Planning a trip to the Windy City?
Here are 40 of the best things to do in Chicago.
Here are 40 of the best things to do in Chicago.
Valerie de Leon/Travel + Leisure
Valerie de Leon/Travel + Leisure
See masterpieces at the Art Institute of Chicago.
Take an architecture river cruise.
And one of the best ways to appreciate the cityscape is from the river.
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Tour a submarine at the Museum of Science and Industry.
Step back in time at the Chicago History Museum.
Chicago is where Al Capone once played and where Playboy was born.
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Meet a dinosaur at the Field Museum of Natural History.
Sue is estimated to be 67 million years old and made her debut at the museum in 2000.
Have a few laughs at a comedy club.
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New stages have since popped up, likeLaugh FactoryandThe Revival.
You might see the next rising star ofSaturday Night Livebefore they hit it big.
Listen to live music.
Anish Kapoor’s “Cloud Gate” sculpture sits in Millennium Park, Chicago, Illinois.Raymond Boyd/Getty Images
Chicago is a live music heaven, with venues that host performers of all genres throughout the year.
In the mood for classical?
Experience the talents of theChicago Symphony Orchestra.
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Head to the historicGreen Milljazz club.
Go to the beach.
Brave the Skydeck of the Willis Tower.
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Formerly known as the Sears Tower, this towering giant was once the world’s largest skyscraper.
Stop at 875 North Michigan Avenue.
There are restaurants, bars, the360 Chicago observation deck, and occasional events like yoga classes.
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Enjoy the free attractions in Millennium Park.
Located in downtown Chicago, Millennium Park is one of the city’s largest green spaces.
It’s easy to spend a few hours here, especially since most of its attractions are free.
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The Frank Gehry-designedJay Pritzker Pavilionhosts free concerts and other public events every summer.
Take a photo with “The Bean.”
Chicago is full ofpublic art, butthis reflective sculptureby artist Anish Kapoor is one of the most recognizable pieces.
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Admire Buckingham Fountain.
Opened to the public in 1927, it’s one of the largest fountains in the world.
Take an architecture walking tour.
There are few better ways to experience Chicago’s world-famous architecture than on foot.
See the animals at Lincoln Park Zoo.
This35-acre zoo, founded in 1868, is one of the oldest zoos in North America.
It’s free to visit and hosts an annualholiday lights show.
Go to the theater.
Broadway isn’t the only place to catch a show.
Chicago has more than 200 theaters, including the well-knownJames M. Nederlander TheatreandCadillac Palace Theatrein the Theater District.
Shop the Magnificent Mile.
Tour a Frank Lloyd Wright house.
See the “Home Alone” house.
Go ice skating.
Catch a Cubs game at Wrigley Field.
Wrigley Fieldis one of the most charming stadiums in baseball.
Learn about the history of Soldier Field.
The nearly 100-year-oldSoldier Fieldis home of the NFL’s Chicago Bears.
The stadium offersbehind-the-scenes toursthat pass through the locker rooms, interview room, skyline suite, and other areas.
Ride the Ferris wheel at Navy Pier.
If you’re looking for a day of family fun, head toNavy Pierin downtown Chicago.
The long pier features rides, games, restaurants, public artwork, and other attractions.
Be sure to ride theCentennial Wheelfor a truly spectacular view of Lake Michigan.
Take a walk in Oz Park.
Explore a Chicago neighborhood.
Chicago is a city of neighborhoods 77 of them, to be exact.
Wicker Park, Bucktown, and Logan Square are worth exploring on the city’s north side.
On the south side, consider Pilsen and Chinatown.
Architecture buffs are sure to appreciate the historical gems they’ll find in Old Town.
Visit the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center.
Eat your heart out.
Chicago is a foodie paradise that offers something for every palate and every budget.
Visit the National Museum of Mexican Art.
Kayak along the Chicago River.
Check out the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago.
Hop between breweries.
Stargaze at the Adler Planetarium.
You don’t need to leave Chicago to see the stars just head to theAdler Planetariumon Northerly Island.
America’s oldest planetarium is a destination for sky shows, exhibits, and special events.
As a bonus, it stays open until 10 p.m. on Wednesdays.
Bike along the Lakefront Trail.
Celebrate St. Patricks Day.
Chicago’s Irish pride beams as bright asthe green dye in the riverevery March.
Stroll along The 606.
TheBloomingdale Trail Park(The 606) is an elevated recreational trail built on an abandoned railway.
Marvel at art among trees at the Morton Arboretum.
And with more than 1,700 acres and 22,000 plants, it certainly lives up to its mission.
Spend an evening at the American Writers Museum.
Stop and smell the flowers at the Garfield Park Conservatory.
In addition to permanent display houses, the conservatory often hosts special exhibits and spring flower shows.
