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What are the top attractions in Chicago?
Must-see places, ranked by popularity
Quick answer 16 top-rated attractions in Chicago, ranked by traveler popularity. Tickets & tours bookable via Viator with free cancellation on most experiences.
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★ 4.8
Millennium Park
Chicago, IL 60602, USA
Explore →92,138 reviews
★ 4.6
Navy Pier
600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Explore →87,423 reviews
★ 4.8
The Art Institute of Chicago
111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603, USA
Explore →37,948 reviews
★ 4.8
Wrigley Field
1060 W Addison St, Chicago, IL 60613, USA
Explore →35,503 reviews
★ 4.7
Cloud Gate
201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602, USA
Explore →39,208 reviews
★ 4.7
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
5700 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
Explore →34,889 reviews
★ 4.6
Lincoln Park Zoo
Chicago, IL 60614, USA
Explore →38,229 reviews
★ 4.7
Field Museum
1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
Explore →30,354 reviews
★ 4.6
Skydeck Chicago
233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606, USA
Explore →36,505 reviews
★ 4.8
Chicago Riverwalk
Chicago, IL 60601, USA
Explore →22,376 reviews
★ 4.5
Shedd Aquarium
1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
Explore →32,428 reviews
★ 4.7
Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain
301 S Columbus Dr, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
Explore →16,753 reviews
★ 4.5
Willis Tower
233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606, USA
Explore →23,757 reviews
★ 4.5
360 CHICAGO
875 N Michigan Ave 94th floor, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Explore →20,621 reviews
★ 4.8
Garfield Park Conservatory
300 N Central Park Ave, Chicago, IL 60624, USA
Explore →10,447 reviews
★ 4.5
Starbucks Reserve Roastery
646 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Explore →18,553 reviews
What are the best tours and experiences in Chicago?
Hop-on-hop-off, food tours, day trips, skip-the-line tickets
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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Hop-On Hop-Off
Walking Tours
Food Tours
Day Trips
Boat Cruises
Skip-the-Line
Private Tours
Adventure Tours
Photography Tours
Night Tours
Hop-On Hop-Off BusHop-On Hop-Off Bus in Chicago
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Food and Wine ToursFood and Wine Tours in Chicago
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City Walking ToursCity Walking Tours in Chicago
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Day TripsDay Trips in Chicago
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Boat and CruisesBoat and Cruises in Chicago
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Skip-the-LineSkip-the-Line in Chicago
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Private ToursPrivate Tours in Chicago
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Nightlife ToursNightlife Tours in Chicago
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Photography ToursPhotography Tours in Chicago
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Helicopter ToursHelicopter Tours in Chicago
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Where to eat and go out in Chicago?
Restaurants, bars, and entertainment
Quick answer Browse top-rated restaurants, nightlife venues, and live shows happening now in Chicago. Listings ranked by traveler ratings; tickets and tables bookable directly through partner sites.
Where to Eat
Pizzeria Portofino$$
★ 4.8
Giordano's$$
★ 4.5
Quartino Ristorante$$
★ 4.7
Portillo's & Barnelli's Chicago$
★ 4.4
Au Cheval$$
★ 4.7
Aba$$$
★ 4.8
The Dearborn$$
★ 4.7
Pequod's Pizza$$
★ 4.4
Nightlife
Gino's East$$
★ 4.7
360 CHICAGOBar / Club
★ 4.5
Starbucks Reserve Roastery$$
★ 4.5
Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!$$
★ 4.7
Three Dots and a Dash$$$
★ 4.6
Beatrix Streeterville$$
★ 4.7
House of Blues Chicago$$
★ 4.5
The Purple Pig Restaurant$$
★ 4.6
Shows & Events
Ryan Chrys & the Rough Cuts, the Jeff Givens Band, Medicinal MoonshineMay 27
Balloon Museum | EmotionAir - Art You Can Feel - ChicagoMay 27
Do Division Pre-Party with Elizabeth Moen / G'niteMay 27
USD 0
Monty Python's Spamalot (Chicago)May 27
Sam YoMay 27
Chicago White Sox vs. Minnesota TwinsMay 27
Chicago Sky vs. Toronto TempoMay 27
Claire Rosinkranz - My Lover Tour with Stevie BillMay 27
USD 36
Where can I shop in Chicago?
Malls, markets, and retail districts
Quick answer Top shopping destinations in Chicago from major malls to local markets. Browse the rail below for hours, locations, and ratings.
★ 4.5
Water Tower Place
835 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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★ 4.3
Macy's
$$
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★ 4.5
Costco Wholesale
$$
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★ 4.5
Costco Wholesale
$$
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★ 4.1
Walmart Supercenter
$
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★ 4.6
Trader Joe's
$$
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★ 4.2
Christkindlmarket Chicago
50 W Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602, USA
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★ 4.6
Trader Joe's
$$
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★ 4.4
Nordstrom
55 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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★ 3.9
Walmart Supercenter
$
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★ 3.9
Walmart Supercenter
$
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★ 4.4
Whole Foods Market
$$$
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★ 4.2
Ross Dress for Less
$
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★ 4.4
Whole Foods Market
$$$
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★ 4.4
Whole Foods Market
$$$
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★ 4.2
Target
$$
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What events are happening in Chicago?
Concerts, sports & shows in the next 90 days
Quick answer 26 upcoming events in Chicago across the next 90 days, including concerts, sports, and live shows. Tickets via Ticketmaster.
ConcertRyan Chrys & the Rough Cuts, the Jeff Givens Band, Medicinal Moonshine
May 27, 2026
Get Tickets →
EventBalloon Museum | EmotionAir - Art You Can Feel - Chicago
May 27, 2026
Get Tickets →
ConcertDo Division Pre-Party with Elizabeth Moen / G'nite
May 27, 2026
Get Tickets →
Arts & TheatreMonty Python's Spamalot (Chicago)
May 27, 2026
Get Tickets →
Sam Yo
May 27, 2026
Get Tickets →
Chicago White Sox vs. Minnesota Twins
May 27, 2026
Get Tickets →
Chicago Sky vs. Toronto Tempo
May 27, 2026
Get Tickets →
ConcertClaire Rosinkranz - My Lover Tour with Stevie Bill
May 27, 2026
Get Tickets →
A$AP Rocky - Don't Be Dumb World Tour
May 27, 2026
Get Tickets →
Arts & TheatreThe Second City Mainstage 114th Revue (Minors must be accompanied by an adult)
May 27, 2026
Get Tickets →
EventThe Spellbinder Effect
May 27, 2026
Get Tickets →
Mihali
May 27, 2026
Get Tickets →
Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise Aboard First Lady
May 27, 2026
Get Tickets →
EventBalloon Museum | EmotionAir - Art You Can Feel - Chicago
May 28, 2026
Get Tickets →
Comedy Bang! Bang! Ground Beefing Tour
May 28, 2026
Get Tickets →
ConcertDumpstaphunk
May 28, 2026
Get Tickets →
ConcertNational Photo Committee (Record Release) / Lifeguard / 2w33dy
May 28, 2026
Get Tickets →
Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise Aboard First Lady
May 28, 2026
Get Tickets →
*SOLD OUT* The Black Angels: Passover 2026 Tour with L.A. Witch
May 28, 2026
Get Tickets →
ConcertHayden Coffman - Take The Lonely Tour with Zach Crean
May 28, 2026
Get Tickets →
ConcertEmerson Woolf & The Wishbones with Jordan Smart
May 28, 2026
Get Tickets →
Arts & TheatreThe Second City Mainstage 114th Revue (Minors must be accompanied by an adult)
May 28, 2026
Get Tickets →
BELLE & SEBASTIAN: TIGERMILK + CLASSIC SONGS
May 28, 2026
Get Tickets →
EventSun Tea
May 28, 2026
Get Tickets →
Concert
MAY
27
Ryan Chrys & the Rough Cuts, the Jeff Givens Band, Medicinal Moonshine
2105 South State Street, Chicago, IL
Event
MAY
27
Balloon Museum | EmotionAir - Art You Can Feel - Chicago
4120 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL
Concert
MAY
27
Do Division Pre-Party with Elizabeth Moen / G'nite
1035 N. Western Ave., Chicago, IL
Get Tickets
USD 0
Arts & Theatre
MAY
27
Monty Python's Spamalot (Chicago)
18 West Monroe, Chicago, IL
Event
MAY
27
Sam Yo
329 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL
Sports
MAY
27
Chicago White Sox vs. Minnesota Twins
333 W 35th St, Chicago, IL
Sports
MAY
27
Chicago Sky vs. Toronto Tempo
200 E Cermak Road, Chicago, IL
Concert
MAY
27
Claire Rosinkranz - My Lover Tour with Stevie Bill
1807 S Allport St, Chicago, IL
Get Tickets
USD 36
Concert
MAY
27
A$AP Rocky - Don't Be Dumb World Tour
1901 W Madison, 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.