Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in Chicago

We've collected top 10 mentioned things to do in Chicago from other articles such as 48 hours in downtown Chicago: Day 2, For art & architecture lovers, Luxury Columnist, including activities with kids, adult only attractions, cheap and free events

Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in Chicago

Millennium Park
Millennium Park
4.8 (58155 ratings)4.5 (22489 ratings)
24.5-acre green space with a video display, the reflective "Bean" sculpture & an outdoor theater.
201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602, USA
ParkSights & LandmarksHistoric Walking AreasPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Navy Pier
Navy Pier
4.6 (50660 ratings)4 (13593 ratings)
Former Navy training center draws crowds with carnival rides, restaurants, shops & fireworks.
600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Sights & LandmarksAmusement centerCultural centerEvent venuePiers & BoardwalksTheme Parks
Mentioned by Chicago 3 days itinerary
Chicago Itinerary – 3 Days in Chicago for First Timers
"A few of the highlights of your tour include the Museum Campus, Navy Pier, Water Tower Place Mall, Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), and more. You’ll be able to disembark at most landmarks, so it’s easy to use this your to further your itinerary (although traffic can be a factor, so don’t rely exclusively on this for transportation)."
Mentioned by Tripster Travel Guide
32 Totally Free Things to Do in Chicago
"This iconic Chicago attraction is bursting with attractions. However, many of them charge a fee. Believe it or not, though, there are several free things to do in Chicago at Navy Pier."
Garfield Park Conservatory
Garfield Park Conservatory
4.8 (6118 ratings)4.5 (719 ratings)
184-acre park with a swimming pool, fishing lagoon, athletic fields, tennis courts & more.
300 N Central Park Ave, Chicago, IL 60624, USA
ParkSights & LandmarksBotanical gardenHistoric SitesGardens
Grant Park
Grant Park
4.7 (16394 ratings)4.5 (854 ratings)
319-acre centerpiece of Downtown housing some of the city's busiest attractions.
337 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601, USA
City parkNature & ParksPark
Skydeck Chicago
Skydeck Chicago
4.5 (18620 ratings)4.5 (15971 ratings)
103rd floor of the former Sears Tower with clear observation boxes & views extending to four states.
233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606, USA
Observation deckSights & LandmarksMuseumArchitectural BuildingsObservation Decks & TowersPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Charnley-Persky House Museum
Charnley-Persky House Museum
4.6 (34 ratings)4.5 (19 ratings)
Important example of early modern architecture from 1892 by Louis Sullivan & Frank Lloyd Wright.
1365 N Astor St, Chicago, IL 60610, USA
MuseumSights & LandmarksHistorical landmarkArchitectural BuildingsHistory Museums
Mentioned by Museum Hack
Museums in Chicago: The Complete List (2020
"The Charnley-Persky House Museum is in Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood. The location is famous for being one of the only surviving residential pieces designed by Louis Sullivan. Frank Lloyd Wright was also a contributor to the project; at the time of the house's construction, Wright worked for Sullivan."
Mentioned by ArchDaily
23 Buildings You Shouldn’t Miss in Chicago
"Description: Charnley-Persky House is one of the oldest houses of Chicago (with Glessner and Clarke Houses) and it is said to be the first modern house in Chicago. The red house next to it was built shortly before, and the differences are amazing. Tours are offered on Wednesday afternoons."
Guaranteed Rate Field
Guaranteed Rate Field
4.6 (10075 ratings)4 (1006 ratings)
The Chicago White Sox baseball stadium offers a variety of concession stands & gift shops.
333 W 35th St, Chicago, IL 60616, USA
StadiumSights & LandmarksBaseball fieldArenas & Stadiums
Mentioned by Thrillist
The 30 Most Instagrammed Places in Chicago
"With over 40,000 unobstructed-view seats, the White Sox stadium is a good spot to capture your ice cream cone, the crowd, AND the field in one shot. Unless you’re going for the 3lb ice cream sundae in a batting helmet… you’re probably gonna need two hands for that."
Bohemian National Cemetery
Bohemian National Cemetery
3.6 (70 ratings)4.5 (9 ratings)
5255 N Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60630, USA
CemeterySights & LandmarksHistoric Sites
Mentioned by Condé Nast Traveler
21 Best Things to Do in Chicago
"Known for its limestone gatehouse and highly decorated columbarium niches, which are composed of photographs, artwork, flags, and other mementos of individuals whose ashes are stored there, this cemetery, established by Chicago's Czech community in 1877, also features storied mausoleums, stained glass images and a special dedication to Chicago Cubs fans. It's a quieter, welcome alternative to public parks that often draw rambunctious young children."
City Gallery in the Historic Water Tower
City Gallery in the Historic Water Tower
4.5 (545 ratings)4 (190 ratings)
Chicago-focused gallery, specializing in photos, inside a 19th-century Gothic limestone landmark.
806 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Art gallerySights & LandmarksObservation Decks & TowersPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Mentioned by Upstairs Downstairs Cleaning Service
75+ Delightful (& Affordable) Things to Do in Chicago with Kids
"Older school children and some older teens may enjoy the stunning architecture and impressive art collection found here. Located on the Magnificent Mile, Chicago’s one of the most easily recognized landmarks was built from 1867-1869 and survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Exhibits change regularly so check the website to see what’s on display before you visit."
Mentioned by Wheretraveler
11 Beautiful Buildings That Show Off Chicago's Architecture
"Who can resist the charm of this Gothic revival sandcastle tower in the middle of the Mag Mile?. Add to that its history and use, and this structure always gets a vote in our best-of lists. Built in 1869, following completion of the Pumping Station across the street, the Tower now houses a city-run art gallery."
Mentioned by Your Chicago Guide
AMAZING Free Things To Do in Chicago
"This free gallery is located within the historic Water Tower and features a rotating gallery of works by Chicago photographers and artists."
Garden of the Phoenix
Garden of the Phoenix
4.7 (549 ratings)4.5 (19 ratings)
Japanese garden on Jackson Park's Wooded Island featuring a waterfall & foot bridges.
6300 S Cornell Ave, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
GardenNature & Parks

Best Breakfast and Brunch Places in Chicago

Chicago Q
Chicago Q
4.4 (1112 ratings)
House-smoked Southern BBQ plus a full bar & bourbon flights in an upscale setting.
1160 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60610, USA
Barbecue restaurantAmerican restaurantBarBrunch restaurantLounge
Mentioned by Lake Shore Lady
Best Chicago Date Night Restaurants
"When you want date night and your man wants BBQ, Chicago Q is a great compromise. I personally love it more in the summer because their patio for outdoor dining is so cute, but it’s a solid date spot no matter what!"
Janik's Cafe
Janik's Cafe
4.6 (516 ratings)
Casual eatery with quirky decor serving Mexican-inspired fare for all-day breakfast & lunch.
2011 W Division St #3157, Chicago, IL 60622, USA
Breakfast restaurantAmerican restaurantRestaurant
Bohemian House
Bohemian House
4.5 (391 ratings)
Funky-yet-luxe space with leather banquettes for pierogi, schnitzel & other Central European fare.
11 W Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA
European restaurantAustrian restaurantBrunch restaurantCocktail barCzech restaurantGerman restaurantLoungeLunch restaurant

Cheap Places to Eat in Chicago

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
4.5 (6212 ratings)
Family-owned local chain for Italian classics & Chicago-style, deep-dish pizzas with butter crusts.
805 S State St, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
Pizza restaurantCatererPizza deliveryPizza Takeout
Mentioned by Chicago 2 days itinerary
The perfect two day Chicago itinerary to hit the best photography spots
"No Chicago day tour is complete without indulging in a some deep dish pizza, so grab a slice at Lou Malnati’s on N Wells Street which many locals swear is the best joint in town (or Giordano’s, or Gino’s East, depending who you ask). From there it’s only a couple more blocks to the Flamingo Rum Club, which is known for its mural depicting a trio of larger-than-life, fluorescent pink flamingos…AKA Instagram heaven and one of the best photo spots in Chicago."
Mentioned by Chicago 3 days itinerary
3 Day Chicago Itinerary For First-Time Visitors
"Sit down for dinner at one of Chicago’s popular deep dish pizza restaurants (my favorite is Lou Malnati’s). The pizza takes at least 30 minutes to arrive at the table after ordering, so make sure to get a salad or appetizer if you’re hungry."
Hon Kee Bbq & Seafood Restaurant
Hon Kee Bbq & Seafood Restaurant
4.4 (457 ratings)
Enduring, no-frills Chinese option for eats such as roasted duck, noodle soups & crispy pork belly.
5009 N Winthrop Ave, Chicago, IL 60640, USA
Chinese restaurantRestaurant
Himmel's
Himmel's
4.5 (302 ratings)
Roman pizzas from a wood-burning oven plus Italian & German fare including schnitzels & pastas.
2251 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60625, USA
European restaurantGerman restaurantItalian restaurantPizza restaurantRestaurant

Best Arts and Culture Places in Chicago

Smart Museum of Art
Smart Museum of Art
4.5 (307 ratings)4.5 (47 ratings)
Museum specializing in Asian, European, Contemporary & Modern Art, with over 12,000 objects.
5550 S Greenwood Ave, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
Art museumMuseums
Mentioned by Chicago Parent
38 Chicagoland Museums Families Should Visit At Least Once
"In the warmer months, kids of all ages will love visiting the outdoor sculpture garden and all year long families can try their hands and Family Day on the first Saturday of the month. Located on the University of Chicago campus, students, faculty and alumni often contribute to the exhibitions."
Mentioned by Museum Hack
Museums in Chicago: The Complete List (2020
"The David and Alfred Smart Museum of Art is part of the University of Chicago's campus. The Smart Museum has a permanent collection with more than 15,000 objects, ranging from modern art to Asian art to contemporary art to European art. The galleries are rehung each year."
Heaven Gallery
Heaven Gallery
4.7 (26 ratings)
1550 N Milwaukee Ave #2, Chicago, IL 60622, USA
Art gallery
Pritzker Military Museum & Library
Pritzker Military Museum & Library
4.5 (50 ratings)4 (61 ratings)
Collection of artifacts, films & books on US military history, housed in an ornate 1912 building.
104 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603, USA
History museumMuseumsArchiveArt galleryLibraryMilitary Museums
Mentioned by Choose Chicago
11 Must-See Museums Near Downtown Chicago
"At the Pritzker Military Museum & Library, You’ll find thousands of artifacts, books, posters, photographs, maps, and manuscripts, ranging from military medals to swords, that tell America’s history through the eyes of the citizen soldier. Take a tour any day of the week (free with admission) or wander collections ranging from WWII and Korean War training comics to medical research files on topics like early ambulances and Civil War nurses. Pritzker Military Museum & Library, 104 S."
Mentioned by Museum Hack
Museums in Chicago: The Complete List (2020
"The Pritzker Military Museum & Library in Chicago is dedicated to highlighting and studying military history. Founded in 2003, the museum now has more than 115,000 objects, 67,000 books, and 9,000 photos. The collection includes rare military memorabilia, glass negatives, posters, artwork, and videos."
Mentioned by Do312
Chicago Free Museum Days In 2020
"Museum admission is always free for anyone with an active military ID, the Chicago police and fire departments and children under 18. General free admission days for 2020 are:. April 6 – Centennial of WWI"

Vacation Rentals, Airbnb, Hotels & Cabins near Chicago

Club Quarters Hotel, Central Loop
Hotel
$326 /night
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4.1 (1343 reviews)
Aloft Chicago Mag Mile
Hotel
$134 /night
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4.3 (3507 reviews)
River Hotel
Hotel
$129 /night
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