Chicago, Illinois 2024: Best Places to Visit (with Map & Photos)

Chicago is the third largest city in the United States and is called the world's architectural capital. It is considered one of the most important shopping centers in the world. Chicago is one of the top tourist destinations in the United States. Chicago is known for its culture and modern life, entertainment and arts, literature and cuisine. Millions of tourists come to Chicago every year. Things to do in Chicago.

Where is Chicago located?


Where is Chicago located? The city of Chicago, located in the state of Illinois, is known for its busiest airports in the world. It is the third most populous city in the United States. The city of Chicago is close to O'Hare International Airport with direct connections to over fifty international and over one hundred and fifty domestic destinations. Through any of the best flight platforms, you can book plane tickets from the comfort of your home.

Come to this aerial city that has attractions for many famous tourists so that you can enjoy your stay there. There are many different activities in Chicago that attract millions of tourists to come and visit. The sights of Chicago are absolutely worth your attention. If you are also planning to visit this beautiful Illinois state, then you must be wondering what to see in Chicago? The answer to your question is hidden in this article. So let's check out the best activities in Chicago and think about what Things to do in Chicago? Locations in Chicago?

1. Adler Planetarium


Top 10 Fun things to do in Chicago, Illinois
Things to do in Chicago

The Adler Planetarium was the very first American planetarium and is today part of the famous Chicago Museum Campus (which also includes the Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum). Explore the entire infinite universe in this multifunctional space center! Educational programs, exhibitions, theaters, interactive rooms and performances - everywhere, viewers are offered unique space shows. In the observatory, you can see the planets, stars and galaxies with your own eyes.

 1300 S Lake Shore Dr, South Loop, Chicago
 Mon-Fri - 9.30-16.00, Sat-Sun - 9.30-16.30, daily in summer - 9.30-18.00
 $ 12 - general access, $ 10 - seniors, $ 8 - children 3-11 years old.
 www.adlerplanetarium.org

2. Brookfield Zoo


Fun things to do in Chicago, Illinois
Things to do in Chicago

The zoo covers a gigantic area of ​​216 acres. More than 6,000 animals can be seen here, including 3,000 invertebrates, representing a total of 436 species. The main pride of the Brookfield Zoo is a huge 7.5-acre exhibition called the Great Bear Wilderness (Great Bear Wilderness is a nature reserve in northern Montana, more than 1000 square kilometers of untouched wildlife). Here, the natural habitat of polar bears, grizzlies, Mexican wolves, bison, eagles and ravens is reproduced as accurately as possible.

 3300 Golf Rd, West Suburbs, Brookfield
 Mon-Sat - 9.30-18.00, Sun - 9.30-19.30
 $ 15 - general access, $ 10.50 - seniors and children, children 2 years and under - free.
 www.brookfieldzoo.org

3. Chicago History Museum


Top 10 Fun things to do in Chicago, Illinois
Things to do in Chicago

The Museum's flagship exhibition, Crossroads of America, will explore the development of Chicago and its interactions with America in general, as well as its impact on American history. In 2006, a unique exhibit appeared in the museum - the first railway carriage, which carried passengers along the 'L' line of the Chicago metro back in 1893. In October 2013, the museum announced an interesting new project - for the first time in the history of museums, ideas for new exhibitions will now be proposed by the residents of the city.

 1601 N Clark St, Chicago
 Mon-Sat - 9.30-16.30, Sun - 12.00-17.00
 $ 14 - general access, $ 12 - seniors and students, children under 12 - free.
 www.chicagohistory.org

4. DuSable Museum of African American History


Top 10 Fun things to do in Chicago, Illinois
Things to do in Chicago

A small collection of artifacts that appeared in the home of Dr. Margaret Taylor-Burroughs, a writer and historian back in 1961, has since grown into the largest and oldest museum of African American art, history and culture in the United States. Today the museum is located in Washington Park and is one of the few independent institutions of its kind in America. The diverse collections of the museum include more than 15,000 different artifacts - paintings, prints, sculptures and other historical monuments.

 740 E 56th Pl, Hyde Park, Chicago
 Tue-Sat - 10.00-17.00, Sun - 12.00-17.00
 $ 10 - general access, $ 7 - seniors and students, $ 3 - children 6-11 years old, children 5 years old and younger - free.
 www.dusablemuseum.org

5. Grant Park


Top 10 Fun things to do in Chicago Illinois
Things to do in Chicago

This park stretches along the coastal area of ​​Chicago and covers a huge area of ​​319 acres. It contains a huge number of significant sights of the city, such as Millennium Park, Buckingham Fountain, here you can also visit the Museum of Art and the famous Museum Campus, which brings together several interesting art institutions. During the summer, Grant Park hosts various festivals such as Lollapalooza, Blues Fest and Taste of Chicago.

 337 E Randolph St, Downtown, Chicago
 daily 6.00-23.00
 is free.
 www.chicagoparkdistrict.com

6. John Hancock Observatory


Fun things to do in Chicago Illinois
Things to do in Chicago

The Hancock Observatory boasts that it is the only skyscraper in Chicago with an open-air observation deck, which appeared after the building was restored in 1997 and cost $ 2.5 million. From a height of 305 meters from the 94th floor, an incredible view of the four neighboring states opens up. In clear weather, you can see everything 80 miles into the distance.

 875 N Michigan Ave, Chicago
 daily 9.00-23.00
 $ 18 - general access, $ 12 - children 3-11 years old, children 2 years old and younger - free.
 www.360chicago.com

7. Lincoln Park Zoo


Top 10 Fun things to do in Chicago, Illinois
Things to do in Chicago

This oldest and one of the few free zoos in the country was founded back in 1868. Today, you can see more than 200 different species of animals and about 1200 representatives of these species, ranging from monkeys to zebras. The zoo itself is small - only 35 acres, but there is a lot of entertainment. Don't forget to visit the lions at the Kovler Pavilion or the African monkeys at the center of Regenstein. In 1997, the museum opened an exhibition of reptiles, measuring 3000 square meters.

 2001 N Clark St, North Side, Chicago
 May 26 - September 3: Mon-Fri - 10.00-17.00, Sat-Sun - 10.00-18.30
 is free.
 www.lpzoo.org

8. Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago


Fun things to do in Chicago, Illinois
Things to do in Chicago

One of the largest collections of national contemporary art is located in the premises of this museum. Stay tuned for the latest news, because large exhibitions from other cities are often held here. In addition to the galleries, the Museum of Modern Art houses a gift shop, a bookstore, a restaurant, a 300-seat theater and a picturesque sculpture garden.

 1220 E Chicago Ave, Chicago
 Tue - 10.00–20.00, Wed – Sun - 10.00–17.00
 $ 12 - general access, $ 7 - seniors and students, children under 12 - free.
 www.mcachicago.org

9. Music Box Theatre


Top 10 Fun things to do in Chicago Illinois
Things to do in Chicago

For true moviegoers who don't follow all the trendy Hollywood blockbusters, there is no better movie theater than the Music Box. This is a modern cinema with two screens, where the latest art house and documentaries are constantly shown. The movie theater's steep main hall often triples midnight screenings of cult classics.

 3733 N Southport Ave, Southport Corridor, Chicago
 -
 $ 9.25 - standard ticket, $ 8.25 - first session, $ 5 - on Mondays.
 www.musicboxtheatre.com

10. Navy Pier


Top 10 Fun things to do in Chicago, Illinois
Things to do in Chicago

It is the premier tourist destination in Chicago. There is a huge number of shops, cafes and restaurants, an IMAX cinema. From the pier you can go on an exciting excursion boat trip. A 45-meter Ferris wheel, an old carousel and an 18-hole mini-golf course are installed in the park on the pier - an excellent place not only for tourists, but also for all residents of the city.

 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago
 Mon-Thu - 10.00–20.00, Fri – Sat - 10.00–22.00, Sun - 10.00-19.00
 is free.
 www.navypier.com