Top 10 hottest tourist attractions in Chicago that you should not miss
Chicago is the third largest city in the United States. It is not only famous for its vibrant atmosphere and impressive architecture, but also an attractive tourist destination with countless unique experiences. In this article, let’s explore with Evaworlds the free and worth-visiting tourist attractions in Chicago!
Top 10 tourist attractions in Chicago
Art Institute of Chicago
- Category: Museum
- Admission: 2/4
- Location: Grant Park
Description: Located in the heart of Chicago, the Art Institute of Chicago is one of the largest art museums. It houses more than 300,000 works of art from many different periods.
Why go? Here, you can admire world-famous paintings such as “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte” by Georges Seurat, “Nighthawks” by Edward Hopper, and “American Gothic” by Grant Wood. You can also explore the Modern Wing, an architectural masterpiece by Renzo Piano, or a special exhibition of ancient Egyptian art and artifacts spanning over 3,000 years.
Tourist attractions in Chicago – Millennium Park
- Category: Attraction
- Admission: Free
Description: Millennium Park is a 24.5-acre park with public art and special events like free concerts and summer movie screenings.
Why go? Take selfies in front of Cloud Gate (aka “The Bean”). Stroll through the Boeing galleries, wander through Lurie Gardens, and relax on the lawn in front of the Frank Gehry-designed Jay Pritzker Pavilion.
360 Chicago
- Category: Attraction
- Admission: 2/4
Description: Located on top of 875 North Michigan Avenue (formerly the John Hancock Center), this observation deck is 1,030 feet high.
Why go? If you’re feeling brave, try the TILT experience. You’ll stand on a viewing platform that tilts out over the busy street below.
FTourist attractions in Chicago – Field Museum
Category: Science Museum
Admission: 2/4
Description: Founded in 1893, this museum has Chicago’s largest collections of biology and anthropology. It’s especially notable for its large collection of dinosaur bones and ancient artifacts.
Why go? Explore an ancient Egyptian tomb, see the skeleton of Máximo, a giant titanosaur, or meet SUE, the largest and most complete T. Rex skeleton ever found.
Chicago River Cruise from the Chicago Architecture Center
- Category: Cruise
Description: A 90-minute cruise on the Chicago River that features more than 50 notable buildings along the river.
Why go? This is a great place to explore Chicago’s unique architectural history and see the buildings from a different perspective.
Garfield Park Conservatory
- Category: Parks and Gardens
Description: This massive conservatory in Garfield Park is one of the largest in the United States. It houses more than 600 species of plants, many of which are not native to the area.
Why go? Make a reservation (it’s free) and explore the massive plant galleries like the Palm House and the Fern Room, which recreates the Illinois landscape millions of years ago.
Museum of Science and Industry
- Category: Science Museum
- Admission: 2/4
Description: The largest museum in the Western Hemisphere, with interactive exhibits like a mirror maze, a tornado simulator, and the World War II submarine U-505.
Why go? Explore a special exhibit about 007 and the inventions of the James Bond series, including iconic vehicles and gadgets.
Tourist attractions in Chicago – Shedd Aquarium
- Category: Aquarium
- Admission: 3/4
Description: Located on the grounds of a museum, the Shedd Aquarium is home to thousands of marine creatures from around the world. These include penguins, sharks, and the giant Pacific octopus.
Why go? See tropical fish swimming through a 90,000-gallon tank in the Caribbean Reef exhibit. You can also get up close and personal with penguins, otters, or beluga whales.
The Second City
- Category: Comedy Club
- Admission: 2/4
Description: This is the stage that has trained famous comedians such as Bill Murray, Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, and Joan Rivers.
Why go? You can see emerging comedy talent perform, and if you’re interested, you can also sign up for classes in improv, comedy, or writing at the Learning Center.
Tourist attractions in Chicago – Adler Astronomer
- Category: Science Museum
- Admission: 1/4
Description: The first astronomer in the Western Hemisphere, Adler offers visitors a fascinating experience of the cosmos with its Sky Theater and telescopes that can see objects trillions of miles away.
Why go? On Wednesday evenings, you can explore the stars and tour the museum for free.
How to plan a budget-friendly trip to Chicago
- Using public transportation: Chicago is a city with a large and developed public transportation system. The system includes bus routes, subways, … This is an extremely convenient and economical means of transportation that you should use.
- Look for discounts: Before you go, look for discounts on tickets to tourist attractions, museums, and events. Many places often have free or discounted days on certain days of the week.
- Visit free attractions: Chicago has many free attractions. Typically Millennium Park, Grant Park, and the beach on Lake Michigan. Don’t forget to visit these places to enjoy the fresh air and beauty of the city without paying any fees.
- Eat reasonably: Instead of eating at expensive restaurants, you can choose to eat at cheap restaurants, street stalls or local markets. Chicago has a lot of delicious and affordable food, so you can rest assured.
FAQ
Q1: What are some free family-friendly attractions in Chicago?
A: Some highlights include Lincoln Park Zoo and Navy Pier.
Q2: What free events are happening regularly in Chicago?
A: Chicago has many free cultural events, especially at the Chicago Cultural Center and Millennium Park.
Q3: Where can I find free museums in Chicago?
A: Yes, many museums in Chicago have free days, such as the Art Institute of Chicago.
Q4: What are some free outdoor attractions in Chicago?
A: Highlights include the Lakefront Trail, Millennium Park, and the Chicago Riverwalk.
In short, tourist attractions in Chicago offer visitors a well-rounded experience in terms of history, culture, and entertainment. From iconic landmarks to world-class museums, Chicago offers experiences that appeal to every type of traveler, making it a must-see destination for anyone looking to explore the heart of the Midwest.
