Chicago is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States of America. The city is known for its historical importance, as well as its thriving business and tourism sectors. So, if you’re looking for a vacation destination with it all, then be sure to add Chicago! This article will discuss the 11 best places to visit in Chicago.
About Chicago
Chicago is one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the United States of America. You get to see everything from art and culture to museums to modern-day marvels in one place. Chicago’s wealth embodies that this city gives back to the people who work hard and commit to their craft. The whole vibe around such places is always worth visiting.
The city is located in northeastern Illinois, on the shores of Lake Michigan, and close to Milwaukee and Gary, Indiana. Chicago is an important business center, with many corporate headquarters located in the city.
The city is also known for its tourist attractions, including several world-famous museums and many theaters. Numerous attractions spreading all across Chicago’s skyline make the Chicago visit a memorable one. Forget about the traveler; even for a Chicago inhabitant, the city can be surprising in many ways. It gets confusing for people to prioritize places from so many attractions. To simplify your concerns, here are the 11 best places to visit in Chicago. The following list is fully informative for tourists and travelers to help them get the best of Chicago.
Quick Facts About Chicago
- The weather in Chicago is variable, with hot summers and cold winters.
- The average temperature in July is 29 degrees Celsius (84 degrees Fahrenheit), and the average temperature in January is -11 degrees Celsius (12 degrees Fahrenheit).
- The closest airport to Chicago is O’Hare International Airport.
- Chicago is in the Central Time Zone.
- Chicago is the third most populous city in the country, with over 2.7 million residents.
Now that we have covered some basic information about Chicago let’s look at the city’s 11 best places to visit.
The 11 Best Places to Visit in Chicago, USA
Chicago, the “Windy City,” has something for everyone, from its world-renowned museums and architecture to its bustling nightlife and delicious food. So whether you’re a first-time visitor or a Chicago native, here are the 11 best places to visit in the city:
1. The Field Museum
The Field Museum is one of the most famous museums in the world. It is home to over 26 million specimens. The museum is also a research institution, with over 100 scientists working on-site.
The Chicago’s Field Museum houses an array of anthropological collections from mummies to dinosaurs skeletons, including Sue, the most giant and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton ever found.
You can easily spend days just going through the artifacts here. Visiting this place is undoubtedly one of the must-do things in Chicago. This is the place that exhibits the iconic T. Rex skeleton and the 100-foot-tall Titanosaur’s skeleton.
Just make sure that whenever you are in Chicago, the places to visit list must include this place. For people with little inclination towards science, this is one of the best places to visit in Chicago.
2. The Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the world’s largest and most famous art museums. It houses over 300,000 works of art.
Within its sprawling complex, it houses artwork from around the world, including paintings by Van Gogh, Monet, and Picasso. The museum also has a comprehensive collection of American art.
From European paintings to Japanese artwork, there is an extensive collection to cater to the needs of every art lover. This institute is undoubtedly one of the most memorable places to see in Chicago. Visit the Modern Wing, miniature rooms, ultra-realistic figures, and much more. There may be many places where you get things to see in Chicago, but this is a never-miss opportunity.
3. Millennium Park
Millennium Park is Chicago’s largest public park. The park is home to many famous attractions, including the Cloud Gate sculpture, the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, and the Crown Fountain. Millennium Park also hosts various events, such as concerts and film screenings.
Millennium Park is one of the top attractions in Chicago for more than one reason. This place gathers millions of tourists all-round the year. In addition, Jay Pritzker Pavilion hosts numerous concerts and gatherings. From Crown Fountain to the Cloud Gate, Millennium Park is undoubtedly one of the most enriching places to go in Chicago.
Have picnic dinners with world music playing in the background. What else would you ever dream of? The place also hosts jazz and other music festivals to savor people’s tastes. This makes it one of the best places to see in Chicago.
4. The Magnificent Mile
The Magnificent Mile is a stretch of Michigan Avenue, home to many of Chicago’s most famous landmarks. The mile includes the John Hancock Center, the Wrigley Building, and the Tribune Tower. It is also one of the best shopping districts in the city.
This is one of the most crowded gathering places in Chicago. The things to do in Chicago, Illinois, around the Magnificent Mile include shopping and witnessing restaurant culture.
This place is heaven for shoppers as you can find every brand around here. So pick up your wallet and hit the shops throughout the day, and after this tiresome activity, visit the fancy restaurants.
The Magnificent Mile has been pulling the crowd in millions from all around the world. It is undoubtedly one of the most memorable places to visit in Chicago.
5. Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo is a free zoo located in Lincoln Park. It is spread over around thirty-five acres. The zoo is home to over 1200 animals, including lions, tigers, penguins, crocodiles, and gorillas. So animal lovers have a lot of adrenaline-pumping moments waiting for them.
Every year millions of tourists from around the world crowd around Clark Street to visit the Lincoln Park Zoo.
One can easily watch hundreds of animals during the whole day. The zoo also has a variety of educational programs and events. Other activities comprise yoga sessions and a wine fest. This is undoubtedly going to cheer you up. All and all, this makes Lincoln Park Zoo one of the must-visit Chicago tourist attractions.
6. The Chicago Theatre
The Chicago Theatre is one of the most famous theaters in the city. It was built in 1921 and has been home to many notable performers. If you’re a theater lover, this is a spot you won’t want to miss.
It is a remarkable place to witness the conjunction of past and present. The baroque-style architecture of the site oozes out French designs. It is one of the most ornate venues and one of the best places to visit in Chicago.
Still today, it hosts live performances, stage shows, etc. There is also an autograph wall of stars, so visit backstage to grab a look at your favorite celeb.
So visiting this historical gem is one of the must-do things in Chicago. The experience of theatres will never be the same again for you. But be vigilant of the tickets for your favorite stand-up or a one-act play. They sell fast. So when in Chicago, the places to visit list must include this opulent location.
7. Shedd Aquarium
Shedd Aquarium is one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world. It’s home to over 32,000 animals, so you’re sure to see something you’ve never seen before. So if you love sea life, this is the place for you.
Shedd Aquarium is the winner in this race as it attracts the most significant number of tourists. In addition, it exhibits the most exuberant aquatic life forms comprising more than 90 different habitats. No doubt Shedd Aquarium is one of the top attractions in Chicago.
The mesmerizing view can only leave you wondering, from piranhas, turtles, and eels to sea otters. There are many places to go to Chicago, but none like this where you can enjoy this much with your family.
The whole experience is so enriching that the visit remains fresh in people’s minds for a very long time. Moreover, as one of the significant Chicago tourist attractions, the tour fills you with mesmerizing views of aquatic life.
One can easily spend the whole day observing marine animals in their natural habitat. The Shedd Aquarium is one of the best places to visit in Chicago with your family, have a fantastic day.
8. Wrigley Stadium
Wrigley Field is the home of the Chicago Cubs. It’s one of the most iconic baseball stadiums in America. So even if you’re not a big baseball fan, it’s worth checking out this historic spot.
The Wrigley stadium qualifies to be one of the most iconic places to visit in Chicago for sure. Even if you dislike sports, once you see the place, your idea of afternoon fun will change. The food, the people, and the cheerful atmosphere create an electrifying vibe. It is anything but boring, even if you do not like baseball.
If you want to have some fun today, here are some things to do in Wrigley Stadium. Visit the stadium, take a cold beer with a hot dog, and enjoy the afternoon like none other. During the special events, you even get to see the live performance of pop stars. Just the place’s ambiance is one of the best things to see in Chicago. So never miss any chance to witness the craze.
9. Buckingham Fountain
Located in Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain is one of the largest fountains in the world. It is also one of Chicago’s most popular tourist attractions. The fountain was built in 1927 and has become a city symbol.
The fountain operates from April to October, with water showing every hour. The best time to see the fountain is during the evening light show when color lights illuminate the fountain.
If you visit Chicago in the summer, make sure you don’t miss out on this place. The best time to visit the site is during the evening light show. The Buckingham Fountain is one of those places in Chicago that you must include in your itinerary.
10. Willis Tower
Willis Tower, formerly the Sears Tower, is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Standing 110 stories tall, the Willis Tower offers stunning views of Chicago from its observation deck. The tower also has a glass floor, where brave visitors can step out and look down to the streets below.
The Willis Tower was the tallest building in the world when it was completed in 1974. It held this title for 25 years until the Petronas Towers were built in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The Willis Tower is still the tallest building in the United States and is one of Chicago’s most popular tourist attractions. So if you’re looking for a thrill, the Willis Tower is the place for you.
11. Navy Pier
Navy Pier is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Chicago. It’s a great place to stroll, get fresh air, and enjoy.
Navy Pier is a pier on Lake Michigan that is home to many shops, restaurants, theaters, and amusement parks. The dock is also a popular spot for fireworks displays and other events.
From boat tours, shops, and gardens to the Children’s Museum, Navy Pier has many offerings. Many seasonal events are a significant source of entertainment, which quickly puts Navy Pier on the list of top attractions in Chicago. In addition, people say that one can spend days just looking around the place’s vibe. The total indulgence of the site makes Navy Pier one of the best tourist attractions in Chicago.
The list goes on for this place is Ferris wheel, Shakespeare theatre, public exhibitions, the list goes on. One of the best places to visit in Chicago and entertaining simultaneously. This place is ideal for visiting with children and family and getting the best from the Chicago tourist attractions.
FAQ
To get the most stellar view of Chicago’s architecture, leisure your way along the Chicago Riverwalk. It is one of the most beautiful places to see in Chicago. The whole design of the Riverwalk is no less than an engineering marvel. No wonder the waterway gives the best sight of the skyline. The dedicated waterway network has river cruises that offer visitors a deep insight into the city’s historical past.
For many people, the number one attraction in Chicago is the Willis Tower. The Willis Tower is the tallest building in the United States and offers stunning views of the city from its observation deck. So if you’re looking for a thrill, the Willis Tower is the place for you.
Chicago is a great city for tourists, and many different areas are worth visiting. Tourists’ best sites include the Buckingham Fountain, Willis Tower, and Navy Pier. These places offer fantastic city views and are a lot of fun to visit.
The best time to visit Chicago is in the summer. The weather is warm, and there are many different events and activities to enjoy. However, if you’re looking to avoid crowds, the best time to visit Chicago is in the fall or spring. These seasons offer excellent weather and fewer tourists.
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Conclusion
Chicago is a city with lots of the best places to visit. But which are the best? We’ve compiled our list here for you- be sure to check it out! From museums and aquariums to parks and shopping centers, many best places in Chicago will keep your family entertained all day. So what are you waiting for? Start packing your bags before these major attractions get too crowded on weekends or busy days.