Chicago, located in the state of Illinois, is one of the largest American cities, the third largest to be exact, after New York and Los Angeles. It is located along Route 66, the famous road of the American dream, and overlooks the shores of Lake Michigan. It is a city full of art, great museums and lots of things to do!
Here are all our tips on what to see in Chicago!
Looking for a hotel in Chicago? We have selected the best offers on Booking.com for you. The Sono Chicago is one of it. The hotel offers a range of well-appointed rooms and suites, each thoughtfully designed to provide a luxurious retreat for guests. From plush bedding to upscale amenities, every detail is meticulously crafted to ensure a memorable stay. The convenient location of the hotel makes it an ideal choice for both business and leisure travelers, with easy access to popular attractions like Millennium Park, Navy Pier, and the Magnificent Mile.
What to see in Chicago
1 - Millennium Park
Millennium Park is definitely one of Chicago's most famous attractions! It is also a great place from which to start exploring the city: centrally located, there are numerous attractions nearby, such as the famous Art Institute.
It covers an impressive 24.5 hectares and is one of the largest public parks in the world! It is the city's green lung and a major meeting point! It is a place to be enjoyed in every season: in summer, numerous concerts are held at the Pritzker Pavilion, and in winter, a large ice rink is set up at the McCormick Tribune Rink. You can easily spend half a day here!
Take a photo under the Cloud Gate: probably one of the most photographed spots in Chicago! This bean-shaped sculpture is a real must-see in the city. Get directions
Practical info: directions, times and prices
Directions: 201 E Randolph St. Easy walking distance from the Art Institute (90 m, 1 min). Reference stop Washington/Wabash (Orange, Green, Purple, Brown and Pink Line underground) - Get directions
Hours: daily 8am-9pm
Ticket price: free
2 - Art Institute of Chicago
Photo by Teemu008. A short walk from Millennium Park is one of the most important museums in the United States: the wonderful Art Institute. Opened in 1893, it is easily recognisable by its imposing structure and the two lion statues that 'guard' the entrance!
Inside you can admire no less than 11 different collections organised in different buildings! Some are dedicated to American art and its history, such as the American Art section, while others collect international works, such as the European Decorative Arts section or European Painting and Sculpture. Among the most famous works, we certainly find Georges Seurat's painting'A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande-Jatte', but above all Vincent Van Gogh's 'The Bedroom' and'Self-Portrait'! Given the large size of the collection, we recommend spending at least 2 to 3 hours in the museum! To better select the works you should not miss, we recommend you consult this article.
Buy the priority ticket: as one of the most famous museums in the United States, it is always very popular. We recommend that you buy the priority ticket to save time.
Practical info: directions, hours and prices
Directions: 111 S Michigan Ave. Easy walk to Millennium Park (90 m, 1 min). Reference stop Adams/Wabash (Orange, Green, Purple, Brown and Pink Line underground) - Get directions
Hours: Thu-Mon 11am-6pm, Tue-Wed closed
Ticket cost: full $25.00 (€22.00), concessions $19.00 (€16.70)
3 - Buckingham Fountain
Chicago is full of wonderful fountains and one of the most beautiful is the Buckingham Fountain! Opened in 1927 in downtown Grant Park, it is also one of the largest fountains in the world! The water is generally open from 8am to 11pm, so you can also admire it in the evening fully lit up!
It owes its name to Kate Buckingham, who wanted it built in memory of her brother Clarende Buckingham. It was designed by Jacques Lambert, a French architect who was inspired by the Fontaine de Latona, a fountain in the gardens of the Palace of Versailles!
Located at 301 S Columbus Dr. Within easy walking distance of Millennium Park (1 km, 12 min). Harrison (Red Line) Reference Stop - Get directions
Stroll along the waterfront: near the fountain is the pier where Queen Elizabeth II arrived in 1959. From here you get a great view of both the lake and the Chicago skyline. Not to be missed at sunset!
4 - Shedd Aquarium
Photo by Chris6d. If you're travelling with your family, or simply love the marine world, you can't miss the Shedd Aquarium, the city's huge aquarium, which in the past was also the largest in the world!
Opened in 1930, it houses more than 25,000 fish and marine species, which you can observe up close! Don't miss the peculiar lagenorinchi dolphins, or the wonderful belugas! You can admire stingrays, turtles, sharks and get to know those who populate the Caribbean reef! Given its size, we recommend you dedicate a good two hours to it!
As soon as you arrive, consult the 'Today at Shedd': this is the aquarium's daily programme. You will learn about the scheduled activities, such as small lectures on animals, diving or times when the staff feed the animals!
Practical info: directions, times and prices
How to get there: 1200 S Lake Shore Dr. Easily accessible on foot from the Field Museum (150 m, 2 min). Roosevelt Reference Stop (Green, Orange and Red Line) - Get directions
Hours: daily 9am-5pm
Ticket price: full $39.95 (€35.20), concessions $29.95 (€26.40)
5 - Field Museum of Natural History
Chicago is a city full of important museums and right here you'll find one of the most important natural history museums in the world: we're talking about the Field Museum of Natural History! It is located on the Museum Campus, a large park that also houses the Shedd Aquarium and the Adler Planetarium. Perfect to visit with the little ones, alternating a visit to the museum with some outdoor activities in the surrounding area!
Established in 1893, it has some spectacular collections inside! Among the main exhibits is Sue, the largest specimen of Tyrannosaurus Rex! Much loved by the little ones! In addition to Sue, you will find a whole section dedicated to dinosaurs. Also spectacular are the collections from Egypt, gathered in the'Inside Ancient Egypt' rooms, where you can admire a series of perfectly preserved mummies up close!
VIP tour of the museum: For a truly unique experience, we recommend the one-hour guided tour to discover the museum's dinosaurs with a docent! This tour allows you to discover extraordinary curiosities and above all gives you access to all the museum exhibitions!
Practical info: directions, times and prices
Directions: 1400 S Lake Shore Dr. Easy walking distance to Shedd Aquarium (120 m, 2 min). Roosevelt Reference Stop (Green, Orange and Red Line) - Get directions
Hours: daily 9am-5pm
Tickets: full price from $26.00 (€22.80), concessions from $19.00 (€16.70)
6 - Willis Tower
Photo by Olga Bandelowa. What's the best spot from which to view Chicago from above? Many will answer you the Willis Tower, also known as the Sears Tower. It was the tallest building in the world between 1973 and 1998 and is definitely worth a visit!
It houses numerous offices, has 110 floors and is easily recognisable by its two distinctive antennae. But, above all, it houses one of the most beautiful panoramic observatories in Chicago! It is also the highest: on a clear day from up here, at a height of 412 m, you can see as many as four different states in the distance! We recommend visiting it at sunset: it is obviously one of the busiest times, but the spectacle is truly unique!
Experience The Ledge: not for those who suffer from vertigo or are easily impressed! Here you will really find yourself above Chicago! The floor of this part of the observatory is in fact made of glass and you can see right under your feet!
Practical info: directions, times and prices
Directions: 233 S Wacker Dr. Easily accessible on foot from the Art Institute (1.1 km, 15 min). Quincy Reference Stop (Brown, Orange, Pink, Purple Line) - Get directions
Hours: March to September daily 9am-10pm, October to February Sun-Thu 9am-8pm, Fri-Sat 9am-10pm
Ticket price: full $30.00 (€26.40), concessions $22.00 (€19.30)
7 - Chicago Cultural Center
Photo by Leandro Neumann Ciuffo. The Chicago Cultural Center, located in front of Millennium Park, is housed in one of the most beautiful buildings in Chicago! The structure is built in the Beaux-Arts style, dates back to 1897 and has two wonderful glass domes and walls decorated with spectacular mosaics. A true architectural gem!
The Chicago Cultural Centre hosts events, exhibitions and art shows, all with free admission. In addition, it is the official venue where the Mayor of Chicago welcomes presidents, royalty, diplomats and community representatives visiting the city!
Visit it when it opens: the interiors are truly breathtaking and also very Instagrammable! It's best to go at opening time, so you can take some great photos!
Practical info: directions, opening hours and prices
Directions: 78 E Washington S. Easily accessible on foot from Millennium Park (350 m, 5 min). Reference stop Washington/Wabash (Orange, Green, Purple, Brown and Pink Line metro) - Get directions
Hours: daily 10am-5pm
Ticket price: free
8 - DuSable Bridge
Strolling through the streets of downtown Chicago, a stop at the DuSable Bridge, also known as the Michigan Avenue Bridge, is a must. This is the city's 'drawbridge', built to join the two parts of Chicago divided by the river.
Work on its construction was completed in 1920 and since then many boats have crossed the river passing under the bridge. It is a true symbol of the city and one of the most photographed places, which should also be visited at night to enjoy a splendid view of the illuminated city!
Located at 333 Michigan Ave. Easy walking distance to Millennium Park (1.2 km, 15 min). Reference State/Lake stop (Orange, Green, Purple, Brown and Pink Line underground) - Get directions
Admire it from the Chicago Riverwalk: this is the wonderful riverside promenade from which you can enjoy some of the city's most beautiful views. Unmissable at sunset!
9 - Magnificent Mile
Magnificent Mile is Chicago's shopping district! Here you can find elegant shops and international luxury brands, high-fashion outlets, trendy restaurants and chic hotels with the best amenities! It also includes part of Michigan Avenue, the shopping street par excellence, which is very reminiscent of New York's 5th Avenue! We recommend fascinating Chicago Union Station hotel on www.hotels-chicago-il.com. Located within the historic Union Station building, this hotel seamlessly blends timeless elegance with modern comfort. Step into the grand lobby, adorned with stunning architectural details and a sense of old-world charm.
In this district you will find various attractions, such as the City Art Gallery in the Historic Water Tower or the aforementioned John Hancock Center! Surely the best way to enjoy it is to stroll along its streets, admiring the large shop windows perhaps with a coffee takeaway in hand. Needless to say, it acquires even more charm at Christmas!
Easy walking distance to the Museum of Contemporary Art (450 m, 6 min). Reference stop Grand (Red Line) - Get directions
Takea photo in front of The Wrigley Building: iconic Chicago skyscraper built in 1924 with clock tower. One of the must photograph spots in the city!
10 - Navy Pier
Navy Pier is definitely one of the most fascinating areas of Chicago. It is the former municipal pier that has been completely converted and renovated and has been one of the city's main attractions since the 1990s! Just think that in 2016 it was visited by no less than 9 million people!
Approximately 1 km long, it offers a beautiful view of Lake Michigan and is a place for everyone, young and old! There are plenty of activities to do, such as shopping in the shops, rides on the merry-go-rounds or enjoying a sundowner in one of the outdoor bars. If you are travelling as a family, here you can also find the Chicago Children's Museum, a museum entirely dedicated to children and with many interactive exhibitions (generally 10am-5pm; only $19.00/€16.80).
It is located at 600 E Grand Ave. Easy walking distance to Milton Lee Olive Park (210 m, 3 min). Grand (Red Line) Reference Stop - Get directions
Climb the Centennial Wheel: this is Chicago's Ferris wheel. From the top you have a great view of Lake Michigan, not to be missed!
11 - Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA)
Photo by Kables. Continue discovering Chicago's wonderful museums. If you are an art lover, you definitely cannot miss a visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), dedicated to contemporary art! It was opened in the late 1960s with the aim of bringing the public closer to contemporary art, which is perhaps less loved and understood than other currents.
Inside, you can see numerous collections and, above all, much use is made of technology to engage the visitor, creating multimedia and interactive displays and exhibitions! In addition, lectures are often organised on painting, sculpture and photography, which are also open to the public!
Start the day with American pancakes: right in front of the museum is the Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe, a mecca for pancake lovers. With fruit, chocolate, but also in savoury versions, the right way to start the day! Get directions
Practical info: directions, hours and prices
Directions: 220 E Chicago Ave. Easy walking distance to John Hancock Center (300 m, 4 min). Reference stop Chicago (Red Line) - Get directions
Hours: Wed-Sun 10am-5pm, Thu until 9pm, Mon closed
Ticket price: full $15.00 (€13.20), concessions $8.00 (€7.00)
12 - John Hancock Center
The Willis Tower competes for the prize of best panoramic observatory in Chicago with the John Hancock Center. Located on famous Michigan Avenue, it has 100 floors and was built in 1969.
Inside is the 360 Chicago, a spectacular observatory that offers a 360° view of the city! Moreover, on the skyscraper it is possible to live an absolutely unique experience, not recommended, however, for those who are easily impressed. We are talking about the Tilt 360 Chicago, a small platform, completely made of glass, which tilts 20° towards the void. You will almost feel as if you are falling!
Buy the Chicago Go City Card: includes admission and discounts to Chicago's main attractions, including the John Hancock Center. Duration 1, 2, 3 or 5 days, from €82.98.
Practical info: directions, times and prices
Directions: 875 N Michigan Ave. Easy walking distance to Museum of Contemporary Art (300 m, 4 min). Reference stop Chicago (Red Line) - Get directions
Hours: Sun-Thu 9am-9pm, Fri-Sat 9am-11pm
Ticket price: full $30.00 (€26.40), concessions $20.00 (€17.60)
13 - Lincoln Park
Millennium Park is not the only great park, Chicago is full of wonderful green areas and one of them is Lincoln Park, located in the neighbourhood of the same name!
Inside Lincoln Park is the Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago's wonderful free zoo, a must-see if you're travelling with the family (daily 10am-5pm, free admission). It is one of the oldest zoos in the United States and covers about 14 hectares. It is home to about 1,250 animals. Don't miss a stop at the Big Oak, which dates back to 1830, before the city was founded!
North of the centre. Easily accessible from Millennium Park by metro Brown Line, Purple Line or Red Line (20 min). Numerous stops throughout the neighbourhood - get directions
Stay in the heart of the nightlife: the Lincoln Park area is one of the best places to stay, especially if you're looking for nightlife and entertainment. The neighbourhood is full of nightclubs, lounges and comedy clubs, especially along North Lincoln Avenue.
14 - Museum of Science and Industry
We move outside the city centre, to the southern part of the city, to visit the Museum of Science and Industry. It is located in a wonderful setting, that of the great Jackson Park, where there are numerous beaches, the beautiful Garden of the Phoenix and even the Statue of the Republic of Chicago!
Opened in 1933, the museum is located inside the beautiful Palace of Fine Arts. Inside, it houses a permanent collection of over 35,000 exhibits, covering topics such as science, technology, medicine, transport and engineering! Given its size, we recommend that you dedicate at least half a day to it, so that you also have time to explore the park in which it is located!
Not to be missed in spring: the museum is located in Jackson Park Cherry Blossoms, a wonderful cherry orchard that blossoms in spring, somewhat reminiscent of the spectacle in Japan! Get directions
Practical info: directions, times and prices
Directions: at 5700 S Lake Shore Dr. Easily accessible on foot from Frederick C. Robie House (1.3 km, 16 min). Univ. of Chicago/59th St Train Station - Get directions
Hours: Tue-Sun 9:30am-4pm, Mon closed
Admission: Full $21.95 (€19.30), Concessions $12.95 (€11.40)
15 - Garfield Park Conservatory
Photo by Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz. The Garfield Park Conservatory, in the western part of the city, quite a distance from the other attractions, is one of the largest and most beautiful botanical conservatories in the United States! A true piece of paradise, the city will seem so far away!
The Garfield Park Conservatory is divided into several areas. You can stroll through more than 10 acres of gardens, which include the City Garden, the Demonstration Garden, the Sensory Garden, the Artist's Garden and many more, each with its own characteristics! Don't miss a visit to the Palm House, where tropical plants are kept, and the Fern Room, which recreates the environments of prehistoric Illinois. There are many sections to visit, ideal for spending half a day in the midst of nature!
Practical info: directions, times and prices
Getting there: 300 N Central Park Ave. Reference stop Conservatory-Central Park Drive (Green Line) - Get directions
Hours: Wed 10am-8pm, Thu-Sun 10am-5pm
Ticket price: Free
More things to see
The city is really full of wonderful and countless museums! If you love architecture and design, close to the DuSable Bridge you'll find the Chicago Architecture Center ($14.00/€12.30) and the Design Museum of Chicago (free or depending on exhibitions), and if you love history we recommend the Chicago History Museum ($19.00/€16.80). If you want to spend a few hours of fun, don't miss the Museum of Illusions Chicago ($21.00/€18.50) or theAdler Planetarium (all exhibitions $50.00/€44.10).
The city is also full of fun statues, scattered all over the streets! Apart from the 'bean' in Millennium Park, go in search of Calder's Flamingo, shaped like a flamingo, Miss Chicago, by Joan Miró, or theUntitled by Picasso!
If you are travelling with children, besides Lincoln Park Zoo and Shedd Aquarium, don't miss a visit to Brookfield Zoo ($24.95/€22.00) or the wonderful Grant Park (free). In general, there are plenty of green areas! Don't miss a stop at North Avenue Beach (free), one of Chicago's most beautiful beaches!
What to do in Chicago
Chicago Canal Night Cruise
Baseball match at Wrigley Field
Order a Donut at the Doughnut Vault
Andersonville, a piece of Sweden in Chicago
Strolling along the 606 Trail
Discovering the murals of Pilsen
Gangster Sites Tour: Death Alley
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Canal Cruise: You cannot miss a wonderful cruise through the city's canals, admiring its skyscrapers and distinctive architecture.
Taste the deep-dish pizza: it has nothing to do with the pizza we are used to, but in America Chicago's deep-dish pizza is a real institution, a must-try
Take ina show at The Chicago Theatre: the city's marvellous theatre, with its illuminated sign and beautiful façade, with a rich programme, from comedy shows to musical evenings
Catcha game at Wrigley Field: the temple of baseball in the city, home of the Chicago Cubs. If you get the chance, you absolutely can't miss a game
Order a Doughnut Vault: donuts are the famous American coloured doughnuts and in Chicago there is only one place to order them, the Doughnut Vault. You will always find queues, but the wait will be well worth it
Take a picture at The Rookery: it is one of the oldest and most beautiful buildings in Chicaco, impossible not to enter the lobby to take a souvenir photo
Discover a piece of Sweden in Chicago: in the city, you can't miss the Andersonville neighbourhood, once a former fishing village founded by Swedish immigrants. Today a residential area, the Swedish influence is still clearly visible
Walk along the 606 Trail: with a history similar to New York's High Line, the 606 Trail was an elevated railway line, now disused and transformed into a walking area. From here you can admire wonderful views of the city
Discover the murals of Pilsen: this is the Mexican quarter of the city, full of colourful murals, a real open-air museum
Walk among gangsters and ghosts: you can discover the darker side of the city, with the most mysterious stories and tales about the gangsters who lived here.
What to see in 1 day
With only one day to spare, some sacrifices are inevitable. You'll have to optimise your time and forego internal visits to some attractions. Here is the complete 1-day itinerary.
9am - Millennium Park and Cloud Gate
10:30am - Chicago Cultural Center
12:30 - Navy Pier
14:30 - Lake Cruise (40 min)
16:00 - Michigan Ave
17:00 - Willis Tower
19:00 - Chicago Riverwalk and DuSable Bridge
What to see in 3 days
In 3 days you can dedicate yourself to the city's main attractions, while still having to make some sacrifices. Here is a complete weekend itinerary.
Day 1: Millennium Park, Chicago Cultural Center, The Art Institute of Chicago, Buckingham Fountain, Chicago Riverwalk and DuSable Bridge
Day 2: Field Museum of Natural History, Navy Pier, scenic lake cruise, Michigan Avenue and Willis Tower
Day 3: Museum of Contemporary Art, Lincoln Park Zoo, Lincoln Park neighbourhood and Lincoln Avenue
What to see in 7 days
In a week, we recommend devoting at least 5 days to visiting the main attractions, and then moving on to the surrounding area to discover big cities like Milwaukee or wonders like Holland, a piece of Holland in the US, or the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Park. Here is the complete itinerary.
Day 1: Millennium Park, Chicago Cultural Center, The Art Institute of Chicago, Buckingham Fountain, Chicago Riverwalk and DuSable Bridge / Distance travelled: 5.8 km - 1 h 15 min
Day 2: Field Museum of Natural History, Navy Pier, scenic lake cruise, Michigan Avenue and Willies Tower / Distance travelled: 7 km - 1 h 30 min
Day 3: Museum of Contemporary Art, Lincoln Park Zoo and Lincoln Avenue / Distance travelled: 3.6 km - 45 min
Day 4: Shedd Aquarium, Northerly Island Park, Garfield Park Conservatory, Michigan Avenue / Distance travelled: 18.8 km - 4 hrs
Day 5: Excursion to Milwaukee / Driving distance: 297 km - 3 h 10 min
Day 6: Excursion to Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore / Driving distance: 156 km - 1 h 50 min by car
Day 7: Museum of Science and Industry, Jackson Park, Millennial Park, The Chicago Theatre / Distance travelled: 13 km - 2 h 50 min by car
Plan your stay in Chicago: tips, flights and hotels
Chicago, like all large American cities, is an expensive destination. Fortunately, there are several direct flights from major Italian cities and, if you book in good time, you can also find great deals (prices from €365.00 - compare flights). The ideal months for visiting the city are May, June and September. July and August, apart from being hot, are also crowded.
Once landed, the best option is to stay in the central districts, such as Chicago Loop (from €80.00 per night - compare accommodation on booking). This is also where the nightlife is concentrated, with its numerous clubs. To visit the city, the best solution is to travel by metro, which serves all areas! A good alternative, especially with little time available, is the tourist bus! To save money on attractions, we recommend the Chicago Go City All-Inclusive Card!
If you are travelling with your family, we recommend staying on the Near North Side, overlooking the lake and with large green areas. There are plenty of activities to do: visit the city's zoo and aquarium, stroll along Navy Pier or take a scenic cruise on the lake!
