United States
Illinois (IL)
Chicago
Things to do in Chicago

Top Things to Do in Chicago, IL - Chicago Attractions

Things to Do in Chicago

Ways to tour Chicago

Book these experiences for a close-up look at Chicago.
See all

Top Attractions in Chicago

See all
1
2
3
4
5
6
…
Learn more about this content
Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travellers are saying

  • Jake S
    Alexandria, VA190 contributions
    Review of: The Art Institute of Chicago
    You needs weeks to take it all in.
    The 4 of us had a private, guided tour by a VERY knowledgeable guide. We had asked for a tour emphasizing art history and leading us up to the works of Georgia O'keefe. The tour was a full 3 hours and was outstanding. It left a great impression of the cultural richness of Chicago.
    Written 4 July 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • WeGoOut
    Peabody, MA227 contributions
    Review of: Museum of Science and Industry
    Terrific museum!
    This is a great place to visit for people of all ages.
    There are many interactive exhibits and each one worked!
    It touched on agriculture, science, technology, history, and a host of other topics.

    It was also interesting seeing the last remaining building from the White City.
    Written 3 July 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Jane M
    Washington, D.C.229 contributions
    Review of: 360 Chicago Observation Deck
    Fun intro to Chicago's architecture and city
    We decided to choose one of the towers to see the bird's eye view of Chicago. The 360 was a fun stop -- chose to do it the morning of our first full day to get a view of everywhere we were going to walk....it was a nice clear day so that helped. We did the Tilt -- it wasn't too crowded so not a long wait. it was fun, even though a bit of the "touristy" side to it. The place has a nice collection of books in the gift shop.
    Written 23 June 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Carol G
    Hartsdale, NY544 contributions
    Review of: Cloud Gate
    Great Fun
    It is delightful to see various reflections in "the bean," as most call the cloud gate. It's a modern sculpture that incorporates the visitor into its reflection and shape.
    Written 4 July 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Northern_Traveler00
    Boston, MA57,675 contributions
    Review of: Millennium Park
    Very nice stroll
    Of course there is the Bean, but there is also the concert pavilion and the flower garden etc. Definitely worth 30-45 minutes of your time
    Written 5 July 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Jason P
    Lansing, MI745 contributions
    Review of: Field Museum
    Tired but satisfied
    The scope and size of this museum is truly incredible. If you want to see everything, you would need two days. We started at 9 and went until just after 4 and covered about 50% of the exhibits. We were exhausted by the time we decided to stop but kind of sad we didn’t see more.

    The Field museum is one of the largest in the world and has over 40 million items in its collection. What is on display is just a fraction of these items.

    My advice is to go online the night before you go and make a plan on what you want to see. T-Rex Sue, dinosaurs, the hall of gems, and the jade exhibits are on the upper floor. Go to these exhibits first as the top floor is less crowded early in the morning.

    We had the city pass, which gets you into all special ticketed exhibits, plus a 3d movie. The special ticketed exhibits we visited (Tang Hall of China, Jurassic Oceans, and Wild Color) were all good but none of them were can’t miss. If you get the basic admission, I don’t think you will feel like you missed out.

    There are two entrances into the museum. If the main entrance (up the stairs) is too crowded, there is a lesser known East Entrance (on path towards Shedd Aquarium) that will usually have shorter lines. Either way, you still have to go through the ticket line if you have the city pass to get your tickets and choose the 3d movie.

    The 3d movie we chose was about Sue the T Rex and was very good. Line was long for our ticketed show but the theater is huge, so don’t worry about getting a seat. Theater is in the basement along with a cafe.

    Museum cafe wasn’t very good and was quite expensive. Only kids meals options were hot dogs and pizza and they cost around $10. When we were there, the soda machine was broken too.

    They do allow you to bring in your own food and drink, and there are plenty of cafeteria style tables in the basement, so bringing your own food might be a better option. There are also many vending machines by the tables that have snacks and drinks and are reasonably priced.
    Written 3 July 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • J Tusky
    1 contribution
    Review of: Wrigley Field
    Great Field
    Wrigleyville was great. FRIENDLY people everywhere. Field is legendary. However, needs way more room underneath(like Fenway). Humm? The seater was not nice to me. I can see Winckowski's point about it being "stock standard." The extreme security(I get that) with their secret service look lessened the atmosphere. No smiles or conversations. Boo. Maybe should have had bleacher seats. I wouldn't call it underwhelming, but I would say MLB has their cooperate systems that make Wrigley more like other parks. Well... it's a Major League baseball game. I enjoyed Camden, Fenway, Oracle(now) and Wrigley all about the same. Fenway a little more. ( ;
    Written 4 July 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Mindy L
    Columbus, OH181 contributions
    Review of: The Magnificent Mile
    Shopping and restaurants
    If you are shopper this the place for you. There are lots of Bars and restaurants too. Also a place to a walk around.
    Written 5 July 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • jlormeau
    Westfield Center, OH176 contributions
    Review of: Chicago Riverwalk
    A must do while in Chicago.
    What a fun way to spend a lovely summer evening. Put aside a couple hours take a stroll along the river. This walk provided an opportunity to people watch, have a bite, sip on a beer, or just watch the world go by. My teen daughter really enjoyed it.
    Written 1 July 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • jlormeau
    Westfield Center, OH176 contributions
    Review of: Lincoln Park Zoo
    It’s free! Great way to spend a couple hours on a pretty day
    Who doesn’t enjoy a zoo? Especially when it is completely free. This is a nice zoo to spend a couple of hours in. The zoo is compact and just the right size for families with little ones. Definitely worth the visit.
    Written 1 July 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • WeGoOut
    Peabody, MA227 contributions
    Review of: Chicago Cultural Center
    A must see!
    This beautiful building is located just across the street from Millennium Park and The Bean. Formerly the Chicago Public Library, the architecture is spectacular. The interior halls are decorated with mosaics and stained glass designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany.

    In addition to the artwork and historical displays, the Center is a peaceful place to take a break. Best of all, admission is free.
    Written 3 July 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Jan M
    Mount Dora, FL71 contributions
    Review of: Richard H. Driehaus Museum
    A gem of a museum
    This is a meticulously renovated museum that showcases the architecture and decor of a wealthy Golden Age "merchant prince." The sumptuous furnishings are a treat to the eyes, and many were made expressly for the rooms where they are now. It's amazing they were able to save them for over a century. There are opulent Tiffany lamps, stained glass windows, centerpieces, vases, mantle surrounds and more. The walls, fireplaces and parquet flooring is different in every room. Really a gem.
    Written 25 June 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Morella
    Farmington Hills, MI1,010 contributions
    Review of: Garfield Park Conservatory
    Beautiful plants and flowers in well kept environments
    Absolutely loved this place!

    There are different environments connected by doors. Each one has a different theme. Plants and flowers are in great shape, evidently cared well.

    The diversity of environments and colors is enjoyable.

    There is also an area where you can drink coffee and teas, and have good quality croissants and muffins. This was a great find.

    Some of the areas have pathways through the plants. Nicely done.

    Reservations highly recommended at this time.
    Written 7 May 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Jason P
    Lansing, MI745 contributions
    Review of: Shedd Aquarium
    Great Aquarium but you pay the price
    You kind of have to be in the right frame of mind when you visit here. There is more to see and do here than at other large aquariums (National Aquarium in Baltimore or the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta). However, there are also several drawbacks.

    This is Chicago’s most visited attraction and the crowds range from crowded (on weekdays) to call the Fire Marshall (on winter holiday weekends). The building echoes and it will be loud with screaming kids.

    Most of the aquarium dates from the 1930’s, which means the building is beautiful inside but also means you have a lot of small tanks in the galleries and lines can form to see the fish in the tanks.

    The entrance was chaotic even with the city pass. There are two lines but no signs indicating which line was the city pass line. City pass line saved no time because you still have to be in the ticket line to exchange your city pass reservation for tickets and the 4d show selection and time (included with city pass).

    Arrived at 10:05 for a 10:00 reservation city pass time and didn’t get into the aquarium until 10:45 due to the slow moving line. That is unacceptable. Why can’t you get your ticket and pick out the 4d movie time online with your city pass?

    The newer part of the aquarium is a lot easier to maneuver around and has beluga whales, sea otters, and dolphins. It also has a small stadium area where you can see an animal show (whales, otter, or dolphin) every hour on the 1/2 hour; however, they don’t tell you which animal they will be presenting, which is weird.

    Everything here is also expensive. Non resident adult is $40 for admission (if you don’t have the city pass) on top of $30 parking. Public transportation is difficult because the subway/el lines don’t run by the museums. There is a bus you can transfer from at the nearest El stop. There is a food court, which serves ok but expensive food. Had a hot dog and chips for $10 (does not include drinks.)

    Overall, if you have the city pass, and like aquariums, it is worth the hassle to come here. Otherwise, you may want to skip.
    Written 1 July 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Cruiser402203
    5 contributions
    Review of: Lakefront Trail
    Biking along the Lakefront 2022
    Take or rent a bicycle if you can, great place to get in some miles with a variety of scenery and interesting individuals!
    Written 5 July 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chicago
The most popular things to do in Chicago with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:See all kid friendly things to do in Chicago on Tripadvisor