Famous as the Windy City but there’s more than wind in the metropolis of the Midwest. Chicago shines for its world-class museums, various shopping districts, vibrant art scene, numerous cultural attractions, excellent shopping, and interesting architecture.
The city has much to offer, from stunning beaches stretching along the waterfront to football, baseball, and basketball for sports enthusiasts. You will be wowed at every moment, whether you watch a game at Wrigley Field, window shop along the Magnificent Mile, or catch a ride on the Navy Pier Ferris Wheel. The same holds for architecture as Chicago enjoys a worldwide reputation for being one of the centers of 20th-century art and architecture with many artists leaving their mark.
Here are the top 15 best attractions in Chicago for thrill-seekers, artists, shopaholics, or just about anyone with the spark of exploration:
Top Attractions in Chicago
1. 360 Chicago
It’s safe to say that 360 is among Chicago’s most notable attractions and is one of the best places to visit especially if you want to take in the magnificent views of the river, Chicago’s skyline, and three more neighboring states. 360 Chicago is an observation deck on the 94th floor of John Hancock Center. Those with an adventurous soul will love the new features, “The Tilt” and “CloudWalk” or if you want to relax by the bar, you can check out Bar 94.
2. Escape Rooms
Chicago has premier escape rooms for those who seek excitement and the thrill of solving mysteries and puzzles. Save the White House, escape a zombie, or travel to Mars. You and your family can embark on the most exciting journey of racing against the clock. Choose from multiple themes: breaking out of prison, finding your way out of a gold mine, or thwarting a heist; nothing gets your adrenaline pumping as much as that ticking clock. Some escape rooms include The Escape Game Chicago, Escape Artistry, and Fox in a Box – Chicago.
3. Shedd Aquarium
If you are with your family, especially children, a trip to Shedd Aquarium is a must and should be on your bucket list. Shedd Aquarium is an indoor public aquarium with over 3200 creatures and has a collection of birds, fish, insects, amphibians, and marine animals. You can even say it’s the world’s largest indoor aquarium leading you through a cornucopia of habitats, where you will find penguins, piranhas, and sharks.
Book Hotels Near Shedd Aquarium
4. Art Institute of Chicago
One of the cultural and unique things to do is visit the Art Institute of Chicago. Not only will you be introduced to notable artists like Grant Wood, Georges Seurat, Pablo Picasso, and Edward Hopper, but you will also be exposed to curatorial efforts and cutting-edge scientific research on the conservation of Art. They have all sorts of intriguing artifacts and an impressive collection that includes The Wedding, Sky Above The Clouds IV, and American Gothic. Fun fact: they are one of the biggest and oldest museums in the USA besides being one of the top tourist destinations.
Book Hotels Near Art Institute of Chicago
5. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
Those who love science and art and want to learn about the impact on our world will love visiting the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. The museum offers more than 35,000 artifacts and hands-on exhibits that inspire and educate visitors. The immersive and interactive experience makes up for the only inconvenience of being a bit removed from downtown. It is a museum of its kind in the West, and you can spend a whole day exploring Coal Mine or Science Storms among other activities.
Book Hotels Near Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
read also: Romantic Getaways in Chicago
6. Millennium Park
A wonderful green oasis in the middle of downtown Chicago, you will enjoy a variety of activities ranging from a peaceful stroll along the Lurie Garden to rock climbing at Maggie Daley Park. You can also watch interesting live shows and concerts while satisfying your hunger at the Plaza at Park Grill. The top attractions of Millenium Park are Cloud Gate, Crown Fountain, Lurie Garden, and Pritzker Pavilion. It’s also a famous spot and was portrayed in several films and TV series.
Book Hotels Near Millenium Park
7. Adler Planetarium
America’s finest and first planetarium will take you off the planet into space without ever leaving Chicago. Adler Planetarium offers the most enthralling journey through the cosmos with its immersive exhibitions, state-of-the-art theatres, and telescopic observations. One of the best places to visit with your children, they will love “Planet Explorers”, the most immersive and hands-on exhibition. They also have “Planet Nine”, an exciting show following the quest for a new ninth planet.
Book Hotels Near Adler Planetarium
8. Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park, a six-mile green space, is home to one of the oldest zoos in the USA. Located just outside downtown Chicago, Lincoln Park Zoo is a free zoo that exhibits diverse animals (nearly 200 species) including playful meerkats, red wolves, pygmy hippos, and wild canines. The zoo is renowned for running one of the largest zoo-based conservation projects. They also have a restaurant so you won’t go hungry while exploring the biodiversity.
Book Hotels Near Lincoln Park Zoo
9. The Magnificent Mile
A haven for shopaholics, this portion of Michigan Avenue beckons to even the ones who do not crave shopping. But truth be told, The Magnificent Mile, or the Mag Mile as it is famously known, is a world-class shopping destination with plenty to offer at its 450+ retailers within walking distance. The Mag Mile is home to many top-notch restaurants and cafes including luxury hotels with an added advantage of architectural wonders thanks to its eclectic collections of buildings.
Book Hotels in The Magnificent Mile
10. Chicago Cultural Center
Labeled as the People’s Palace, the Chicago Cultural Center is a stunning architectural marvel inaugurated as a library in 1897. In 1977, it transformed into an arts and culture center and has become a wonderful place to visit. It is one of the most sought-after venues for cultural programming including art exhibits and concerts. It is regarded as one of the best displays of art and culture in the USA. A couple of the best features are the largest Tiffany stained-glass domes in the world and a marble lobby.
Book Hotels Near Chicago Cultural Center
11. Navy Pier
When traveling with your kids, what place to enjoy a day with activities other than Navy Pier? They have a Ferris wheel, a drop tower, and a carousel which the kids will love every bit of. Once the kids are done with their part of the excitement, you can take a speedboat tour or explore the Chicago Children’s Museum. A few other highlights of the Navy Pier are 3D Imax Theater, Shakespeare Theater, and Crystal Gardens, including eateries, retail shops, and exhibition spaces.
12. The Chicago Theater
It is quite impossible to miss this stunning Chicago landmark. Between the unmistakable sign and its facade, it is one of the most recognized landmarks in the city. The Chicago Theater opened its doors in 1921 as an extravagant movie theatre, with an interior featuring French Baroque architecture, stained glass, and an ornate neon sign. It has hosted renowned names such as Prince, Diana Ross, and Duke Ellington, and screen blockbuster flicks, including a variety of stage performances.
Book Hotels Near The Chicago Theater
13. Field Museum of Natural History
Originally known as the Columbian Exposition in 1893, the Field Museum of Natural History has established itself as a leader owing to its extensive collection of scientific artifacts and models. Occupying half an acre of Grant Park’s Museum Campus, the museum has earned a premier status in natural history. It showcases some fossils and artifacts from multiple eras and cultures and is an interactive demonstration of conservation methods for today. It is a must-see for kids, especially fans of Indiana Jones movies.
Book Hotels Near Field Museum of Natural History
read also: Romantic Hotels in Chicago
14. The Rookery Building
The Rookery, designed by architects Daniel Burnham and John Root in 1888 and remodeled by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1907, signifies the importance of Chicago as a historical and cultural building. Named for the large number of pigeons that frequented the building, it is listed as one of the National Historic Places. Considered the tallest building in the world at the time of its inception, it stands as the epitome of the rich architectural brilliance of Chicago.
Book Hotels Near The Rookery Building
15. LEGOLAND Discovery Center
Who doesn’t love LEGO? From adults to children alike, LEGO has had our hearts and continues to do so. There are plenty of exciting and immersive activities to do in the LEGOLAND Discovery Center with your kids so take your whole family to create unforgettable memories. Some popular activities include the 4-D cinema experience, the Kingdom Quest Laser Ride, and the construction demonstration by the Master Model Builder.
Book Hotels Near LEGOLAND Discovery Center
Concluding Words
Whether you are a solo traveler or with a large family, there is much to experience in this Midwestern city. You will never hear that Chicago is boring. Kid-friendly attractions include the Chicago Children’s Museum, Lincoln Park Zoo, and Maggie Daley Park where ice skating and roller skating are offered throughout the year. You can enjoy an outdoor concert at Jay Pritzker Pavilion, stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk, or savor views of downtown Chicago.
