecture.
Then move on to the Wrigley Building - look for its two towers connected by an archway.
Wrigley Gum is a Chicago success story: William Wrigley Jr. started out selling soap
and baking powder in 1891.
But a year later, Wrigley started packaging gum as a marketing gimmick for its original
products - soon, Wrigley Gum made the Wrigley family quite wealthy enough to build Chicago
landmarks like Wrigley Field.
When you reach the John Hancock Center, you will have walked the entire Magnificent Mile.
Shopping No visit to The Magnificent Mile is complete
without shopping!
With more than 460 shops, boutiques, and department stores lining Michigan Avenue, you can find
anything you need here.
Sample designer goods at Burberry and Louis Vuitton stores or peruse high-end retailers
like Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue.
Plenty of local shops offer unique items you won’t find anywhere else in town.
The Magnificent Mile offers something for everyone – whether it be shopping, sightseeing,
dining out, or just taking in all that downtown Chicago has to offer!
From historic landmarks to world-class shopping experiences and everything in between – there's
truly something special about this vibrant district along Lake Michigan's shoreline.
So explore all that The Magnificent Mile has to offer; we promise you won't be disappointed!
Navy Pier If shopping isn’t your thing, don’t worry—there
are still plenty of things to do near the Magnificent Mile!
You can always catch a movie at AMC River East 21 or enjoy a leisurely stroll along
the Navy Pier boardwalk.
Or, if you want something even more exciting, take a spin on the Centennial Wheel Ferris
wheel for panoramic views of downtown Chicago!
This 3300-foot Navy Pier juts out into Lake Michigan and features an array of activities,
from carnival rides and fireworks show to boat tours and sightseeing cruises.
The Navy Pier provides entertainment with carnival rides, fireworks shows, boat tours,
and sightseeing cruises.
A visit to Navy Pier wouldn't be complete without a stop at Navy Pier Beer Garden - one
of Chicago's top restaurants.
Navy Pier Beer Garden boasts fresh, creative food and an exceptional view of Lake Michigan.
Navy Pier has something for everyone, making it the perfect spot to kick back and enjoy
any day.
Museum Campus Are you looking for a unique way to experience
the cultural and educational offerings of Windy City?
Look no further than the vibrant Museum Campus in Chicago.
Located on the lakefront at Grant Park, Museum Campus is home to various attractions, including
The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, and outdoor sculptures like Cloud Gate (The
Bean).
The Field Museum: Chicago's Natural History Gem
The Field Museum is one of the most notable attractions on the Museum Campus.
Established in 1893 as part of The Columbian Exposition World’s Fair, the museum has
been showcasing natural history ever since.
Its permanent exhibits include collections from Ancient Egypt and Africa, an interactive
fossil lab where visitors can learn about dinosaurs and other ancient creatures, and
even a “Dioramas Hall” that features realistic recreations of habitats worldwide.
In addition to these displays, there are also rotating temporary exhibitions on topics ranging
from climate change to wildlife conservation.
Shedd Aquarium: Exploring Underwater Life Opened in 1930, Shedd Aquarium is one of the
largest indoor aquariums in the world.
It houses more than 32,000 animals from over 1,500 species that call its tanks home—including
sharks, jellyfish, sea horses, penguins, and more!
With displays organized by region—from Pacific coral reefs to African rivers—there is something
for everyone here.
Plus, visitors can get up close with animals during encounters like Stingray Touch or Penguin
Encounters!
Children love the thrill of touching live stingrays and who wouldn't want to meet a
penguin?
Adler Planetarium: A Journey Through Space Adler Planetarium offers visitors a chance
to explore our universe through interactive exhibits and shows in their sky theater.
Founded in 1930 by astronomer Max Adler as part of The Century Of Progress International
Exposition World’s Fair celebration honoring Chicago’s centennial anniversary (1833-1933),
this planetarium has been teaching people about astronomy ever since.
You can explore space topics like black holes and galaxies or take a virtual field trip
through our solar system in the Grainger Sky Theater!
With museums dedicated to natural history and science and art galleries featuring sculptures
by world-renowned artists like Anish Kapoor (Cloud Gate), it's easy to see why so many
travelers are drawn to Chicago's incredible Museum Campus every year.
Whether you're interested in exploring underwater life at Shedd Aquarium or learning about outer
space at Adler Planetarium - there truly is something for everyone here!
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Check the description below for links to the best tourist attractions in Chicago.
Now back to the best things to see and do in Chicago.
Catch a Game Whether it’s baseball season at Wrigley
Field or football season at Soldier Field, there’s always something exciting happening
for one of Chicago's many professional sports teams.
You can also catch minor league hockey games with the Chicago Wolves or basketball games
with the Windy City Bulls.
Chicago Cubs/Wrigley Field The Chicago Cubs play at the historic Wrigley
Field from March to October.
With its ivy-covered walls and classic architecture, Wrigley Field is one of the most famous ballparks
in the world.
During baseball season, visiting fans can watch as the Cubs battle it out with their
opponents—or enjoy some hotdogs and beer while soaking up the atmosphere of this legendary
stadium.
Guided Tours of Wrigley Field If you aren't up for a game, you can take
a guided tour of Wrigley Field.
On non-game days, tours include the press box, bleachers, locker rooms, dugouts, and
sometimes (not always) a chance to walk on the baseball field.
Game day tours visit the batting cages and practice areas since the rest of the facility
is in use.
Chicago Bears No trip to Chicago would be complete without
catching a game with the Chicago Bears.
This iconic football team has been playing since 1919 and is one of the oldest teams
in NFL history.
Head to Soldier Field during football season, and you can get up close and personal with
all the action—and maybe even catch a glimpse of running back Jordan Howard or quarterback
Mitchell Trubisky!
Chicago Bulls The Chicago Bulls have won six NBA championships
and produced some of the most renowned players in professional basketball.
During the Bulls' season, which usually takes place between October and May each year, you
can see games at the United Center.
Here, Bulls players showcase their skills while millions around the world watch.
Seeing a Bulls basketball game s sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Chicago Wolves/Windy City Bulls If you’re looking for something a little
different, why not check out minor-league hockey with the Chicago Wolves at Allstate
Arena?
Or visit nearby Hoffman Estates during basketball season for some Windy City Bulls action?
Both teams are sure to provide plenty of thrills—and who knows, maybe you'll spot some future stars
in action!
From major league baseball at Wrigley Field to minor league hockey at Allstate Arena,
there’s no shortage of professional sports teams in Chicago.
So don't miss your chance to catch a game next time you're in town—it's sure to be
an unforgettable experience!
Visit the top of Hancock Tower (Formerly Sears Tower)
Names can be confusing ... but you must see the Hancock Tower, formerly the Sears Tower
in downtown Chicago to enjoy amazing panoramic views of the Windy City.
To add to the confusion, its also called the 875 North Michigan Avenue Building or Willis
Tower, but thankfully Google and Siri can get you there by any of these names.
Give yourself time to explore interactive exhibits and observation decks to take pictures
and get an unparalleled view of this majestic city from high in the sky.
Check Out “The Bean" (Cloud Gate) No trip to Chicago would be complete without
checking out Cloud Gate (aka The Bean), an iconic sculpture located in Millennium Park.
Located in the beautiful Millennium Park, this iconic sculpture was designed by artist
Anish Kapoor and has become a major tourist attraction.
Whether you're exploring the city solo or with family and friends, Cloud Gate offers
an experience that cannot be replicated elsewhere - take a memorable photo of yourself and The
Bean to commemorate your trip!
Better yet, post your picture in the comments below!
Explore the Attractions of Grant Park Named after Ulysses S Grant, who served as
president during Reconstruction-era America, Grant Park is one of the largest parks in
the United States located adjacent to the downtown area, which makes it an easy access
point for tourists who are visiting from all over the US & world.
Located in the heart of the city, Grant Park is a 319-acre oasis is full of attractions
you won’t miss.
You will find plenty to do, from iconic landmarks and cultural institutions to open green spaces
and more.
Let’s take a look at some of the places to see in Chicago.
Buckingham Fountain One of Grant Park’s must-see attractions
is Buckingham Fountain—a stunning Chicago landmark located at the park's center.
Built in 1927, this fountain was designed by Edward Bennett and financed by Kate Sturges
Buckingham as a memorial to her brother.
It features four sets of sea horses representing Lake Michigan and the four states bordering
it—Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan—and an impressive central jet that shoots water
up 136 feet into the air every hour!
There's no better way to get an overview of Grant Park than from Buckingham Fountain.
The Art Institute Of Chicago The Art Institute Of Chicago (AIC) is one
of the oldest art museums in America.
Located just south of Grant Park, AIC has over 300,000 works spanning 5,000 years of
human expression, including painting, sculpture, architecture, photography, and much more.
With so much on display here, it makes sense to plan your visit in advance to ensure you
experience all that AIC has to offer!
The Jay Pritzker Pavilion The Jay Pritzker Pavilion is an outdoor music
venue located within Millennium Park which borders Grant Park on its northern side.
Designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry and opened in 2004.
The Pavilion seats 4100 people under its unique ‘shell’ structure made of stainless steel
ribbons lit up at night, creating a stunning visual effect for visitors.
The pavilion hosts free events throughout the summer months and paid ticketed events
throughout the year, so there is always something going on here!
Whether you are looking for a day out sightseeing or want some time in nature away from city
noises - Grant Park has something for everyone!
Take time out from exploring Chicago's downtown district and visit this beautiful park with
its many attractions – from Buckingham Fountain to The Art Institute Of Chicago and The Jay
Pritzker Pavilion – you won't be disappointed!
Skydeck Chicago One more landmark spot which should not be
missed while visiting the city is Skydeck on the 103rd floor of Willis tower, where
visitors can enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree view & indulge themselves in various activities
such as leaning towards glass windows and the Ledge Experience.
On a clear day, you can see four states - Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Illinois.
With its stunning architecture and numerous attractions ranging from beaches to sports
stadiums, there really is something for everyone in The Windy City!
If you're looking for an unforgettable travel destination, look no further than Chicago—you
won't regret it!
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