Things To Do in Chicago Today for Free

Chicago is a vibrant and beautiful city full of culture and history. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan in the heart of the Midwest, Chicago has been an integral part of the United States’ development since it was founded in the 1830s. The city has a unique blend of architecture, art, and culture that has made it one of the most popular cities in the world. From its iconic skyline to its world-renowned museums, Chicago is a city that celebrates its past while also looking towards the future.

Chicago has plenty to offer visitors, no matter their interests. From shopping to sightseeing to sampling some of the city’s amazing food, there are plenty of things to do in Chicago today for free! Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time resident, here are some of the best things to do in the Windy City today without spending a penny.

Explore Chicago’s Amazing Architecture

Chicago is known for its unique architecture, and there are plenty of opportunities to explore it for free. The city is home to some of the most impressive and iconic buildings in the world, and many of them can be seen on self-guided walking tours or by simply taking a stroll through the city. From the iconic Bean sculpture in Millennium Park to the stunning Art Deco towers of the Loop, there’s no shortage of amazing buildings to explore in Chicago.

One of the most popular attractions in Chicago is The Magnificent Mile. This stretch of Michigan Avenue is lined with some of the city’s most impressive buildings, from the neo-Gothic Tribune Tower to the Art Deco Wrigley Building. Taking a stroll along The Magnificent Mile will give you a great view of some of Chicago’s most iconic buildings.

Visit Chicago’s Famous Museums

Chicago is home to some of the world’s most famous museums, and many of them are free or offer free admission days. The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the best museums in the world and it is free on Thursdays from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The Field Museum is another great museum that offers free admission on select days. The Museum of Science and Industry also offers free admission on select days.

The Chicago Cultural Center is also a great place to explore for free. This historic building houses rotating exhibits and permanent displays, and it’s free to visit any time. Finally, the National Museum of Mexican Art offers free admission year-round and has a permanent collection of more than 7,000 objects from ancient times to modern day.

Experience Chicago’s Outdoor Activities

Chicago has plenty of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy for free. From exploring the city’s parks to taking a stroll along Lake Michigan’s shoreline, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Chicago’s great outdoors without spending any money.

One of the best ways to experience nature in the city is by exploring one of the many green spaces throughout Chicago. Grant Park offers stunning views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline, while Lincoln Park offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown. The 606 Trail is another great option for those looking to get away from it all and explore nature in the city.

Sample Chicago’s Famous Food Scene

Chicago is known for its delicious food scene, and there are plenty of opportunities to try some amazing food without spending any money. Many restaurants offer daily specials that can be found online or posted outside the restaurant. Many local markets also host events such as tastings or food festivals that offer free samples of local dishes.

Of course, no visit to Chicago would be complete without trying one of the city’s famous deep dish pizzas. Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria offers free pizza samples at its downtown location every day during lunchtime hours. It’s a great way to get a taste of Chicago’s favorite dish without spending money!

Take a Tour of Chicago

One of the best ways to learn about Chicago is to take a tour. There are many tours available throughout the city, and some are even free! One popular tour that is offered for free is the Chicago Greeter Tour. This tour is offered by the city and is hosted by volunteers who are knowledgeable about all aspects of Chicago’s history and culture. The tour is offered daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and takes visitors throughout downtown and some of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods.

Another popular tour is called Architecture River Cruise. On this cruise, visitors are taken on a boat ride along the Chicago River and given an up-close look at some of the city’s most iconic buildings from an entirely different perspective. This tour is offered by several companies throughout Chicago but they all charge a fee.

Book Your Tour Now

Booking one or more of these amazing tours can be done directly online with Viator or GetYourGuide. Viator offers a variety of different tours around Chicago including guided walking tours, food tours, and even helicopter tours over the city. GetYourGuide also offers a wide variety of tours as well as activities such as Segway tours and bike rentals.

Both Viator and GetYourGuide offer easy online booking with secure payment processing so you can book your tour with confidence knowing your information is safe and secure. With so many amazing options for things to do in Chicago today for free, you can easily find something that fits your interests and budget!