Things To Do
Millennium Park
You can’t leave Chicago without heading to Millennium Park to take a selfie with the city’s most iconic piece of public art — Cloud Gate, aka “The Bean.” Millennium Park is an award-winning center for art, music, architecture and landscape design. It’s prominent features are the Frank Gehry-designed Jay Pritzker Pavilion, the most sophisticated outdoor concert venue of its kind in the United States; the interactive Crown Fountain by Jaume Plensa; the contemporary Lurie Garden designed by the team of Gustafson Guthrie Nichol Ltd, Piet Oudolf and Robert Israel; and Anish Kapoor’s hugely popular Cloud Gate sculpture. Millennium Park is located in the heart of downtown Chicago. It is bordered by Michigan Avenue to the west, Columbus Drive to the east, Randolph Street to the North and Monroe Street to the South.
Skydeck Chicago
The Ledge at Skydeck Chicago is at Your Feet-Literally. Dare to Stand Out on the 103rd floor, with never before seen views. The 1,353 feet straight down, with a glass boxes extending 4.3 feet out from the Skydeck, providing never before seen views of Chicago. Enjoy 360 degree views spanning up to 50 miles and 4 states. The new, multi media elevator ride gives visitors one of the fastest in the world, while referencing points of interest that match the ascending height. Atop the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, Skydeck Chicago is a “one stop Chicago” experience featuring museum quality interactive exhibits. Open daily. 9-10pm March – Oct; 10-8pm Oct – February. Multi language maps available. Groups of 20 or more receive discounts.
360 CHICAGO
Soaring 1,000 feet over Chicago’s legendary Michigan Avenue, 360 CHICAGO is one of the city’s most iconic attractions. Located at 875 N. Michigan Avenue on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center, 360 CHICAGO (formerly John Hancock Observatory) offers breathtaking views of Chicago’s lakefront, magnificent skyline and four neighboring states. After only a 40-second ride in North America’s fastest elevators, guests can experience what Travel & Leisure Magazine voted one of the best views in America. 360 CHICAGO is the only place where locals and visitors alike can enjoy TILT – Chicago’s highest thrill ride! This one-of-a-kind marvel tilts guests out and over the city from the 94th floor observation deck and gives up to eight visitors at a time the most exhilarating views of Chicago.
The Magnificent Mile
The Magnificent Mile is one of the most famous shopping areas in the world — home to a dizzying array of popular stores, restaurants, attractions, and architecture all on one iconic street. Browse the free City Gallery inside the historic Water Tower, one of the only buildings to survive the Great Chicago Fire. See a show at Tony Award-winning Lookingglass Theatre Company, housed in the Water Tower’s Pumping Station. See if you can jump as high as Michael Jordan at the interactive Chicago Sports Museum.
Giordano's
Chicago’s deep dish pizza is legendary. Invented here during the 1940s, Chicago’s signature style of pizza is instantly recognizable for its bowl-like crust filled with cheese, sauce, and toppings (in that order). Giordano’s Famous Stuffed Pizza Giordano’s is famous for their stuffed deep dish pizza, which comes full-to-the-brim with a range of fresh toppings. The menu includes staples, like the Chicago Classic filled with pepperoni, mushrooms, green peppers and onions, and inventive options, like the Greek with spit-roasted gyro meat, feta and mozzarella cheese, and Greek herb blend, served with a side of tzatziki sauce.
Vienna Beef Hot Dog Stand
The “Chicago Style” got its start from street cart hot dog vendors during the hard times of the Great Depression. Money was scarce, but business was booming for these entrepreneurs who offered a delicious hot meal on a bun for only a nickel. Thus, the famous Chicago Style Hot Dog was born!
Pilsen: Mexican cuisine and beyond
Pilsen is one of the city’s most colorful areas, from the large-scale murals lining the streets to the bold dishes being served in its acclaimed restaurants. This Latino enclave is known as the go-to spot for delicious Mexican fare, from authentic to innovative, that attracts diners from all over the city. Grab goodies to go at Panaderia Nuevo Leon, a traditional self-service Mexican bakery that’s been around since 1973. Take your pick from conchas, gorditas dulces, bolillos, empanadas, donuts, and pan dulce made from scratch daily. Kristoffer’s Cafe and Bakery is another must, with customers (including celebrity chef Rick Bayless) lining up for its famous tres leches cake. De Colores is known for its excellent seafood and local art hanging on the walls. And at HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen, the award-winning dishes explore the flavors and depths of Vietnamese cooking.
Chinatown: Classic and modern Chinese dishes
Established more than 100 years ago, Chicago’s Chinatown is your one-way ticket to authentic Chinese cuisine. The neighborhood’s elaborately adorned streets are dotted with bakery serving traditional snacks, cozy dim sum shops, and award-winning restaurants specializing in flavors from all over China. For dim sum and delicious Cantonese dishes, head to MingHin Cuisine, a Michelin Bib Gourmand favorite. At Evergreen, look forward to generous portions of Cantonese standbys alongside a variety of seafood dishes and peppery Sichuan specialties. And King Karaoke offers stylish private karaoke rooms, a wide selection of drinks, craft cocktails, and Asian-fusion pub fare. After lunch, walk to the original section of Chinatown where you can admire the endless selection of old-school baked goods at the neighborhood’s oldest bakery, Chiu Quon.
Little Village: authentic Mexican fare
Little Village, or “La Villita” as the locals call it, is home to some of the city’s most authentic Mexican cuisine. Stock up on traditional baked goods and pastries like pan dulces and conchas at spots like Rosy’s Bakery or La Baguette, both located in the heart of the neighborhood on 26th Street. Don’t miss Mi Tierra, where you can grill fresh meats and seafoods at the table. The fun atmosphere makes it a popular gathering spot for birthdays and celebrations. And Nuevo Leon is a generations-old family restaurant known for tacos and Mexican staples. If you have a sweet tooth, check out Dulcelandia del Sol — a colorful wonderland with every type of confection you can imagine.
Shedd Aquarium
Get ready for unforgettable encounters with belugas and bluegills, stingrays and sturgeons, sea stars and sea otters — and so many more animals from aquatic environments around the world! See penguins fly through chilly waters, spot sleek sharks cruising overhead and count the suckers on an octopus’ legs. At Shedd, you can look nature in the eye, investigate and discover. Get ready for beauty that surprises, mesmerizes, inspires and moves you!
Chicago History Museum
Explore the history of Chicago and United States through permanent and temporary exhibitions drawn from more than 20 million items in the Chicago History Museum’s collections. “Chicago: Crossroads of America” explores the city’s development and its influence on US history. Examine a treasure trove of historical artifacts, including a chunk of the original Fort Dearborn and the actual first locomotive to operate in Chicago.
Field Museum
The Field Museum is a must-see destination while you’re here in Chicago. Where else can you meet Máximo the Titanosaur, the largest dinosaur ever discovered; experience SUE, the most complete and best-preserved Tyrannosaurus rex ever discovered; descend into an ancient Egyptian tomb, and explore over 10,000 years of Chinese history and culture, all in one afternoon? With 4.6 billion years in one place, the Field Museum takes you to the farthest reaches of this incredible planet we live on. Stop by the Field Museum and unearth a truly must-see experience.