Places To Go In Chicago

Chicago is one of the most iconic cities in the United States, with a rich history and culture that has captivated people for centuries. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago is a vibrant city full of amazing attractions and experiences for visitors. From the famous Skydeck at Willis Tower to the fascinating Field Museum, there is something for everyone in this bustling city. Here’s a guide to some of the best places to visit in Chicago.

The Windy City: A Brief History

The city of Chicago has a long and colorful history. It was first settled by Europeans in the late 1780s, and it quickly grew into an important port city and trading hub. By the mid-19th century, Chicago was an industrial powerhouse, with steel mills and stockyards that helped drive the nation’s economy. In the early 20th century, Chicago was one of the most important centers of jazz and blues music, while also becoming a major center of immigration. Today, Chicago is a major metropolis, and it is home to some of the world’s most recognizable landmarks, like the Willis Tower and Wrigley Field.

Famous Attractions

Chicago is a city full of amazing attractions that visitors won’t want to miss. Here are a few of the most famous sights to check out:

Willis Tower Skydeck

The Willis Tower Skydeck is arguably the most iconic landmark in Chicago. This observation deck stands at 1,353 feet tall and gives visitors breathtaking views of the city from one of the tallest buildings in the world. The Skydeck also features The Ledge, a glass-enclosed platform that lets visitors stand suspended 1,353 feet above the ground.

The Field Museum

The Field Museum is a natural history museum located on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago. This museum houses a vast collection of artifacts, fossils and displays that tell the story of life on Earth. From ancient Egyptian mummies to dinosaur fossils, the Field Museum offers something for everyone.

Millennium Park

Millennium Park is an urban oasis located in downtown Chicago. This park features winding paths, sculpture gardens and an iconic sculpture known as “The Bean”. Millennium Park also hosts events like concerts and art shows throughout the year.

Navy Pier

Navy Pier is a popular attraction that stretches out into Lake Michigan. This pier features family-friendly attractions like an amusement park, a carousel and an IMAX theater. Navy Pier also hosts events like festivals and concerts throughout the year.

Unique Experiences

In addition to these well-known attractions, there are plenty of unique experiences to explore in Chicago. Here are a few to check out:

Architecture Tours

Chicago is renowned for its stunning architecture, and there are several ways to explore it. One of the best is to take an architecture tour, which shows visitors some of the city’s most iconic buildings. Some of these tours focus on specific neighborhoods or styles of architecture, while others offer a more general look at the city’s many impressive structures.

Food Tours

Chicago is home to a wide variety of culinary delights, from deep dish pizza to hot dogs with all the fixings. Food tours offer visitors the chance to explore some of these local favorites while learning about their history and traditions. These tours often include stops at iconic restaurants and markets, giving visitors a chance to sample some of the city’s unique culinary specialties.

Brewery Tours

Chicago is home to dozens of craft breweries, offering visitors a chance to sample some of the best beer in the world. Brewery tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at how these local brews are made, as well as samples of some of the best beers they have to offer. Tours often include a visit to local beer gardens or taprooms as well.

Popular Tours

Chicago offers plenty of amazing tours for visitors to enjoy. Here are two popular tours offered in the city:

Shedd Aquarium Tour

The Shedd Aquarium Tour is one of the most popular tours in Chicago. This tour takes visitors on an underwater journey through some of the world’s largest freshwater aquariums. Along the way, visitors learn about aquatic life from around the world and get up close with some of their favorite sea creatures. The tour includes interactive exhibits and activities as well as lots of unique photo opportunities. Book a Shedd Aquarium Tour here.

Chicago Food & History Tour

The Chicago Food & History Tour takes visitors on an exploration of some of the city’s best food spots. On this tour, guests visit iconic restaurants like Giordano’s Pizza and Al’s Italian Beef for samples of some of Chicago’s favorite dishes. Along the way, they learn about the history behind these dishes and how they became so popular in the city. Book a Chicago Food & History Tour here.

Conclusion

Chicago is an amazing city with plenty of things to do and see for visitors. From iconic attractions like Willis Tower Skydeck to unique experiences like brewery tours, this vibrant city has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an exciting adventure, there’s no shortage of great places to explore in Chicago.