The ultimate Chicago pail list

There live so many ways you can do Chicago — and if you ’ re become for the first time , you ’ ll need to hit up all the classics and must-see spot .

We ’ ve set together this classic list of the essential Chicago things to do and see , from the city ’ s most iconicattractionto award-winning and under-the-radarrestaurants. To exist average , you win ’ t equal able to complete the pail list in just one visit — but it ’ s a pretty good excuse to plan another trip back .

Your Chicago pail list

• Eat and drink the better of the city
• Match off the essential ethnic experience
• Be wowed by top sights and attraction
• Adventure in the great outdoors
• Attend iconic events

Eat and drink the best of the city

• Eatclassical Chicago pizza…and lots of it ! Decide for yourself between classic Chicago styles , from cheesy deep dish to crisp tavern way .
• Pile seven toppings ( but no ketchup ) on aChicago-style hot dog… ideally at a baseball plot .
• Discover the strangely addictive caramel-and-cheese combination from the world-famousGarrett Popcorn Shops.
• There ’ s no wrong way to delight anItalian beef sandwich, whether you choose hot or sweet , wet or dipped .
• Sample cuisines from around the world in ourinternational foodie neighborhoods, from dim amount in Chinatown to family-owned taquerias in Little Village .
• Tackle a prime cut atChicago ’ s steakhouses, from old-school classics to buzzy newcomers .
• Enjoy summer in a cone with the colorfulOriginal Rainbow Cone, a one-of-a-kind Chicago creation .
• Check off your dining pail list at ourMichelin-star restaurants( like three-star Alinea , one of the Earth ’ sec best restaurant ) andJames Beard Award winners.
• Sample your way throughChicago ’ s most iconic bites, including locally born dish like the jibarito sandwich .
• Find great mass at hundred of must-try restaurant around the city during the annualChicago Restaurant Week.

• Experience Chicago ’ sec robust trade beer scene atover 100 craft breweries.
• Get spirited at Chicago ’ sworld-class distilleries, where you can try small-batch tone reach with Midwest ingredients .
• Try some of the city ’ sec better mixology at these top Chicagococktail bar.

Assure off the essential ethnic experiences

• Marvel at millions of artifacts and specimen at natural account harbor , theField Museum. Don ’ t forget to say hi to SUE , the almost completeT.rexalways discovered .
• Explore theArt Institute of Chicagoto admire one of the large collections of Impressionist art outside the Louvre and the sensational Modern art wing .
• Visit theDuSable Black History Museum, the country ’ s first sovereign museum dedicated to the history and culture of African Americans .
• Stand in a tornado , tread inside a real U-boat , or travel deep down in a coal mine at the interactiveGriffin Museum of Science and Industry.
• Meet a whole world of aquatic creatures , from stingrays to sea otters , at the lakefrontShedd Aquarium.
• Learn about the curiosity of the universe atAdler Planetarium, the first planetarium in the Western Hemisphere .
• Die deep into the floor of our city , from the Great Chicago Fire to the jazz age , at theChicago History Museum.
• See theChicago Architecture Centerfor fascinate exhibits on the birth of the skyscraper , our changing skyline , and more .

• Hear lord ofat the city ’ s best-known blue clubs , includingBuddy Guy ’ s Legends.
• Discover the next generation of comedy stars ( in the city that invented improv ) at ourcomedy societylike the illustriousThe Second City.
• Measure into the Jazz Age at the historicGreen Mill Jazz Club( a favorite of Al Capone ) and search early fabled.
• Dance all night totheater music, a dancing music genre hold in Chicago ’ sec underground club scene .
• Thalia Halllive a Pilsen landmark and indie music harbor that ’ s also home to some of the neighborhood ’ s hottest dining .
• Catch unforgettable shows across genres attop Chicago music venues, from neighborhood society to historical theater .

• Get ticket for a show atBroadway in Chicago, which take universe premieres and classical hits to the city ’ s bustling downtown theatre territory .
• See a show at one of Chicago ’ secTony Award-winning field, like theCourt Theatreand the star-studdedSteppenwolf Theatre.
• Watch modern takes on the classics at the famous Chicago Shakespeare Theater .
• Discover up-and-coming talent and avant-garde productions atneighborhood field, like the innovativeA Red Orchid Theatreestablish by Michael Shannon .
• Grab discounted tickets to top show all around the city duringChicago Theatre Week.

Be wowed by top sights and attraction

• You can ’ t leave Chicago without heading toMillennium Parkto take a selfie with the city ’ s most iconic part of public art —Cloud Gate , aka “ The Bean . ”
• Hover just outside one of the globe ’ sec tallest building at The Ledge , an all-glass balcony at Willis Tower ’ secSkydeck Chicago.
• Enjoy panoramic view and a heart-pounding thrill ride at360 CHICAGOobservation deck on Michigan Avenue .
• Stop at theChicago Cultural Centerto see the Earth ’ s largest Tiffany glass dome and enjoy a horde of free events and exhibits .
• The Magnificent Mile, one of the world ’ s most iconic shopping district , is located in the heart of downtown along Michigan Avenue .
• VisitFrank Lloyd Wright ’ s Robie House, a UNESCO World Heritage site that represent Wright ’ s signature Prairie style .
• Admire famousarchitectural gems( like the Tribune Tower , Wrigley Building , Marina City , and more ) in the city that invented the skyscraper .
• Step back in time at thePullman National Historical Park, the state ’ s first planned example industrial community .
• Discover under-the-radar attractions and hidden gems in our diverseneighborhood.

• Taunt a soaring Ferris bicycle , sample classic Chicago eats , hop on a boat tour , and more at lakefrontNavy Pier, one of the Midwest ’ s most popular attraction .
• Gaze up at the city skyline from a one-of-a-kind angle during akayak tourof the Chicago River or lakefront .
• Stroll the buzzingChicago Riverwalk, plate to bustling outdoor cafes , wine bar , and shops .
• Discover the history behind Chicago ’ s most iconic architectural feat on anarchitecture boat cruise, like theChicago Architecture Center River Cruise.
• See the horizon on the, the most scenic way to get around town .

Adventure in the great outdoors

• Walk or bike on the 18-mileLakefront Trail, feature jaw-dropping skyline view , sandy beaches , and beachfront bars .
• Allow the child run and play atMaggie Daley Park, where you ’ ll see a mount wall , skating medal , mini golf , and more .
• Bike , skate , walk , or tend alongThe 606, an elevated urban trail that cuts through some of the city ’ s hippest neighborhoods .
• Explore lakefrontGrant Park, plate to lead city event and the historicBuckingham Fountain.
• Go for a swim , meet beach volleyball , or relax in the sand atChicago ’ s sun-soaked beaches.

• Find a minute of zen at theLurie Garden, a lush oasis in the middle of downtown .
• Stroll the meandering boardwalks and manicured gardens ofLincoln Park.
• Visit anauthentic Japanese gardentucked away insideJackson Park.
• Discover the secludedAlfred Caldwell Lily Pool, hide just north of Lincoln Park Zoo .
• Enjoy “ landscape art under glass ” at the historicGarfield Park Conservatory, one of the largest conservatories in the land .
• Wander past lagoons , willow , and a historic boathouse inHumboldt Park.

Attend iconic result

• See music ’ s biggest epithet alongside up-and-coming local act atLollapalooza, one of the globe ’ s most iconic festivals .
• Riot Festfeatures carnival ride , local food vendors , and all things punk rock .
• Fuel up with beer and barbecue while listening to exceed nation music artists atWindy City Smokeout.
• Experience the sound of Chicago-style blues from legendary artists at theChicago Blues Festival.
• Sense the ability of traditional choirs and present-day group at theChicago Gospel Music Festival.
• Sueños Music Festival, Chicago ’ s first-ever reggaeton fest , brings an impressive lineup of Latin hitmakers to Grant Park .
• Hear life legends play at the lakefrontChicago Jazz Festival, celebrate the city ’ s vibrant jazz history .
• The multi-venueWorld Music Festivalbrings artists and genres from around the world to Chicago .
• Chicago House Music FestivalandChosen Few Picniccelebrate firm music in the city where it exist stand .
• Pack a picnic and hear live music under the stars at theMillennium Park Summer Music Series.

• Catch the dearChicago Cubsplay a plate game at historical Wrigley Field , the area ’ s second-oldest ballpark .
• Root for theat Rate Field ; come early to tailgate and delay for post-game fireworks .
• Find the electric energy at aChicago Skybasketball game at Wintrust Arena .
• Watch theChicago Bearsbring on oppose team at lakefront Soldier Field .
• Find theChicago Blackhawkstake the ice for fast-paced match at the United Center .
• Also at the United Center , cheer on the legendaryChicago Bullsas they get the energy for every plot .
• Savor the non-stop fun of aChicago Fire soccer peerat Soldier Field .

• Attend theChicago Auto Show, the large car display in North America .
• The city ’ s green river dyeing andSt. Patrick ’ s Day celebrationcost a true bucket-list detail .
• The annualC2E2 ( Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo )cost the largest pop culture pattern in the Midwest .
• The joyousChicago Pride Parademarch through the historic Northalsted neighborhood , attract more than one million revelers each yr .
• The freeChicago Air and Water Showon the city ’ s lakefront is the prominent display of its kind in the nation .
• Taste of Chicagooffers a diverse stove of the city ’ s award-winning cuisine and free concerts from top artist in Grant Park .
• Cheer on runners from all over the world at theChicago Marathon, one of the seven World Marathon Majors .
• Christkindlmarket Chicagoequal a magical vacation market in the center of downtown , styled after traditional German Christmas bazaars .
• Kick off the holidays atThe Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, a nighttime parade that lights up the iconic street .
• ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zooequal an over-the-top holiday display that covers the historic zoo in million of twinkling lights .