Things to Do in Chicago
Top attractions, best neighborhoods to wander, and the food you shouldn't skip in Chicago, USA — 2026 traveler picks.
Top places to see
Millennium Park + Cloud Gate ("The Bean")
Free downtown sculpture park. The Bean reflects the skyline + crowds. Pritzker Pavilion hosts free summer concerts.
Art Institute of Chicago
$32 entry. Home of "American Gothic" + "Sunday on La Grande Jatte." 2-3 hours min. Closed Tuesdays.
Navy Pier + Riverwalk
Free Lake Michigan pier + Centennial Wheel ($18). Architectural river cruises depart from here (90 min, $50).
Deep-dish pizza (Lou Malnati's or Giordano's)
Chicago's iconic dish. Lou Malnati's for the buttercrust + sausage layer. Order ahead — deep-dish takes 30-45 min to cook.
Book tours + skip-the-line tickets
Compare tours + attractions in Chicago across GetYourGuide, Tiqets and Trip.com — free cancellation on most, and prices match direct booking.
Things to do in Chicago
Lock in a few experiences before you go — the good ones sell out.
Tours, tickets & day trips
Our pickGetYourGuide has the deepest catalogue for Chicago and free cancellation on most experiences — book now, decide later.
Browse ChicagoJust need timed-entry attraction tickets? Try Tiqets.Want a private driver-guide? Trip.com Private Tours in Chicago.Eat here first
Deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati's. Chicago-style hot dog at Portillo's (no ketchup ever). Garrett popcorn (cheese + caramel mix) for the road.
Local tip
ORD is 27km from central Chicago — CTA Blue Line is the cheapest fast option ($5, 45 min) and runs 24/7. The Blue Line station is inside Terminal 2 — follow signs to "CTA Trains to City." For 6+ hour layovers in summer: lakefront walk + deep-dish lunch + Bean photo is achievable.
Where to stay
Hotels across Chicago — filter by neighborhood + budget on the map below.