Things To Do
in Chicago
Chicago, known as the Windy City, sits on the shores of Lake Michigan and boasts a striking skyline of modern and historic architecture. It is famous for its deep-dish pizza, vibrant arts scene, and world-class museums. The city’s neighborhoods offer diverse cultures, cuisines, and local festivals year-round.
With extensive lakefront trails, parks, and riverwalks, Chicago balances urban energy with accessible green spaces.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your journey with a stroll through Millennium Park, admiring the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture in the crisp morning light. Pause to capture reflections and watch the city come to life across the Bean’s mirrored surface. Feel the energy of joggers and families enjoying the park’s green spaces.
Head to nearby Maggie Daley Park for lunch at a scenic picnic spot or café. Spend the afternoon exploring the park’s winding pathways, rock-climbing wall, and whimsical playgrounds. Let the urban skyline frame your adventures as you savor each moment.
As the sun sets, find a rooftop bar for a cocktail overlooking the city’s dazzling architecture. Listen to live music or join a performance at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Cap the night with a leisurely walk along the park’s lit promenades.
Begin your day at the Field Museum, exploring Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons and ancient relics in well-curated exhibits. Wander through the expansive hallways and admire the botanical specimens in the Evolving Planet section. Capture the grandeur of museum architecture as natural light streams through lofty windows.
Walk along the scenic lakefront to the Shedd Aquarium, marveling at colorful fish and playful dolphins in immersive habitats. Spend time in the Oceanarium and Caribbean Reef galleries, learning about global marine ecosystems. Grab a casual lunch at the aquarium café with panoramic lake views.
Head to the Adler Planetarium’s rooftop for sunset views over Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. Engage in a star show or gaze through powerful telescopes at celestial wonders. Finish the evening with a lakeside stroll, listening to gentle waves and city lights shimmering on the water.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12–18 |
| ☕Coffee | $3–5 |
| 🚕1-mile taxi ride | $3–5 |
| 🎟️Movie ticket | $12–15 |
| 💊Pharmacy medicine | $10–30 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- World-class architecture and museums
- Diverse culinary scene
- Extensive parks and lakefront
- Strong public transit network
- Harsh winter weather
- Traffic congestion during rush hour
- Higher accommodation costs Downtown
- Occasional crime in certain neighborhoods
Places to Visit in Chicago
Visit one of these nice places.
Reflective sculpture in Millennium Park offering mirrored cityscape and lake views.
360° panoramic views from the top of Willis Tower; step out onto The Ledge’s glass boxes.
Elevated greenway with murals, city views, and landscaped gardens—ideal for wide shots.
Iconic white terra-cotta facade along the Chicago River—best shot at golden hour.
Front steps frame Lake Michigan and the skyline, especially dramatic at sunrise.
Food in Chicago
Chicago Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A thick, buttery crust layered with cheese and chunky tomato sauce; best found at Lou Malnati’s or Giordano’s.
Must-Try!
An all-beef frankfurter on a poppy seed bun topped with mustard, onions, relish, tomatoes, pickles, sport peppers & celery salt; try it at Portillo’s or Gene & Jude’s.
Thinly sliced roast beef drowned in au jus on a roll, often topped with giardiniera; Al’s Beef is a classic spot.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Indoor market in the West Loop featuring artisanal vendors—Greek, Mexican, ramen and more.
Seasonal open-air market with street food stalls offering tamales, tacos, and soul food classics.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Chicagoans value polite distance; avoid loud phone conversations on public transit.
Arrive on time for meetings and tours—lateness is frowned upon.
Form orderly lines at bus stops, coffee shops, and ticket counters; skipping is discouraged.
Safety
Tipping in Chicago
Ensure a smooth experience
Restaurants typically include 15–20% tip; bar tabs 15–20%; taxis and rideshares round up or tip 10–15%.
Credit/debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments like Apple Pay are common; cash is optional for small vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild weather with blooming cherry trees at Jackson Park; occasional rain—pack layers.
Warm to hot temperatures, lake breezes, and outdoor festivals; ideal for boating and rooftop bars.
Crisp air and fall foliage in parks; perfect for river cruises and architecture tours.
Cold, windy with snow; bundle up for ice skating at Millennium Park and holiday markets.
Chicago at Night
Hiking in Chicago
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
1.5 hour drive southwest; canyons, waterfalls, and 13 miles of trails.
Drive 1 hour east; sand dunes, beaches, and prairies along Lake Michigan.
30 minutes southwest; 11 miles of mixed-use trails through woodlands and prairies.
Airports
How to reach Chicago by plane.
One of the world’s busiest airports, 17 miles northwest; accessible via Blue Line train or shuttle.
Domestic flights hub, 10 miles southwest; connected by Orange Line train and bus services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Strong cultural presence, especially in neighborhoods like Beverly.
Historic communities in Bronzeville and Englewood with rich cultural heritage.
Vibrant Mexican and Puerto Rican communities in Pilsen and Uptown.
One of the largest Polish populations outside Poland, centered in Avondale.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Chicago Cubs (MLB) at Wrigley Field and White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field.
Chicago Bulls (NBA) play at the United Center; rich basketball history.
Chicago Bears (NFL) at Soldier Field, set on the lakefront.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Chicago.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most major restaurants offer vegetarian menus; check neighborhoods like Logan Square and Wicker Park for vegan-friendly cafés.
Dedicated vegan eateries like The Chicago Diner and Upton’s Breakroom make plant-based dining easy.
Many pizzerias such as Piece Brewery provide gluten-free crust, and most bakeries now offer GF pastries.