Chicago, Illinois - Do & See

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Do & See

Chicago, Illinois

Provided by: Patrick L. Pyszka/City of Chicago

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Overview

Do & See The guide was updated: 2023-10-24

Chicago is renowned for its cultural offerings with more than 40 museums and a dedicated Museum Campus, home to The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium. Don't miss the Art Institute of Chicago, which contains 300,000 works in its permanent collection, and Museum of Science and Industry, the largest in the Western Hemisphere. As the only U.S. city with five regional Tony Award-winning theaters, Chicago’s theater scene takes center stage.

With several of the world’s tallest buildings located here, Chicago is a showcase for modern masterpieces and historic landmarks by America’s greatest architects including Frank Lloyd Wright, Daniel Burnham and Louis Sullivan. Go above the view at 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck in the John Hancock Center (be sure to try the TILT experience, which leans you out over Michigan Avenue). Stay grounded but still take in the beautiful cityscape with a stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk, where you can enjoy a delicious meal or grab a drink right on the water. The Riverwalk can also serve as your launching point for an architecture tour or canoe trip down the Chicago River. Take the kids to Lincoln Park Zoo and Wrigley Field, two iconic and family-friendly attractions.

Architectural River Cruise

Architectural River Cruise

It’s one thing to gaze at Chicago’s famed skyline, and another altogether to view it on Chicago, Illinois’ popular architecture tour, the Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady Cruises. See the city’s iconic structures from the perspective of the Chicago River, where the skyline unfolds before you as you learn about each building’s architectural features and place in local history.

Field Museum

Field Museum

Visit the Galapagos, walk through a hall of glittering gems, step inside an earth lodge, or encounter the elaborate masks of the Pacific Islands: There’s so much to see and do at The Field Museum, a world-class natural history museum in the vibrant city of Chicago, Illinois. From temporary exhibits for traveling shows to an extensive collection of artifacts, The Field Museum showcases a variety of habitats, cultures, plants and animals throughout its hallowed halls.

Shedd Aquarium

Shedd Aquarium

It is at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium, where you can stroll among the winding waters of the Amazon River, the legendary coral reefs of the Caribbean, the coastal beauty of the Pacific Northwest and the icy majesty of the Arctic — all in one visit. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan in the heart of downtown Chicago, Shedd Aquarium will transport you to aquatic wonders from all corners of the globe.

Navy Pier

Navy Pier

With museums, theaters, parks, gardens and the iconic Centennial Wheel, it’s a perfect complement to the rich history and vibrant energy of Chicago. Navy Pier welcomes new events and features to its beloved location on the Lake Michigan waterfront, reflecting a dynamic city that continues to reinvent itself. There’s something for everyone here, whether you like to shop, ride, sightsee, cruise or stroll.

Robie House

Robie House

This 1909 creation is one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most famous houses in the prairie style. Wright himself proclaimed the house to be “the cornerstone of modern architecture.”

Willis Tower — Skydeck Chicago

Willis Tower — Skydeck Chicago

Although still commonly referred to as Sears Tower, North America's tallest building was renamed Willis Tower in 2009 after Willis Group Holdings, a global insurance broker whose Midwest offices are housed there. In addition to being North America's tallest building, it is the third-tallest building in the entire world. It was constructed in 1974, designed by architect Bruce Graham. The building's Skydeck is a great place to admire a stunning view.

Cloud Gate

Cloud Gate

Cloud Gate in Millennium Park is also commonly referred to as "The Bean" because of its bean-like shape. It is one of the largest sculptures of its kind in the world, made from stainless steel plates. The sculpture's surface reflects the city's skyline and people around like a giant mirror.

Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo is free, open every day of the year and offers something for everyone. Here you can take a stroll through Chicago’s most visited gardens and meet animals from around the world. There is also an on-site cafe with pleasant refreshments.

Grant Park

Grant Park

Grant Park is often referred to as "Chicago’s front yard”, and is a popular park among both tourists and locals. It is here that you will find some of the city's most popular attractions, including Buckingham Fountain, Millenium Park and the Art Institute of Chicago. This is also a place where many events take place, like the Chicago Blues Festival and The Taste of Chicago — the largest food festival in the world.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier

Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier

The Chicago Shakespeare Theater is beautifully located on the Navy Pier, and offers an amazing view over the city. It is a small theater full of energy and drama that puts on shows with exceptionally talented actors.

Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan

Walking along the lake shore is just one of those things you should not miss when visiting Chicago. Lake Michigan is huge and feels more like a sea (larger in area than Denmark and Croatia). In the summer, people take out boats onto the lake, and go biking, walking or just enjoying the sun along its shore, which creates a beach-like atmosphere. There are lots of activities around, such as sailing, water taxi, early dinner cruises and night cruises.

Museum of Science & Industry

Museum of Science & Industry

The Museum of Science and Industry is, at over 37,000 square meters, the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere, with more than five hectares of exhibits. MSI is a vibrant institution with tons of dynamic displays, interactive exhibits and tours for everyone in your group, both kids and adults.

Lincoln Park Conservatory

Lincoln Park Conservatory

Step inside and enjoy amazing flowers from all around the world at the Lincoln Park Conservatory. Here you will find tropical palms, exotic plants and flowers. No matter the time of the year, this park conservatory is always green and lush. Admission is free.

Museum of Contemporary Art

Museum of Contemporary Art

Free guided tours and audio tours are available to help visitors fully experience their tour of the largest contemporary art museums in the U.S., which also features special programs in a 300-seat theater and a trendy restaurant and bar Marisol.

Auditorium Building & Theatre

Auditorium Building & Theatre

This historic Chicago landmark has a story to tell, and is still a functioning theater where you can watch ballet, concerts and drama performances. The Auditorium Building was designed by Louis Sullivan and Dankmar Adler and completed in 1889.

Brookfield Zoo

Brookfield Zoo

Operated by the Chicago Zoological Society, the Brookfield Zoo offers several fun and educational activities for the whole family.

Wrigley Field

Wrigley Field

Wrigley Field in Chicago has been the home of the Chicago Cubs since 1916, making it one of the oldest ballparks still in operation, second only to Fenway Park in Boston.

Soldier Field

Soldier Field

Originally opened in 1924, Soldier Field was known as one of the great venues during the "Golden Age of Sports" and one of Chicago's most famous landmarks. Now, decades later, Soldier Field promises to continue the tradition of hosting exciting sporting and special events. Chicago Fire Soccer Club is a Major League Soccer (MLS) based in Chicago. The organization is named for the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, and was founded in 1997. In their first league season in 1998, the Fire won the MLS Cup as well as the U.S. Open Cup (the "double"). They have also won U.S. Open Cups in 2000, 2003, and 2006; in addition to the 2003 MLS Supporters' Shield. In 2020, Chicago Fire moved back to Soldier Field.

United Center

United Center

The United Center, home to the Chicago Blackhawks and Chicago Bulls, is the largest arena in the United States. Since opening, the United Center has hosted over 200 events each year and has hosted over forty million guests since its opening in 1994.

SeatGeek Stadium

SeatGeek Stadium

The stadium is home to the Chicago Red Stars of the National Women's Soccer League and is also used for concerts, festivals, and other events. With a capacity of over 20,000 spectators, the stadium offers a thrilling atmosphere that brings people together.

Adler Planetarium

Adler Planetarium

Built in 1930, The Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum in Chicago, Illinois, was the first planetarium built in the Western Hemisphere and is the oldest in existence today. From daily programs to exhibitions and special lectures, there are admission passes to fit your individual interests.

360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

Windy City’s extraordinary observatory on the 94th floor of the historic John Hancock Center offers 360-degree views of the iconic Chicago, Illinois skyline and beyond. When the weather is clear, you can see up to 80 kilometers and all the way to four different states. Check out the newly opened TILT experience, which has you step up to a full-length window that slowly tilts from the building right out over the city at a 30-degree angle.

Unity Temple

Unity Temple

The only public service building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright's prairie period still remaining, Unity Temple is made of reinforced concrete. There are two separate parts to the building: the Unity Temple, for worship, made of high, skylit spaces, and Unity House, an area for congregation social gatherings that is connected by an entry-level foyer. Of the temple, Wright said: "Unity Temple makes an entirely new architecture — and is the first expression of it. That is my contribution to modern architecture". Advanced tickets are recommended.

Art Institute of Chicago

Art Institute of Chicago

With over 300,000 works of art in its collection, the museum has something for everyone, and continues to be ranked among the world's best. Look for Edward Hopper’s “Nighthawks” or Georgia O’Keeffe’s “Sky above Clouds” — just a few of the beloved American paintings in the collection. The museum has the largest Impressionist collection outside of Paris, including works by Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet and Georges Seurat, as well as a remarkable international modern and contemporary collections, with art and artifacts spanning 5,000 BC to the present.

Big Bus Tours

Big Bus Tours

With a flexible hop-on, hop-off policy, engaging guides and comfortable, open-top buses, exploring Chicago’s best attractions and sights is as easy as it gets with Big Bus Tours. Choose a one-, or multi-day ticket, and you’ll get the time and the insider’s knowledge to size up the city on your own schedule. Big Bus Tours also offers handicap accessibility, pre-recorded Spanish audio tours and even a free cup of hand-roasted coffee from one of Chicago’s finest, Corner Bakery. No worries if you want to spend hours at landmark attractions such as Navy Pier or Millennium Park; stops are frequent and many, making it possible for you to experience the key destinations in Chicago on your own terms.

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