Chicago captures the true essence of spirit as the city is home to delicious food, warm people, thrilling activities, and beautiful views that you will rarely find elsewhere. From looking at the skyscrapers to having a deep-dish pizza, there is so much stuff to do in Chicago.
The "city of the big shoulders", as they call it, Chicago is a city in Illinois fuelled by big dreams and an iconic skyline. When you visit, you will be in awe of buildings like the Willis Tower, the city's museums, parks, and theatres. There is so much to explore that two or three days won't be enough. If you are here, make sure you check out the city and all the places to visit near Chicago to make your trip worthwhile. The best you can do is take a hop-on hop-off bus to explore the whole city while enjoying the company of fellow travellers. Those who want to add more thrill to their trip can enjoy boat rides, cruises, and kayaking. And do not forget to have the delectable water in this city, trust us, you won't be disappointed. Here are things to do in Chicago on your next vacation to the city:
Chicago Travel Guide
- What are the best things to do in Chicago?
- Check out the Millennium Park
- Explore lakefront Navy Pier
- Stroll Around Chicago Riverwalk
- Experience the Art Institute of Chicago
- Live the Bibliophile’s Dream at Myopic Books
- What is Chicago Best Known For?
- What is the best time to visit Chicago?
What are the best things to do in Chicago?
There are many tourist things to do in Chicago for every kind of traveller. Listed below are some of the best things to do in Chicago for your next trip:
Check out the Millennium Park
If you are looking for a lively space right in the heart of the city, do visit Millennium Park. It covers 24.5 acres and is packed with eye-catching art, impressive architecture, and a full calendar of cultural events that you can catch up on. If you are in Chicago this weekend, you will have stuff to do at Millennium Park. It is where you will find Cloud Gate, better known as “The Bean”, one of the city’s most photographed landmarks. There is also the playful Crown Fountain, beautiful gardens, and the striking Jay Pritzker Pavilion, which hosts free concerts and open-air events throughout the year. Whether you fancy catching some live music, relaxing by the fountains, or simply enjoying a stroll surrounded by the city skyline, Millennium Park has the best things to do in Chicago.
Timings: 6 am – 11 pm
Explore Lakefront Navy Pier
Navy Pier is one of the greatest things to do in the city of Chicago, offering attractions, food, and stunning views. Extending 3,300 feet into Lake Michigan, it is a favourite spot for locals and tourists looking to soak up the city’s energy and beauty. Although the original pier dates back to the early 1900s, the version you will see today opened in 1995 as a 50-acre waterfront destination packed with stuff to do in Chicago. You can hop on the iconic 200-foot Ferris wheel, pay a visit to the Chicago Children’s Museum, catch a free outdoor concert, or simply wander around. Just a heads-up: parking here can be quite expensive, so it is worth using public transport if you can.
Timings: 9 am - 11 pm
Stroll Around Chicago Riverwalk
There is so much more to the Chicago Riverwalk than just a pretty riverside view. It is a lively, experience with so many things to do in Chicago such as outdoor bars, boat rides, public art, fishing, museums, and even bird watching! This is all set against a mix of nature and city life. The Riverwalk is divided into six sections, each with its own vibe. From tree-shaded spots and floating gardens to kayaking rentals and places for kids to splash about, there is a cove for everyone. It also has some of the best things to do in Chicago for a date night, with riverside dining, boat tours, and live music under twinkling lights. You can get out on the water easily, with everything from dinner cruises to tiki boats. And while you are here, do not miss Art on the MART, a huge riverfront projection show, or the Bridgehouse Museum for a bit of history.
Timings: 6 am – 11 pm
Experience the Art Institute of Chicago
If you love all things artsy and historical, you need to visit the Art Institute of Chicago. It was founded in 1879 and is located in the Grant Park of Chicago. Being the largest and oldest museum, it is one of the most touristy things to do in Chicago. Here, you will find the famous works of artists like Pablo Picasso, Grant Wood, Edward Hopper, and Georges Seurat. The museum features a collection of varied genres such as American Indian art, African art, Asian art, European paintings and sculptures, and so much more.
Timings: 11 am – 5 pm. Closed on Tuesdays
Tickets: INR 7,66.96*
Live the Bibliophile’s Dream at Myopic Books
All the book lovers assemble at the Myopic Books! This is a unique Chicago stuff to do as it takes you to a different world altogether. The bookstore has been in the neighbourhood for many years and has several floors with all kinds of books. You can find your favourite genre, including fiction, true crime, history, conspiracy theory, academic work, and other popular subjects. If you are here at the right time, you might witness poetry reading and other events by several artists.
Timings: 12 pm – 8 pm
What is Chicago Best Known For?
If you are in Chicago, there is some stuff to do that you cannot miss out on. Like Downtown Chicago for its architecture, you can check out skyscrapers like the Willis Tower and John Hancock Centre that offer great views. Being a foodie, you are missing out on a lot if you haven't had the famous deep-dish pizza or Chicago-style hotdog while taking a tour of the world-class museums of Chicago.
What is the Best Time to Visit Chicago?
Booking a Chicago tour package by Veena World but don't know which time is the best for your vacation? Worry not, this section will help you plan as per your desire.
One of the best times to visit is the summer season when there are a lot of things to do in Chicago. The weather is warm with the average temperature being 20-30 degrees Celsius. You will find something or the other going on during this time, including concerts, festivals, and events, most of them being free. Additionally, you can spend time outdoors, strolling around or taking a sunbath at the beach. From April to May, the weather is mostly moderate with manageable crowds. You can expect colder weather hovering between 10-20 degrees Celsius. This is a great time to wander around the city with a light jacket on. The stuff to do in Chicago during this period includes visiting the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago Theatre, and attending the Chicago International Film Festival. September to March is considered off-season as the weather gets harsh. The temperature can get -5 to 5 degrees Celsius with frequent snowfall, making it too cold to handle. However, if you can tolerate the cold, it is the best time to witness the holiday season and explore the historical site with lesser to no crowds.
With this definitive list of things to do in the city of Chicago, you will have a packed schedule on your trip. But trust us, there is so much more to explore, that you will definitely come back for another trip to this vibrant city.
FAQs
Q1. Is Chicago a walkable city, and how easy is it to get around without a car?
Yes, Chicago is very walkable—especially in neighborhoods like The Loop, River North, West Loop, and Lincoln Park. Public transit is reliable, with the CTA ‘L’ trains and buses covering most of the city. Ride-sharing is widely available, and bikes/scooters can be rented via apps. Visitors often find they don’t need a car at all unless exploring far suburbs.
Q2. What are some iconic Chicago food experiences I shouldn’t miss?
Beyond deep-dish pizza, try:
- Chicago-style hot dogs which have mustard, pickle, tomato, sport peppers, and no ketchup!
- Italian beef sandwiches i.e. thinly sliced beef soaked in au jus, often with giardiniera.
- Chicago bakeries like Garrett Popcorn (famous for “Chicago mix”), or fresh donuts from local spots.
- Ethnic neighbourhoods like Chinatown, Little Italy, or Devon Avenue for authentic global flavours.
Q3. Where can I experience Chicago’s rich music and nightlife scene?
Chicago is known as the birthplace of blues and jazz. Key spots include:
- The Green Mill which has a historic jazz club with live performances.
- Buddy Guy’s Legends, a legendary blues club owned by Buddy Guy.
- House music and electronic venues in neighbourhoods like River North.
- Rooftop bars and lounges with skyline views, such as Cindy’s or LondonHouse.
Q4. Are there any family-friendly attractions in Chicago?
Yes! Families love:
- Shedd Aquarium - Huge variety of sea life and interactive exhibits
- Field Museum - Famous for Sue the T-Rex and natural history displays
- Museum of Science and Industry - Hands-on science fun for all ages
- Maggie Daley Park - Playgrounds, climbing walls, and mini-golf
- Lincoln Park Zoo - Free, with lots of animals and green space
Q5. What are some must-visit Chicago neighborhoods to explore on foot?
- Wicker Park for indie shops, cafés, street art
- Hyde Park for University of Chicago campus, museums, and cultural spots
- West Loop for trendy dining, galleries, and the Fulton Market District
- Chinatown for vibrant markets, restaurants, and cultural festivals
- Old Town for historic buildings, comedy clubs, and boutique shopping
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