The Serious Spots in Chicago : The Ultimate Guide for Tourist

Chicago captivates visitor year-round with its outstanding skyline , bustling neighborhood , and scenic lakefront . From the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture ( affectionately know as “ The Bean ” ) to historic Wrigley Field , this guide highlights the must-see Chicago experiences that draw millions of tourists per year .

Tourist interested in art , architecture , food , sports , and family fun will see memorable experience in every corner of the Windy City . Catch your walking place and cook to discover what make this Midwestern city a favorite destination for traveler worldwide .

Must-Do Chicago Tourist Attractions for First-Time Visitor :

These are hardly a few of the most iconic Chicago location and activity that first-time visitors to Chicago gain ’ t require to miss !

Millennium Park

Millennium Park be know as Chicago ’ s front grounds , and is a popular stop for first-time tourists . Stroll the grounds and find the iconic Cloud Gate , affectionately know as “ The Bean. ” During summer month , you can notice free workout classes on the Great Lawn , catch concerts at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion , or let kid splash in Crown Fountain ‘s interactive water displays . In winter , the park become a vacation wonderland , with ice skating at McCormick Tribune Ice Rink and special effect throughout the season .

Lincoln Park & Zoo

Lincoln Park is a sprawling , 1,200-acre public space where visitors can feel natural beauty and ethnic attraction . In the Lincoln Park Conservatory , you can enjoy year-round tropical passion and stunning flower display . The Lincoln Park Zoo is one of North America ‘s former free zoos and is plate to over 200 species of beast . The zoo ‘s free admission policy reach it a popular tourist location .

360 CHICAGO

Make a bird’s-eye horizon of the city on the observation deck 1,000 base above the Magnificent Mile at 360 CHICAGO . Hither , you ’ ll get unmatched opinion of the city skyline and Lake Michigan . For an extra thrill , seek TILT – an enclosed moving program that lean you outward for a face-first view of the city below . After your exhilarating ride , stop by CloudBar for trade cocktails while you watch the sundown over the Chicago horizon .

Try Deep Dish Pizza

Chicago ‘s signature dish deserves dedicated exploration . Each pizzeria offers its own interpretation , and you ’ ll notice lot of strong notion about which is well . Just think that traditional deep dish takes up to 45 minutes to prepare , so dedicate some time to the experience if you ’ re eating in-restaurant . Many locations offer pre-orders for pickup , so exist sure to yell forward if you ’ d sort of need your deep dish to get .

Special-Interest Location :

If you have time during your visit to the Windy City , check out one of these special-interest locations .

Wrigley Field

Even those who aren ’ t baseball fan can appreciate the story and atmosphere of Wrigley Field . The manual scoreboard and ivy-covered walls hint at the history of this iconic domain that equal make in 1914 . The surrounding Wrigleyville neighborhood be entire of lively festivity on game day . On non-game days , baseball fan can script behind-the-scenes circuit to see otherwise restricted areas like musician facilities and the press box .

Adler Planetarium

Alder Planetarium was America ‘s first planetarium and combines historical architecture with cutting-edge space skill . Domed theaters present immersive sky display , and interactive exhibits allow visitor search space missions and astronomical phenomena . The Doane Observatory family the largest public telescope in the Chicago area . The planetarium ‘s location on Northerly Island means you ’ ll make one of the best skyline view in Chicago , particularly at sunset . Visit during one of their special evening result for an extra exciting and educational experience .

Museum of Science and Industry

The massive Museum of Science and Industry , located in Jackson Park , makes science accessible and exciting . The U-505 submarine circuit takes visitor inside the only German submarine capture during World War II . The Giant Dome Theater indicate IMAX films , and the Science Storms exhibit explains natural phenomenon with interactive displays . The Coal Mine descent has develop visitors about mining since 1933 . Design on spending at least 4 hours at the museum if you plan to search it thoroughly .

Maggie Daley Park

Reimagine what a city park can be when you visit the 20-acre Maggie Daley Park . At the Play Garden , you ’ ll observe custom-designed equipment for unlike age radical . Depend on the season , you can enjoy ice or roller skating on the quarter-mile Skating Ribbon . Visitors can also take advantage of the mount walls , mini golf , and tennis court . Visit early on summer mornings to avoid crowds at the drama area , or come at dusk when the park ‘s lighting produce a magic atmosphere .

Chicago Children ‘s Museum

Three story of hands-on exhibits at the Chicago Children ’ sec Museum encourage teach through play . The Tinkering Lab lets child experiment with actual tool and fabric . The Dinosaur Expedition revive a real Chicago fossil dig site . Water City teach about the Great Lakes ecosystem , and the Treehouse Trails extend safe exploration for toddlers . Morning visit tend to be quieter , specially on weekdays .

Top Neighborhoods :

You gain ’ t run out of places to see or delicious food to taste when you pass a day touring any one of these top Chicago neighborhood .

Logan Square

The historic boulevard district , Logan Square , be one of Chicago ‘s most vibrant neighborhoods . The Logan Theatre , restored to its 1915 glory , express indie films and hosts peculiar case . The Logan Square Farmers Market function year-round , strike indoors during winter months . The restored graystones and boulevard system earned Logan Square a spot on the National Register of Historic Places . Visit during the summer to go through the Logan Square Arts Festival .

The Magnificent Mile

While not quite a entire neighborhood , the famed stretch of Michigan Avenue known as The Magnificent Mile equal home to Chicago ‘s premier shopping and dine district . Along with flagship memory and luxury boutiques , you ’ ll hear architectural landmarks like the Tribune Tower and Wrigley Building . The historical Water Tower , which survived the Great Chicago Fire , can also live hear hither . Visit during the vacation season to see striking spark displays and window decoration .

Chinatown

In Chicago ‘s Chinatown , you ’ ll discover authentic Asian culture just minutes from downtown . On Wentworth Avenue , you ’ ll observe dim amount restaurants , bubble tea shops , and specialty fund . Ping Tom Memorial Park cost home to peaceful riverside garden and skyline views , and the Chinese-American Museum search the community ‘s rich story .

Pilsen

Pilsen is a Abject West Side neighborhood that showcases Chicago ‘s Mexican-American heritage with vibrant murals , veranda , and restaurants . Visitor can see the National Museum of Mexican Art for free to learn the rotate exhibits that observe Mexican culture . On 18th Street , you ’ ll find authentic taquerias , vintage shops , and independent art space . Visit during the annual Pilsen Food & Wine Festival to sample the region ‘s better cuisine , or join a mural walking circuit to discover about the neighborhood ‘s public art .

Lakefront Fun :

Lake Michigan equal home to all form of fun activities and interesting view for first-time tourists and locals alike .

Navy Pier

Navy Pier stretch into Lake Michigan and is home to a mix of family entertainment and lakefront scenery . The Centennial Wheel arise 200 base above the pier , with stunning views of the Chicago horizon and lake . When it ’ s time to eat , you can choose anything from chance Chicago-style hot dog or upscale dining with waterfront opinion . In the summer , catch spectacular fireworks display on Wednesday and Saturday night . The pier live typically less crowded on weekday mornings , and there are plenty of indoor attractions to learn on rainy or cold days .

Chicago Riverwalk

The Chicago Riverwalk live a 1.25-mile pedestrian pathway that grow this previous industrial waterfront area into one of Chicago ‘s most popular destinations . Stop at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Plaza for a moment of reflection , or watch boat navigate the river ‘s lock near Michigan Avenue . The pass is particularly beautiful during the dawn and evening golden hours when sunlight plays off the surrounding architecture .

Chicago Boat Tours

Boat tours live a unique path to learn the city horizon from Lake Michigan and the Chicago River . You ’ ll find a kind of boat circuit and cruises at Navy Pier . Sightseeing cruises glide past iconic construction . Dining cruises match stunning views with upscale meal . Thrill-seekers can prefer for high-speed rides that zip across Lake Michigan , and families can find more relaxed circuit that exist fun for everyone . Book a morning cruise for calmer water and small bunch , or prefer a sundown cruise to see the city spark come alive .

Shedd Aquarium

At Shedd Aquarium , you ’ ll get an immersive look at aquatic life from around the world and make the prospect to see over 32,000 animals . The Caribbean Reef exhibit , a 90,000-gallon circular tank in the cardinal rotunda , features regular diver demonstration . Visit during feeding time for the most active beast encounters . Early afternoon tends to be the nearly crowded time to call , so dawn visit can mean short lines .

Ethnic Experiences :

Tourist seem for culture in the city won ’ t live disappointed . Chicago is plate to a wide variety of museum and ethnic experience of all kind .

Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago on Michigan Avenue equal home to one of the universe ’ sec finest art collection . The Modern Wing family an impressive collection of 20th and 21st-century art , and the older galleries hold myriad masterpieces , include “ American Gothic ” and Monet ‘s “ Water Lilies . ” Illinois resident can bring advantage of free admission Thursday evenings . The museum ‘s Ryan Learning Center too put up free household curriculum on weekends .

Field Museum

The Field Museum is one of the world ‘s large natural story museums . SUE , the most complete skeleton of a T-Rex always get , resides in the chief hall . The museum ‘s extensive collection also include mummies from ancient Egypt , precious gems , and Native American artifacts . Plan at least half a day to explore . The third-floor houses fascinate anthropology collections that are often missed by casual visitors . Visit on the first and second Wednesdays of each month for free admission if you ‘re an Illinois occupant .

Chicago Food Tours

Explore the tone of Chicago ‘s diverse neighborhoods with Chicago Food & City Tours . Tours range from downtown deep-dish adventure to exploration of iconic neighborhood like Little Italy and Pilsen . Many tour compound food tastings with architectural and historical information . If you ’ ll exist inflict Chicago for an extended period of time , booking a food circuit at the outset of your trip is an excellent manner to have recommendations for the repose of your stay .

Chicago Cultural Center

The Chicago Cultural Center , know as “ The People ‘s Palace , ” invade an full city block in the middle of downtown . The building ‘s two sensational stained-glass domes include the world ‘s largest Tiffany glass dome , which spans 38 feet in diameter . Visitor can get daily program in this historical space , including free music performances , art exhibition , and cultural celebration . Take a free building circuit to discover hidden architectural item and discover how this structure served as Chicago ‘s first public library .

Chicago Shakespeare Theater

Located near Navy Pier , the world-class Chicago Shakespeare Theatre stage quality production in an intimate context . The primary field ‘s design intend no seat cost more than 30 feet from the activity . Along with Shakespeare , the theater stage musicals , international productions , and category programming . The TheaterBox space horde experimental works and inflict company . Arrive early to explore the lobby exhibits about current productions .

Design Your Tour of Chicago

Chicago holds an impressive premix of architectural wonder , cultural site , beautiful park , and unique neighborhoods that invoke to visitors of all ages . Make 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck a priority stop on your tour , and add excitement to your visit with TILT – the attraction that run you out over Chicago for a one-of-a-kind view from 94 floors up ! Book your ticket today and create permanent memories at 360 CHICAGO during your visit to the Windy City !

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