The City of Chicago is more than just an urban jungle of towering skyscrapers and feats of engineering prodigies. Within this electrifying metropolis is a plethora of architecture, arts and historical anecdotes awaiting your discovery. By day, the city is saturated with the sights and sounds inevitable to ultramodern mega cities as roads are packed with waves of motorists making their way through seemingly impermeable traffic. At night, the city remains vibrant with radiant city lights and vast choosing of entertainment options through the wee hours of day.
Geographically situated along the perimeter of Lake Michigan, this mega city is one of the most populous cities in the United States with roughly 3 million residents, and over 55 million visitors each year. Whether you are here for business or for pleasure, here are 10 of the top things to do on your trip to Chicago.
#1 Have an Amazing Culinary Experience
Chicago gastronomic culture is as vast as it is delicious with over 8000 restaurants to choose from. From the world renowned Chicago-style deep dish pizza and Chicago dogs to the most exquisite Michelin-starred fine dining experience you can afford, Chicago has something to offer to appease any foodie’s culinary cravings.
Our Recommendations:
- Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab
- The Purple Pig
- Pizzeria Uno
- The Capital Grille
- Momotaro Restaurant
#2 Explore Beautiful Parks and Gardens
Between summits of concrete and steel lies valleys of lush greeneries, kaleidoscopic array of flowers and elegant displays of various artworks. Experience a rather revitalizing scene contrasting the exasperating fast-paced urban lifestyle. It’s where Chicagoans go to destress and loosen up.
Our Recommendations:
#3 Museum Discovery
Chicago is home to over 60 museums, truly an intellectual wonderland for culture seekers or science enthusiasts. With enough museum grounds to cover, Chicago museums offer thrills and discoveries well suited for ephebic minds and for those more advanced in years.
Our Recommendations:
- The Art of Institute of Chicago
- Chicago Cultural Center
- Museum of Science and Industry
- Chicago Children’s Museum
- Oriental Institute Museum
#4 Take A Short River Cruise
Take a trip down Chicago’s aquatic highway and bask in the pompous extravagance of Chicago’s most iconic skyscrapers, all while experiencing the sophistication of upscale dining, or just relaxing while taking in bits of information, along the city’s greatest architectural prowess.
Popular Cruise Options:
- Chicago’s First Lady Cruises
- Shoreline Sightseeing
- Seadog Cruises
- Wendella Sightseeing Boats
- Urban Kayaks
#5 Enjoy Skyline Views of Chicago
Admire an unparalleled view of Chicago atop some of the city’s tallest observation decks surrounded by panoramic windows. Truly a unique perspective to showcase the city’s dynamism and alluring vibrancy.
Our Recommendations:
#6 Watch The Game
It is no secret that Chicago is a high-spirited sports town with unrivaled passion for their team. Heavy on tradition and tailgating culture, every game is overwhelmed with enthusiastic support for their team along with passionate battlecries, celebratory chants and after game parties. For avid sports enthusiasts, no visit to Chicago is complete without witnessing a professional game.
Popular Chicago Stadiums:
#7 Shopping
Map out and soak in the shopping lifestyle as you venture out to hundreds of vibrant shops and boutiques strategically located throughout the city. From budget-friendly shopping finds to lavish upscale designer brands, there are ample options to appease everyone’s taste and pocket-depth.
Popular Shopping Destinations:
#8 Tours and Sightseeing
Whether you’ve seen Chicago from the top of Willis Tower, or a relaxing cruise along the banks of the Chicago River, there are yet more facets of Chicago to delve in and explore. Abounding sightseeing and tour options are available throughout the city for an in-depth discovery of the city’s history and lifestyle.
Popular Sightseeing Tours:
- Chicago Hop On Hop Off Big Bus Tour
- Chicago Segway Tour
- Chicago Helicopter Tour
- Chicago Criminals, Mobsters, and Gangsters Bus History Tour
#9 Experience Chicago Nightlife
Nightlife in Chicago is an elevation above the conventional bars and nightclubs. After dark, the city is persistently dashing with a plethora of comedy clubs, jazz clubs, theatrical shows and dance clubs preserving the city’s vibrancy through the night.
Popular Chicago Nightlife:
#10 Spend A Day At The Navy Pier
From romantic dinner cruises to a teeming array of entertainment, dining, amusement rides and sightseeing selections, the Navy Pier has it all! Enjoy a stunning view of Lake Michigan on this 3000-foot stretch of real estate of what used to be part of the University of Illinois at Chicago. Be sure to enjoy an awe-inspiring view of the city on the Centennial wheel that climbs up to heights of 200 feet on the Pier Park.
#11 Wildlife Discovery
Take time to appreciate the amazing wonders of the animal kingdom and nourish a heightened awareness of conservation and significance of ecological equilibrium. Perfect family activity especially for young minds to indulge their curiosity and extend their spirit of new discoveries.
Popular Wildlife Destinations: