Follow Us:
Find the best deals on cheap hotels in Chicago.
Home > Things To Do in Chicago
Things to do in Chicago
The largest city in Illinois and the third largest in the US, behind New York and Los Angeles, Chicago is complex in its inner workings and its culture. From arts and entertainment to modern feats of architecture, this city has it all, and enough of it to keep you coming back!
The list of things to do in Chicago could go on seemingly forever. Approximately 35 million people flock to town each year, and you can be sure they’re seeing more than what’s been mentioned below. Like Frank Sinatra sang in his popular take on the Jimmy Van Heusen song, “Chicago is my kind of town!”
Attractions and Sights
The Hancock Observatory is located near the top of the 100-story John Hancock Center and offers an unbeatable view of the city!
Sears Tower Skydeck, also known as the Willis Tower Skydeck offers a view of town for 108 stories.
Lincoln Park Zoo covers 35 acres and is home to over 1200 animals.
Shedd Aquarium features more than 1500 species and sees 2 million visitors a year.
Parks and Outdoor Activities
Millennium Park is one of Chicago's most popular parks. It features various works of art and a large capacity bandshell where many events are held.
Grant Park covers 320 acres and is home to Buckingham Fountain, Jay Pritzker Pavilion bandshell, Adler Planetarium, Field Museum of Natural History and Shedd Aquarium.
Navy Pier is Chicago's number one tourist attraction with its Ferris wheel, IMAX theatre, the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre and way more!
Landmarks
Buckingham Fountain is an ornate water fountain in Grant Park.
North American Life Insurance Building is a widely-known city landmark for its Gothic-style architecture.
Chicago Theatre is a famous historic place to see live music, plays, stand up comedy, and other types of theatre entertainment.
Tribune Tower stands at 36 floors. It's neo-Gothic architecture is known throughout the city.
Chicago Water Tower's castle-like design is a city icon. The building is Chicago Tourism's visitor center.
Shopping
Featuring big-name shops like Macy's, Sears, Filene's Basment and The Gap, State Street has it all.
Magnificent Mile (Michigan Avenue) is one of the best places for shopping in town with its many boutiques and big brands like Bloomingdale's, Neiman Marcus, and Barneys New York.
Festivals and Events
In a city known for its blues, the annual Chicago Blues Festival brings the best of the best; from B.B. King to Taj Mahal.
The Grant Park Music Festival features 5 days of free concerts.
Chicago Jazz Festival - bringing the best names in jazz and drawing crowds of over 10,000.
Arts and Entertainment
The Museum of Contemporary Art houses a permanent collection, a theatre, sculpture garden, bookstore and more.
Hyde Park Art Center features artwoks by emerging or lesser-known contemporary artists.
4ART Inc showcases lesser-known local artwork and teaches aspiring artists.
Chicago Theatre is a famous historic place to see live music, plays, stand up comedy, and other types of theatre entertainment.
Chicago's oldest and largest nonprofit theatre, Goodman Theatre specializes in theatrical plays.
Nightlife
Owned by one of the biggest legends in blues, Buddy Guy’s Legends is named for its owner, and features live blues every night.
Hosting mostly rock, Double Door has seen the likes of The Rolling Stones, The Smashing Pumpkins and more in its 15 years.
Andy’s Jazz Club has been in business since 1951, and features live jazz every night.
Redhead Piano Bar is a classy place to enjoy live pop and rock piano music performed by local greats.
Martini Park is the place to go to have a good time without having to scream over loud dance music to have a converstion or some more relaxed dancing.
Convention Centers
McCormick Place is one of the largest convention facilites in the US, and sees nearly 3 million visitors a year.
Catalyst Ranch is a smaller, outgoing, relaxed convention center perfect for company meetings, work shops, focus groups and other small meetings.
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center is located in Rosemont, IL, just northwest of Chicago.
Congress Plaza Hotel & Convention Center occupies an immaculate 1893 building downtown on Magnificent Mile.
Arenas and Stadiums
United Center is home to the Chicago Bulls of the NBA and the Chicago Blackhawks of the NHL.
Home to the Chicago Bears of the NFL, Soldier Field hosts football, major concerts, rallies and other events.
Wrigley Field is home to the Chicago Cubs of MLB and seats over 41,100.
Cellular Field is home to the Chicago White Sox of Major Legue Baseball.
Food and Drink
Oysy Japanese Sushi Restaurant in Chicago offers authentic Japanese dining in a sleek modern restaurant.
Brasserie JO is one of the best steakhouses in Chicago!
Gino’s East is Chicago landmark restaurant specializing in Chicago deep dish pizza.