From hearty steaks to deep-dish pizza to stunning river views, there are many reasons to add Chicago to your vacation list. If you plan to visit the windy city soon, you won’t be at a loss for things to do. Almost 50 million people visited Chicago in 2022, according to, Chicago Suntimes, due to all the sights and activities. Here are a few spots you should add to any Chicago itinerary.
Chicago Riverwalk
If you enjoy scenic views by a river, Chicago is the place to be. In addition to enjoying the natural beauty of this huge river, you’ll have plenty of places to stop, such as bars and cafes. Bring your camera to take photos of the public art nearby. The energy never ends by the river, and it’s a great place to relax with your loved ones, people watch, and strike up a conversation with a vocal or another visitor. While you’re in the area, get tickets for the popular Architecture Cruise Chicago.
Navy Pier
Once you visit the Navy Pier, you may not want to leave. There are loads of restaurants and tours to take advantage of. You may even have live musical performances to enjoy, especially when the weather gets hotter. The Centennial Wheel is a favorite among natives and visitors alike.
SkyDeck
While seeing the city along the lake or river is one of the most popular ways to do so, you may want to take things higher up. As long as you’re not afraid of heights, you should visit the Sky Deck inside the Willis Tower. The Willis Tower is one of the most historical pieces of architecture in this city, as it used to be the Sears Tower.
Art Institute of Chicago
Chicago is known for its cultural contributions. If you’re an art fan, check out the Art Institute of Chicago, which boasts over 300,000 creative works, including Van Gogh’s “The Bedroom” and Matisse’s “Bathers by a River. One of the most popular exhibitions is Life and Afterlife in Ancient Egypt. For further cultural relevance, you may know that the Chicago Art Museum was featured in the popular 1980s film, “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”, during the scene that showed “A Sunday on La Grande Jatte”, the famous painting with thousands of tiny dots by Georges Seurat.
Lincoln Park Zoo
Are you an animal lover? Are you visiting Chicago with your family in town? If so, take a trip to Lincoln Park, where you can visit its zoo with over 1000 animals. While enjoying the red pandas, lions, and other exotic animals, you won’t eat into your vacation budget, as it’s the only remaining free zoo in the city.
This list is a small example of all the things you can do in Chicago. Chicago is a vibrant city that stands out from the rest of the Midwest. You’ll have plenty of places to eat, as well as other visitors and dynamic locals to interact with. You’ll have a chance to enjoy the beauty of nature thanks to its rivers and parks while enjoying a stunning urban environment. You’ll have no problems finding things to do in the windy city.