Home 9 Things To Do 9 Best Things to Do in Chicago | Places to Travel & Explore 

Best Things to Do in Chicago | Places to Travel & Explore 

By Shalin

Last Updated: October 24, 2024

By Shalin

Last Updated: October 24, 2024

Welcome to the vibrant heartbeat of Chicago, where every street corner tells a story, and every experience is a chapter waiting to be written. In The Windy City, the possibilities are as diverse as its skyline.🌃 From strolling along the mesmerizing lakefront to savoring the savage nightlife, Chicago invites you to explore its rich cultural tapestry.

Dive into world-class museums, feel the rhythm of live music🎵, and embrace the thrill of iconic landmarks every weekend in Chicago. Whether you’re captivated by the shimmering lights of downtown or the tranquility of its parks, Chicago promises an adventure that resonates with every heartbeat and echoes with the spirit of exploration. Enjoy this curated list of the best things to do in Chicago and fill your days with loads of fun!💃

1) Stroll in Vast Parks in the City’s Heart!

Relish the blend of classic urban architecture and serene nature at its finest at the Parks of Chicago.🏕️ From dog owners and young singles to families👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 and travelers, these parks are one of the best things to do in Chicago for everyone. Make your day relaxed and laidback!

  • Lincoln Park in Chicago is like a city within a city! With unwinding paths, gardens, and a peaceful and scenic lily pool, it will be your go-to for a nature break. The section of the park adjacent to the Lincoln Park neighborhood contains the Lincoln Park Zoo, Lincoln Park Conservatory, a rowing canal🛶, an outdoor theater🎭, the Chicago History Museum, and so much more. Not only that, if you want to feel the sand between your toes instead, head to Lake Michigan‘s shore. This park is Chicago’s way of telling you to take a break amid all the city’s buzz and relax for a moment.
  • Millennium Park is one of the city’s most iconic spots✨, located in the heart of downtown Chicago. It is known for its stunning architecture, art installations, and beautiful landscapes. It features some of Chicago’s famous landmarks, including the reflective Cloud Gate sculpture commonly known as The Bean. The park is also a perfect spot for picnics🧺 or leisurely strolls with its gardens and open spaces. Not only that, throughout the year, the park hosts a bunch of events. It is certainly a must-visit spot for both tourists and locals alike.
  • Hudson Chess Park♟️ offers a quiet haven of history amid Chicago’s North Side buzz. It has a Japanese temple,⛩️ old German townhouses, and public chess tables that provide a peaceful escape. This public square features several artifacts and architecture from Chicago’s vibrant eras; one such example is the bronze statue of the Brothers Grimm fairytale “Hansel and Gretel” in the center of the park.
  • The Oz Park, as its name suggests, celebrates “The Wizard of Oz”🧙 theme. Take a stroll through the park, and you will be greeted by statues of the Tin Man, Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion, and Dorothy & Toto! The park also features Dorothy’s Playlot for the kids, filled with play equipment, a community garden, tennis courts, ball fields, and basketball courts🏀. It makes for the perfect spot for families and kids to enjoy a day out or even have a cosy picnic.

2) Get Mesmerized by Museums!

Delve into the rich cultural tapestry of museums in Chicago!🏛️ From the world-renowned Art Institute to unique showcases like the Museum of Science and Industry and the Medieval Torture Museum, each of them offers a unique lens into art, history, and literature. Step into a world of creativity, history, and innovation, and let the vibrant Chicago unveil its captivating stories within the walls of these cultural gems.💎

  • The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago is the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere! Not only that, it is housed in the only remaining building from the 1893 World’s Fair. Climb aboard a World War II German submarine, stand before a 40-foot tornado, take a run in a human-sized hamster wheel🎡, and so much. It is 14 acres of fun for you, your friends, and your family!
  • The Field Museum is another must-see destination in Chicago. Are you a fan of dinosaurs? Well, you can meet Máximo the Titanosaur🦕, the largest dinosaur ever discovered, or Sue, the most complete and best preserved Tyrannosaurus Rex🦖 ever discovered. Not only that, descend into an ancient Egyptian tomb or explore over 10,000 years of Chinese history. Imagine a museum with 4.6 billion years of history in one place! The Field Museum takes you to the farthest reaches of the incredible Earth🌎 we live on.
  • One of the world’s largest museums dedicated to contemporary art🎨, the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago gives the public a chance to experience the work and ideas of living artists🧑‍🎨. Not only that, it helps them understand the historical, social, and cultural context of the art of our time. MCA also held some of the world’s most notable debut exhibitions, like Frida Kahlo’s first U.S. exhibition and Jeff Koons’ first solo museum exhibition. The museum has promised to exhibit new and experimental work in all media since it’s opening.
  • Step into the unsettling world of the Medieval Torture Museum,💀 where history’s darkest come to life. Get an immersive experience of the inhumane practices of the past centuries. Are you strong enough to go through an unprecedented collection of cruelty based on historical documents and engravings that offer a chilling look into the darkest parts of human history? The museum even offers a fully interactive experience where visitors can engage with life-sized recreations of infamous tormentors and their deadly tools.🗡️
  • The Money Museum, located in the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago🏦, tries to make money fun with exhibits such as a cube containing a million one-dollar bills and a change-filled “money pit💵” that would make Scrooge McDuck jealous. Admission to the museum is free, and not only that, if you factor in the sack💰 of torn-up money that guests get to leave with, this may be the only museum that pays you to visit.

3) Stuff Yourself On Food Tours!

There is no lack of delicious and mouthwatering food and drinks in Chicago; trying them out is one of the best things to do in Chicago. From Chicago-style hotdogs🌭 and deep-dish pizza🍕 to caramel popcorn🍿 and donuts🍩! If you are out exploring Chicago, one of the best ways to do it is through its food. These food and walking tours will not only have you stuffed with delicious food but also let you explore some of the best spots and landmarks in Chicago.

  • Chicago Favorites Ultimate Food and Walking Tour is a must-try for foodies! It combines the taste of Chicago’s most famous foods with stops at local must-see landmarks. Have a short walking tour through Chicago as you try its delicious food and learn about the history of The Windy City through guide commentary. Check out ten must-see locations as you explore Chicago’s history and culinary culture🍽️.
  • If you have a sweet tooth, then the Fulton Market Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour is just the thing for you. Come hungry and enjoy four different donuts🍩, each representing different culinary styles and traditions. You will be trying donuts, from classic ones to unique, unheard flavors. Don’t worry about the calories, as the distance between each stop will help you walk off some of the donuts you’ll be eating.
  • When in Chicago, you gotta try the pizza! Discover Chicago’s best historic pizzerias with the Chicago Pizza Tour. You can taste four different slices of pizza🍕 around Chicago and learn about each place from a professional tour guide and how pizza ties into Chicago’s history. It is a cheesy🧀 tour that you should not miss for foodies and history buffs alike.

4) See Some Sights! 

Chicago is a beautiful city, and while going around and looking at its local spots and architectural marvels is an amazing experience, there is something even better! Check out these top attractions in Chicago for a day full of fun and excitement. We guarantee you will have the time of your life with these best things to do in Chicago.

  • Enjoy the dazzling aquatic wonderland at Shedd Aquarium. It has impressive exhibits like the Abbott Oceanarium, featuring dolphins🐬, beluga whales🐳, and sea otters🦦. Visitors of the aquarium can enjoy things including captivating presentations, live animal shows including dolphins and sea lions, stingray touch, and feeding experiences, among a lot more! It will be a memorable adventure that is both entertaining and educational for everyone!
  • Soaring to heights of nearly 200 feet, the Centennial Wheel🎡offers visitors an unparalleled, 360-degree view of Chicago and Lake Michigan. You will be enjoying the view while the wheel takes you round and round in air-conditioned comfort. There is no better ride to enjoy such a view of Chicago from.
  • You can experience an impressive panoramic view of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan from 1030 feet above the famed Magnificent Mile at the 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck. Spend your day with some friends and family at CloudBar, Chicago’s highest bar🍸, and take in the stunning view with a drink or enjoy the TILT, a thrilling ride that tilts you outward towards the city below.
  • Go higher than 360 CHICAGO! The Skydeck is located 1353 feet above ground, offering approximately 40-50 miles of visibility. On a clear day, you can see four states: Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan. If that isn’t thrill enough, The Ledge‘s glass boxes extend 4.3 feet from the Skydeck, letting you get an even better view of the city, 103 floors below you.

5) Book Your Tickets to Joyful Escapades

Ready to dive into a thrilling theme park in Chicago🎢? The Windy City has a lineup of activities to amp up the fun and pump your adrenaline! From exciting attractions to heart-racing experiences, your evening is bound to be a blast. Get ready to explore the best things to do in Chicago that promise not just a good time but an unforgettable one! Sign up and let the excitement begin!

  • If you love the extreme kick of adrenaline rush, then escape to Six Flags Great America🚩 in Chicago! From heart-throbbing rollercoasters to kid-friendly rides, the park incorporates entertainment for all ages. Feel the rush, share laughs with friends, and create unforgettable moments as you navigate a world of excitement. So buckle up, scream your heart out,💓 and let the exhilarating rides redefine your idea of a perfect day!
  • Legos are an eternal game for all ages to enjoy! LEGOLAND Discovery Center is situated on the outskirts of the Chicago area, making it a good family or friends trip out! The expansive complex has rides with a Lego theme, building areas, a 4D cinema to excite the senses, and a gift shop🎁 where you may purchase every Lego item that could fit in your suitcase.🧳 It feels like jumping into the world’s biggest box of LEGO bricks!

6) Experience the Notorious Nightlife!

Dive into Chicago’s nightlife, where the city truly comes alive after dark. From iconic dive bars🍻 with decades of history to award-winning cocktail lounges🍸 exuding sophistication, the options are as diverse as the city itself. Whether you’re seeking classic charm or a contemporary Bollywood Party in Chicago, the city’s nightlife promises an exhilarating experience. So, gather your friends and explore the dynamic rhythms that make Chicago’s nights unforgettable.

  • If you want a relaxed night with some drinks🍷 and a show, Chicago’s nightlife in bars and clubs provides exactly that! Vibe to some Chicago Blues with a drink at Blue Chicago or catch an improv show at the iO Theater. Do you want something more fabulous? Check out Sidetrack! Voted the Best Gay Bar🍻 in Chicago, it can accommodate more than 1000 people while providing a respectful, safe, and inclusive space for the LGBTQIA+ communities.🏳️‍🌈
  • How about enjoying a performance with some delicious food and drinks? Teatro ZinZanni is just the place! It is a whirlwind of international circus🎪, comedy🎤, and cabaret artists, along with some culinary delights. For people who want something more magical, the Chicago Magic Lounge is the place to be. Enjoy your drinks and evening with a magic show🪄. Witness Chicago’s permanent location for magic, with renowned magicians putting on a show and even close-up magic.

Summing Up

Chicago is an immersive city and a way to explore American history and culture. The culturally rich museums🏛️, enormous parks🏞️ and gardens, and lively nightlife make the Windy City like no other in the world.

Whether you adore the tranquility and peacefulness in the bustling city or wish to go crazy with your friends, Chicago has something to offer.🏙️ Roam in this beautiful city to wind up happy and satisfied and asking for more at the end of the day!

We tried to list out some of the best things to do in Chicago for you, but don’t lose hope if these aren’t the best for you. Click on the link below to see the best things to do in Chicago from several categories!

Author Bio

Shalin

With a curious mind and the urge to explore and try everything new, Shalin loves creating lists of things to do, food and drinks to try, and places to visit. His handpicked events are a mixture of every sort of fun you can have, activities you can enjoy, and events that will fill you with adrenaline. Let his to-do lists fill up your schedule with excitement!

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