Top 50 Best Things to Do in Chicago
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Top 50 Best Things to Do in Chicago

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • The Art Institute of Chicagotop_1
    󰺂8.2
    1155.91
    Chicago.Grant Park639m from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊Victorian-style museum entrance
    City views from sculpture garden
    󱨠Saved by 269 users󱨠258 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    _FB***24_FB***24

    Many famous pieces, spacious, wide range of art, furniture, textile, etc. thank you trip.com for the free ticket! Location is near the bean. So recommend visiting the bean too.

  • 360 CHICAGOtop_2
    󰺂7.9
    838.03
    Chicago.Downtown Chicago2.4 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    View city from 1350 ft glass
    󱓊Willis Tower & Chicago River views
    󱨠Saved by 142 users󱨠98% positive reviews
    4.7/5
    M22***39M22***39

    It's worth visiting, but the price is a bit high, so it doesn't feel like great value for money. There's a slanted window inside that offers a downward view of the city, but that costs extra. Overall, it doesn't feel like good value for money.

  • 875 North Michigan Avenuetop_3
    󰺂7.9
    940.34
    Chicago.Downtown Chicago2.4 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Night Attractions in Chicago
    Highlights:
    󱓊94th-floor Chicago panoramic view
    󱨜344m skyscraper, once world's second
    󱨠129 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    小思文小思文

    The John Hancock Center is a place you can visit by appointment. Group tours in Chicago generally do not include activities in this place, but you can stop by here when you are traveling on your own to get to know some of the characteristics of American architecture and culture.

  • Field Museum
    4
    󰺂7.4
    836.27
    Chicago.Near South Side1.7 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoDozin' with the Dinos - Field Museum | Jan 17, 2026-Apr 10, 2026
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2025 Americas 50 - Best Things to Do
    Highlights:
    Compound Eye Insect Underground Adventure
    󱓊Chicago Museum Campus highlights
    󱨠Saved by 151 users󱨠249 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    yingkyingk

    So much fun walking around here! Perfect for dating spots as well. I came with my bf& we had so many things to talk about all the times. Highly recommend& my bf got free ticket for Illinois residents!

  • Grant Park
    5
    󰺂7.3
    Chicago.Grant Park944m from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 2 of Night Attractions in Chicago
    Highlights:
    󱓊City park with world-class landmarks
    󱓊Lakefront park with cultural venues
    󱨠38% positive reviews
    4.4/5
    小思文小思文

    Grant Park is also a good place to visit for free. The most common people you see are locals doing outdoor sports. Running is very popular and can be seen at different times of the day. There are also some people walking their dogs.

  • Rte 66
    6
    󰺂6.6
    Anaheim.Anaheim City Center>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoSouthern California Vintage Car River Festival Begins
    Highlights:
    󰋄Mountain & plain breathtaking view
    󱓊Spans 2,500 miles across USA
    󱨠Saved by 155 users󱨠36% positive reviews
    4.7/5
    系统错误提示系统错误提示

    On the way from Phoenix to Page, we passed through three areas with completely different geological features and vegetation. When we first left Phoenix, we saw columnar cacti on both sides of the road. As the altitude increased, the cacti and other low shrubs disappeared, replaced by tall pine forests, and finally the barren plateau with Danxia landform characteristics. It was amazing!

  • Navy Pier
    7
    󰺂6.6
    Chicago.Near North Side2.6 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Chicago
    Highlights:
    󰀆200-acre park & shopping area
    󱓊Night cruise: Ferris wheel views
    󱨠Saved by 184 users󱨠100 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    RaushanKRaushanK

    Nice place. This was in winter during Christmas. A lot of fun!!!

  • Willis Tower
    8
    󰺂6.5
    1323.91
    Chicago.Downtown Chicago513m from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 4 of Night Attractions in Chicago
    Highlights:
    󱓊Elevator shows famous buildings' heights
    360° view of Chicago skyline
    󱨠Saved by 178 users󱨠245 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    ArtlasArtlas

    Before riding the elevator to the top, there’s an exhibition introducing Chicago. It covers architecture, famous people from the city, food, and more. At the tower’s summit, you can take in a panoramic view of the entire city. It’s definitely a worthwhile experience.

  • Shoreline Sightseeing
    9
    󰺂6.0
    1528.46
    Chicago.Downtown Chicago1.4 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊Fireworks cruise on Chicago River
    󱓊Fireworks show over the lake
    4.4/5
    109***22109***22

    When you come to Chicago, you must take a boat tour, but I could hardly understand what the foreigners said when they introduced the tall buildings, so I just looked around. If I had purchased it through Ctrip, it would have been great if they could have given us a Chinese translation headset!

  • Skydeck Chicago
    10
    󰺂5.9
    1323.91
    Chicago.Downtown Chicago513m from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱓊Chicago's iconic nicknamed landmarks
    󱓊Windy City charm on display
    󱨠Saved by 105 users󱨠42% positive reviews
    4.7/5
    Travel is goodTravel is good

    Walking on the glass ledge induces an exhilarating mix of awe and excitement, making it a must-try for visitors seeking a unique perspective of Chicago's skyline. Whether you're a tourist or a local, the Skydeck's glass walk is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories and stunning photo opportunities. can see 360 degrees the city and beautiful Lake Michigan

Best things to do in Chicago (2026)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Chicago? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Chicago offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Chicago

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Chicago experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

The Art Institute of Chicago

• Chicago.Grant Park | 639m from downtown

• : Victorian-style museum entrance,City views from sculpture garden

360 CHICAGO

• Chicago.Downtown Chicago | 2.4 km from downtown

• : View city from 1350 ft glass,Willis Tower & Chicago River views

875 North Michigan Avenue

• Chicago.Downtown Chicago | 2.4 km from downtown

• : 94th-floor Chicago panoramic view,344m skyscraper, once world's second

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Chicago

If you want to explore attractions just outside Chicago, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Chicago, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Chicago special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Chicago

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Chicago

Ready to explore the best of Chicago? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What are the best things to do in Chicago?
The best things to do in Chicago include: The Art Institute of Chicago|360 CHICAGO|875 North Michigan Avenue|Field Museum|Grant Park. These activities offer a mix of cultural experiences, sightseeing, and entertainment suitable for all types of travelers.
How much do the top attractions in Chicago cost?
The Art Institute of Chicago:From THB 1,155.91|360 CHICAGO:From THB 838.03|875 North Michigan Avenue:From THB 940.34|Field Museum:From THB 836.27|Grant Park:Free
What amenities or facilities can I expect at top attractions in Chicago?
Most attractions in Chicago provide facilities such as visitor centers, guided tours, parking, rest areas, dining options, and accessibility features to ensure a comfortable experience.
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