Things to See in Chicago

Chicago is one of America’s most iconic cities, offering world-class attractions, incredible dining, and a vibrant nightlife. From its stately skyline to its vibrant neighborhoods, the Windy City has something to offer every visitor. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend away or a full week of sightseeing, Chicago has plenty of attractions to fill up your itinerary. Here’s a guide to some of the best and most iconic things to see and do in Chicago.

History and Culture

Chicago is a city steeped in history. The city was first established in the 1830s and went on to become one of America’s most important industrial cities. Over the years, it has grown into a major hub for business, technology, and culture. With over 2.7 million residents, Chicago is the third most populous city in the United States.

Today, the city is known for its iconic skyline, world-class museums, and vibrant arts scene. From the world-renowned Art Institute to the extensive Chicago Cultural Center, the city is home to some of the best visual arts institutions in the world. Visitors can explore these renowned institutions, as well as more offbeat attractions like the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art.

Lake Michigan and the Beaches

With its location on the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Lake Michigan is one of the five Great Lakes of North America and is perfect for swimming and other water activities. Swimmers can enjoy the calm waters of North Avenue Beach or take a dip in the chilly waters of Oak Street Beach. Meanwhile, avid sailors can explore the lake with boat rentals from Navy Pier.

If you’d rather stay on dry land, you can explore the many miles of shoreline with a walk or bike ride along Lake Shore Drive or the Lakefront Trail. Another popular activity is kayaking or paddle boarding along the lake’s edge. From North Avenue Beach to 31st Street Harbor, there are numerous places to launch your boat or board and explore Chicago’s stunning lakefront scenery.

Restaurants and Nightlife

Chicago is known for its vibrant dining and nightlife scene. From iconic deep-dish pizza joints to world-renowned steakhouses, there’s something for every taste in the Windy City. Visitors can sample a variety of cuisines from around the world, including Italian, Mexican, Greek, and Chinese.

When night falls, the city comes alive with its many bars and clubs. The riverfront district of River North is home to some of the city’s hottest nightclubs and bars – perfect for dancing till dawn. For a quieter night out, head to one of the many jazz clubs in the South Loop or grab a few drinks at a cozy neighborhood bar in Wicker Park.

Architecture and Landmarks

Chicago is home to some of America’s most iconic buildings and landmarks. The city’s skyline is dominated by some of the tallest buildings in the world, such as Willis Tower (formerly known as Sears Tower) and John Hancock Center. Visitors can get an up-close look at these buildings from the Observation Deck at Willis Tower or take a cruise down the Chicago River to admire their impressive architecture from below.

Other popular landmarks include Cloud Gate (aka “The Bean’) at Millennium Park, Buckingham Fountain at Grant Park, and Navy Pier on Lake Michigan. These are all popular destinations for both locals and visitors alike, perfect for sightseeing or just taking in the beauty of Chicago.

The Magnificent Mile

The Magnificent Mile is one of Chicago’s most popular tourist attractions. Spanning from North Michigan Avenue to Oak Street Beach on Lake Michigan, this iconic stretch of road is home to some of the best shopping, dining, and sightseeing in Chicago. Among its many attractions are world-class museums like The Art Institute of Chicago and The Museum of Contemporary Art, as well as top-notch shopping venues like The Shops at North Bridge and Water Tower Place. Along with its many shops and eateries, visitors can also take in the breathtaking views from various points along this stretch of road.

The Shedd Aquarium

The Shedd Aquarium is one of Chicago’s most beloved attractions. Located on Lake Michigan, this world-renowned aquarium houses over 32,000 aquatic animals from 700 different species. From colorful fish to playful dolphins, visitors can explore its many exhibits up close. The aquarium also offers interactive experiences such as diving with sharks and sea turtles, as well as educational programs for children. There’s also an outdoor terrace where visitors can get a glimpse of Lake Michigan or take a break from exploring its many exhibits.

A Tour of Wrigley Field

No trip to Chicago would be complete without visiting Wrigley Field – home of the Chicago Cubs baseball team since 1916. Visitors can take a tour of this historic stadium and learn about its long history as well as its many famous players. Tour-goers can explore areas such as the dugout, press box, and bleachers while learning about Wrigley Field’s rich history through interactive displays and videos.

A Helicopter Tour

For those looking for an unforgettable experience in Chicago, a helicopter tour is a must-do activity. Visitors can soar above the city’s famous skyline while enjoying breathtaking views of its many landmarks and attractions. Helicopter tours are available all year round and offer an unparalleled perspective on some of Chicago’s most iconic sights such as Buckingham Fountain, Willis Tower, Cloud Gate (aka “The Bean’), Navy Pier, and more.

Book an Architecture Cruise

To really appreciate Chicago’s architectural wonders, visitors should book an architecture cruise along the Chicago River. This popular tour takes guests through some of the city’s most iconic buildings including The Willis Tower (formerly known as Sears Tower), Tribune Tower, The Wrigley Building, and more. During this two-hour cruise, guests will learn about each building’s history as well as its architecture from knowledgeable tour guides.

Explore Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo is one of Chicago’s oldest attractions and one of its most beloved institutions. This 35 acre zoo is home to over 1,200 animals from around the world including lions, zebras, gorillas, giraffes, elephants, polar bears, seals, monkeys and more. It also offers interactive exhibits such as farm animal exhibits and animal feedings throughout the day that allow visitors to get up close and personal with some of their favorite animals.

Take Part in an Urban Adventure Tour

Urban Adventure Tours offer visitors a unique way to explore Chicago by bike or foot with knowledgeable tour guides that provide an insider’s perspective on some of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods such as Old Town or Wicker Park. During these three-hour tours participants will get to visit some of Chicago’s best restaurants, bars, shops and galleries while learning about local culture and history from their guides along the way.

Conclusion

From its stately skyline to its vibrant neighborhoods, there are so many incredible things to see and do in Chicago that it can be overwhelming for first-time visitors to decide where to start their explorations. With this guide, you now have an idea of some of the best places to visit when you’re in town – whether it’s exploring famous landmarks or sampling delicious cuisine – so you can make your stay in the Windy City unforgettable!