A Guide to Chicago Attractions

Chicago, located on the southwest shore of Lake Michigan, is the third most populous city in the United States. Known as the “Windy City,” this iconic city has been the birthplace of numerous cultural movements, great architecture, world-renowned restaurants, and some of the most beautiful parks in the nation. From its vibrant music scene to its museums and galleries, Chicago offers an array of attractions to explore. Whether you’re visiting for a week or just a day, this guide will help you make the most of your time in Chicago.

History of Chicago

Chicago traces its roots back to 1833 when a small trading post was established on the banks of the Chicago River. Since then, it has grown into a major metropolis with a population of nearly 3 million people. The city has a rich history that is reflected in its many attractions. From its days as a transportation hub in the late 19th century to its reign as a center for industry and commerce in the 20th century, Chicago has seen many changes over the years.

One of the city’s most iconic landmarks is the Sears Tower, which was built in 1973 and remains the tallest building in the western hemisphere. It was once the tallest building in the world and is now home to offices and restaurants. Other iconic buildings include the Wrigley Building, which was completed in 1924 and features a mix of Gothic and Art Deco architecture, and the Hancock Tower, which offers incredible views of Lake Michigan.

Popular Attractions

Chicago is known for its many attractions, and there are plenty of things to do no matter what your interests may be. One of the city’s most popular attractions is Millennium Park, which is located in the downtown area and is home to the iconic “Bean” sculpture, as well as numerous other sculptures, monuments and gardens. The park is also home to a variety of public art installations, including an outdoor theater and ice skating rink.

Those interested in architecture can take a tour of some of Chicago’s most iconic buildings and neighborhoods on a boat tour along the Chicago River. The tour stops at notable sites such as the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower), Willis Tower Skydeck (the observation deck at the top of the tower), Wrigley Building, John Hancock Center, and more.

For history buffs, there are plenty of museums to explore. The Field Museum is one of the most popular, as it houses an impressive collection of artifacts from cultures around the world. Other popular museums include the Museum of Science and Industry, which offers interactive exhibits, and the Art Institute of Chicago, which houses an impressive collection of works from some of the world’s most famous artists.

Sports fans will find plenty to do in Chicago as well. Home to two major league baseball teams—the Cubs and White Sox—Chicago’s Wrigley Field and U.S. Cellular Field are both popular attractions for diehard fans. The city also boasts two NBA teams—the Bulls and the Timberwolves—and two NHL teams—the Blackhawks and Red Wings.

Food Scene

Chicago is also known for its vibrant food scene. From classic Chicago-style hot dogs to deep-dish pizza, there are plenty of options to satisfy any appetite. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite on-the-go or an upscale dining experience, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes. Popular restaurants include Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, Home Bistro, Alinea, Girl & The Goat, and Xoco.

Shopping

For those looking to do some shopping while in Chicago, there are plenty of options to choose from. The Magnificent Mile is one of the city’s most popular shopping destinations, offering an array of high-end stores and restaurants. Other popular shopping areas include State Street, which boasts a variety of department stores and boutiques; Oak Street, which is home to luxury shops; and Water Tower Place, which offers more than 100 specialty stores.

Nightlife

When night falls, Chicago comes alive with its vibrant nightlife scene. From trendy lounges to lively bars and clubs, there’s something for everyone in this dynamic city. Popular spots include The Violet Hour (a speakeasy-style bar), The Hangge-Uppe (a bar with an ’80s theme), Smart Bar (a dance club), The Underground (a lounge), The White Rabbit (a bar with live music), and more.

Outdoor Activities

Chicago offers plenty of outdoor activities as well, from taking a stroll along Lakefront Trail to exploring the city’s many parks. Lincoln Park is one of the most popular parks in the city and features an array of attractions including two nature reserves, gardens, a zoo, an outdoor theater, an archery range, beaches, picnic areas and more. Other popular parks include Millennium Park (mentioned earlier), Grant Park (which includes a free zoo), Jackson Park (which offers stunning views of Lake Michigan), and Garfield Park (which features gardens and outdoor art installations).

Tours

Chicago also offers an array of tours that will give you an in-depth look at some of its most popular attractions. One popular tour is a walking tour of downtown Chicago that takes you through iconic neighborhoods such as The Loop and River North while giving you insights into the history and architecture of this great city. Another popular tour is an architectural boat tour that takes you up and down the Chicago River while pointing out some of the city’s most iconic buildings such as Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) and John Hancock Center. Both tours offer an unforgettable experience that will leave you with lasting memories.

Book a Tour with Viator

Viator offers a wide selection of tours that will teach you a lot about Chicago’s history and culture while helping you explore some of its iconic attractions. One such tour is a walking tour that takes you through downtown Chicago while giving you insights into its history and architecture. This tour includes visits to notable sites such as Millennium Park, Willis Tower Skydeck (the observation deck at the top of the tower), Wrigley Building, John Hancock Center, and more.
For those looking for something more adventurous, Viator also offers a kayaking tour that takes you along Lake Michigan while exploring some of Chicago’s many beaches, parks, and other attractions. This tour includes stops at Navy Pier, North Avenue Beach, Lincoln Park Zoo, Shedd Aquarium, and more.
No matter what type of tour you’re looking for, Viator has something for everyone. Book your tour today here.

Book a Tour with GetYourGuide

GetYourGuide also offers a wide selection of tours that will take you through some of Chicago’s iconic neighborhoods while teaching you about its history and culture. One such tour is a sightseeing tour that takes you through downtown Chicago while giving you insights into its history and architecture. This tour includes visits to notable sites such as Millennium Park, Willis Tower Skydeck (the observation deck at the top of the tower), Wrigley Building, John Hancock Center, and more.
For those looking for something more active, GetYourGuide also offers a bike tour that takes you through some of Chicago’s most iconic neighborhoods while teaching you about its history and culture. This tour includes visits to neighborhoods such as Lincoln Park, Old Town, Wicker Park, Bucktown and more.
No matter what type of tour you’re looking for, GetYourGuide has something for everyone. Book your tour today here.

Conclusion

Chicago offers a wealth of attractions to explore no matter what your interests may be. From iconic landmarks to vibrant nightlife and cultural attractions to outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone in this dynamic city. Whether you’re visiting for a week or just a day, this guide will help you make the most of your time in Chicago so you can experience all that this amazing city has to offer!