Attractions
Come early or stay late to enjoy all Chicago has to offer.
Millennium Park
- Downtown Park famous for public art installations including Cloud Gate (“The Bean”), outdoor concerts, and landscaped gardens.
Cloud Gate
- Iconic mirrored sculpture in Millennium Park that reflects Chicago's skyline and has become one of the city's most photographed landmarks.
World Music Festival
- Citywide music festival, September 25-October 4, celebrating global musical traditions through free performances, concerts, and cultural events featuring artists from around the world.
Lincoln Square Apple Festival
- Neighborhood Fall Festival, October 2-4, celebrating the apple harvest with live music, local food vendors, cider, and seasonal treats along Lincoln Avenue in Chicago's Lincoln Square district.
Chicago Riverwalk
- Scenic pedestrian waterfront along the Chicago River lined with restaurants, bars, public art, and boat tour departures.
Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise
- Boat tour along the Chicago River highlighting the city’s world-famous architecture and skyline.
Magnificent Mile
- Chicago’s premier shopping district along Michigan Avenue known for luxury retailers, historic architecture, and lively city energy.
Navy Pier
- Lakefront entertainment destination featuring restaurants, boat tours, gardens, a Ferris wheel, and seasonal events.
Wrigley Field Tours
- Enjoy a 90-minute tour of the legendary home of the Chicago Cubs.
Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio
- Built in 1889 by the American architect Frank Lloyd Wright, tours are available daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Willis Tower Skydeck
- Observation deck on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower offering sweeping views of the Chicago skyline and the famous glass “Ledge.”
360 Chicago Observation Deck
- Observation deck atop the former John Hancock Center offering panoramic lake and skyline views along with the TILT experience.
Chicago Theatre
- Historic theater known for its iconic marquee sign and hosting concerts, comedy shows, and live performances.
Chicago Cultural Center
- Beautiful historic landmark featuring exhibitions, performances, and the world’s largest Tiffany-stained glass dome.
Museums
Art Institute of Chicago
- World renowned art museum housing masterpieces from artists including Monet, Van Gogh, and Grant Wood.
Field Museum
- One of the world’s largest natural history museums, home to iconic exhibits including SUE the T. rex, ancient artifacts, and scientific collections spanning millions of years.
Griffin Museum of Science and History
- One of the largest science museums in the world featuring interactive exhibits, a captured WWII German submarine, and a working coal mine.
Shedd Aquarium
- Lakefront aquarium home to thousands of aquatic species from around the world including dolphins, sharks, and reef fish.
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
- Leading contemporary art museum featuring rotating exhibitions from cutting edge international artists.
Obama Presidential Center
- 19 acre cultural campus on Chicago’s South Side, featuring a presidential museum, public library branch, gardens, community spaces, and exhibits exploring the Obama presidency.
Chicago History Museum
- Explore Chicago’s past through engaging exhibits on the Great Chicago Fire, architecture, and cultural history.
Adler Planetarium
- America’s first planetarium offering immersive space exhibits and spectacular views of Chicago’s skyline.
Chicago Sports Museum
- Checkout this playground for sports fans of all ages, with skill challenges, hi-tech simulated experiences and a unique collection of sports memorabilia.