Things to do in Chicago

Activities, attractions and tours

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

1. Wrigley Field

Home of the legendary Chicago Cubs, Wrigley Field is known and loved by baseball fans from all over the world, many of whom flock here to see a match or simply soak up the history and the atmosphere. One of the oldest and most storied ballparks across America, Wrigley Field has a proud heritage dating back all the way to 1914.
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Wrigley Field showing a city and landscape views

2. Navy Pier

Well over eight million visitors flock to Navy Pier every year, whiling away the Chicago days in the parks, shops and restaurants gathered on this expansive corner of Lake Michigan. The pier is open throughout the year, but it peaks in the summer when you can visit the open-air souvenir stalls and watch the weekly firework shows.
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Navy Pier featuring a sunset and rides

3. 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

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. Millennium Park

Set in 10 hectares of parkland in the central Loop area, Millennium Park is a popular destination for local Chicago folk and visitors, ideally situated close to other major attractions such as the Art Institute of Chicago and the Magnificent Mile. With so much space to wander and soak up the atmosphere, it is a perfect spot for a bit of biking or jogging. It’s also used as a site for many big concerts that come to the city.
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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

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 which includes a high rise building, a ferry and a river or creek

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 which includes a garden, a city and landscape views

What to do in Chicago

Popular places to visit

Magnificent Mile - River North featuring a city, night scenes and street 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
Wrigley Field which includes a sporting event, city views and a city

Wrigley Field

4.5/5(40 reviews)

Chicago’s world-renowned baseball ground, Wrigley Field is an iconic stadium where you can learn about the all-American sport and even catch a game.

Wrigley Field
Navy Pier

Navy Pier

4/5(125 reviews)

A waterfront entertainment strip with fun diversions for both young and old, with shops, restaurants and even a Ferris wheel.

Navy Pier
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
Soldier Field featuring a skyscraper, modern architecture and a city

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
Chicago Riverwalk which includes a river or creek, a city and a bay or harbor

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
Millennium Park showing street scenes, fall colors and modern architecture

Millennium Park

4.5/5(147 reviews)

One of Chicago’s main focal points, where locals and visitors flock to see the striking art, architecture and landscape on show.

Millennium Park
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 art galleries.

United Center
Grant Park

Grant Park

4.5/5(96 reviews)

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 which includes 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

A dazzling array of boutiques, luxury shops, famous department stores and pleasant cafés, where shopaholics can lose themselves for hours.

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 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
Navy Pier featuring general coastal views and wildflowers as well as a couple

Streeterville

Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier are just a few worthwhile attractions to visit in Streeterville. Travellers also love the fascinating museums, panoramic lake views and popular shops.

Streeterville
Brookfield Zoo featuring dangerous animals and zoo animals

Brookfield

Rosemont

Rosemont

North Suburbs showing street scenes

Deerfield

Photo by Monica Ferro

Countryside

Photo by Mark Lund

Elk Grove Village

Schaumburg which includes farmland as well as an individual femail

Schaumburg

Itasca

Itasca

Photo by Off The Beaten Track

Hillside

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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