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Classic Chicago

The can’t-miss things to see and do.

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Take a spin on the Ferris wheel at Navy Pier. Grab a slice of deep dish. Snap a photo with “The Bean.” Looking for a classic Chicago experience? Explore our city’s one-of-a-kind attractions and experiences.

Chicago bucket lists and guides

Things to do in Chicago in the winter
Bucket list
Things to do in Chicago in the winter
Jacks Pumpkin Pop-up
Articles, Bucket list
Things to do in Chicago in the fall
Smaller Ballet Folklorico Xochitl girls in a line at the Arts in the Dark parade
Bucket list, Holidays
Halloween in Chicago: Top events and things to do 2025
Man jumping into Lake Michigan
Articles, Bucket list
Things to do in Chicago in the summer
The ultimate Chicago bucket list
Bucket list
The ultimate Chicago bucket list
Chicago Theatre in spring with tulips blooming
Articles, Bucket list, Itineraries, Parks & outdoors
Things to do in Chicago in the spring
Explore more

Top Chicago attractions

Art Institute of Chicago
Museums & art
Admire masterpieces at the Art Institute of Chicago
Visitors gather around Cloud Gate, known as “The Bean,” in Millennium Park. An iconic Chicago landmark perfect for group experiences.
Parks & outdoors
Guide to Chicago’s Millennium Park
At the center of Science Storms – an exhibit that explores nature’s most powerful and compelling phenomena – is a 40-foot vortex of swirling air and vapor guests can study and manipulate.
Museums & art
Get curious at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
The Skydeck
Tours & attractions
Chicago’s observation decks: Skydeck and 360 CHICAGO
Sue at Field Museum
Museums & art
Explore natural history at the Field Museum in Chicago
Chicago Riverwalk
Free & cheap, Parks & outdoors
Your guide to the Chicago Riverwalk
Chicago water taxi parked at Navy Pier
Tours & attractions
Your guide to Navy Pier
Lincoln Park Zoo
Parks & outdoors
Chicago zoos
Shedd Aquarium
Museums & art
Explore Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium
Explore more

Chicago itineraries

people touching the bean (cloudgate)
Family, Itineraries
Top Chicago must-dos with teens or tweens
Wild Ree Shark Habitat at Shedd Aquarium
Family, Itineraries
30+ kid-friendly things to do in Chicago
Chicago Theatre in spring with tulips blooming
Articles, Bucket list, Itineraries, Parks & outdoors
Things to do in Chicago in the spring
Spring break family fun in Chicago
Family, Itineraries
Spring break family fun in Chicago
Corn Cob building
Architecture & history, Itineraries
Your guide to Chicago’s iconic architecture
Friends enjoy dim sum in Chicago's Chinatown
Food & drink, Itineraries
Chicago neighborhoods for food lovers
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Discover things to do

Garfield Park Conservatory
Tours & Attractions, Beaches/Gardens/Parks
Garfield Park Conservatory
Chicago Defender
Tours & Attractions, Historic Site/Architecture
Chicago Defender
Murder Mystery Dinner Parties
Theater & Performing Arts
Murder Mystery Dinner Parties
City Cruises Chicago
Food & Beverage, American, Tours & Attractions, Architectural/Cultural Tours, Boat Tours
City Cruises Chicago
Kingston Mines
Music, Comedy, and Nightlife, Live Music/Blues/Jazz
Kingston Mines
McGuane Park
Tours & Attractions, Beaches/Gardens/Parks
McGuane Park
Former Residence of Nat “King” Cole
Tours & Attractions, Historic Site/Architecture
Former Residence of Nat “King” Cole
Rookery Building
Tours & Attractions, Historic Site/Architecture
Rookery Building
Poetry Foundation
Tours & Attractions, Attractions
Poetry Foundation
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Upcoming events

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bean-night

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Expedia

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