Chicago is a city with something for everyone. From iconic landmarks like the Willis Tower to world-class museums and sporting events, there’s no shortage of exciting things to do in the Windy City.
In this post, we’ll be sharing a list of the top tourist activities in Chicago, from the stunning art collection at the Art Institute to boat tours along the Chicago River. Whether you’re a history buff, a sports fan, or just looking to experience the city’s unique culture and architecture, there’s something on this list for you. So if you’re planning a trip to Chicago, be sure to check out our picks for the must-see attractions in the city.
The Top Tourist Activities in Chicago
The Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower, is a must-see for any visitor to Chicago. Standing at a towering 1,451 feet, it was once the tallest building in the world and offers breathtaking views of the city from its Skydeck observatory on the 103rd floor. But the Willis Tower isn’t the only attraction worth checking out in Chicago. The city is home to a wide variety of museums, sporting events, and other cultural attractions that are sure to keep you entertained. In the following sections, we’ll be highlighting some of the top tourist activities in Chicago that you won’t want to miss.
Best time to visit Chicago
The Best Tourist Activities in Chicago: A Guide to Avoiding Crowds and Saving Money
Chicago is a city with endless things to see and do, and it can be overwhelming trying to decide which attractions are worth your time and money. To help you make the most of your trip to the Windy City, we’ve put together a table of the most popular tourist activities in Chicago, along with tips on how to avoid crowds and save money. Whether you’re interested in experiencing the city’s iconic landmarks, checking out the latest sporting events, or just soaking up the culture and atmosphere, this guide has something for everyone. So read on to discover the best things to do in Chicago and start planning your perfect trip today.
Attraction | Avoid Crowds | Save Money | Other Tips |
---|---|---|---|
Willis Tower | Visit during off-peak hours (early morning or late afternoon) | Purchase tickets in advance online for a discount | Consider purchasing a CityPASS for access to multiple attractions at a discounted price |
Art Institute of Chicago | Visit during off-peak hours (early morning or late afternoon) | Purchase tickets in advance online for a discount | Consider purchasing a CityPASS for access to multiple attractions at a discounted price |
Field Museum | Visit during off-peak hours (early morning or late afternoon) | Purchase tickets in advance online for a discount | Consider purchasing a CityPASS for access to multiple attractions at a discounted price |
Lincoln Park Zoo | Visit during the week, as it tends to be less crowded on weekdays | Admission to the zoo is free, but donations are encouraged | Check the zoo’s website for special events and activities |
Wrigley Field | Purchase tickets in advance to avoid sold-out games | Look for deals on ticket reselling websites or consider purchasing tickets for less popular games | Check the team’s website for promotions and discounts |
United Center | Purchase tickets in advance to avoid sold-out games | Look for deals on ticket reselling websites or consider purchasing tickets for less popular games | Check the team’s website for promotions and discounts |
Boat Tour of the Chicago River | Book a tour during off-peak hours (early morning or late afternoon) | Look for deals and discounts on tour operator websites or through discount voucher websites | Consider purchasing a CityPASS for access to multiple attractions at a discounted price |
Millennium Park | Visit during the week, as it tends to be less crowded on weekdays | Admission to the park is free, but some events or activities may have a fee | Check the park’s website for special events and activities |
The Chicago Theatre | Purchase tickets in advance to avoid sold-out shows | Look for deals on ticket reselling websites or consider purchasing tickets for less popular shows | Check the theatre’s website for promotions and discounts |
Navy Pier | Visit during the week, as it tends to be less crowded on weekdays | Some attractions at the pier may have an admission fee, but there are also plenty of free things to do and see | Check the pier’s website for special events and activities |
Navy Pier Centennial Wheel
In addition to the Willis Tower, Chicago is home to a wide variety of other top tourist activities, including the Navy Pier Centennial Wheel. This iconic Ferris wheel is located on the Navy Pier and offers breathtaking views of the city, Lake Michigan, and the surrounding area. Standing at a towering 196 feet, the Centennial Wheel is the perfect place to take in the sights and sounds of Chicago. In addition to the Ferris wheel, the Navy Pier is also home to a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and other attractions, making it a must-see destination for any visitor to the city.
Experience the Best of the Windy City from the 360 Chicago Observation Deck
The 360 Chicago Observation Deck, also known as the John Hancock Observatory, is a must-see destination for tourists in Chicago. Located on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center, this observation deck offers panoramic views of the city and Lake Michigan. With a skip-the-line ticket, you can bypass the crowds and head straight to the top to take in the breathtaking views. This is especially wise during peak tourist seasons or on busy weekends, when the lines to purchase tickets or access the observation deck can be quite long.
From the observation deck, you’ll be able to see landmarks like the Willis Tower, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Field Museum, as well as the city’s beautiful skyline and the vast expanse of Lake Michigan. It’s the perfect place to get a bird’s-eye view of the city and snap some unforgettable photos. So if you want to make the most of your visit to the 360 Chicago Observation Deck, it’s definitely worth considering purchasing a skip-the-line ticket.
Explore the Stunning Art Collection at the Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago is a world-renowned museum that is home to an impressive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, as well as a wide variety of other artistic styles and mediums. From famous works like Vincent van Gogh’s “The Starry Night” to contemporary pieces by artists like Cindy Sherman, the Art Institute has something for everyone.
If you’re planning a visit to the Art Institute, it’s definitely worth considering purchasing a skip-the-line ticket. This will allow you to bypass the crowds and head straight into the museum to start exploring the vast collection. With a skip-the-line ticket, you’ll be able to make the most of your visit and see as much of the museum as possible. So whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or just looking to experience the beauty and diversity of the Art Institute’s collection, a skip-the-line ticket is a wise investment.
Picking the best thing to do in Chicago
Chicago is a city that has something for everyone, and with so many top tourist activities to choose from, it can be overwhelming trying to decide what to see and do during your visit. Whether you’re interested in experiencing the city’s iconic landmarks, checking out the latest sporting events, or just soaking up the culture and atmosphere, there’s no shortage of exciting things to do in the Windy City.
To help you make the most of your trip, we’ve provided tips on how to avoid crowds and save money at some of Chicago’s top tourist attractions. But when is the best time to visit Chicago? That depends on your preferences. If you want to experience the city’s vibrant festivals and events, the summer months are a great time to visit. For milder weather and fewer crowds, the spring and fall seasons are popular choices.
If you want to know more about the daily crowd predictions for Chicago’s top attractions, be sure to check out our daily crowd predictions guide. And for even more insider tips on the best things to do in the city, don’t forget to check out our comprehensive Chicago travel guides. With all of these resources at your fingertips, you’ll be well on your way to planning the perfect trip to the Windy City.