If you ask yourself, as a traveler, why should I visit Chicago? Trust me, you will never run out of answers and options. Chicago is the third-biggest city in the United States. Just behind New York and Los Angeles, the city is a hub for many must-see attractions. Including Millennium Park, Willis Tower Skydeck tickets, the Art Institute of Chicago’s famous paintings, and Navy Pier, there are hundreds of hidden gems in Chicago to explore. Due to its rich history, jaw-dropping architecture, shopping malls, museums, food, and other cultural attractions, the city attracts millions of tourists each year. In this article, we will share a travel guide and top sights in Chicago to make you realize why the city is worth visiting.
5-must-visit attractions in Chicago:
Front view of the Cloud Gate
1. Millennium Park & Cloud Gate (aka The Bean)
- Entry is free.
An award-winning destination for art, parks, music, architecture, and many other things, the Millennium Park is one of the top tourist attractions in Chicago. Located at 201 E Randolph St., Chicago, the marvelous place has many things to offer. Featuring the Crown Fountain, Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Lurie Garden, public art, skating rinks, rock climbing, and many other free events makes it the heart of Chicago tourism. Also, home to another famous spot known as “Cloud Gate,” the 110-ton elliptical sculpture is worth visiting. Luckily, none of these places cost nothing to provide entry. So, your first destination should be to experience this amazing spot with family and loved ones.
The iconic Willis Tower
2. Willis Tower Skydeck & The Ledge
- Entry fee: $30-$45 (Skydeck)
Are you a thrill-seeker? Do you love to enjoy and observe your surroundings from the top? If so, the Willis Tower and the Ledge are the perfect places for you. A gigantic 110-story building, aka Willis Tower, is the largest in the entire western hemisphere and one of the tallest buildings in the USA. Located at 233 S. Wacker Dr. in the Loop neighborhood, the building lets you observe four states—Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan and 50 miles around with a spectacular view. Loathed 1,353 feet above the ground, the Skydeck will allow you to step onto the glass floor and enjoy the astonishing view. Standing on the ledge, which is made of thick, almost 2-inch glass and 5 feet out of the building, will give you the feeling of standing on air.
Navy Pier on the shoreline of Lake Michigan
3. Navy Pier
- Entry is usually free, but some specific attractions may charge.
Located on the shoreline of Lake Michigan, the pier is also known as Navy Pier. Surrounded by an amazing lake view, the place has something more to offer besides its looks. Hub to countless restaurants, exhibitions, shops, entertainment, and games, including a famous Centennial Wheel to enjoy the view, a ride on FlyOver Chicago, a lluminarium show, Pier Park, a maze, museums, theaters, boat cruises, and tours, bus and helicopter tour services, a garden, bar, and countless options to explore. If you are with family or with your loved ones, enjoying a nice and cozy dinner near the lake would be peak romanticism. Along with the interactive museum and a bicycle tour, a 200-foot Ferris wheel is a must-experience activity at the Navy Pier. This official Navy Pier website can provide detailed insight and information and help you complete the tour with a proper plan and budget.
The Art Institute of Chicago
4. The Art Institute of Chicago
- $25 per adult but FREE on selected evenings
The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the most prestigious art museums in the world. Located at 111 S Michigan Ave, the museum has over 300,000 artworks done by famous artists around the world. Visiting the place will not only stimulate your mind but also make you culturally rich and knowledgeable. If you are someone who values creativity and has a strong mindset to promote art and tradition, the place is a must-visit spot for you. Including famous paintings like A Sunday on La Grande Jatte” by Georges Seurat, “The Bedroom” by Vincent van Gogh, “Nighthawks” by Edward Hopper, and “The Old Guitarist” by Pablo Picasso are major attractions in the museum. Apart from these, there are plenty of works by artists from all over the world, including Asia and Africa, that attract millions of art enthusiasts each year. Also, the Thorne Miniature Rooms, exhibition, and education centers are one of the major attractions here. The marvelous architecture of the building is worth visiting for people of all ages.
The Magnificent Mile street view
5. The Magnificent Mile
- Entry Free.
The Magnificent Mile, aka the Mag Mile, is a paradise for tourists. Located at Michigan Ave., the area has everything you would desire. From around 500 restaurants and 250+ world-class shopping brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, and tech giants Apple, Disney, and Nike are commonly found in the street. Modern boutiques, luxury shops, and plenty of gift and souvenir stores are easily available for people to enjoy and experience. The Ave, is also famous for iconic architecture like the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, Water Tower Place, and a few other famous buildings that attract millions of travelers. Each building has distinctive features and innovations that are very eye-catching and enough to make you wonder. Above all else, the food and restaurants should not go unnoticed. From The Signature Room and RPM Steak to Portillo’s, Shake Shack, and countless dining opportunities are there for the tourists. Also, a visit to Chicago is incomplete without trying deep-dish pizza at Giordano’s or Lou Malnati’s. Another 360-degree Chicago observation deck, a museum of ice cream, a theater, a musical festival, and many more entertainment opportunities make the place one of the most visited cities in the USA. If you plan to visit the Mag Mile, then consider yourself lucky because it will surely make your journey memorable.
Chicago never fails to amaze people. From countless opportunities to enjoy breathtaking views to fun rides, museums, shopping, festivals, fine dining options, and plenty of other hidden gems, the city got you covered. Each day thousands of visitors make their marks on the city street to be a part of the great culture. If you are a first-time traveler and want to make your journey memorable, then a Chicago tour is a must.
Top hotels in chicago
Where to stay in Chicago?
Budget-Friendly Hotels that will cost around $50 – $150 per night:
- Motel 6 Prospect Heights.
- Location: 540 N Milwaukee Ave, Prospect Heights.
- $55 per night for 1 person. Provides comfortable rooms and basic conveniences.
- La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Bannockburn-Deerfield
- Location: 2000 Lakeside Drive, Bannockburn, IL 60015.
- $48 per night for 1 person.
- Chicago Getaway Hostel
- Location: 616 W Arlington Pl, Chicago.
- $30 per night for 1 person.
Mid-range hotels that will cost around $150-$300 per night:
- Riu Plaza Chicago
- Location: Downtown Chicago
- $170+ per night for 1 person.
- Pendry Chicago
- Location: Northeastern Illinois, near Lake Michigan
- $190 per night for 1 person.
Luxury hotels that will cost $400+ per night:
- The Langham, Chicago
- Location: 330 North Wabash Avenue.
- $500 per night for 1 person.
- Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago
- 401 N. Wabash Avenue.
- 5-star hotel.
- $570 per night.
- The Peninsula Chicago
- Location: 108 East Superior Street,
- 5-star luxury.
- $570 per night.
Best Time to Visit Chicago?
As Chicago is one of the most highly visited tourist attractions in the USA, usually all of the places are moderately crowded. However, if you travel during spring (April to June) and fall (September to November), there’s a high chance of experiencing comfortable weather and numerous festivals.
How to Get to Chicago?
To get to Chicago, if you prefer air, then O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW) are the two airports that serve the place. For the train, you can go to Amtrak’s Union Station, which will connect to most of the main stations.
