Chicago is a city brimming with excitement, diverse culture, and world-class attractions. Known as the Best Big City in the U.S. for eight consecutive years, Chicago is famous for its incredible architecture, deep cultural roots, vibrant food scene, and lively sports culture. Whether you're visiting for a few days or you're a long-time local, there's always something new to discover in this dynamic city. This guide will walk you through all the best things to do in Chicago, from must-see sights to hidden gems.
Things to Do in Chicago
1. Chicago Food and Drink: Savor the Flavors of the Windy City
Chicago is a culinary hotspot, known for its legendary dishes and innovative food scene. No visit to Chicago is complete without trying its famous Chicago-style hot dog—a unique creation topped with mustard, onions, relish, tomatoes, pickles, sport peppers, and celery salt (no ketchup!). Another must-try is the city’s iconic deep-dish pizza, a hearty, cheesy, and saucy masterpiece.
However, the food scene in Chicago goes beyond just pizza and hot dogs. You’ll find everything from world-class fine dining to crave-worthy street food. Whether you’re a fan of authentic dim sum in Chinatown, indulgent doughnuts, or avant-garde tasting menus, Chicago’s culinary diversity will leave your taste buds craving more.
Foodie Hotspots:
- Alinea: One of the world's best restaurants, offering an unforgettable, multi-course fine dining experience.
- Portillo's: A local favorite for an authentic Chicago-style hot dog and Italian beef sandwiches.
- The Publican: A trendy spot in the West Loop known for its farm-to-table fare, with a focus on meats and seafood.
Chicago’s neighborhoods each offer their own unique food experiences. Visit Greektown for delicious Mediterranean cuisine, explore Pilsen for incredible Mexican street food, or indulge in Ethiopian dishes in Edgewater. No matter where you are in the city, a fantastic meal is always around the corner.
2. Chicago Museums and Culture: Explore a World of Knowledge
Chicago is a hub of culture and history, home to some of the world’s most renowned museums. Whether you're an art lover, history buff, or science enthusiast, Chicago’s museums offer an expansive range of exhibits that will captivate your imagination.
Top Museums to Visit:
- The Art Institute of Chicago: One of the oldest and largest art museums in the U.S., famous for its extensive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works, including pieces by Van Gogh, Monet, and Seurat.
- The Field Museum: This natural history museum is home to Sue, the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton ever discovered. Don’t miss the Egyptian mummies and ancient civilizations exhibits.
- Museum of Science and Industry: Explore hands-on exhibits covering everything from space exploration to a life-size model of a coal mine. Perfect for curious minds of all ages.
In addition to these major attractions, Chicago has a wealth of smaller museums and galleries that highlight the city’s cultural diversity and history. Visit the DuSable Museum of African American History, the National Museum of Mexican Art, or the Chinese-American Museum of Chicago for deeper insights into the city's cultural fabric.
3. Chicago Parks and Outdoor Spaces: The City in a Garden
Chicago is a city that balances urban life with vast green spaces, earning it the nickname “City in a Garden.” Its parks, gardens, and waterfront areas are some of the most beautiful in the country, offering a serene escape from the bustling city streets.
Best Parks to Visit:
- Millennium Park: The crown jewel of Chicago’s parks, Millennium Park is home to Cloud Gate (affectionately known as “The Bean”), the Crown Fountain, and lush gardens. During the summer, it hosts free concerts and cultural events.
- Lincoln Park: Located along the shores of Lake Michigan, this expansive park includes the Lincoln Park Zoo (one of the oldest and free zoos in the U.S.), lush gardens, a nature boardwalk, and stunning lakefront views.
- Chicago Riverwalk: Stroll along the scenic riverwalk, lined with public art, cafes, and access to boat tours. It’s a perfect place to relax and enjoy the city’s vibrant waterfront.
For nature lovers, Chicago also offers beautiful beaches along Lake Michigan where you can sunbathe, swim, or take part in water sports. The Lakefront Trail is ideal for jogging, cycling, or simply taking in the breathtaking views of both the city skyline and the lake.
4. Iconic Chicago Attractions: A City of Sights
Chicago is filled with iconic landmarks that should be at the top of your sightseeing list. From towering skyscrapers to historical sites, these attractions capture the essence of the city's architectural and cultural significance.
Must-See Attractions:
- Willis Tower Skydeck: Take in panoramic views of Chicago from 1,353 feet in the air on the Skydeck, where you can step out onto The Ledge, a glass box that extends from the tower.
- Navy Pier: This iconic lakefront destination offers a variety of attractions, including the Centennial Wheel, theaters, restaurants, and beautiful views of Lake Michigan.
- 360 Chicago Observation Deck: Located in the John Hancock Building, this attraction offers stunning views and an exciting experience with TILT, a moving platform that leans you out over the edge of the building.
For those interested in architecture, don’t miss the Chicago Architecture River Cruise, which offers a unique perspective on the city’s skyscrapers and historic buildings while cruising along the Chicago River.
5. Festivals in Chicago: A Year-Round Celebration
Chicago is a city that knows how to celebrate, with festivals and events happening throughout the year. From street festivals to food and music extravaganzas, there’s always something going on in Chicago’s vibrant festival scene.
Top Chicago Festivals:
- Lollapalooza: One of the biggest music festivals in the world, drawing top artists and massive crowds to Grant Park each summer.
- Chicago Air and Water Show: Held annually along the lakefront, this spectacular show features military and civilian aircraft performing thrilling aerial stunts.
- Taste of Chicago: The world’s largest food festival, where you can sample dishes from the city's best restaurants and food trucks.
- Chicago Blues Festival: The largest free blues festival in the world, celebrating the city’s rich blues history.
From winter markets to summer street fairs, there’s never a dull moment in Chicago’s year-round festival calendar.
6. Music and Nightlife: Experience the Pulse of Chicago
Chicago’s music scene is legendary, especially for jazz and blues. The city’s nightlife is equally vibrant, offering everything from intimate jazz lounges to energetic nightclubs.
Best Music and Nightlife Spots:
- Green Mill Cocktail Lounge: A classic jazz club in Uptown, once frequented by Al Capone, where live jazz performances take place nightly.
- House of Blues: Located in River North, this venue offers live music, gospel brunches, and top-tier performances across a variety of genres.
- Smart Bar: One of Chicago’s premier clubs for electronic and house music, located below the legendary Metro concert hall.
Chicago’s nightlife isn’t just about music; the city is also home to a thriving comedy scene, including the world-famous Second City comedy club, where stars like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert got their start.
7. Shopping and Fashion: Retail Therapy in Chicago
If shopping is on your agenda, Chicago won’t disappoint. From luxury boutiques to outlet malls, the city offers plenty of options for retail therapy.
Top Shopping Destinations:
- The Magnificent Mile: Chicago’s most famous shopping street, home to high-end designers, flagship stores, and luxury retailers like Gucci and Tiffany & Co..
- State Street: Known for its historic department stores, including the flagship Macy’s in the Marshall Field and Company Building.
- Fashion Outlets of Chicago: Located just outside the city, this outlet mall offers great deals on designer brands like Michael Kors and Coach.
Whether you're in search of high fashion or unique local boutiques, Chicago’s shopping scene has something for everyone.
8. Sports in Chicago: A City of Champions
Chicago is home to some of the most iconic sports teams in the U.S., and catching a game is a must for any sports fan.
Top Teams to Watch:
- Chicago Cubs: Cheer on the Cubs at the historic Wrigley Field, one of the oldest and most beloved ballparks in the country.
- Chicago Bulls: See the Bulls dominate on the court at the United Center, the team’s home since the days of Michael Jordan.
- Chicago Bears: Experience the excitement of football at Soldier Field, where the Bears have played since 1924.
From baseball and football to basketball and hockey, Chicago’s sports culture is deeply ingrained in the city’s identity.
9. Chicago Theatre and Performing Arts: A City of Creativity
Chicago’s theatre scene is world-class, offering everything from Broadway hits to groundbreaking performances in intimate storefront theaters.
Top Theatre Venues:
- The Chicago Theatre: A historic venue known for its stunning architecture and top-notch performances.
- Steppenwolf Theatre Company: Famous for its innovative productions and home to award-winning actors.
- Goodman Theatre: A leader in the Chicago theatre community, known for producing both classic and contemporary works.
Chicago is also a comedy powerhouse, home to The Second City, where many of America’s top comedians honed their craft.
Conclusion: Discover the Best of Chicago
Whether you’re here to indulge in the food, soak up the culture, cheer on the sports teams, or simply enjoy the scenic beauty of the city, Chicago offers something for everyone. With its vibrant neighborhoods, world-renowned attractions, and non-stop events, this city truly embodies the spirit of the Midwest. So, plan your trip, explore the hidden gems, and experience the best of what Chicago has to offer!
