Top 50 Best Things To Do In Chicago Illinois

Welcome to this curated list of 50 incredible things to do in Chicago, Illinois. Known as the "Windy City," Chicago is a bustling metropolis that offers a perfect blend of history, culture, art, architecture, sports, and culinary delights. Whether you're a local looking for new experiences or a visitor exploring the city for the first time, this list will guide you through an array of unforgettable activities and attractions. Begin your journey by immersing yourself in the city's artistic treasures. Visit Millennium Park, where you can admire the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture, and make your way to the Art Institute of Chicago, home to an extensive collection spanning centuries and continents. For a unique perspective on Chicago's architectural wonders, hop on an architecture boat tour along the Chicago River, where expert guides will showcase the city's world-renowned skyline. Chicago is a sports lover's paradise, with iconic venues like Wrigley Field and the United Center. Catch a baseball game at Wrigley Field, cheering on the beloved Chicago Cubs, or witness the electric atmosphere of a Chicago Bulls basketball game at the United Center. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, such as Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, and Chinatown, each offering its own distinct charm, cuisine, and cultural experiences. No visit to Chicago is complete without indulging in its renowned culinary scene. Sample the city's signature deep-dish pizza at legendary establishments like Giordano's or Lou Malnati's. If you're craving international flavors, head to neighborhoods like Greektown or Little Italy, where you'll find a delectable array of authentic cuisines. End your culinary adventure with a visit to one of Chicago's vibrant food festivals, like the Taste of Chicago, where you can savor a wide variety of culinary delights from local vendors. With its iconic landmarks, world-class museums, passionate sports culture, diverse neighborhoods, and mouthwatering cuisine, Chicago offers a vibrant tapestry of experiences that will leave you captivated and craving more. Embark on this list of 50 things to do and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of art, history, culture, and flavors that make Chicago an extraordinary destination. Get ready to create lifelong memories in the city that truly has something for everyone.

Written by locals, Fodor’s Chicago is the perfect guidebook for those looking for insider tips to make the most out their visit. Complete with detailed maps and concise descriptions, this Chicago travel guide will help you plan your trip with ease. Fodor's Chicago is the perfect companion for a trip to this quintessential American city. With colorful features and the most updated information, Fodor's Chicago gets straight to the best of what the "Second City" has to offer, everything from art and architecture to shopping, baseball, jazz, and the very best deep-dish pizza. Our in-depth coverage also includes the best of Chicago's culturally and historically rich suburbs, including Frank Lloyd Wright's Oak Park home studio, the Mallott Japanese Garden at the Chicago Botanic Garden, and the Brookfield Zoo. Fodor’s Chicago includes: •UP-TO-DATE COVERAGE: Fully updated, including fresh reviews of the best new eateries and lodgings in Chicago's many exciting neighborhoods. •ULTIMATE EXPERIENCES GUIDE: A spectacular color photo guide highlights the ultimate unmissable experiences and attractions throughout Chicago to inspire you. •DETAILED MAPS: Full-color and full-size street maps throughout will help you plan efficiently and get around confidently. •GORGEOUS PHOTOS AND ILLUSTRATED FEATURES: Rich, full-color features invite you to experience the best of Chicago, from what to eat and drink to which tours take. An in-depth illustrated feature on the Art Institute of Chicago helps you make the most of a visit to this magnificent museum; a history of the skyscraper explores the city's iconic architecture. Other features focus on the life and work of Frank Lloyd Wright and blues music. •ITINERARIES AND TOP RECOMMENDATIONS: Walking tours help you plan and make the most of your time to explore Chicago's best public art and iconic architectural highlights. A useful itinerary helps you plan three days in the windy city. Includes suggestions on what to see, where to eat, stay, and shop as well as information about nightlife, sports and the outdoors. “Fodor’s Choice” designates our best picks in every category. •INDISPENSABLE TRIP PLANNING TOOLS: Convenient overviews show each neighborhood and its highlights, as well as tips for planning your time and getting around by car, bus, and train. Mapped walks, top tour recommendations, and our curated list of free things to do make planning a breeze. •SPECIAL EVENT COVERAGE: Information for experiencing the Chicago Air and Water Show , the Chicago Jazz Festival, the Chicago Blues Festival, and the Taste of Chicago, to name just a few. •COVERS: The Magnificent Mile, the Chicago Art Institute, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, Wrigley Field, Navy Pier, the Loop, Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, and more. ABOUT FODOR'S AUTHORS: Each Fodor's Travel Guide is researched and written by local experts. Fodor’s has been offering expert advice for all tastes and budgets for over 80 years. Planning on visiting other great U. S. cities? Check out Fodor’s Washington D.C., Fodor's New Orleans, and Fodor’s New York.

From the Pacific to the Atlantic, through prairies and bayous to snow-capped mountains, uncover the best of the US with Moon USA State by State. Inside you’ll find: Broken down by region, each chapter introduces the unique personality of all 50 states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico The top 3 experiences in every state: Whether it’s a bucket-list national park, a famous festival, or an unbeatable beach, find out what makes each state special Unforgettable outdoor adventures: Explore the best national parks from Acadia to Zion. Peep the changing leaves in Vermont or set up camp for a night of stargazing in Texas. Explore underground caves in Kentucky, or hike to waterfalls in Washington and volcanoes in Hawaii. Admire stunning arches and hoodoos in Utah, or watch for wildlife in Alaska Road trip ideas: Hit the road with lists of each state's best scenic drives and must-see roadside stops Local flavors from coast to coast: Sample hatch chilis in New Mexico and dig in to heaping plates of hot chicken in Tennessee. Spend a weekend wine-tasting in Oregon, or try a flight of craft beers in Colorado History and fun facts: Get to know more about each state with historical background, lesser-known local favorites, and more A foldout poster map with checklists to track your adventures Moon USA State by State: Inspiration, experiences, and adventures from coast to coast. Winner of the 31st Annual North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) Travel Media Awards Competition: Best Travel Book or Guide, Gold Award​ About Moon Travel Guides: Moon was founded in 1973 to empower independent, active, and conscious travel. We prioritize local businesses, outdoor recreation, and traveling strategically and sustainably. Moon Travel Guides are written by local, expert authors with great stories to tell—and they can't wait to share their favorite places with you. For more inspiration, follow @moonguides on social media.

From that gallery in River North you haven’t visited yet to the lakeside weekend you keep meaning to plan, experience something new right here at home with Moon 52 Things to Do in Chicago. Cool things to do in and around the city: Wander over to the zodiac sculptures in Chinatown Square, or soak up some music and history at the Black Ensemble Theater. Try out surfing at Montrose Beach, rent a kayak on the Chicago River, or hike the elevated 606 trail. Browse for your next read at an independent bookstore, explore the street art in Pilsen, or admire the architecture on a stroll through the Beverly neighborhood. Catch a classic live blues show, sample Senegalese comfort food, or savor some Southside barbecue on a Sunday Day trips and weekend getaways: Cycle through the Morton Arboretum, connect with nature in Door County, dive into history in Galena, or unwind for a couple days at the perfect lakeside cabin Experiences broken down by category: Find ideas for each season, activities for kids, outdoor adventures, exploring Black history, getting to know a new neighborhood, and more A local's advice: Whether it’s a bucket-list museum or an underrated dive bar, local author Rosalind Cummings-Yeates knows the ins and outs of Chicago Inspirational full-color photos throughout Easy-to-scan planning tips: Addresses, L stops, and nearby spots, plus tips for avoiding the crowds if you're heading to a popular attraction What are you doing this weekend? Try something new with Moon 52 Things to Do in Chicago. Winner of the 31st Annual North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) Travel Media Awards Competition: Best Travel Book or Guide, Honorable Mention About Moon Travel Guides: Moon was founded in 1973 to empower independent, active, and conscious travel. We prioritize local businesses, outdoor recreation, and traveling strategically and sustainably. Moon Travel Guides are written by local, expert authors with great stories to tell—and they can't wait to share their favorite places with you. For more inspiration, follow @moonguides on social media.

Soaring skyscrapers, deep-dish pizza, and improv comedy may be what the city is best known for, but they are only the beginning of Chicago’s story. It could take a lifetime to experience everything this one-of-a-kind town has to offer. But what if you only have a few days to explore? You're in luck! The one hundred adventures in this candid insider’s guide promise an authentic taste of the Windy City whether you’re taking a weekend-sized bite or sticking around for the buffet of a lifetime. You’ll find seasonal and themed itineraries to make planning your explorations easier. Discover which blues club locals swear by, pay a visit to a quiet green space hidden in plain sight, or dig in to an ice cream cone piled high with five different flavors! If you’re visiting for the first time, or you’re lucky enough to call Chicago home, these one hundred iconic experiences should top your to-do list. No matter when you visit or how long you stay, as you cross off each item, you’re certain to learn something new and have fun in the process.