Planning a trip to Chicago or new here and looking for things to do? We’ve got you covered! The possibilities are near endless here in the Windy City. We’ve narrowed it down to the top 10 to make your adventure-planning a little easier. Let the fun-planning begin!
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1) Millennium Park- Have you always wanted to take a selfie in front of that mirrored giant jelly bean featured in so many films and photos? Look no farther than Millennium Park where you can take as many pics with the Bean, a.k.a. “Cloud Gate” and have your Insta stories totally covered. Check out the outside ice skating rink in winter months, complete with free lessons on weekend mornings with reservations.
2) Chicago Theatre- What’s says Chicago like the Chicago Theatre—with that gorgeous gold and red Chicago sign?! Located on N. State Street in the Loop, it hosts shows spanning from Broadway musicals to comedians and just about everything in between. Be sure to reserve a spot far in advance as this one books up quickly. And if you just need a cool photo in front of the legendary sign, that’s always available and free too.
3) Chicago Riverwalk- Take a leisurely stroll (um… not in winter) along the scenic, flower-laden Riverwalk, bordering the Chicago River. Stretching 1.25 miles, enjoy sightings of boats, bridges, buildings, and other things starting with, “B.” Calm yourself from the hustle and bustle of the city with this little nature get-away. Another perfectly free bit of fun to complete your Chicago tour.
4) Wrigley Field- For baseball lovers a must-see, whether to an actual Cubs game or to tour the empty historical stadium from the early 1900’s. Enjoy the iconic sports and movie (A League of Their Own) locale of the North Side Chicago and grab a Chicago hot dog while you’re at it. Play ball!
5) Chicago Starbucks Roastery- Not a sports fan? More of a sit and sip kind of person? I get it! The Starbucks Reserve on Michigan Avenue is for you. Five stories high with themed levels and complete with a winding escalator—that’s right, winding! This Starbucks blows any regular Starbucks or coffee shop out of the water. The pastry and alcohol beverage-inclined will be thrilled to know individual floors are designated with them in mind. Have a seat and a Pistachio latte while you watch—and smell—the rotating buttery croissants! Willy Wonka has nothing on this coffee factory extraordinaire!
6) Lincoln Park Zoo- Family fun doesn’t get any better than a zoo, except maybe one that’s free and open year-round! Enjoy the aquatic exhibits to the wild jungle life. There’s even a petting zoo nearby that has adorable furry friends out to play in the warmer months. Enjoy delicious food in the cafeteria or yummy snacks along the zoo sidewalks. And don’t forget Zoo Lights from November to January–a holiday treat for all ages!
7) Chicago History Museum- Ever wondered how that Chicago fire got started…or at least the rumored tale? Let the Chicago History Museum fill you in on all the details and historical artifacts. See the bed where President Lincoln took his last breath and discover tributes to African American and Native American figures that forever impacted Chicago. For history nerds or Michael Jordan fans, this museum has it all. Set aside at least a couple of hours as there’s so much to see!
8) Magnificent Mile- This is Chicago’s premiere commercial district and a must-see for the shopaholic or foodie in you. Magnificent Mile has it all from Tiffany & Co. to Nike, Zara, Neiman Marcus, and Bloomingdale’s. Your shopping dreams will all be fulfilled on this one glamourous strip. And when you’re famished from all that shopping, the Michael Jordan Steakhouse, RPM Italian, or the Grand Lux await you. 5-star hotels are within a five-block radius as well. Every luxurious thing you could ever ask for right at your fingertips.
9) Navy Pier- Nearby the Magnificent Mile is the beautiful and eclectic lakeshore pier. Enjoy the Centennial Wheel, let the kids explore the children’s museum, gorge on some candy at the food court, or cool off at the splash park! So much to do and see in this one spot so come prepared for the fun and games!
10) Tribune Tower- Come see the one-of-a-kind 463-foot neolithic skyscraper, renowned for the famous elements that make up its composition. Stones from the Berlin Wall can be seen, as well as Wawel Castle, a piece of steel from the World Trade Center, pieces of the Taj Mahal, the Great Pyramid, Notre Dame de Paris, Abraham Lincoln’s tomb, Great Wall of China, and many others. You’ll never see another building like this one, guaranteed!
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This is just a small glimpse of all that awaits you in Chicago. What are you waiting for? Start planning your adventures today! Chicago is waiting for you.