What to do in Chicago, IL

Activities, attractions and tours

Chicago showing a city and a skyscraper as well as a family
Chicago which includes a city, signage and heritage elements
Chicago
Chicago showing street scenes and a skyscraper as well as a family
Willis Tower featuring city views, mist or fog and a city
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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 featuring a city, a sporting event and city 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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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.

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

4. 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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Millennium Park which includes autumn colours, modern architecture and street scenes

5. 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 which includes a high-rise building, a city and modern architecture

6. 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 featuring a river or creek, a bay or harbour and a city

7. Six Flags Great America

Locals and visitors come to Six Flags Great America to escape the heat during Milwaukee’s summer months. The theme park has almost 7 miles (11 kilometers) of roller coaster track alongside a host of other family attractions and entertainment set over a sprawling area close to the Wisconsin–Illinois state line.
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Six Flags Great America which includes rides

What to do in Chicago

Popular places to visit

Wrigley Field featuring a city, a sporting event and city views

Wrigley Field

4.5/5(40 reviews)

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

Wrigley Field
Magnificent Mile - River North which includes street scenes, signage and night scenes

Michigan Avenue

4.5/5(14 reviews)

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
McCormick Place

McCormick Place

4.5/5(36 reviews)

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

4/5(125 reviews)

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

Navy Pier
Millennium Park which includes autumn colours, modern architecture and street scenes

Millennium Park

4.5/5(147 reviews)

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

Millennium Park
Soldier Field which includes a high-rise building, a city and modern architecture

Soldier Field

4/5(44 reviews)

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

4.5/5(15 reviews)

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

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

Chicago Riverwalk

4.5/5(29 reviews)

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
Six Flags Great America which includes rides

Six Flags Great America

Spend a day at this sprawling theme park to enjoy an array of thrilling roller coaster rides, a water park and entertainment for kids of all ages.

Six Flags Great America

Explore 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 featuring 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 featuring a city and modern architecture

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
Chicago which includes 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

Day trip destinations from Chicago

Photo by Evae

Buffalo Grove

Rosemont

Rosemont

Photo by Richard Remington

Hoffman Estates

Photo by Monica Ferro

Countryside

Photo by Maria Rojas

Elgin

Photo by Mark Lund

Elk Grove Village

Elmhurst

Elmhurst

Grosse Point Lighthouse showing a lighthouse and a house

Evanston

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 kilometers from central Chicago is Central Chicago and Near North Side is 2 kilometers 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.