Things to do in Chicago

Activities, attractions and tours

Chicago featuring a skyscraper and a city as well as a family
Chicago which includes heritage elements, signage and a skyscraper
Chicago
Chicago showing a skyscraper and street scenes as well as a family
Willis Tower which includes mist or fog, a city and central business district
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Top places to visit

1. Wrigley Field

Fans of baseball know Wrigley Field as the long-time home of the Chicago Cubs. Built in 1914, this is one of the oldest and best-known ballparks in the US. Some of the most memorable moments in baseball history have been played out here, including Babe Ruth’s now famous “called shot” in 1932 during the World Series. He allegedly pointed to the bleachers, predicting that he’d hit a home run, and then did. Legendary Cubs player Ernie Banks nicknamed the stadium "The Friendly Confines" because fans were wild about their team and ballpark. Catch a game and mingle with the passionate locals if you’re in town March through September.
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Wrigley Field showing a city and landscape views

2. McCormick Place

McCormick Place is both the biggest convention center in Chicago and the biggest one anywhere in the U.S. This vast, sprawling complex is an impressive feat of architecture and engineering that was founded well over half a century ago. Attend an event here to get a sense of its incredible scale.
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McCormick Place showing a high rise building and a city

3. Navy Pier

Navy Pier draws more than 8.6 million visitors each year. It has rides, restaurants, shops, parks and boat tours, all within a 50-acre pier on Lake Michigan. Open year-round, it’s busiest in the summer months when there are open-air stalls selling souvenirs and weekly firework displays.
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Navy Pier featuring a sunset and rides

4. Soldier Field

Soldier Field has been one of Chicago’s most well-known landmarks since its construction in 1924 and is the oldest NFL stadium in the country.
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Soldier Field showing landscape views and a city

5. Chicago Riverwalk

Get a sense of the culture and character of the Windy City by wandering along the Chicago Riverwalk. This scenic stretch of the city follows the banks of the Chicago River from near the edge of Lake Michigan through Downtown to where the river splits. As you follow the walkway, pass impressive bridges, fascinating museums and trendy dining spots.
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Chicago Riverwalk showing a river or creek, a ferry and a high-rise building

6. Millennium Park

Millennium Park is a 25-acre (10 hectare) park in the central Loop. Locals and tourists gather year-round for concerts, biking and jogging, and to admire the sculptures dotting the landscape. Conveniently located near other attractions, it’s easy to combine a walk through the park with a visit to the Art Institute of Chicago or shopping along the Magnificent Mile.
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Reflection of a Chicago buildings in a mirror of Chicago Bean, Millennium Park, Chicago city, USA., Shutterstock ID 1129809965, Purchase Order: SP-2109, Order Number: SP-2109 Qantas AU US Sale New Ads

7. Grant Park

Grant Park is one of Chicago’s most loved and diverse public parks, with a host of family-friendly attractions and activities. It spreads across 319 acres (129 hectares) between Michigan Avenue and the banks of Lake Michigan. Grant Park is a scenic area blessed with everything from concert venues and museums to public art, statues and well-groomed lawns. Walk along wide tree-lined promenades dissecting the park.
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Grant Park showing a park, landscape views and a city

What to do in Chicago

Popular places to visit

Magnificent Mile - River North featuring night scenes, a city and signage

Michigan Avenue

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home when you visit Michigan Avenue, a popular shopping spot in Chicago. Amble around this vibrant area's riverfront and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Michigan Avenue
Wrigley Field showing a city, central business district and a sporting event

Wrigley Field

Tour the iconic grounds and catch a game March through September at Chicago’s beloved baseball stadium.

Wrigley Field
McCormick Place

McCormick Place

Attend an event at the United States’ largest convention center, which features hyper-modern facilities and huge exhibition spaces connected by promenades and sky bridges.

McCormick Place
Navy Pier

Navy Pier

A ferris wheel, shopping, restaurants and more can be found in this waterfront entertainment district.

Navy Pier
Soldier Field featuring modern architecture, a city and a high-rise building

Soldier Field

Events center, NFL stadium and historic landmark all in one, this waterfront field is one of Chicago’s most popular destinations.

Soldier Field
United Center

United Center

Catch an event at United Center during your trip to Chicago. Amble around this vibrant area's lakeside or experience its acclaimed art galleries.

United Center
Chicago Riverwalk showing a bay or harbour, a city and a river or creek

Chicago Riverwalk

Stroll along the waterfront of the Chicago River to pass some of the city’s most appealing attractions and appreciate how a once grim area has been successfully revamped.

Chicago Riverwalk
Millennium Park showing a city, autumn colours and modern architecture

Millennium Park

A landmark gathering place for locals and visitors who come to admire the unique art, architecture and landscape.

Millennium Park
Grant Park

Grant Park

Chicago’s front yard is a pretty landscaped park, which is home to public art displays, museums, themed gardens and international music festivals.

Grant Park

Areas of Chicago

Downtown Chicago featuring a city

Downtown Chicago

The heart of the Midwest’s glittering metropolis has many offerings, from shopping and dining to parks, museums and exciting contemporary public art.

Downtown Chicago
Magnificent Mile - River North

Magnificent Mile

Shopaholics need look no further this glittering street packed with boutique and luxury shops, famous department stores and cafes.

Magnificent Mile
The Loop - Downtown which includes a river or creek

The Loop

4.5/5(187 area reviews)

Bordered roughly by the surrounding elevated train circuit, this Chicago neighborhood has restaurants, galleries, parks and a giant silver bean.

The Loop
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River North

Known for its fantastic nightlife, stunning river views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in River North. Top attractions like Merchandise Mart and Bally's Casino Chicago are major draws. Catch the metro at Merchandise Mart Station or Chicago Station (Brown Line) to see more of the city.

River North
Chicago showing rides

Theatre District

While you're in Theatre District, take in top sights like Michigan Avenue or State Street, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Washington Station or Monroe Station (Blue Line).

Theatre District
Lincoln Park showing modern architecture and a city

Lincoln Park

5/5(5 area reviews)

Both a neighborhood and a park, this northern Chicago area has gorgeous scenery, residential streets lined with stately homes and extensive shopping and dining.

Lincoln Park
Aurora showing a river or creek and a city

Aurora

Photo by Jamie Nelson

Broadview

Schaumburg showing farmland as well as an individual female

Schaumburg

Six Flags Great America showing rides

Gurnee

Hammond

Hammond

Frequently asked questions

Is Chicago worth visiting?
Offering a blend of views and dining, there's no shortage of things to do in Chicago. While you're here, head to Michigan Avenue, a major attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Chicago?
Once you've checked off top attractions like Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier, spend the rest of your day discovering Chicago's shopping and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Chicago?
Michigan Avenue is one of the top tourist attractions in Chicago and should be high on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Chicago?
Three days in Chicago is enough to visit the city's key attractions. Many guests book for two days on average. Michigan Avenue, Navy Pier and Millennium Park are highly rated sights. Like to discover more? Stick around a little longer to visit nearby hotspots such as Rosemont.
Is Chicago a walkable city?
Some key attractions in Chicago, like Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier, are within walking distance. You can also experience several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Just 2 kilometres from central Chicago is Central Chicago and Near North Side is 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Chicago with kids?
Planning what to do in Chicago with kids has never been easier. Whether you're holidaying with teenagers or toddlers, there's a range of family-friendly attractions to keep them entertained here.

What to do in Chicago for adults?
McCormick Place and Wintrust Arena are just a couple of the things to do in Chicago. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Chicago?
In Chicago, Michigan Avenue is an unmissable spot for anyone wishing to tour the city without taking their wallet out. Also, stroll around the green spaces and other neighbourhoods, and ask a local tour guide for ideas. It's a simple way to discover the best free things to do in Chicago.

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