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Best 10 Things To Do In Chicago USA

Best 10 Things To Do In Chicago USA

Let’s Feel the Pulse of Windy City Where Adventure Awaits!

Home to a slam dunk list of festivals, walkways, lovely parks, a sprawling waterfront, and 77 neighborhoods, Chicago, “The Windy City,” packs everything in to get everyone hooked forever. Crank it up with phenomenal architecture, a dynamic dining scene, and award-winning theaters, and you’re eyeing high-caliber spots, too—right in the heart of America’s heartland. This Chicagoland is set on Lake Michigan in Illinois and falls under the US largest cities. The city’s pull never ends due to the surge of everything new. Regardless of what your interest is, you are sure to find everything that matches your vibes just perfectly. And if you have long been planning to visit Chi-Town, here’s a complete list of the best things to do in Chicago! So, you pumped? Right? Let’s get going!

Millennium Park and Cloud Gate

Best 10 Things To Do In Chicago USA

A Place Where Modern Architecture And Art Blends With Majestic Skylines!

You haven’t really experienced anything until you visit Millennium Park! Located in the Loop, this 25-acre hotspot is bursting at the seams with modern architecture and art, plus it sets a stunning backstage for festivals and concerts. What steals the show here is a phenomenal Cloud Gate aka “The Bean,” by Anish Kapoor; a reflective stainless steel sculpture mirroring the Chicago Skyline. Located nearby is the Crown Fountain by Jaume Plensa boasts 2 50-foot towers with LED faces, interacting with water spouts. Explore the Lurie Garden, skate on the winter ice rink, and concerts at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Parks offers vibrant experiences year-round.

Grant Park and Buckingham Fountain

Best 10 Things To Do In Chicago USA

Let’s Explore Underwater Species, Gushing Waters, an Greenery!

Renowned as “Chicago’s Front Yard,” Grand Park stretches over 3130 acres of green space, sprawling from the Loop’s eastern edge to the Near South Side. Not sure where to start? Well, if you are a first-time visitor here, consider sending some time. You’ve got to visit the Art Institute of Chicago, Shedd Aquarium, and The Field Museum—these attractions are all in this park! Plus, Millennium Park is just a hop away. Opt for a baseball game, and stroll through the walking paths, and flower gardens, too. At the heart of Grand Park is Buckingham Fountain, featuring one of the whopping fountains with 133 jets gushing up to 150 feet high. If weather allows, show up to witness a 20-minute mesmerizing show take place every hour from 8 AM to 11 PM, with a special nighttime display complemented by music and lights.

Art Institute of Chicago

Best 10 Things To Do In Chicago USA

Stunning Art, Epic Concerts, And Cool Attractions Come Together For A Year-Round Urban Adventure!

Home to the most impressive country’s art collection, the Art Institute of Chicago is a can’t-miss attraction. With almost 300,000 works from across the globe, this place has everything, from modern masterpieces to Byzantine pieces. And there’s a theater too! Yes, Jacob Lawrence’s “The Wedding” “Sky Above Clouds IV” “Georgia O’Keeffe’s and Grant Wood’s iconic “American Gothic” is all there! Plus, you can also check out the Thorne Miniature Rooms and the European armor, portraying interiors belonging from the late 13th to early 20th centuries. Oh! The museum also hosts beautiful traveling exhibits!

The Magnificent Mile

Best 10 Things To Do In Chicago USA

A Place Where Luxury Meets Phenomenal Landmarks!

Ready to shop ‘til you drop and soak in some history? For a shopping spree, drop at The Magnificent Mile! This stretch of Michigan Avenue to the Chicago River from Lake Shore Drive features 450 plus 450 retailers located within easy walking distance. Love luxury? We got you! You will come across Macy’s Nordstrom, Tory Burch, and Bloomingdale’s. Moreover, you can feast on delicious meals in top-end eateries and enjoy a stay at one of the fabulous hotels like Sofitel, InterContinental, and The Drake.

Hold on! The place also entertains architecture enthusiasts—don’t miss a visit to the Chicago Water Tower, one of the oldest buildings on Michigan Avenue, or the Tribune Tower and Wrigley Building. They together add a historic spark to your shopping adventure!

Best 10 Things To Do In Chicago USA

Light Up Your Day with Thrills, Chills, Family Thrills—Ferris Wheels, Fireworks, and Fun!

Make your way straight to the Navy Pier for a fun-filled with the whole family! As soon as you arrive, you will come across the towering 196-foot Ferris wheel, plus a classic carousel and a thrilling drop tower. After the kids have had enough of rides, get on a Chicago River cruise or adventure at the Chicago Children's Museum, where you can enjoy hands-on exhibits like fire trucks and treehouses. But wait—Navy Pier is not for kids only! Adults can relish a show at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater or relax at the Navy Pier Beer Garden. Attend concerts and watch fireworks that are a real feast for the eyes from Memorial Day to Labor Day and New Year’s Eve. And hey, summer evenings are ideal for Segway Tours to catch the majestic fireworks show!

Lincoln Park Zoo

Best 10 Things To Do In Chicago USA

Let’s Enjoy A Fusion Of Beach Bliss and Zoo Adventure!

Ready for a perfect mix of wildlife and beach fun? North Avenue Beach is just a quick stroll over the North Avenue Bridge from the Lincoln Park Zoo lot/ kick-off your day with a visit to the zoo, jam-packed with almost 200 species, from hippos and sloths to zebras. And there you will spot gorillas too at the Regenstein Center for African Apes and harbor seals at the Kovler Seal Pool.  Enjoy their training and feeding from 11:30 AM to 2 PM. Then, head straight to the beaches for some sand time.

360 Chicago Observation Deck

Best 10 Things To Do In Chicago USA

A Place Where Thrill-Seeking Fun and Breathtaking Views Prevails!

What worth the real hype in Chicago is its dominating skylines, and to your wonder 360 CHICAGO Observatory Deck is a place to be. Previously renowned as the John Hancock Observatory, this place is positioned 1,000 feet above The Magnificent Mile on the John Hancock Center’s 49th floor. You can relish jaw-dropping views from floor-to-ceiling windows, spotting 4 states on a clearer day. For a thrill-filled day, try out TILT, where you lean out over North Michigan Avenue, or enjoy CloudWalk, offering a 3D art experience by Nate Baranowski, making you feel you are floating among clouds. Don’t forget to get yourself their wine, coffee, and souvenirs!

The Field Museum

Best 10 Things To Do In Chicago USA

Get Ready For An Adventure Through Fossils And Time!

This sprawling natural history museum takes up half an acre on the museum campus of Grand Park and is a total must-see, especially if you are a fan of Indiana Jones. What's cool here, you have the Inside Ancient Egypt exhibit with a three-story replica of an Egyptian tomb, awesome nightlife displays, and loads of mummies. Plus, check out the Restoring Earth area in the Abbey Hall of Conservation for some hands-on fun with sustainability. And make sure you are not missing out on SUE, The T. Rex! This giant is 40 feet long and has 55 fierce teeth!

Skydeck Chicago at the Willis Tower

Best 10 Things To Do In Chicago USA

Make Your Heart Race As You Reach To New Heights!

Over 1.7 million people flock to Willis Tower's Skydeck Chicago every year and there's no wonder why. Sitting on the 103rd floor—yep that's 9th floor higher than 360 Chicago—this is one of North America's tallest places. From here, you can take in the jaw-dropping views of Chicago and on a clear day even see Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, and beyond.

What's the big draw? The Ledge. This glass platform extends 4.3 out from the building, giving you the ultimate thrill as you look straight down. You can check out the video screens that show what it's like from one or three floors up. Long lines? No worries. Arrive early, get a Chicago CityPass for speedy entry, or opt for the express line. For the best experience, you can visit just after opening or before sunset.

The Chicago Theatre

Best 10 Things To Do In Chicago USA

Exploring The Fusion's Amazing Shows And History!

Aside from Buckingham Fountain and Cloud Gate, Chicago's phenomenal Red and Yellow Marquee of Chicago Theatre is definitely one of the coolest landmarks of the city. Lightening up North State's speed at the loop edge, this grand theatre first opened in 1921 and quickly became a hotspot for performances and movies. Imagine catching a show where legends like Diana Rose, Prince, and Duke Ellington once performed. Even though it fell out of favor in the 1970s, a big renovation in the 80s brought it back to its glamorous self. Now it's a buzzing venue for music, theater, and comedy. Just remember, no videos or photos during performances or tours.

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About Author

Charlotte Brown

Charlotte Brown is a California native who left her career in medicine three years ago to embark on a summer soul searching for the world. She's been to 20 countries and has penned down her experience in her blogs for helping other travel enthusiasts.