Best Places to Visit in Chicago

Published October 7, 2019 · Updated August 22, 2020

Whether you are a local traveler or a foreign tourist, you will definitely get mesmerized by the beauty of Chicago. Here you can discover everything that you expect from an ideal travel destination. It is listed among one of the most popular cities in the USA and there are several reasons for it. Whether it is cultural attraction, extraordinary architecture, serene beaches or buzzing shopping locations, Chicago is leading in every aspect. Whether you are looking for places to visit in downtown Chicago or Illinois, the city has got everything to fulfill your needs. Here is a comprehensive travel guide that includes the best places to visit in Chicago in your upcoming vacations:

Top Tourist Attractions of Chicago

Millennium Park
John Hancock Observatory
Navy Pier
Lincoln Park Zoo
Art Institute of Chicago
Riverwalk
Buckingham Fountain
Shedd Aquarium
Magnificent Mile
Sears Tower
Chicago History Museum
Garfield Park Conservatory

Why you must-visit these travel destinations?

Millennium Park:

If you are looking for one of the most vibrant and exciting tourist attractions in Chicago then Millennium Park comes as a priority. It is a location where festivals and concerts are conducted on an occasional basis. This amazing park is spread over an area of 25 acres where you can spot several sculptures and historic masterpieces. While taking a stroll here, there are several other places you can explore including Crown Fountain, Pritzker Pavilion and Lurie Garden.

John Hancock Observatory

This iconic construction is also referred as 360 Chicago as it offers you a 360-degree view of the city from a height of more than 1000 feet. There are several reasons that make this observatory a must-visit destination. You can also enjoy tilt from the 94^th floor to get an unforgettable experience of your life. It is the only tourist attraction in Chicago from where you can enjoy a spectacular view of five different states along with Lake Michigan.

Navy Pier:

It boasts about several sightseeing places including a beer garden, Giant Ferris Wheel, and live shows. Here you can enjoy soothing music along with classic plays at the very famous Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. If you are a food lover then you will enjoy staying at nearby restaurants that are famous for offering mouth-watering cuisine which you may have not tasted before. It is recommended to visit this destination from 10 AM to 7 PM to get the best out of your Chicago vacation tour.

Lincoln Park Zoo:

If you are done exploring manmade tourist attractions of Chicago and want to visit the natural reserve of the city then walk into Lincoln Park Zoo. It will give you an opportunity to recall your childhood memories even after spending a short time here. If you are an animal lover then you will love the company of several wildlife creatures you will come across here. The park is surrounded by several tall buildings and skyscrapers that increase its importance in several multiples.

Art Institute of Chicago:

If you are a real art lover then Art Institute of Chicago will fulfill your cravings as it features a collection of over 300,000 art pieces. Tourists who don’t have much interest in the art also find it interesting as they get an opportunity to see Japanese prints, Greek sculptures, art connoisseur and much more. While been here, you can also plan a short visit at Terzo Piano that offers you incredible views of the city. All these reasons make this institute one of the top places to visit in Chicago.

Riverwalk:

If you are a foodie and wish to try some local cuisine then Riverwalk is one of the ideal Chicago tourist spots where you can fulfill your food cravings. Here you can discover several popular restaurants and bars where you can taste local as well as international cuisine. If you are running out of time then it is highly recommended to hire a water taxi which is also considered as a key highlight of Chicago tourism. If you are looking for one of the best places to visit in Chicago for free then Riverwalk should be an ideal option.

Buckingham Fountain:

It is one of the offbeat tourist attractions of Chicago which you can consider visiting during your upcoming trip to Chicago. This amazing fountain is very popular for its unique and it features a spray that throws water up to the height of 15 story building. Buckingham Fountain is an artistic masterpiece that possesses four statues of sea horses that symbolizes different states located to next to Lake Michigan.

Shedd Aquarium:

The Shedd Aquarium is one of the most sought-after family-friendly Chicago tourist attractions that boast about several marine life species. The Aquariums feature more than 32,000 fish, amphibians, insects, birds and several other wildlife species that are difficult to find anywhere else in the world. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Chicago where over 2 million tourists come every year. One of the key highlights of Aquarium includes The Oceanarium that features beluga whales and dolphins.

Magnificent Mile:

Chicago tourism is popular for diverse kinds of shopping places and you will run out of time while discovering each of the destinations. Come to Magnificent Mile which is listed amongst cool Chicago places to visit where you can enjoy the best shopping experience of your lifetime. In the vicinity, you can also consider visiting several other historical landmarks which should be a vital part of your Chicago trip. Chicago Water Tower, the Wrigley Building and The Museum of Contemporary Art are some of the key attractions you can consider visiting in the locality.

Sears Tower:

On the virtue of its tallest structure, it is always rated amongst the must-visit tourist attractions for Chicago. This artistic building also boasts one of the quickest elevators in the entire world. It takes only 70 seconds for elevators to take visitors at the top of the 103^rd floor of this incredible construction. Once you reach at the observatory deck, you will get some of the spectacular views of state Michigan.

Chicago History Museum:

If you are a history and art lover then you will know why the Chicago History Museum is listed amongst the best places to visit in Chicago. The museum features a plethora of sites that keep visitors busy throughout a day. You will be mesmerized by the grand collection of artifacts in the museum that feature more than 20 million art pieces. It is hard to describe the beauty of this museum in words. You will realize its importance only when you actually visit it during your upcoming Chicago vacations.

Garfield Park Conservatory:

It is one of the well preserved Chicago visiting places that boast several plant species that are difficult to find anywhere else in the world. Both the indoor and outdoor part of the garden is adorned with lush greenery which has offered it a stunning look. Flower shows and art exhibitions are also organized at the park that allows tourists to know more about the offerings of the garden. While taking a stroll through the trails of the park, you will be mesmerized by the serene ambiance offered by the amazing flora which is hard to get anywhere else during your Chicago trip.

What’s next waiting for you?

The spectacular city of Chicago will make you fall in love with its beauty. The credit goes to its residents and government authorities who have done a fabulous job to retain its natural beauty along with the addition of artificial glamour. The collection of best places to visit in Chicago Illinois listed above will definitely make your tour a memorable one. There are several free places to visit in Chicago that you can consider visiting as well. If you are planning to visit some more cities in North America then check out our other travel guides.