Welcome to Chicago: A City Guide for Tourists

Chicago is one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the United States. With its bustling downtown, vibrant neighborhoods, and one of the best cultural and culinary scenes in the country, there is something for everyone in the Windy City. From world-famous museums to the gorgeous Lake Michigan shoreline, the city offers visitors an array of activities and attractions to explore.

Known for its iconic skyline, bustling city life, and deep-dish pizza, Chicago is one of the largest cities in the United States. Located on the southwestern tip of Lake Michigan, Chicago is one of the country’s most populous cities with an estimated population of over 2.7 million people. The city is renowned for its diverse ethnic and cultural communities, award-winning restaurants, world-class museums, and its deep musical roots.

Chicago has a long and storied history that dates back to its founding in 1837. The city was originally founded as a fur trading post with Native Americans and went on to become one of the largest inland ports in the United States. In the 19th century, the city saw an influx of European immigrants and quickly grew into a major industrial center. Today, Chicago is home to some of the world’s largest companies, including Boeing, United Airlines, and Kraft Heinz.

The city is also home to some of the country’s most famous landmarks, including the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower), Navy Pier, and Cloud Gate (also known as “The Bean”). Visitors can explore Millennium Park, a 24.5-acre park located in the heart of downtown Chicago, or catch a game at Wrigley Field, one of the oldest and most iconic baseball stadiums in the United States.

From its historic architecture to world-class museums and cultural attractions, there’s no shortage of things to do in Chicago. Here are just a few of the best places to go in Chicago for tourists visiting for the first time.

Navy Pier

Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s most popular tourist attractions, stretching over 1,000 feet along Lake Michigan’s shoreline. The pier was built in 1916 as a beacon of hope and progress following World War I and has since become a major hub for recreation, entertainment, and shopping. Navy Pier is home to a variety of attractions, including an IMAX theater, Ferris wheel, carousel, and an array of restaurants and shops. There are also several festivals held throughout the year, such as the Chicago Blues Festival and the Chicago Air & Water Show.

The Magnificent Mile

Known as “The Mag Mile” to locals, The Magnificent Mile is one of Chicago’s premier shopping destinations. The mile-long stretch of North Michigan Avenue features hundreds of luxury stores, restaurants, and attractions. In addition to its world-class shopping opportunities, The Magnificent Mile also features a number of iconic landmarks, including Tribune Tower, the Wrigley Building, and the Trump International Hotel & Tower.

Millennium Park

Millennium Park is a 24.5-acre park located in downtown Chicago that features an array of attractions for visitors to enjoy. From its award-winning architectural designs to its stunning landscape and sculptures, Millennium Park is one of the city’s most stunning sights. The park is home to Cloud Gate (also known as “The Bean”), an iconic sculpture by Anish Kapoor that reflects the city’s skyline and Lake Michigan.

Lincoln Park Zoo

Located on a 35-acre site in Lincoln Park on Chicago’s north side, Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in North America. The zoo features more than 1,200 animals from around the world and is free to visitors year-round. The zoo also features seasonal attractions, such as butterfly gardens or ice skating rinks in winter months.

The Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the world’s premier art museums and houses more than 300,000 works from across the globe. Located in Grant Park on Chicago’s south side, this museum features works from masters such as Monet, Cezanne, Picasso, and Van Gogh. The museum also features rotating exhibitions from around the world as well as lectures and classes for visitors to enjoy.

Willis Tower

Once known as the Sears Tower, Willis Tower is an iconic skyscraper located in downtown Chicago. At 1,450 feet tall, Willis Tower is the tallest building in North America and offers visitors stunning views of Chicago from its 103rd floor observation deck. Visitors can also explore The Skydeck Experience, which features interactive displays as well as a glass balcony extending 4.3 feet outside of the building that allows visitors to experience breathtaking views of the city below them.

Chicago History Museum

The Chicago History Museum is located in Lincoln Park on Chicago’s north side and offers visitors a glimpse into the city’s past. The museum is home to more than 22 million artifacts related to Chicago’s history and culture from 1673 to modern day. The museum also features rotating exhibitions that explore various aspects of Chicago history as well as guided tours for visitors to learn more about the city’s past.

Popular Tours in Chicago

In addition to exploring all that Chicago has to offer on your own, there are plenty of tours available for visitors looking to get an in-depth look at some of the city’s famous attractions. One popular tour is Chicago Architecture Tour, which takes visitors on a journey through some of the city’s most iconic buildings and structures. Led by a knowledgeable guide, this three-hour tour will take you through some of Chicago’s most famous neighborhoods while exploring some of its most famous landmarks such as Tribune Tower and The Rookery Building. This tour also includes a visit to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House and a boat cruise along the Chicago River for an up-close look at some of the city’s most famous skyscrapers.

Another popular tour for visitors looking for an up-close look at Chicago is Chicago Food Tour. This three-hour walking tour takes visitors through some of Chicago’s most beloved neighborhoods while exploring its culinary delights along the way. Led by an experienced local guide, this tour will take you to some of the city’s best restaurants while you enjoy samples from renowned local chefs. In addition to delicious food samples, you will also get a look at some of Chicago’s stunning architecture along the way with visits to landmarks such as Wrigley Field and Buckingham Fountain.

Conclusion

Chicago has something for everyone with its unique neighborhoods, world-class attractions, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re looking for an up-close look at some of Chicago’s most famous sites or a culinary tour that takes you through some of its most beloved neighborhoods, there are plenty of ways for tourists to explore this great city. From Navy Pier to Willis Tower, The Magnificent Mile to Millennium Park, there are countless activities for tourists visiting for the first time that will allow them to truly experience all that Chicago has to offer.