Free Things To Do In Chicago

Chicago is an iconic city located in the Midwest of the United States, along the stunning shores of Lake Michigan. Popularly known as the “Windy City’, it is home to over 2.7 million people and is the third largest city in the US. Chicago is renowned for its world-class museums, award-winning restaurants, vibrant nightlife, and vast ski resorts and beaches. It is also a popular destination for visitors looking for a unique cultural experience.

The city has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s, when it was an important transportation hub for goods traveling between the east and west coasts of the United States. Today, Chicago is a major hub for commerce and industry, as well as a major tourist destination. There are endless things to do in Chicago, with its vibrant art and music scene, and plenty of free activities and attractions. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best free things to do in Chicago.

Explore The Magnificent Mile

The Magnificent Mile is a premier shopping destination located on Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago. It stretches from Oak Street in the north to the Chicago River in the south and features some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. While it may be best known as a shopping destination, it is also a great place to explore and take in the sights.

The Magnificent Mile is home to some of Chicago’s most popular tourist attractions, including Cloud Gate (more commonly known as “The Bean”), the Navy Pier, Millennium Park, and the Art Institute of Chicago. It also features some of the city’s most iconic architecture, including the John Hancock Center, the Wrigley Building, and the Tribune Tower. If you’re looking to explore Chicago on a budget, you can spend an entire day walking up and down Michigan Avenue and taking in all that it has to offer.

Visit Navy Pier

Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s most popular tourist attractions and is located on the lakefront just east of downtown. It features over 50 acres of parks, gardens, shops, restaurants, and attractions. You can watch boat races on Lake Michigan, take a leisurely stroll along the pier, or take a ride on its iconic Ferris wheel or carousel. Navy Pier also features an IMAX theater, interactive exhibits, and free concerts throughout the summer. There are also plenty of activities for kids, including an indoor playground and a children’s museum.

Explore Millennium Park

Millennium Park is one of Chicago’s most iconic landmarks and is located in downtown near The Magnificent Mile. It covers 24.5 acres of land and features an array of public artworks, gardens, and a popular music venue. Its most famous attraction is Cloud Gate (or “The Bean”), an enormous sculpture by Indian artist Anish Kapoor. Other highlights include Crown Fountain, an interactive sculpture featuring two 50-foot towers that project videos of Chicagoans; Lurie Garden; and Jay Pritzker Pavilion, an outdoor music venue that features free concerts throughout the summer.

Visit The Art Institute Of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the world’s most renowned art museums and showcases works from around the world. It is located in Grant Park near The Magnificent Mile and Navy Pier and features over 300,000 works of art from ancient to modern times. Highlights include the largest collection of impressionist art outside of Paris; works by Monet, Renoir, Degas; contemporary art from Warhol and Pollock; and ancient Egyptian artifacts. Admission to the Art Institute is free for children under 14 years old and Illinois residents with valid ID on Thursdays from 5pm – 8pm.

Take A Walking Tour Of The Loop

The Loop is one of Chicago’s most iconic neighborhoods and is located in downtown near The Magnificent Mile and Navy Pier. It is home to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks and attractions, such as Millennium Park and The Art Institute of Chicago. A great way to explore the Loop is to take a free walking tour with a knowledgeable guide who will point out interesting sights and tell you about the history of the area. Tours are typically 90 minutes long and leave from Pioneer Court on North Michigan Avenue every Saturday morning at 10am.

Explore Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park is one of Chicago’s largest parks and is located just north of downtown along Lake Michigan. It covers 1,208 acres of land and features an array of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. Highlights include Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in North America; North Avenue Beach; Lincoln Park Conservatory; Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool; Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum; and plenty of walking trails.

Attend A Free Cultural Event

Chicago is known as a cultural mecca, with something for everyone. Throughout the year, there are numerous free cultural events that are open to visitors, including free concerts at Millennium Park, free outdoor movies at Navy Pier or Millennium Park, or free art festivals along Michigan Avenue or in Grant Park. These events offer visitors a great way to experience Chicago’s diverse culture without spending any money.

Experience The Nightlife

Chicago is known for its vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of bars, clubs, lounges, and live music venues to explore. There are numerous options for those looking for a night out on the town without spending any money. Many bars offer free live music or happy hour specials, while some clubs offer free admission before 10pm or 11pm. Additionally, there are plenty of free outdoor concerts throughout the summer that offer visitors a great way to experience Chicago’s nightlife without spending any money.

Book A Free Tour

There are plenty of companies that offer free tours around Chicago’s most iconic sights and neighborhoods. These tours usually last around two hours and are great for visitors looking to get an overview of the city without spending any money. Tours typically visit popular sights such as The Magnificent Mile and Navy Pier as well as lesser-known attractions like Pilsen or Chinatown. Free tours are available from companies such as Free Tours by Foot, which offers tours around The Loop every day at 11am and 1pm; Big Bus Tours Chicago; or Big Onion Walking Tours which offers tours around Hyde Park every Sunday at 1:15pm.

Take A Free Bike Tour Of The City

One of the best ways to explore Chicago is by bike as there are plenty of bike paths throughout the city that are ideal for leisurely rides. There are several companies that offer free bike tours around the city that take visitors to popular sights such as The Magnificent Mile or Millennium Park as well as lesser-known attractions like Chinatown or Pilsen. Most tours last around two hours and are great for visitors looking to get an overview of the city without spending any money. Free bike tours are available from companies such as Bike & Roll Chicago which offers tours around The Loop every day at 10am; Divvy Bikes which offers tours around Hyde Park every Saturday at 10am; or Bobby’s Bike Hike which offers tours around Wicker Park every Sunday at 10am.

Explore The Neighborhoods

Chicago is known for its vibrant neighborhoods that each have their own unique character and charm. Exploring these neighborhoods on foot is one of the best ways to get to know the city without spending any money. Hyde Park is home to President Obama’s former residence; Pilsen has incredible Mexican cuisine; Wicker Park is full of hip bars and art galleries; Chinatown has excellent dim sum restaurants; Little Italy has some of the best Italian food in town; Bridgeport has a strong Irish culture; Andersonville is home to some great Swedish restaurants; Ravenswood has some amazing craft breweries; Bucktown has great coffee shops; Logan Square has trendy restaurants and bars; Ukrainian Village has some great Eastern European restaurants; Lincoln Square has some excellent German eateries; Old Town has excellent comedy clubs; Wrigleyville has lots of sports bars; River North has some chic restaurants and bars; West Town has some excellent Mexican restaurants; Lakeview has some great pubs; Gold Coast has upscale boutiques; River West has some fun nightlife spots; University Village has some amazing pizza places; South Loop has some great jazz clubs; Roscoe Village has an eclectic mix of bars and restaurants; plus much more!

Popular Tours in Chicago

For visitors looking for a more structured experience exploring Chicago’s many attractions, there are several popular tours available for booking online with Viator or GetYourGuide. Here are two popular tours that visitors can book online:

Viator: Architecture River Cruise Tour

Explore Chicago’s stunning architecture on this 90-minute river cruise along the Chicago River. This tour is perfect for visitors looking for a unique way to explore the city’s iconic skyline as it sails past landmarks such as Willis Tower, Tribune Tower, Wrigley Building, Merchandise Mart, John Hancock Center, and more! You’ll learn about each building’s history from your knowledgeable guide as you cruise along this scenic route on this unforgettable tour Architecture River Cruise Tour.

GetYourGuide: Bike Tour Of The Windy City

Discover Chicago’s beautiful lakefront and neighborhoods on this three-hour bike tour with an experienced guide! This tour is perfect for visitors who want to explore more than just downtown as it takes you through many different neighborhoods including Hyde Park, Chinatown, Pilsen, Little Italy, Wicker Park, Logan Square, Ukrainian Village, Lincoln Square, Old Town, Wrigleyville, River North, West Town, Lakeview, Gold Coast, River West, University Village, South Loop & Roscoe Village! You’ll learn all about each area’s history from your knowledgeable guide as you pedal through this picturesque route on this amazing Bike Tour Of The Windy City.

From modern skyscrapers to historic neighborhoods to lush parks and gardens – there’s something for everyone in Chicago! From exploring The Magnificent Mile or Navy Pier to visiting world-class museums like The Art Institute Of Chicago or attending free cultural events throughout the year – there are plenty of free things to do in this amazing city! Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation – there’s something for everyone in Chicago!