Not everyone knows exactly what they want right from the start and not everyone falls into perfect categories such as performance, educational, leisure, etc. So that is why we start off with any new city with the broad strokes. Here we explore the highlights of Chicago and what would appeal to the average tourist visiting Chicago.
What to do in Chicago?
Landmarks
John Hancock Observatory
Willis Tower Skydeck
Navy Pier
Water Tower
Millennium Park
Maggie Daley Park
Lincoln Park Zoo
Buckingham Fountain & Grant Park
Museums & Educational
Field Museum
Home to the largest, most complete, and best preserved Tyrannosaurus Rex, SUE, the Field Museum is a prime destination in Chicago.The museum is located right next to Lake Michigan in Chicago's Museum Campus, and is one of the premier Natural History Museums in North America. With several permanent and rotating exhibits, this Chicago gem is a frequent favorite by locals and tourists alike.
Science & Industry Museum
Castles, World War II submarines, robots, mazes, trains, and much more occupy this south side museum. This location is an education powerhouse, ideal for student groups, but fun for everyone. The museum has several permanent exhibits like the U-505 Submarine and the Colleen Moore's Fairy Castle, but is also constantly updating to keep up with the latest scientific advancements.
Shedd Aquarium
This aqua colored glass building, which sits directly on Lake Michigan is called home, by roughly 32,000 various animals. Aside from being an iconic part of the Chicago skyline, the Shedd Aquarium is several vibrant ecosystems home to a multitude of marine species. Here guests can learn about and connect with the vast world beneath the waves.
Adler Planetarium
The universe is big, vast, and utterly ridiculous in the most beautiful way. After stepping through the doors of this site you will begin a journey traveling through the stars to far away world, distant galaxies and even some nearby space neighbors. The Adler Planetarium is both a museum and an active scientific research institute with many of the staff members and presenters being astronomers and astrophysicists. There is no better place in Chicago to explore the Universe.
Art Institute of Chicago & CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUM
From the arts ancient Greece to the new contemporary movement these two museums explore everything that ever was, is and could be considered art. No medium is left unexplored, everything from the photographic works of Ansel Adams to suits of armor crafted by medieval artisans. Both museums are prime destinations for any art lover and a great starting point to explore the Chicago art scene.
Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio
More than 1,000 structures were designed within this home, now turned museum. The home and Studio of Frank Lloyd Wright is a fun site to visit for anyone who is a fan of art and architecture. This site is ideal for art lovers and great for student groups.
Chicago History Museum
Everything that is the heart, soul, and history of Chicago resides within this museum. Guests can learn about iconic figures like Al Capone, and see firsthand the devastation caused by the Great Fire of 1871. This is a great start or end to any visit to Chicago.
Sports & Events
United Center
US Cellular Field
Solider Field
Wrigley Field
Theater & Performance
Tommy Guns Garage
Second City
Blue Man Group
Broadway At Chicago
Comedy Sportz
Chicago Opera
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Many more seasonal productions & off Broadway shows.
Shopping
The Magnificent Mile
Water Tower Place
Gurnee Mills Outlet Mall
Aroura Outlet Center