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Visit Chicago

Welcome to Chicago, a city with a heart as big as its skyscrapers, and a spirit that runs deeper than Lake Michigan.

When you visit Chicago, you visit one of the world's great cities, full of rich history and cultural experiences. But you also visit a tight collection of proud, diverse, and friendly neighborhoods, each with its own style and story.

Here, we've collected some of Chicago's greatest sights and experiences, from the magic of Millennium Park and its iconic Cloud Gate sculpture, to the family fun of Navy Pier, to the world-renowned Art Institute of Chicago. Get a taste of deep dish pizza and Chicago's best restaurants, and discover the music and performing arts that echo to every corner of the planet.

Come experience the heart of Illinois in Chicago. Your journey begins here.

"It's a bustling metropolis with the warmth of a small town; where the world already comes together every day to live and work and reach for a dream—a dream that no matter who we are ... we can make it if we try."

President Barack Obama
Big city buildings
Inside Chicago Architecture Tour - Chicago
Crowds of people on Oak Street Beach, Chicago, on a sunny day. Chicago skyscrapers are in the background.
Oak Street Beach - Gold Coast - Chicago
Metal cloud gate object
Cloud Gate - Chicago - Millennium Park
Crowd at lollapalooza
Crowd - Lollapalooza - Chicago
A crowd enjoys a show at Second City in Chicago.

Things To Do in Chicago

Make it an unforgettable visit

There are countless activities, experiences, and things to do in Chicago. Here we've gathered just a few of the best. Plus, check out the events trending around Chicago this week and this month.

Couple staring at a painting

View masterpieces

Art Institute of Chicago Art Institute of Chicago
Hundreds of people sitting down on picnic rugs in front of Pritzker Pavillion

Explore the magic

Millennium Park Millennium Park
A fair with people and rides

Enjoy family fun on the lakefront

Navy Pier Navy Pier
The exterior to the museum

Discover something new (or old)

The Field Museum The Field Museum
Kids looking at a whale through the glass

Delve into the deep

Shedd Aquarium Shedd Aquarium
Women walking across the street with shopping bags

Shop, sightsee, and dine

The Magnificent Mile The Magnificent Mile
Family posing for a photo outside of a stadium

Catch a game

Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field
Four people leaning in the Tilt 360 attraction at the John Hancock Center.

Take in the view

360 Chicago - TILT 360 Chicago - TILT
A city with big buildings and a river running through it

Follow the sights

Chicago’s Second Shoreline Chicago’s Second Shoreline
An architecture river tour boat passes under a bridge in Chicago

Go on an architectural adventure

Architecture River Cruise Architecture River Cruise
People standing on the sky deck looking down at the buildings below

Step out over the city

The Ledge at Skydeck Chicago The Ledge at Skydeck Chicago
Indoor Greenhouse.

Go green

Garfield Park Conservatory Garfield Park Conservatory

More Things to do in Chicago

Don't miss the excitement

Upcoming Events in Chicago

  • Show more in category of Festivals & Fairs

    Chicago Latino Film Festival

    Apr 03 – Apr 14

    The 41st annual Chicago Latino Film Festival represents the great diversity of themes and genres of Latino filmmaking from around the world. Read more about Chicago Latino Film Festival

  • Show more in category of Museum & Gallery Exhibits

    Garfield Park Conservatory Spring Flower Show

    Garfield Park Conservatory •  Feb 12 – May 11 @ 10AM

    The Garfield Park Conservatory’s Spring Flower Show returns! Read more about Garfield Park Conservatory Spring Flower Show

  • Show more in category of Museum & Gallery Exhibits

    Frida Kahlo’s Month in Paris: A Friendship with Mary Reynolds at the Art Institute of Chicago

    Mar 29 – Jul 30

    Unveiling Frida Kahlo’s work for the first time in the Art Institute galleries, this exhibition focuses on the celebrated Mexican artist’s first and only trip to… Read more about Frida Kahlo’s Month in Paris: A Friendship with Mary Reynolds at the Art Institute of Chicago

  • Show more in category of Shows & Conventions

    Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2)

    McCormick Place South  •  Apr 11 – Apr 13

    Pop culture fans, assemble! Read more about Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2)

  • Show more in category of Family Fun

    Dozin' with the Dinosaurs at the Field Museum

    Apr 18

    The lights dim as you explore the rituals of ancient Egyptian culture, guided by the light of your flashlight. Read more about Dozin' with the Dinosaurs at the Field Museum

  • Show more in category of Museum & Gallery Exhibits

    EXPO CHICAGO Contemporary Art Fair

    Navy Pier •  Apr 24 – Apr 27

    EXPO CHICAGO Contemporary Art Fair celebrates contemporary and modern art with a diverse schedule of cultural programming and contemporary art installations. Read more about EXPO CHICAGO Contemporary Art Fair

  • Show more in category of Performing Arts

    Chicago Cabaret Week

    Citywide •  May 09 – May 18

    Join us for an unforgettable week of music and performances that celebrate the spirit of Chicago! Read more about Chicago Cabaret Week

  • Show more in category of Heritage

    Pullman Railroad Days

    May 17 – May 18

    Pullman Railroad Days will provide an immersive journey through the golden age of rail travel, showcasing rare historic railcars, special tours, and expert presentations on the… Read more about Pullman Railroad Days

  • Show more in category of Festivals & Fairs

    Sueños Music Festival,

    Grant Park  •  May 24 – May 25

    We invite you to Grant Park this May to experience all-new multi-day Latin music festival, Sueños. World-class production and a curated experience that will leave you… Read more about Sueños Music Festival,

  • Show more in category of Festivals & Fairs

    Chicago Blues Festival

    Millennium Park •  Jun 05 – Jun 08

    The Chicago Blues Festival shares the great Chicago-born music tradition with the world while shining a spotlight on the genre’s contributions to soul, R&B, gospel, rock… Read more about Chicago Blues Festival

  • Show more in category of Festivals & Fairs

    Ribfest Chicago

    Jun 06 – Jun 08

    Ribfest Chicago takes place every summer in the Northcenter neighborhood! Celebrating 25 years of BBQ, Ribfest Chicago continues to be Chicago’s most anticipated food festival. Read more about Ribfest Chicago

  • Show more in category of Food & Drink

    Taste of Chicago (Neighborhood Parks)

    Jun 28

    Taste of Chicago has been a summer staple for more than 40 years. This year, the annual foodie extravaganza will bring both neighborhood events and the… Read more about Taste of Chicago (Neighborhood Parks)

  • Show more in category of Festivals & Fairs

    Chicago Gospel Music Festival

    Jul 12

    Celebrating the great influence of the music genre born in this city more than 80 years ago, the Chicago Gospel Music Festival will present the top… Read more about Chicago Gospel Music Festival

  • Show more in category of Festivals & Fairs

    Chicago Air and Water Show

    Aug 16 – Aug 17

    The Chicago Air and Water Show presented by the City of Chicago is the largest free show of its kind in the United States. The show… Read more about Chicago Air and Water Show

  • Show more in category of Festivals & Fairs

    Chicago Jazz Festival

    Millennium Park •  Aug 28 – Aug 31

    Known for its artistic creativity, the Chicago Jazz Festival promotes awareness and appreciation for all forms of jazz through free, quality live musical performance. Read more about Chicago Jazz Festival

    "It is hopeless for the occasional visitor to try to keep up with Chicago—she outgrows his prophecies faster than he can make them. She is always a novelty; for she is never the Chicago you saw when you passed through the last time."

    Mark Twain
    The Route 66 sign in Chicago which maps the start of the historic route
    Route 66 Sign - Chicago - Illinois
    A fountain with lights
    Buckingham Fountain - Congress Parkway - Chicago
    People ice skating on a track
    Ice Skating - Maggie Daley Park - Chicago
    One of Chicago's elevated trains running on its raised line near Milwaukee Avenue
    Chicago El Train - Milwaukee Avenue - Chicago
    Two chicken drumsticks and pickles on a piece of bread

    Where To Eat in Chicago

    Dishing on deep dish - and more

    Chicago's restaurants, bars, cafes, and other dining spots are the heart of America's culinary scene. Discover the must-try flavors and dining experiences of Chicago, from Michelin stars to the classic stars of the local scene.

      Chicago Restaurants and Other Places to Eat

      "Chicago is a town, a city that doesn't ever have to measure itself against any other city. Other places have to measure themselves against it. It’s big, it’s outgoing, it’s tough, it’s opinionated, and everybody’s got a story."

      Anthony Bourdain
      People posing for a photo by river under bridge
      River Walk - Chicago
      A view of a street with trees and vehicles
      Streetview - Wicker Park Bucktown - Chicago
      A girl running
      Lurie Garden - Chicago
      Adler Planetarium
      Planetarium - Adler Planetarium - Chicago
      A man playing guitar in a bar

      Chicago Nightlife

      WHAT TO DO AFTER DARK

      Chicago has some of the nation’s best restaurants, a deep-rooted history of house, jazz and blues music, and a diverse theatre and comedy scene that’s full of talent.

      Plan Your Night on the Town
      The city

      Chicago Itineraries & Road Trips

      Inspiration for Chicago adventure

      Chicago is a city of endless stories. Whatever you do with your time here, it'll be unique... but these road trips and itineraries are a good start to planning your adventure.

      "I'd rather be a lamppost in Chicago than a millionaire in any other city."

      William Hulbert
      Neon sign for The Second City above theatre entrance
      Theatre Entrance - The Second City - Chicago
      A couple biking along path beside lake and taking a photo
      Biking - Lakefront - Chicago
      People standing on the sky deck looking down at the buildings below
      Skydeck - Chicago - Willis Tower
      Male in a suit singer at the Chicago blues festival
      Singer - Blues Festival - Chicago
      People running and biking on the bike bridge

      Getting To and Getting Around Chicago

      Tips for transportation

      By train, by car, by foot, by bus, by bike, and even by boat, journeying to the next stop on your Chicago adventure will be a pleasure. The only hard part will be figuring out how to leave...

      Chicago Transport

      Chicago Accommodation

      Places to stay in Chicago

      Looking for a Chicago hotel room? A vacation rental? A pet-friendly Chicago hotel? Maybe a taste of luxury? Check out our Chicago accommodation picks!

      Places to Stay in Chicago

      "Perhaps the most typically American place in America."

      James Bryce
      Ladies dancing with big skirts
      Annual Pilsen Mexican Independence Day Parade - Chicago
      The exterior of the Aqua Tower in Chicago, against a cloud-filled blue sky.
      Aqua Tower - Chicago
      Balloons spelling out 'pride'
      Ballons - Pride Parade - Chicago
      Family posing for a photo outside of a stadium
      Ballpark - Chicago - Wrigley Field

      Chicago Icons

      Pizza on a plate

      Deep Dish

      Dishing on Chicago-Style Pizza
      The cast of the award-winning show, Discontent, pose outside Second City Comedy Club in Chicago.

      Theater

      Chicago Theatre Scene
      Big city buildings

      Architecture

      City by Design
      A blues singer wearing a classy metallic suit on stage belting out a song

      The Blues

      Sweet Home Chicago Blues

      "It’s a 106 miles to Chicago, we’ve got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes; it’s dark, and we’re wearing sunglasses."

      Elwood Blues
      Interior of building with a large staircase
      The Rookery, Chicago
      Two people biking down a bridge
      BP Bridge - Chicago - Columbus Drive
      Chicago Botanic Garden
      A person with a dog walking in front of a Mexican Heritage Mural
      Mexican Heritage Mural - Pilsen - Chicago
      A road and river

      Where To Go From Chicago

      The journey has only just begun...

      Chicago has enough experiences for a lifetime. But there’s even more for you to discover in Illinois beyond. Let Chicago be your starting point to further adventure.

      • Things To Do in Rockford

        Rockford greets visitors with a mix of history, art and natural beauty. Explore a nature museum featuring a T. Rex, stroll through Asian gardens and discover work from David Chihuly and Ansel Adams at at the Rockford Art Museum.

         Things To Do in Rockford
      • Three people staring up at a waterfall

        Things To Do Near Starved Rock, Utica

        Starved Rock State Park, with its serene waterfalls and beautiful lodge, offers a quiet retreat for visitors. Explore this lush forest, located just minutes from wineries, quaint shops and restaurants in Utica.

         Things To Do Near Starved Rock, Utica
      • Child coming down yellow Great America Hurricane Harbor water slide

        Things To Do Near Gurnee

        Just north of Chicago in Gurnee, you’ll find a nirvana of theme parks and shopping. Race down a roller coaster, splash through a water park and shop the largest outlet mall in Illinois, packed with more than 200 stores.

         Things To Do Near Gurnee
      • A couple walking across the main street in Galena with buildings either side

        Visit Great Rivers Country

        In Western Illinois, adventure through historic nineteenth-century towns, sip wine in vineyards and explore everything from French forts to ancient civilizations.

         Visit Great Rivers Country

      • Visit Land of Lincoln

        In Central Illinois, presidential history meets Americana. Visit towns that honor their legacies with museums, festivals and American-sized helpings of roadside nostalgia.

         Visit Land of Lincoln
      • Two people climbing up big rocks in Shawnee National Forest

        Visit Trails to Adventure

        Experience the beautiful scenery in the southernmost region of Illinois and Shawnee Forest Country. See it all as you hike, golf, and sip wine in quaint towns, state parks, and wineries.

         Visit Trails to Adventure

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