Chicago Must See And Do

Chicago is a vibrant, cosmopolitan metropolis that has something for everyone to enjoy. It is the third-most populous city in the United States and the largest in the Midwest, boasting stunning lakefront views, world-class museums and parks, an award-winning theater district, and a variety of cultural attractions. With its energetic atmosphere and endless activities, it’s no wonder Chicago is one of the most visited cities in the US. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong resident, there are plenty of must-see and must-do attractions in the city.

History Of Chicago

Chicago has a long and vibrant history. It was first settled in the 1830s by a group of settlers led by John Kinzie and was incorporated as a city in 1837. Over the next few decades, it grew rapidly, becoming the largest city in the Midwest by 1880. During this period, the city developed its distinctive architectural style, with tall, heavy-shouldered buildings that were made of steel and stone. This style of architecture became known as the “Chicago School” and is still visible today.

In the late 1800s, Chicago was a hub of industrialization and innovation. It was home to the world’s first skyscraper, the Home Insurance Building, as well as the famous Union Stock Yards. The city was also at the forefront of modern transportation, with the world’s first elevated railway, the “L”, opening in 1892. By 1920, Chicago was home to nearly three million people and had become one of the world’s largest cities.

In the mid-1900s, Chicago underwent a period of decline, as jobs were outsourced to other countries and crime and poverty increased. However, over the past few decades, Chicago has seen a resurgence in popularity and has become one of America’s most visited cities. Today, it is known for its vibrant cultural scene, its stunning lakefront views, and its world-class attractions.

Chicago Must See & Do

Chicago has something to offer everyone – from art lovers to foodies to outdoor adventurers. Here are some of the must-see and must-do attractions in Chicago:

Museums & Galleries

Chicago is home to some of the world’s most impressive museums and galleries. The city boasts an impressive collection of fine art at the Art Institute of Chicago, which houses works by masters such as Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas. For modern art lovers, there’s the Museum of Contemporary Art, which showcases cutting-edge works from international artists. Those interested in history should visit the Shedd Aquarium or the Field Museum of Natural History.

Architecture & Landmarks

Chicago is known for its distinctive architecture, which blends old and new styles. The best way to experience this architecture is to take a guided tour along the Chicago River or take a trip up to the top of Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) for stunning views from one of the tallest buildings in the world. Other landmarks include Millennium Park, Navy Pier, and Buckingham Fountain.

Theater & Music

The theater district in downtown Chicago is home to some of the best productions in the country. Catch a show at one of Chicago’s renowned theaters such as The Goodman Theatre or The Oriental Theatre. For those interested in music, there are countless venues across the city where you can see live acts from legendary artists like Kanye West or up-and-coming local talent.

Sports & Outdoor Recreation

Chicago is a sports lover’s paradise. Catch a game at Wrigley Field or catch a live performance from one of Chicago’s professional sports teams such as the Chicago Bulls or the Chicago Bears. For outdoor recreation, explore Lincoln Park’s vast green space for biking and running trails or take a stroll along Lake Michigan for stunning views of the city skyline.

Food & Shopping

Chicago is also known for its amazing selection of food. From deep dish pizza to hot dogs, there’s something for everyone in this foodie paradise. Shopaholics should head to Magnificent Mile for high-end luxury stores or explore one of Chicago’s many eclectic neighborhoods for unique finds.

Popular Tours

One great way to get an up-close look at Chicago is through a guided tour. Here are two popular tours to consider:

Architecture River Cruise

Experience Chicago’s unique skyline on a 90-minute cruise along the Chicago River. This tour will take you past some of Chicago’s most famous buildings including Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) and Tribune Tower. You’ll learn about the history of these buildings and hear stories about their architects from your knowledgeable guide. Along the way, you’ll also experience stunning views of downtown Chicago. Book an Architecture River Cruise here.

Museum Campus Day Tour

Discover one of Chicago’s most popular attractions on this four-hour tour of Museum Campus. You’ll visit some of the city’s top museums including The Field Museum of Natural History and Shedd Aquarium. At each stop, you’ll have plenty of time to explore each museum and learn about their fascinating collections from your guide. You’ll also get to experience stunning views of Lake Michigan from Museum Campus. Book a Museum Campus Day Tour here.

No matter what your interests are, Chicago has something for everyone! With its energetic atmosphere and endless activities, it’s no wonder Chicago is one of America’s most popular cities. So come explore all that this amazing city has to offer!