Attractions in Chicago

You’ll find magic in such sparkling Chicago attractions as Navy Pier – the Midwest’s top tourist destination – and its boardwalk, 150-foot Ferris wheel, boat and segway tours, and countless dining or shopping options. Millennium Park offers dazzling music, art, landscape design and architecture – including the mammoth stainless-steel Cloud Gate sculpture – plus ice skating in the winter, splashing around in the interactive Crown Fountain during summer, and alfresco dining from spring to fall.

Chicago looks great from every angle, whether you’re exploring the city’s astonishing architecture during a guided tour (on foot or aboard a Chicago River boat, lakeshore cruise or sightseeing bus) or you’re enjoying the birds-eye view from the 103rd floor Sears Tower Skydeck and the 94th floor Hancock Observatory. The city’s 29 miles of lakefront paths are just one reason Chicago is one of the world’s most walkable and beautiful cities.

Chicago is often called a friendly city – and you’ll agree when you accept the city’s warm invitation to sample such free attractions as Lincoln Park Zoo, home to more than 1,000 mammals, reptiles, and birds. Enjoy the peaceful gardens under glass at Garfield Park Conservatory and Lincoln Park Conservatory, or take in one of the free performances at Navy Pier. To make sure you don’t miss out on anything the city has to offer, make your very first stop the Chicago Cultural Center - Chicago's Architectural Showplace for the Lively and Visual Arts and the city's official Visitor Center.

Chicago is distinguished by its incredible architecture, and the Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) can tell you why. Savvy docents lead more than 80 walking, boat, bus, bicycle and Segway tours to show off the city’s built landscape from every angle. CAF Architecture River Cruises wind alongside soaring towers and point out 50-plus significant sites. The Historic Skyscrapers Walking Tour takes you back in time to see some world-famous early skyscrapers in this birthplace of the modern skyscraper. Visit neighborhoods and other points of interest on CAF’s bus tours. Or check out lunchtime, happy hour, Frank Lloyd Wright, non-English language, and other special tours.

Theatre buffs will enjoy being led by cast members on a Behind the Emerald Curtain Tour of the mega-hit Broadway musical Wicked. A Chicago Theatre Tour reveals the architecture of this majestic venue plus renowned performers’ autographs and colorful murals on dressing room walls.

Chicago Neighborhood Tours introduce you to different communities’ people, arts, culture and history. Focus on the city’s many different ethnic groups, magnificent churches, great cemeteries or other specific subjects. Or tour monumental art on one of the new Chicago Public Art tours.

You know the city’s top attractions, but have you met Chicago’s unconventional side? Competitive types rise to the challenge of Whirlyball, a basketball-lacrosse-hockey-bumper car mix. Enjoy a retro sport with an upscale vibe at 10pin Bowling Lounge or Lucky Strike Lanes. Navigate your way through mirror mazes, tunnels and special effects at Amazing Chicago. Feast while knights battle at Medieval Times’ suburban Schaumburg castle. Exercise your creativity with a Lego Factory Tour, building workshops, movie theater with 4D special effects and more at Legoland Discovery Centre, also in Schaumburg.