Top 10 Things to do in Chicago

1. Navy Pier

Navy Pier is known as one of Chicago’s main tourist attraction, and for a good reason. Equipped with numerous eateries and shops, an IMAX theater, a children’s museum, boat rides, and a park that includes a carousel and Ferris wheel, Navy Pier has something for all ages. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places on September 13, 1979, this 50-acre pier really does have it all making it number one on our list of top 10 things to do in Chicago.

2. Magnificent Mile

When looking for great shopping, Chicago is definitely a must. One of the most popular lines of shops in known as the Magnificent Mile, located along the northern part Michigan Avenue from the Chicago River to Oak Street. At the furthermost north end of the Magnificent Mile, you can find The 900 North Michigan Shops, a 6-floor indoor shopping mall that is home to stores such as, Bloomingdale’s, Coach, Gucci, J Crew, Michael Kors, and Williams-Sonoma, to name a few. A couple blocks down the mag mile will lead you to the doors of an 8-level indoor mall, Water Tower Place, which includes stores like Macy’s, American Girl Place, Forever 21, Banana Republic, and many more. 

3. The Skydeck

The next item on our top 10 things to do in Chicago list will send you 1,353 feet up into the air on the 103^rd floor of what has been renamed Willis Tower, but more commonly known as Sears Tower. After a 60 second ride in the elevator, you will have the option of taking pictures from the Skydeck, which on a clear day will allow you to see past Lake Michigan to Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin, or you can get your breathtaking view by stepping out onto the Ledge, which is a balcony made entirely out of glass that extends 4.3 feet away from the sides of the 3^rd tallest building in the world.

4. Millennium Park

Millennium Park is 24.5 acres full of art, music, architecture, sculptures, gardens, and landscape design. Located in the Loop community area of Chicago, this park is filled with fun festivals and events year-round. In the winter Millennium Park is even home to a 16,000 square foot ice skating rink at the McCormick Tribune Plaza. Cloud Gate, whish is more commonly referred to as “The Bean” due to its shape, can also be found within Millennium Park. Made completely of stainless steel, a distorted reflection of the Chicago skyline can be a great photo opportunity as well as another item to check off of the top 10 things to do in Chicago list.

5. Chicago Zoos 

Whether you would like to stay in the vicinity of most other places in this top 10 things to do in Chicago list or venture outside the Chicago city limits, a zoo is sure to be found. Lincoln Park Zoo, located inside Lincoln Park, is just North of Chicago whereas the Brookfield Zoo is located in the suburbs of Chicago, right outside of Brookfield, Illinois. Both zoos provide acres and acres of homes to a combined total of over 3,500 mammals, sea creatures, birds, reptiles, and more.

6. Bricks Pizza

The city of Chicago is know for its pizza and if you find yourself in Lincoln Park, make your way over to Bricks Chicago to grab a slice or two of one their many signature pizzas. This Italian eatery also offers a variety of other dishes such as salads, pastas, and sandwiches, but when in the mood for a slice of pizza pie, several options are available. From the sweet heat made with chicken, diced jalapeno, gouda, and bbq-tomato sauce, to the spring fling that is topped with zucchini, goat cheese and thyme, you will not fall short of the Chicago pizza experience.

7. Sporting Events

Just because you may not live in Chicago doesn’t mean you can’t attend a Chicago sporting event and root for one of their many sports teams. If you’re a Major League Baseball fan then you have the option of cheering for the Chicago Cubs of the National League or the White Sox who are part of the American League. If you prefer football, head over to Soldier Field for a Bears game. Rather see the Chicago Fire? Make your way to Toyota Park to watch one of the top soccer teams in the nation. Depending on the season, go to the United Center to support the Bulls or the Blackhawks, Chicago’s basketball and hockey team. Seeing one team or all play is most definitely one of the top 10 things to do in Chicago.

8. Shedd Aquarium

Another historic landmark to visit in the windy city is Shedd Aquarium. Together the five exhibits at Shedd Aquarium, Amazon Rising, Caribbean Reef, Waters of the World, the Oceanarium, and Wild Reef, are filled with 5,000,000 gallons of water and over 32,500 animals. So whether its fish, birds, snakes, amphibians, insects, or marine mammals you wish to see, your trip to Shedd Aquarium should definitely be at the top of your list of the top 10 things to do in Chicago.

9. 312 Chicago 

Finding a place to eat in Chicago isn’t a difficult task, but finding a good restaurant in the heart of downtown Chicago can easily be discovered at 312 Chicago. Eating fine Italian cuisine at 312 Chicago is one of the top 10 things to do in Chicago because it is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a brunch and kids menu as well. In order to appeal to all patrons, 312 Chicago offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes. 

10. Rush Street

The last but definitely not least hot spot that must be experienced on the top 10 things to do in Chicago list is to spend a night out on the town on Rush Street. Along with restaurants and shops, Rush St. is more than just a place to party, but if you’re in the mood to hit the town, you are sure to find multiple places to satisfy your thirst with a cocktail. From the Lodge Tavern and Bootleggers, to She-nannigans House of Beer and Mahoney’s Pub and Grille, dry mouths are hard to find on north Rush Street.

See more of Chicago with our dining and nightlife visitor guides.