Discover Chicago: The Windy City's Top Attractions

Chicago, known as the "Windy City," is a hub for arts, culture, shopping, and architecture, drawing visitors from around the world. The city boasts a rich architectural heritage with contributions from Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright, and an impressive art scene featuring works by Picasso and Chagall. Sports fans can enjoy games from teams like the Chicago Bears, White Sox, Cubs, and Bulls. In summer, the city's beaches are a major draw.

For the best experience, check out top attractions and things to do in Chicago.

1. Art Institute of Chicago

Home to a vast collection of artworks, the Art Institute of Chicago is renowned for its impressionist and post-impressionist paintings. The museum's main building, a beaux-arts masterpiece, was constructed for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition.

Address: 111 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois

Official site: http://www.artic.edu/

2. Millennium Park

Millennium Park, part of Grant Park, features the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture and Crown Fountain. It's a cultural hotspot with the Jay Pritzker Pavilion and Lurie Garden.

Address: 201 East Randolph Street, Chicago, Illinois

Official site: http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/millennium_park.html

Excursions in Chicago

3. Navy Pier

Navy Pier is a 50-acre wonderland with gardens, shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues like a Ferris wheel and the Chicago Shakespeare Theater.

Address: 600 East Grand Avenue, Chicago, Illinois

Official site: www.navypier.org

4. Adler Planetarium

The Adler Planetarium, a pioneer in its field, offers immersive shows and exhibits exploring space and astronomy.

Address: 1300 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois

Official site: www.adlerplanetarium.org

5. Museum of Science and Industry

This museum is a treasure trove of interactive exhibits and technological marvels.

Address: 5700 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois

Official site: http://www.msichicago.org/

6. Willis Tower SkyDeck

The Willis Tower offers breathtaking views from its SkyDeck, and the Ledge, a glass box extending from the 103rd floor.

Address: 233 South Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois

Official site: https://theskydeck.com/

7. Buckingham Fountain

The Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain, one of the world's largest, is a spectacle of water and light in Grant Park.

8. 360 Chicago

360 Chicago offers panoramic views from the John Hancock Center, with the thrilling "Tilt" experience.

Address: 875 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois

Official site: http://www.360chicago.com/

9. Field Museum of Natural History

The Field Museum showcases millions of artifacts, including the famous T. rex skeleton named "Sue."

Address: 1400 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois

Official site: http://fieldmuseum.org/

10. Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile

Michigan Avenue is an iconic shopping and cultural avenue, home to landmarks like the John Hancock Center and the Wrigley Building.

Official site: http://www.themagnificentmile.com/

11. Wrigley Field

Wrigley Field, the storied home of the Chicago Cubs, offers tours and a chance to catch a game.

Official site: http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/chc/ballpark/

12. Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park offers a zoo, conservatory, and museums along a scenic lakeside stretch.

13. Shedd Aquarium

Explore aquatic life from around the world at the Shedd Aquarium.

Address: 1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois

Official site: www.sheddaquarium.org

14. Lincoln Park Zoo

The Lincoln Park Zoo is a family-friendly attraction with over 200 animal species.

Address: 2001 N Clark Street, Chicago. Illinois

Official site: www.lpzoo.org

15. Chicago Riverwalk and Lakefront Trail

The Chicago Riverwalk and Lakefront Trail offer scenic paths for walking and cycling, with access to major attractions.

Official site: www.chicagoriverwalk.us

16. Oriental Institute Museum

This museum showcases artifacts from the Near East, including ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian relics.

Address: 1155 East 58th Street, Chicago, Illinois

Official site: http://oi.uchicago.edu/museum-exhibits

17. The Rookery Building

The Rookery Building, a historic architectural marvel, features a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed lobby.

Address: 209 South LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois

Official site: http://therookerybuilding.com/

18. Chicago Theater

The Chicago Theater is an iconic venue for live performances in a stunning French Baroque setting.

Address: 175 N. State Street, Chicago, Illinois

Official site: www.msg.com/the-chicago-theatre

Where to Stay in Chicago for Sightseeing

For the best access to sightseeing, shopping, and dining, stay in the city center near the Magnificent Mile and waterfront.

Tips and Tours: How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Chicago

Explore Chicago's history and architecture with various tours, including minibus, hop-on hop-off, Segway, and special interest tours like the Chicago Mob and Crime Tour or the Chicago Architecture River Cruise.