There are endless things to see, do, and experience in Chicago — one of the many reasons we’ve been named the Best Big City in the U.S. for the past nine years in a row.
Start exploring some of Chicago’s best things to do.
Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise Aboard Chicago's First Lady
Things to Do in Chicago
What are the top things to do in Chicago?
Food & drink
Chicago’s food scene is never done expanding, innovating, and evolving. Here’s just a taste.
- Take a bite of iconic Chicago dishes, from the jibarito to deep dish.
- The host city of the prestigious James Beard Awards (and home to 50+ past award winners).
- Check off your bucket list with splurge-worthy dining experiences.
- Eat like a local in these top foodie neighborhoods.
Museums & art
Immerse yourself in art, history, science, nature, and more at our world-renowned cultural institutions.
- The Art Institute of Chicago, one of the oldest and largest art museums in the country.
- The lakefront Museum Campus is home to the Field Museum, the Adler Planetarium, and the Shedd Aquarium.
- On the South Side, explore the interactive Griffin Museum of Science and Industry and the landmark Obama Presidential Center.
Tours & attractions
Check off your Chicago bucket list with these top sights and attractions in downtown and beyond.
- See iconic Chicago sights like free Millennium Park and family-friendly Navy Pier.
- Take in the view at soaring observation decks like 360 CHICAGO and Skydeck Chicago.
- Hop on an architecture boat cruise to immerse yourself in Chicago’s legendary skyline.
- Explore the city on a guided tour or get matched with a local through Chicago Greeter.
Music & nightlife
Chicago is home to genre-defining artists, iconic music festivals, historic venues, and our own undefinable big-city sound.
- Hear Chicago-born genres like house music, Chicago-style jazz, and amplified blues.
- Catch a local act or a major tour at one of our legendary music venues.
- Mark your calendar for our signature music festivals, like Lollapalooza, Windy City Smokeout, Chicago Jazz Festival, and more.
More things to do in Chicago
Find Chicago inspiration
Come discover a city that’s never done and never outdone.
Explore Chicago like a local
Blog, Neighborhoods, Tours & attractions
Things to do in downtown Chicago
Visitors can experience Chicago’s famous hallmarks — architecture, culture, and the lakefront — throughout its historic downtown. As the dynamic heart of the city, downtown…
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Airport art scavenger hunt: Chicago’s airports are more museum than you think
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Where to watch the Chicago Air and Water Show
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Bud Billiken Parade 2026: Experience Chicago’s legendary South Side tradition
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Things to do in Chicago this weekend
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6 disability-owned Chicago businesses to check out during Disability Pride Month
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40+ things to do in Chicago this July 2026
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10 free things to do in Chicago this July
This month, catch a free summer music festival in Millennium Park, wander a world-class museum, and explore a Chicago neighborhood with a friendly local guide—…
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All the Chicago spots featured in season 5 of The Bear
The latest (and last!) season of The Bear is here. While Chicago is often a backdrop for hit TV shows, it’s always a treat to see our…
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