Chicago
City Travel Guide

Chicago Guide

Explore the best of Chicago, Illinois, including attractions, local neighborhoods, transportation options, and travel tips to help you plan a smoother trip.

Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) Chicago, Illinois, United States 23 Live Events Next 90 days

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What are the top attractions in Chicago?
Must-see places, ranked by popularity
All on Viator →

Quick answer 16 top-rated attractions in Chicago, ranked by traveler popularity. Tickets & tours bookable via Viator with free cancellation on most experiences.

Book Chicago Attractions & Tours on Viator300,000+ experiences worldwide • Free cancellation on most bookings • Instant confirmation
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Millennium ParkAttraction
★ 4.8
Millennium Park
Chicago, IL 60602, USA
Explore →92,273 reviews
Navy PierAttraction
★ 4.6
Navy Pier
600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Explore →87,553 reviews
The Art Institute of ChicagoAttraction
★ 4.8
The Art Institute of Chicago
111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603, USA
Explore →37,997 reviews
Wrigley FieldAttraction
★ 4.8
Wrigley Field
1060 W Addison St, Chicago, IL 60613, USA
Explore →35,598 reviews
Cloud GateAttraction
★ 4.7
Cloud Gate
201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602, USA
Explore →39,344 reviews
Griffin Museum of Science and IndustryAttraction
★ 4.7
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
5700 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
Explore →34,935 reviews
Lincoln Park ZooAttraction
★ 4.6
Lincoln Park Zoo
Chicago, IL 60614, USA
Explore →38,310 reviews
Field MuseumAttraction
★ 4.7
Field Museum
1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
Explore →30,476 reviews
Skydeck ChicagoAttraction
★ 4.6
Skydeck Chicago
233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606, USA
Explore →36,582 reviews
Chicago RiverwalkAttraction
★ 4.8
Chicago Riverwalk
Chicago, IL 60601, USA
Explore →22,438 reviews
Shedd AquariumAttraction
★ 4.5
Shedd Aquarium
1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
Explore →32,487 reviews
Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial FountainAttraction
★ 4.7
Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain
301 S Columbus Dr, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
Explore →16,774 reviews
Willis TowerAttraction
★ 4.5
Willis Tower
233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606, USA
Explore →23,807 reviews
360 CHICAGOAttraction
★ 4.5
360 CHICAGO
875 N Michigan Ave 94th floor, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Explore →20,602 reviews
Garfield Park ConservatoryAttraction
★ 4.8
Garfield Park Conservatory
300 N Central Park Ave, Chicago, IL 60624, USA
Explore →10,461 reviews
Starbucks Reserve RoasteryAttraction
★ 4.5
Starbucks Reserve Roastery
646 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Explore →18,650 reviews
What are the best tours and experiences in Chicago?
Hop-on-hop-off, food tours, day trips, skip-the-line tickets
GetYourGuide →

Quick answer Top tour formats in Chicago include hop-on-hop-off bus loops, food and walking tours, day trips, and skip-the-line attraction tickets. All bookable through Viator or GetYourGuide with free cancellation on most options.

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What events are happening in Chicago?
Concerts, sports & shows in the next 90 days
All events →

Quick answer 23 upcoming events in Chicago across the next 90 days, including concerts, sports, and live shows. Tickets via Ticketmaster.

Balloon Museum | EmotionAir - Art You Can Feel - ChicagoEvent
Balloon Museum | EmotionAir - Art You Can Feel - Chicago
Jun 2, 2026
Get Tickets →
RED·MAGE / Kafiza / SidakaConcert
RED·MAGE / Kafiza / Sidaka
Jun 2, 2026
Get Tickets →
Brokeback MountainEvent
Brokeback Mountain
Jun 2, 2026
Get Tickets →
Megan Moroney: The Cloud 9 TourConcert
Megan Moroney: The Cloud 9 Tour
Jun 2, 2026
Get Tickets →
Chicago Cubs vs. AthleticsSports
Chicago Cubs vs. Athletics
Jun 2, 2026
Get Tickets →
Unholy Altar, Decrescent, Fail To EnlightenConcert
Unholy Altar, Decrescent, Fail To Enlighten
Jun 2, 2026
Get Tickets →
Jazz at Lincoln Center OrchestraConcert
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra
Jun 2, 2026
Get Tickets →
The Second City Mainstage 114th Revue (Minors must be accompanied by an adult)Arts & Theatre
The Second City Mainstage 114th Revue (Minors must be accompanied by an adult)
Jun 2, 2026
Get Tickets →
Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise Aboard First LadyEvent
Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise Aboard First Lady
Jun 2, 2026
Get Tickets →
Your Arms Are My Cocoon X Asian Glow w/ SummerConcert
Your Arms Are My Cocoon X Asian Glow w/ Summer
Jun 2, 2026
Get Tickets →
Balloon Museum | EmotionAir - Art You Can Feel - ChicagoEvent
Balloon Museum | EmotionAir - Art You Can Feel - Chicago
Jun 3, 2026
Get Tickets →
David Anthony Marshall, Greg Sheffield, Noah JenningsConcert
David Anthony Marshall, Greg Sheffield, Noah Jennings
Jun 3, 2026
Get Tickets →
Leo Middea, Luciano Antonio, €‹The TraciesConcert
Leo Middea, Luciano Antonio, €‹The Tracies
Jun 3, 2026
Get Tickets →
Leo MiddeaEvent
Leo Middea
Jun 3, 2026
Get Tickets →
Brokeback MountainEvent
Brokeback Mountain
Jun 3, 2026
Get Tickets →
Citizen Soldier: Secret Songs Tour IIConcert
Citizen Soldier: Secret Songs Tour II
Jun 3, 2026
Get Tickets →
Megan Moroney: The Cloud 9 TourConcert
Megan Moroney: The Cloud 9 Tour
Jun 3, 2026
Get Tickets →
Claypool Gold feat: Primus, Les Claypool's Frog Brigade & The ClaypoolConcert
Claypool Gold feat: Primus, Les Claypool's Frog Brigade & The Claypool
Jun 3, 2026
Get Tickets →
Chicago Cubs vs. AthleticsSports
Chicago Cubs vs. Athletics
Jun 3, 2026
Get Tickets →
The Second City Mainstage 114th Revue (Minors must be accompanied by an adult)Arts & Theatre
The Second City Mainstage 114th Revue (Minors must be accompanied by an adult)
Jun 3, 2026
Get Tickets →
SatsangConcert
Satsang
Jun 3, 2026
Get Tickets →
Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise Aboard First LadyEvent
Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise Aboard First Lady
Jun 3, 2026
Get Tickets →
Going Bacharach: The Songs of An IconArts & Theatre
Going Bacharach: The Songs of An Icon
Jun 3, 2026
Get Tickets →
Event
JUN
2
Balloon Museum | EmotionAir - Art You Can Feel - Chicago
4120 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL
Concert
JUN
2
RED·MAGE / Kafiza / Sidaka
1035 N. Western Ave., Chicago, IL
Get Tickets USD 16
Event
JUN
2
Brokeback Mountain
800 East Grand Avenue on Navy Pier, Chicago, IL
Concert
JUN
2
Megan Moroney: The Cloud 9 Tour
1901 W Madison, Chicago, IL
Sports
JUN
2
Chicago Cubs vs. Athletics
1060 W Addison St, Chicago, IL
Concert
JUN
2
Unholy Altar, Decrescent, Fail To Enlighten
2105 South State Street, Chicago, IL
Concert
JUN
2
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra
220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL
Arts & Theatre
JUN
2
The Second City Mainstage 114th Revue (Minors must be accompanied by an adult)
1616 N. Wells St., Chicago, IL
Event
JUN
2
Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise Aboard First Lady
112 E. Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL
Frequently asked questions about Chicago
Common traveler questions answered
What are the top things to do in Chicago?
Chicago offers world-class attractions, guided tours, restaurants, nightlife, shopping districts and live events. Explore the rails above for ranked attractions, food & drink picks, shows and experiences happening in the next 90 days.
How many days do I need in Chicago?
Most travelers find 3-5 days is enough to see the main attractions in Chicago, with extra time for day trips or beach time. Long weekends (3 days) work for highlight tours; a full week lets you slow down and explore neighborhoods, cuisine and nearby destinations.
What's the best way to get around Chicago?
Public transport, walking, taxis and rideshares cover most central areas. Renting a car gives you the most flexibility for day trips, beaches, and destinations outside the city center, with all major suppliers available at Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).
When is the best time to visit Chicago?
Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) typically offer the best balance of weather, crowds, and prices. Summer brings peak attractions and events but also the highest hotel rates and longest queues. Check current event listings above to align your visit with festivals or shows that interest you.
Where is the best area to stay in Chicago?
Central neighborhoods near top attractions are convenient for first-time visitors. Compare hotel rates from hundreds of sites using the KAYAK link in the sidebar to find the right balance of price, location, and amenities for your trip.
Do I need a car in Chicago?
It depends on your itinerary. For city-focused trips with central hotels, public transport and rideshares often work fine. If you plan beach days, day trips, or visits to suburbs and surrounding areas, a rental car is usually faster and cheaper than booking individual transfers.

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