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 River Cruise
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, Special events
Your guide to Chicago Fashion Week 2026: runways, events, parties, and more
This fall, Chicago’s fashion and design scene takes center stage during the third annual Chicago Fashion Week, showcasing the city’s creativity, culture, and couture. This…
Blog, Special events
Things to do in Chicago this weekend
Want to know what’s happening this weekend in Chicago? Look no further. There’s a whole calendar of exciting events, exhibits, and activities taking place all…
Architecture & history, Special events
16 unique places to discover during Open House Chicago 2026
Fall in Chicago is the best time of year for architecture lovers. The season brings top events like the annual Pullman House Tour, the Chicago…
Blog, Special events
How to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month in Chicago
Chicago is a city renowned for its rich cultural diversity, and there’s no better time to experience it than during National Hispanic Heritage Month. From…
Tours & attractions
9 of Chicago’s most haunted places
Chicago is a city with history — a whole lot of history, dating back to before the city’s founding in 1837. So it’s hardly surprising…
Blog, Special events
Your guide to Chicago Live Festival 2026: the largest free performing arts fest in the Midwest
Chicago’s summer festival season may be winding down, but there’s still another standout event on the city’s cultural calendar — Chicago Live Festival at Navy…
Nightlife, Special events
Chicago Halloween bars, pop-ups, and parties 2026
There’s no better way to celebrate the spookiest time of year than by packing your calendar with haunted events, themed cocktails, and spine-chilling pop-ups —…
Arts, culture & entertainment, Blog
A fall guide to Chicago for culture lovers: music festivals, art exhibits, and top events
Chicago’s fall events calendar is overflowing with cultural happenings — including music, theatre, film, visual arts, and everything in between. If you’re looking for things…
Blog
Explore the universe at Chicago’s Adler Planetarium
At the lakefront Adler Planetarium, the night sky comes into sharp focus thanks to the largest publicly accessible telescope in Chicago. Through the popular Scopes…
Loading...
Explore Chicago hotels, flights, deals, and more
Plan your trip
