Location: Chicago
Top Things to do in Chicago
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What to do and see in Chicago, Illinois (IL): The Best Things to do Good for Kids
The windy city is a cornucopia of modern art, fine dining, cutting edge comedy, and die-hard sports fans. Snap a photo of your reflection in the silver Cloud Gate sculpture at Millennium Park before heading to Grant Park to get hit with the refreshing spray of Buckingham Fountain. There are dozens of museums and theater companies in Chicago, so a cultural experience is never hard to find. You’re sure to laugh your head off at the Second City Theater, the professional launch pad of many famous comedians.
Restaurants in Chicago
1. Chicago Skyline
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 687 reviews
Reviewed By AlexB10499 - Providence, United States
Not only is the Chicago skyline one of the most recognizable in the United States – it’s also frequently ranked as one of the most impressive. The tallest landmark, of course, is the Sears Tower, one of the nation’s tallest buildings at around 1,450 feet. Trump Tower is the city’s second-tallest building and has a distinctly modern look to it – as well as a great location on the Chicago River. A few good spots to view the skyline include Navy Pier, Grant Park, the Nature Boardwalk in Lincoln Park, some of the skyscraper observation decks, and even from the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, if you want to take a quick cruise. One other anecdote about the Chicago skyline: you can see it on the horizon across Lake Michigan from the Indiana Dunes National Park, more than 50 miles away. That’s how tall those buildings are.
2. American Writers Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 377 reviews
Visit the American Writers Museum today! Through innovative and dynamic state-of-the-art exhibitions, as well as compelling programming, the American Writers Museum educates, enriches, provokes, and inspires visitors of all ages. Special exhibits FREE with paid admission; My America: Immigrant and Refugee Writers Today (through Spring 2021), and Tools of the Trade (through June 30, 2020).
Reviewed By FelicitySpike - Scarsdale, United States
The American Writers Museum features well organized and engaging exhibits for lovers of reading and writing. A special exhibit of Bob Dylan demonstrates some of the reasons Dylan received the Nobel Prize for Literature. There was also an exhibit of old typewriters used by well-known American writers.
3. Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17,474 reviews
No trip to Chicago is complete without a visit to the top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and The Ledge at Skydeck Chicago! Treat yourself to a "one stop Chicago" experience on your journey to the 103rd floor. Enjoy 360-degree views spanning up to 50 miles and 4 states and our most spectacular view - 1,353 feet straight down! "Dare to Stand Out" on The Ledge - glass balconies extending 4.3 Feet outside the building provide a thrilling, once in a lifetime experience!
Reviewed By manjushap1907 - Visakhapatnam, India
A must visit place when u visit Chicago.. A unique experience when you stand in the glass box and have unparalleled views of Chicago city.. Advise don’t visit this place during long weekends as the waiting time is too long and you cannot have a good experience due to the rush of the crowds.. You are given 1-2mins to just take pics and you cannot really enjoy the experience..
4. Field Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,689 reviews
The Field Museum fuels a journey of discovery across time to enable solutions for a brighter future rich in nature and culture. With almost 40 million specimens and artifacts in our collections—including SUE, the world's most complete Tyrannosaurus rex—there's something for everyone. Start planning your visit at fieldmuseum.org.
Reviewed By TracyWfromWA - Arlington, United States
Rivaling the Museum of Natural History in New York, this museum is replete with towering dinosaur skeletons, fossils, ancient artifacts from early humankind, all under a magnificently designed Romanesque-style building. It is an expansive space. The atrium soars up to a grid-work of square windows that let natural light into the space. Tickets are on the pricey side, but it is well worth the experience. You could spend hours wandering the many themed exhibits once inside. The crown jewel of the exhibit, a T. Rex named Sue, is breathtaking in its scope. This is something you wouldn't want to miss on your trip to Chicago.
5. Wrigley Field
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9,799 reviews
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the legendary home of the Chicago Cubs with Wrigley Field Tours. Built in 1914, this must-see Chicago attraction houses more than 100 years of history. New this year, fans can join us on a non-gameday Ivy Tour which includes the opportunity to take a photo in front of Wrigley Field’s historic ivy wall.
Reviewed By MarkT4358 - Houston, United States
This is an old stadium.But everything was clean.The restrooms and seats were new.The stadium was huge.When I was in Fenway, Boston, I thought Fenway was small.But Wrigley was big.It was a Tuesday night after Labor day.I could see a lot of people.Windy City really love Cubs.If you are a baseball fan, Wrigley is a must-visit.
6. United Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,481 reviews
This modern arena replaced the old Chicago Stadium as home court for the NBA's Bulls and the NHL's Blackhawks.
Reviewed By ToleyTheTolerBear - Chicago, United States
I watched Tool perform here this past Sunday night 11/3/19! I was lucky to have scored 5th row seats! They were mind-blowingly awesome!! What a great time and a great venue! The view/sight lines and the sound quality were both excellent! Also, the food and drinks here are also great! I’ve previously watched Black Hawks and Bulls games here and have had GREAT times watching both teams WIN whenever I was here!! Definitely 1 of my FAVORITE places to watch live events!!
7. Chicago History Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,146 reviews
From Chicago's sports to politics, the Union Stockyards to the Great Chicago Fire - there's so much to explore at the Chicago History Museum. Dive right in with the Museum's exhibitions and programs or get out and explore the city through guided tours and events. Founded in 1856, the Chicago History Museum shares Chicago's stories, serving as a hub of scholarship and learning, inspiration and civic engagement. If you live in Chicago or visit here and are curious about the city's past, present and future, the museum should be your first stop.
Reviewed By ellenbR4096MW - Hortonville, United States
I just spent the afternoon at the museum. What a great collection! The exhibits are many and varied. I really enjoyed the Silver Screen to Mainstream American Fashion exhibit. The Modern by Design exhibit illustrates well how industrial design was influenced by Art Deco. It was incorporated into so many everyday products! The little dioramas of the city are very well crafted, especially the Chicago Fire exhibit. I also enjoyed viewing the many Chicago made products in the City on the Make exhibit. The American Medina exhibit opened my eyes to the prejudices faced by Muslims here. I definitely recommend this museum. If you have time, stop for a meal in the cafe. The food is delicious! I recommend the Chicago Dog & French Onion Soup.
8. The Loop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,238 reviews
Downtown section of Chicago defined by the loop of elevated train that encircles it.
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
As a native Chicagoan--I actually grew up in south suburban Blue Island but have lived in downtown Chicago since 1976--I have learned there is so much to love about the city. Who would want to live anywhere else? Visitors gravitate to the most popular tourist attractions such as Navy Pier, Millennium Park, the Magnificent Mile and Wrigley Field. But old-timers still cling to The Loop, where it all began, where Chicago began. Bounded by the Chicago River on the north and west, by Lake Michigan on the east and by Roosevelt Road on the south, encircled by the prominent elevated railway system (the "El") that gives The Loop its name, the area is the first of Chicago's 77 designated communities, the central business district of the city, the main section of downtown Chicago, the second largest commercial business district in North America. Once the site of Chicago's first homestead and the site of historic Fort Dearborn, which was built in 1803, The Loop contains the headquarters and regional offices of several global and national businesses, retail establishments, restaurants, hotels and theaters. It also is the site of some of the world's earliest and tallest skyscrapers and many notable landmarks. It is home to City Hall, the seat of Cook County, Chicago Board of Trade, Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Grant Park, Millennium Park, Palmer House, Art Institute, Union Station, Thompson Center, Daley Center, Printer's Row, Chicago Theatre and Marshall Field's (now Macy's). Mostly destroyed by the Great Chicago Fire in 1871, The Loop quickly was rebuilt to include such architectural wonders as the Rookery Building, Monadnock Building, Willis Tower and Aon Center. And don't forget the artwork and sculpture, including Buckingham Fountain, Picasso, Chagall, Miro, Calder and DuBuffet. There is so much to see, so many photo opportunities. And you haven't even left the heart of the city.
9. The Magnificent Mile
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15,639 reviews
The Magnificent Mile is one of the great avenues of the world and is at the center of all that makes Chicago an international destination. One of the top 10 hospitality, dining and retail destinations in the world, with endless shopping, international cuisine, top rated hotels, lively entertainment, majestic architecture and natural beauty at every turn, The Magnificent Mile offers visitors to Chicago a one-of-a-kind city experience. The Magnificent Mile is the 13-block stretch of North Michigan Avenue that runs from the banks of the Chicago River to the south, to Oak Street to the north. The Magnificent Mile district extends a full square mile from North Michigan Avenue. The Magnificent Mile is a spectacular showcase of style, flavor, entertainment and fun. With more than 460 stores, 275 restaurants, 60 hotels and unique entertainments and attractions packed and stacked along its length, The Magnificent Mile has an indulgence for every passion and every pocket.
Reviewed By christiano242
The Magnificent Mlle is certainly magnificent with the high end stores and other shops along with the historic and new architecture for which Chicago is so justly proud. Just walking along the Mile, one can hear languages from many countries. Each season the street is decorated with theme-based decorations. Along with shopping I enjoy people watching.
10. 360 Chicago Observation Deck
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10,847 reviews
Located on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center, 360 CHICAGO offers breathtaking views of Chicago’s skyline, the lakefront, and four states. It’s the only place you can enjoy Chicago’s highest thrill ride, TILT – a giant moving platform that literally TILTs visitors over the edge of the building. Relax at BAR 94 with local favorites, a large cocktail selection, and front-row seating to the city’s best views from 1,000 feet up. Explore HD interactive touch screens in seven languages and learn more about the Windy City. If you really want to experience Chicago, make your first stop 360 CHICAGO.
Reviewed By Mobile750626
I visit the observation deck last week and I have to say it was incredible!, I was there when the sun goes down and the view everywhere you look at was simply amazing, and the tilt experience is also highly recommended!!!
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