The Ultimate Guide to Things To Do In Chicago Next Weekend

Chicago is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. With its stunning skyline, vibrant culture, and world-class attractions, it’s easy to see why. From museums and galleries, to shopping, dining and nightlife, there’s something for everyone in the Windy City. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there’s no shortage of things to do in Chicago. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best activities to enjoy in Chicago next weekend!

Experience the Architecture

Chicago is renowned for its architecture and there are plenty of ways to explore the city’s impressive structures. One of the best ways to appreciate Chicago’s architecture is to take a guided tour. Companies like Chicago Architecture Center and Chicago Architecture Foundation offer guided walking tours that provide insight into the city’s history, culture, and design. If you’re looking for an even more immersive experience, try one of their boat tours, which offer unparalleled views of the city’s iconic skyline.

Explore the Museums

Chicago is home to some of the best museums in the world and whether you’re interested in art, science, history, or culture, you’ll find something that suits your interests. For art lovers, there’s The Art Institute of Chicago which houses an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, photographs and more. For history buffs, The Field Museum is a must-see with its ancient Egyptian artifacts and dinosaur bones. There’s also the Museum of Science and Industry which offers hands-on exhibits that will keep you entertained for hours.

Take in the Views

From street level to sky-high, there are plenty of places to take in impressive views of Chicago. If you want to get up close and personal with the cityscape, head to Navy Pier which offers stunning views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline. If you’d prefer a bird’s-eye view, check out Willis Tower Skydeck or 360 Chicago Observatory where you can take in the entire city from 1,000 feet up!

Sample the Local Cuisine

Chicago is known for its delicious food and it’s one of the best places in the country to sample traditional American cuisine. For classic Chicago-style hotdogs and pizza, head to Portillo’s or Giordano’s. For something a little more upscale, there’s Alinea or North Pond offering amazing tasting menus with locally-sourced ingredients. And for a unique food experience, check out Eataly which offers a variety of Italian dishes from pastries to pasta dishes.

Go Shopping

For those looking to pick up some souvenirs or gifts while they’re in Chicago, there are plenty of options. Magnificent Mile is a great place to start with its upscale boutiques, department stores, and luxury brands. For something more budget-friendly head to State Street which is home to a variety of shops and discount stores. There’s also Randolph Street Market with its vintage clothing and antiques and Wicker Park for unique boutiques and art galleries.

Catch a Show

Chicago is well known for its theater scene and there are plenty of shows to choose from throughout the city. The iconic Second City offers improv comedy shows that have been entertaining audiences for over 50 years. There’s also Broadway in Chicago which brings some of Broadway’s biggest shows to the stage at venues like Auditorium Theatre and Cadillac Palace Theatre. And for lovers of the performing arts, there are plenty of dance companies like Joffrey Ballet or Hubbard Street Dance offering a variety of performances throughout the year.

Take a Tour

Tours are a great way to see some of Chicago’s most famous attractions without having to do all the planning yourself. One popular tour is the Chicago Food Planet Food Tour which takes you on an exploration of some of the city’s most famous neighborhoods and dishes. You’ll get to sample some of Chicago’s most iconic foods including deep dish pizza and Chicago-style hotdogs while learning about the city’s culinary influences. This tour runs every day from 10am-1pm and tickets start at $60 per person. Book a Food Tour here.

Another great option is the Chicago River Cruise with Architecture Tour. This cruise takes you along the Chicago River and provides an in-depth look at the city’s impressive architecture and skyline. The tour lasts about 90 minutes and tickets start at $42 per person. Book a River Cruise here.

Finally, if you’re looking for an even more immersive experience, there’s the Shoreline Sightseeing Lake Michigan Architectural Tour which takes you on a two-hour cruise around Lake Michigan with stunning views of downtown Chicago and its iconic buildings. This tour runs every day at 12:30pm and tickets start at $30 per person. Book an Architecture Tour here.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for art, history, food or culture, there are plenty of things to do in Chicago next weekend. From guided tours and boat rides to shopping and dining experiences, there’s something for everyone in the Windy City. So grab your tickets, pack your bags and get ready for an action-packed weekend in one of America’s most vibrant cities!