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10. Things To Do In Chicago
Photo by Max Bender | Unsplash
Chicago is the third most populous city in the United States, one of the most important cities of the country and among many people’s favorite destinations within the United States. Behind the famous hard and cold winter of Illinois is hidden a gem of culture, history and technology. And this article will introduce you to the best things to do in Chicago.
Updated on 12/20/2025
1. Skydeck at Willis Tower
Do you like stunning views overlooking surrounding areas and offering unique experiences? Well that slightly exaggerated question allows us to introduce the skydeck of the Willis Tower. The building was opened in 1973 and its observation deck stands 1,353ft (~420m) high in the sky. For nearly 25 years it was the world’s highest building. But although this title was lost, the experience is still great. The skydeck features a 360 panoramic view accompanied by “The Edge”, a glass balcony that will make you feel like you are walking in the air. On your way up there, the elevator will also stop at a museum centered around Chicago’s history. Its a good experience for those looking for both thrills, good pics and history.
Photo by Gael D | Unsplash
Admission (General): Free (Under 3 yrs old) to $40
Accessibility: Ramps and elevators are available for strollers, scooters and wheelchairs. More information is available on the Skydeck's website.
Pet Policy: Only service animals are allowed.
Address: 233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606
2. Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago is easily one of the most well known museums in the world. This icon of the windy city is one America's oldest and largest museums with a collection that expands to nearly 300 thousand works of art. This large collection contains some of history’s most well known artists such as Picasso, Hopper or Van Gogh. A must in Chicago that is visited by over a million of visitors each year. Please, also note that additionally to the fixed exposition, the institute holds rotating exhibits (accessible for extra fees).
Admission (General Admission): Free (children) to $32​
Accessibility: The institute offers a wide range of programs and resources for visitors with disabilities.
Pet Policy: Only service animals in leash.
Address: 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603​
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Several of Van Gogh artworks are displayed in the museum.
3. The Riverwalk
Among the best free activities in Chicago, the Riverwalk is without hesitation among the best. The Riverwalk stretches 1.25 miles long and features plenty of experiences along the way. It is divided into six areas, each having different themes. The Riverwalk is definitely a great way of discovering Chicago.
Admission: Free​
Accessibility: The Riverwalk is accessible to wheelchairs.
Pet Policy: Pets in leash are allowed.
Address (Point along the walk): 11 W. Riverwalk, Chicago, IL. 60601
Photo by Aveedibya Dey | Unsplash
Visit Chicago's Museums
4. Field Museum
Chicago is a great place to visit for history lovers. It features plenty of very nice museums accessible (and enjoyable) to the whole family. One of those is the Field Museums of Natural History. It is one of the largest natural history museums in the world and displays an extensive collection of artifacts and scientific specimens.
Admission (General Admission): Free to $30
Accessibility: Accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. Sensory bags and other accomodations are available.
Pet Policy: Service animals in leash only.
Address (Point along the walk): 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
Photo by Austin Farrington | Unsplash
5. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
The Museum of Science and Industry is a science museum with special and permanent exhibits on themes of manufacturing, environmental science, computers, the human body, and so much more. Some famous exhibits include a German submarine from World War II, a Boeing 727 or the command module of the Apollo 8 Spacecraft. Definitely a fun visit for everyone, young and older.
Admission (General Admission): Free (Under 3yrs old) to $26
Accessibility: Accessible to mobility devices, visitors with sensory sensitivities. Additional resources are also available.
Pet Policy: Service animals only.
Address (Point along the walk): 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60637
The Apollo 11 command module similar to the Apollo 8 spacecraft displayed in the museum.
6. Lincoln Park & Activities
Lincoln Park is the name of both one of Chicago’s best neighborhoods, but also a 1,208-acre (489-hectare) park along Lake Michigan. It is the city’s largest public park, and it contains a bunch of very nice activities for local as well as visitors.
Lincoln Park itself contains sight to see. Some of these include the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, a three-acre natural area designed as a tribute to the natural ecology of the Midwest. We can also mention the public beaches where you can swim, and the several statues. Simply walking around the park is a great thing to do, but not only. Below is a list of other attractions in Lincoln Park.
Photo by Benjamin R.| Unsplash
7. Lincoln Park Conservatory
Lincoln Park Conservatory is a conservatory and botanical garden housing a significant horticultural collection. It contains four rooms with exotic plants from around the world, and can be accessed
Admission (General Admission): Free, but donations are appreciated. Although free, timed-entry tickets are required.
Accessibility: All rooms are accessible to wheelchairs except the Fern Room.
Pet Policy: Only service animals (not emotional support) are allowed in.
Address: 2430 N. Cannon Drive
Chicago, IL 60614
8. The Zoo
Yes, Chicago has a zoo. Lincoln Park Zoo is special for many reasons. It was founded in 1868, making it the second oldest zoo in the United States. It is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and an accredited arboretum too. It welcomes nearly 200 species including Alpaca, Seal or even a Polar Bear. And all of that, for free! Definitely a fun thing for family and animal lovers. The zoo also organizes unique events and activities too, but these generally require tickets.
Admission (General Admission): Free.
Accessibility: Many resources are made available for visitors with disabilities or special needs.
Pet Policy: Service animals only.
Address: Chicago, IL 60614
9. Chicago Cultural Center
The Chicago Cultural Center is the city’s official reception venue where the mayor receives leaders and diplomats from all over the world. However, what makes this building especially interesting for visitors is the public events held in the building. As an art & culture hub, exhibits or concerts are often held in the building – many being open to the public for Free. Even if you are not into this kind of event, you may just be interested in visiting the building for its architecture, and notably see the great glass dome.
Admission: Free
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Many resources are made available, but some requires to be requested ahead of time.
Pet Policy: Only service animals are allowed.
Address: 78 E. Washington St., Chicago, IL 60602
10. 360 Chicago
We have already told you about the Skydeck, but you know what is better than one observation deck? Two observation decks! 360 Chicago is located at the John Hancock Center, at a lower height than the Willis Tower’s Skydeck (1030ft vs 1353ft or 314m vs 412) but it has nothing to be jealous of. The 360 Chicago offers stunning views of Lake Michigan and the city of Chicago. It also features the TILT (available for an additional fee), a thrill ride allowing visitors to lean over Chicago. Additionally, the Cloudbar offers visitors the possibility to enjoy a drink in front of the panoramic view.
Admission (General Admission): $19 - $29
Accessibility: ADA-compliant. Resources are also available for guests with sensory sensitivities.
Pet Policy: Service animals only.
Address: 875 N Michigan Ave 94th floor, Chicago, IL 60611
Photo by Ben Burlaga | Unsplash
Moving Around Chicago
How to move around Chicago? There are several options available to move to your destinations in and around the city. Those include, bus, rail and ferries. Most of them are regulated by the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) in Chicago which itself regulates other agencies like Metra, Pace and CTA (Chicago Transit Authority).
Bus
There are two main options for buses in Chicago. The first one is operated by the CTA and includes about 200 routes within the cities. This will likely be your best option to travel to more specific points in the city. Main regular fares options are the following:
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Regular fare for 1 ride and 2 transfers: $2.25*
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1-Day Pass for CTA/Pace: $5
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3-Day Pass for CTA/Pace: $15
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7-Day Pass for CTA/Pace: $75
*This price is for contactless payment.
Note that passes need to be loaded onto the Ventra Account/Card.
More fare options are available on the official website of the CTA including 30-day passes, reduced or student fares, and more.
The second option is Pace. Pace operates buses in the suburbs of Chicago, you are thus less likely to use it if you are in Chicago for tourism. Pace includes regular routes and express routes. Here are the main fares for regular fixed routes:
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Regular fare for 1 ride with contactless payment (including a discounted transfer if using Ventra card, and within 2H of first boarding): $2
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Regular for 1 ride if paid with cash (No transfer included): $2.25
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Children under 7yrs old can ride for FREE (with a paying adult).
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1-Day Pass for CTA/Pace: $5
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3-Day Pass for CTA/Pace: $15
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7-Day Pass for CTA/Pace: $75
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30-Day Pass for Pace Only: $60
Note that passes need to be loaded onto the Ventra Account/Card. Be aware that a fee of 25cents is charged for transfer from Pace to CTA buses.
More fare options are available on the official website of the Pace.
Rail
Within Chicago, the CTA operates the 'L'. This subway features 8 lanes, among which 2 operates (Red and Blue Lines) 24H a day. Here are the fares:
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Regular fare for 1 ride and 2 transfers (does not include the stop for O’Hare station): $2.50*
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1-Day Pass for CTA/Pace: $5
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3-Day Pass for CTA/Pace: $15
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7-Day Pass for CTA/Pace: $75
*This price is for contactless payment.
Note that passes need to be loaded onto the Ventra Account/Card.
Photo by Rama Laksono | Unsplash
Metra is the commuter railroad of Chicago and serves over 200 stations across Cook County. Fares for Metra depend on your zone, departure/arrival stations. Therefore, you will need to check on your own on the Metra website. Generally, a one way fare is less $5 and a 1-day pass less $10.
Ventra
​Ventra is the system used by the RTA to contain passes and pay for transportation fares. You do not need it unless you want to buy a pass. However, we still highly recommend it as it will make things a lot easier to move around and pay. Ventra cards are available physically or electronically (on a phone) and will allow you to pay for the fares of CTA, Pace and Metra. Ventra disposable tickets can also be a great option for visitors, as they offer the possibility to get single-trip, but also 1-Day unlimited rides for CTA-buses and trains. Both the cards and tickets are available at Ventra Vending Machines located in ‘L’ stations.
The Regional Day Pass
In 2025, the Regional Day Pass was released, allowing customers to ride CTA, Metra and Pace with one pass. Here are the fares for weekday prices:
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$10 in Metra’s single zone travel area
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$13.5 in Metra’s two-zone travel area
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$16 in Metra’s three-zone travel area
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All weekend regional day passes cost $9.50.
The passes will be available in the Ventra App.
Waterways
Chicago does not have ferries to other cities, but it does have Water Taxi and sightseeing ferries. The Chicago Water Taxis can be a fun way of moving around the city, taking you from one dock to another. Generally, a one-way ticket (for one ride) will cost $10 and a Ten Ride Pass $25. Tickets can be bought with contactless payment (no cash accepted) online, on the water taxi or at the ticket offices.
Photo by Deborah L Carlson | Unsplash
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