Things To Do In Chicago Area

Chicago is one of the great cities of the United States, located in the Midwest along the shores of Lake Michigan. Chicago is home to a population of over 2.7 million people and is known for its diverse architecture, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural history. Founded in 1830, Chicago has grown from a small trading post on the banks of the Chicago River to become America’s third largest city.

Chicago is known for its world-class museums, iconic skyline, and remarkable art galleries. The city is home to several famous attractions, including the Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park, Navy Pier, and the Art Institute of Chicago. It also has numerous professional sports teams, including the Chicago Bulls, White Sox, Cubs, and Bears. No matter what your interests are, there is something for everyone in this wonderful city.

The city is a great place to visit for a weekend getaway or an extended vacation. There are plenty of things to do in the city for travelers of all ages and interests. Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening stroll along the lakefront or an adventure-filled day trip to one of the nearby suburbs, there’s something for you to do in the Chicago area. Here are some of the best things to do in the Windy City.

Explore The Magnificent Mile

The Magnificent Mile is one of Chicago’s most popular destinations. This vibrant stretch of Michigan Avenue runs from the Chicago River to Oak Street and is lined with upscale shops, restaurants, and hotels. It’s a great place to explore on foot or take a leisurely stroll along the lakefront. There are plenty of things to do here, including checking out the architecture, shopping for unique souvenirs, or visiting one of the many museums and galleries. The Magnificent Mile is also home to many of Chicago’s most iconic landmarks, such as Tribune Tower, Wrigley Building, and Water Tower Place.

Visit Navy Pier

Navy Pier is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. Located along the shores of Lake Michigan, Navy Pier offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages. The pier is home to shops, restaurants, and attractions such as an IMAX theater, carousel, ferris wheel, and more. It also hosts many festivals and events throughout the year, including free concerts and art fairs. Navy Pier is a great place to spend a day exploring the city and taking in the sights and sounds of Chicago.

Shop Along State Street

State Street is another popular destination for shopping in Chicago. This bustling street runs from Grant Park to Lake Michigan and is home to some of the city’s best stores and restaurants. Shoppers can find everything from high-end designer boutiques to budget-friendly stores at State Street. It’s also a great place to grab a bite to eat or take a break from shopping with a cup of coffee or tea at one of the many cafes and restaurants along the street.

Visit The Art Institute Of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the city’s premier art museums. Located in Grant Park, this museum houses an impressive collection of artwork from all over the world. Visitors can explore European Impressionism and American Modernism as well as contemporary art and photography. The Art Institute also hosts special exhibitions and events throughout the year.

Experience The Nightlife Of Wrigleyville

Wrigleyville is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Chicago for nightlife. This lively area is home to Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs baseball team, and lively bars and clubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you’re looking for a casual evening at a dive bar or a wild night out on the town, Wrigleyville has it all.

Explore The Lincoln Park Zoo

The Lincoln Park Zoo is one of Chicago’s most popular attractions. Located in the heart of Lincoln Park, this zoo features over 1,000 animals from around the world. The zoo also has several interactive exhibits and offers special events throughout the year. Whether you’re looking for an educational experience or just want to spend some time outdoors with your family, Lincoln Park Zoo offers something for everyone.

Enjoy An Architecture Tour Of The City

Chicago is known for its impressive architecture and there are plenty of ways to experience it. One of the best ways to explore the city’s architecture is by taking an architecture tour. Tours can be taken by boat on the Chicago River or by foot along Michigan Avenue or State Street. Tours typically highlight some of the city’s most famous buildings such as Tribune Tower, Wrigley Building, and Water Tower Place.

Tour The Historic Frank Lloyd Wright Home And Studio

The Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio is a must-see for anyone interested in architecture or design. This historic house was designed by the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1889 and stands today as a testament to his genius. Tours are available that take visitors through this home and studio as well as other buildings designed by Wright in Oak Park.

Visit The Famous Cloud Gate “The Bean”

Cloud Gate, also known as “The Bean,” is one of Chicago’s most iconic landmarks. This outdoor sculpture was created by artist Anish Kapoor in 2004 and has become an integral part of the city’s skyline ever since. Cloud Gate is located in Millennium Park and visitors can take pictures with it as well as admire its unique shape and reflective properties.

Take A Hot Air Balloon Ride Over The City

For a truly unforgettable experience, consider taking a hot air balloon ride over Chicago. Hot air balloon rides provide stunning views of the city skyline and offer a unique perspective on this great city. Most flights are around an hour long and give passengers stunning views of Lake Michigan and other nearby landmarks such as Navy Pier and Wrigley Field.

Go On An Architecture Cruise Of The River

Another great way to experience Chicago’s famous architecture is by taking an architecture cruise on the river. Several companies offer guided tours that take passengers past some of the city’s most iconic buildings such as Tribune Tower, Wrigley Building, and Water Tower Place. These tours provide passengers with an up close view of these buildings and offer interesting facts about each one as well.

Explore The Nearby Suburbs

The suburbs surrounding Chicago have plenty to offer visitors as well. Nearby towns such as Evanston, Oak Park, and Skokie offer their own unique attractions that are worth exploring during your visit to the city. Evanston is home to Northwestern University and has plenty of shops, restaurants, and galleries to explore. Oak Park is home to several historic homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright as well as numerous parks and green spaces to enjoy. Skokie has several popular attractions such as a children’s museum and a botanical garden that are worth checking out during your stay in Chicago.

Book a Tour Of The Chicago Riverwalk

The Chicago Riverwalk is one of the most popular attractions in downtown Chicago, offering breathtaking views of the city skyline along its 2-mile stretch that runs from Lake Michigan to Lake Shore Drive along the north branch of the river. There are plenty of activities along the Riverwalk such as boat rides, kayaking adventures, walking tours, exhibitions and performances, plus plenty of restaurants, shops, parks and more that make it an ideal destination for visitors who want to explore all that downtown Chicago has to offer! Book a guided tour of the Riverwalk here to learn more about this amazing part of town while you enjoy its beauty!

Go On A Food Tour Of Little Italy

Little Italy has been a part of Chicago since 1895 when Italian immigrants settled there following their arrival in America looking for work opportunities. Today it remains one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods with its unique Italian restaurants serving up traditional dishes using only locally-sourced ingredients! Take a food tour here through Little Italy where you can sample delicious Italian cuisine while discovering fascinating stories about this storied neighborhood from your guide!

Take A Brewery Tour Of Goose Island

Goose Island Beer Company is one of Chicago’s most beloved breweries with their locations around town offering up award-winning craft beer made with locally-sourced ingredients! Take a brewery tour here through their original brewery located on Goose Island where you can learn about beer-making techniques while sampling some delicious brews! At Goose Island Beer Company you can also enjoy locally-sourced food plus live music performances!

Whether you’re planning a long weekend getaway or an extended vacation, there are plenty of things to do in Chicago for travelers of all ages and interests! From exploring historic landmarks like Tribune Tower and Wrigley Building to discovering unique art galleries or taking a hot air balloon ride over the city skyline, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city! Now that you know what activities await you in this amazing destination – go ahead and book your trip!