Chicago Places to Visit: 20 Must-See Sights
Chicago is more than its skyscrapers: riverfront architecture, major museums, neighbourhood streets and Lake Michigan reveal different sides of the city. Choose from these 20 places by area and interest rather than trying to fit every stop into a single day.
Jump to the 20 places ↓How many days do you need in Chicago?
We suggest 3–4 days for a first visit. Group the Loop and river area together, then treat Museum Campus, Lincoln Park and Hyde Park as separate areas. Add time if you want long museum visits or a baseball game.
Balance free walks with ticketed sights
Place a museum or observation deck you care about between river, park and neighbourhood walks. Discounted or free days may have residency restrictions. Check package inclusions and consider a museum instead of a viewpoint when visibility is poor.
Weather and travel along the lake
Keep outdoor stops flexible around wind and visibility. Even museums that look close together can involve a long walk, so plan the return journey too. Being able to walk along a beach does not mean conditions are suitable for swimming.
20 Must-See Places in Chicago
Millennium Park and Cloud Gate
See the skyline reflected in Cloud Gate and make the park the starting point of your first Chicago walk.
Art Institute of Chicago
Choose a few galleries for an unhurried visit to this major art museum.
Chicago Riverwalk
Walk at river level for a different perspective on downtown bridges and skyscraper facades.
Chicago Architecture Center
Explore the architecture centre’s exhibitions to understand the buildings and design of the city.
Navy Pier
Combine a lakeside walk, views and entertainment on this long waterfront pier.
Willis Tower Skydeck
Look down over Chicago’s dense downtown from the observation deck at Willis Tower.
360 CHICAGO
Head up 875 North Michigan Avenue for views of Lake Michigan and the northern shoreline.
Chicago Cultural Center
Explore the historic building’s ornate interiors and free cultural programme.
Field Museum
Allow a generous visit if natural history collections and dinosaurs are high on your list.
Shedd Aquarium
Explore aquatic-life exhibits at this family-friendly Museum Campus stop.
Adler Planetarium
Explore space exhibits, then take in the Chicago skyline from the waterfront outside.
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
Make time for this large museum south of downtown to explore interactive science exhibits.
Lincoln Park Zoo
Explore a zoo with free general admission in a park north of downtown.
Garfield Park Conservatory
Add a green pause to your city visit among the plant collections inside glass conservatories.
Magnificent Mile
Combine shops and tall buildings on a walk along North Michigan Avenue.
Wrigley Field
Explore the area around the ballpark for baseball atmosphere; check the day’s programme for entry.
Chicago Theatre
Include the theatre with its recognisable Chicago sign in a State Street walk.
Buckingham Fountain
See the monumental fountain against the city skyline in Grant Park’s open landscape.
North Avenue Beach
Take a lakefront break with a view towards Chicago’s tall buildings.
Chinatown and Ping Tom Park
Step beyond downtown for neighbourhood streets, a food stop and riverside Ping Tom Park.