Last Updated on January 11, 2023

Chicago, on Lake Michigan in Illinois, is one of the best and most popular cities to visit in the U.S. From attractive museums to exotic night clubs, and from skyscraper like the Wills Tower to vibrant shopping hubs, Chicago has it all!

The city is home to all who keep exploring the beauty, nature, and multicultural. With multiple things to do in Chicago, this beautiful city is definitely a place to visit!

Best Things to do in Chicago

If you are looking at Best places to visit in Chicago, these places will surely add charm to your vacay!!!

#1. Millennium Park

It is a spectacular and lively gathering spot and a place known for hosting the best festivals and concerts, including tours, exhibitions, family activities and games.

If you want to discover the artist within yourself this is the place for you!!

Here, you will find beautiful sculptures all over the 25-acre park. This place gives you a weekend vibe of Chicago, and thus, makes it a must-go place for tourists.

Timings – 6 AM to 11 PM

Plan to stay – 2 hours

Things to do at Millennium Park – Click a photo of your own reflexion in the bean.

#2. Riverwalk

When it comes to sightseeing in Chicago you cannot miss visiting the Riverwalk. Under the beautiful lights near the Chicago River, you can choose to have dinner from a range of happening bars, pubs, and restaurants.

The Trump International Tower and Hotel are also located near this place. All this makes it a tourist attraction spot and a must-visit place when planning things to do in Chicago this weekend.

Timings – 6 AM to 11 PM

Plan to stay – 1-2 hours

Things to do at RiverWalk– Exercise, Boating, Watch the scenery of Chicago

Official Website Riverwalk

#3. Navy Pier

A perfect place to spend your evening on the riverside. This place is famous for the beer garden, Ferris Giant wheel and live entertainment (that includes classic plays and live music). Not only this, but it is also a place where you will find options like rides, IMAX, and what not!

A sublime sunset at the riverside with a bottle of beer!

The best place to relax after a tiring day. Isn’t it??

Timings – 10 AM to 8 PM (Weekends until 10 PM)

Official Website: Navy Pier

Plan to stay – 5-6 hours (whole day if possible)

Things to do at Navy Pier Eating, Shopping, Boating, Children Museum

#4. Shedd Aquarium

This aquarium is close to Lake Michigan and one of the largest aquariums in the world. It is a place to go, especially with your kids and family. Here you can see Beluga whales, white-sided dolphins, and over 1500 mammals and fishes. Such a stunning view makes it one of the most exciting places in Chicago.

Timings – 8:30 AM to 6 PM

Official Website: Shedd Aquarium

Plan to stay – 3+ hours

Things to do at Shedd Aquarium – Watch thrilling show, open rain

#5. Buckingham Fountain

A beautiful fountain located in the center of the grant park. It works during the peak hours of the day but as the sun sets, the entire view is different. In the evening, it has stunning lights and music show which makes it a favorite spot for the tourists. After all, it is one of the largest fountains in the world!

Plan to stay – 40 Minutes

Things to do at Buckingham Fountain – Watch couple wedding show

#6. Garfield Park Conservatory

This place has a rare and unique species of plants present on the indoors and outdoors garden. It is the best place to visit for a person interested in horticulture. It is often referred to as “landscape art under glass” as it showcases thousands of plant species from all around the world in its indoor display gardens.

Timings – Thursday to Tuesday – 9 AM to 5 PM & Wednesday – 9 AM to 8 PM

#7. Promontory Point

This is the best relaxing spot for everyone. Beautiful place to go on a picnic, a very quiet place with greenery all over the area. The city skyline view is great here.

Once you are here, enjoy the beautiful evening near the shore swimming and barbeque!!

#8. Crown Fountain

This is an interactive work of public art and video sculpture, a 50-foot glass block that shows the image of the locals while the water flows through an outlet strategically placed at the mouth of the installation. This has always been a very attractive tourist spot.

Timings – 6 AM to 11 PM

Other Top Things to do in Chicago

#1. River and Lake Cruises

This gives a classic lake tour of 40 mins, best for sightseeing. Just sit back, relax and have a view of the city when confused about what to do in Chicago.

#2. Skydeck

Once upon a time, this 442m Willis Tower was one of the tallest buildings in the world.

When in Chicago, you visit the place for skipping the line and speeding up to Skydeck.

Even today, there is a beautiful view extending over 50 miles and 4 states.

A breathtaking view that can make your day!

Plan to stay – 1-2 hours

Things to do at Skydeck – Enjoy the view

#3. Food Tours

Chicago is America’s one of the top cities that is known for its food.

The secret food tour is the best guide you can avail if you are a foodie and want to taste the flavor of Chicago.

After all, nobody can ignore good food. Isn’t it!!!

Plan to stay – 3 hours

Things to do at Food Tour – taste the food that defines Chicago, local knowledge from fun and enthusiastic guide

#4. Maggie Daley Park

Named on a former first lady of the city who passed away in 2011, Maggie Daley Park is one of Grant Park’s newest treasures.

There is a whimsical play garden for children up to the age of 12yrs, which includes various things like Watering Hole that has a giant breaching whale, and the Enchanted Forest. Here you can walk under upside-down trees and many explore more exciting things to do.

Plan to stay – 4+ hours

Things to do at Maggie Daley Park – Fun things to do in Chicago, games, spend time with your family enjoying various exciting things

#5. Mob and crime bus tour

This is 90 mins bus tour that uncovers the dark past of the Windy City, profiling notorious men like Capone and John Dillinger. It tells us about the history of the city and how it used to be back then in 19 century.

90-minute Mob and Crime Bus Tour.

Plan to stay – 1-2 hours

Things to do at Mob and Crime Bus Tour – Relax and enjoy the tour, know about the history of the city

#6. United Center

Back then in the 90’s seat at the United Center was the hottest ticket in town. It is not the most attractive place by the tourists but if you are a fan you can watch a game in the regular season from October to April.

Plan to stay – 1 hour

Things to do at United Center – Watch a game, revive old memories of 90’s games

#7. Lincoln Park Zoo

In 37 acres from 18 century, this is the last free admission animal parks in the United States. There are more than 1,100 animals here that are constantly taken care of every day. It has indoor and outdoor habitats for various animals like giraffes, pygmy hippos, ostriches, gazelles and many more.

This place should definitely be on your list!

Plan to stay – 4-5 hours

Things to do at Lincoln Park Zoo – Enjoy watching wildlife closely, photography 

#8. Chicago Picasso

This piece of art was made by Pablo Picasso in the mid-1960s. In front of Daley Plaza, the monument weighs almost 147 metric tons and stands over 15 meters tall. It is nowadays one of the most famous meeting points and is well known for public events.

Plan to stay – 1 hour

Things to do at Pablo Picasso – Attend public events