Top attractions in Chicago
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Top sights in Chicago
Top 10 things to do in Chicago
Chicago has it all and enjoys spoiling its visitors and locals alike with a wealth of culture, shopping, dining and entertainment possibilities. As Frank Sinatra sang so many times about this world-class city, "it's one town that won't let you down."
1. Wrigley Building
Built in the 1920s, the two towers of this iconic landmark on Michigan Avenue once housed the headquarters for chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr.
2. Michigan Avenue
The Chicago Water Tower on North Michigan Ave. was one of the few structures to have survived the Chicago Fire of 1871. Today, it's a gallery for local artists and photographers.
3. The Magnificent Mile
13-blocks of North Michigan Avenue comprise The Magnificent Mile. It offers retail therapy, a bevy of restaurants with international cuisine and examples of historical buildings.
4. The Loop
It's the district that mixes business with pleasure amid soaring downtown highrises. Take a seat at one of many eateries, stroll along the river or enjoy the nighlife revelry.
5. Chicago Picasso Statue
Controversy surrounded the unveiling of this 50-foot statue in downtown's Daley Plaza in 1967. Some regarded Picasso's Cubist artwork to that of a baboon or a giant insect.
6. Chicago Pedway
When the weather and traffic are bad, thousands of locals take advantage of this system of underground corridors and overhead bridges in a 40-block radius in downtown.
7. Chicago Cultural Center
First opened as The Chicago Public Library and Civil War memorial in 1897, the building is famous for its stained-glass domes. Cultural events take place regularly and for free.
8. Chicago Children's Museum
Dig for dinosaur bones, learn how the city's tallest structures stand, and manipulate the power of water. Parents and kids will give this hands-on museum an A+ by the day's end.
9. Chicago History Museum
From the original days as a fur trading center to what daily life is like today, visitors will learn all there is to know at the "Chicago: Crossroads of America" exhibition.
10. Science and Industry Museum
The largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere is the ideal environment for an immersion in science. The Omnimax Theater also shows fantastic films throughout the year.
Planning Your Visit
Chicago Children's Museum tickets and hours
Admission: $14
Opening hours: Monday-Wednesday from 10:00AM-5:00PM; Thursdays from 10:00AM-8:00PM; Fridays from 10:00AM-6:00PM; Weekends from 10:00AM-7:00PM. Thursdays from 5:00PM-8:00PM is Family Night and free.
Location: Navy PierChicago History Museum tickets and hours
Admission: $14 with two audio tours. Kids 12 and under are free.
Opening hours: daily from 9:30AM-4:30PM
Location: Lincoln ParkScience and Industry Museum
Admission: $18 (adults), $11 (kids 3-11). Three different ticket packages are also available for $27, $32, and $36. Depending on the selected package, visitors may choose up to three extra museum features, such as the Omnimax Theater, which are not included in the general admission price.
Opening hours: daily from 9:30AM-5:30PM
Location: 5700 Lake Shore DriveWhen should I go?
April through May and September through October are great months to visit. The weather is nice, prices are reasonable, and there are plenty of festivals to enjoy. Plus, the crowds are less than in the peak summer season.
Good to know
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- Language
- English
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- Currency
- USD ($)
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- Time Zone
- UTC (-06:00)
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- Country Code
- +1
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- Best time to visit
- Early summer and early fall tend to have pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and a great selection of events on offer.
Top Attractions in Chicago
- 5 Aqua
Things to Do in Chicago
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Cities in United States
Other Sightseeing Options in Chicago
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What people are saying about Chicago
So much fun! And a workout without even knowing it so i didn’t feel guilty about stuffing myself with some delicious pizza hotdog and beers! Got to see some not so touristy locations which was so great! Better than I expected. And out guide Gabe was so awesome!! (Shout out to Gabe’s mom). Full of great and fun info. He made us feel like we were on a private tour!
This experience was worth every penny! View beats any other way of taking in the city, especially at night and the pilot and co-pilot were very friendly and helped make our experience worth it! I highly suggest a night time flight, and also make sure you have a great camera too!
It was a very pleasant experience! I love how the guide was pointing out the architecture and being very interactive! Only thing is that we got lost since there’s so many companies that host this type of tour! It’s next to the Apple store!
This cruise takes you down and then back up the Chicago River giving you plenty of opportunities to see some of Chicago's most iconic architecture. The cruise is very informative and is an excellent way to get to know the Chicago skyline.
Very entertaining and interesting about the people and places that are on the tour. A lot of stuff I had casually heard about but never really knew the whole story until now. Our guide Caleb was an excellent story teller.