Chicago

Tourist Attractions in Chicago

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Chicago. Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps.

27 Attractions

★4.6 Average rating

11 Categories

About Chicago

Chicago blends world-class architecture with a welcoming Midwestern spirit. The city’s skyline showcases legendary towers and the famed Chicago River, where a classic architectural boat tour reveals hidden details. Visitors flock to Millennium Park for the surreal Cloud Gate sculpture, the Art Institute of Chicago for masterpieces from Monet to Grant Wood, and the modern museum district along Lakeshore Drive. Food lovers savor deep-dish pizza and diverse neighborhood flavors, while families enjoy Navy Pier, the lakefront trail, and Lincoln Park Zoo. Music thrives in intimate clubs and iconic venues, making Chicago a year-round magnet for culture and cuisine.

Millennium Park — Park, rated 4.8/5

1

Park

Millennium Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 92,094 reviews Free entry

Millennium Park in downtown Chicago is a vibrant, modern urban green space built on former railroad lands beside the Art Institute. It’s famous for the mirrored sculpture Cloud Gate, aka “The Bean,” which reflects the city skyline and draws photographers by the dozen, as well as the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, offering free concerts and cultural events under open skies. Visitors can stroll the Lurie Garden, splash at Crown Fountain, and enjoy seasonal installations, interactive art, and sweeping river and skyline views. It’s a must-see for architecture lovers, families, and those seeking accessible, lively outdoor spaces.

Chicago, IL 60602, USA

Opening hours · Today: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Monday6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Tuesday6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Wednesday6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Thursday6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday6:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Good for kids Dogs allowed Cards accepted

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The Art Institute of Chicago — Museum, rated 4.8/5

2

Museum Art Museum

The Art Institute of Chicago

4.8 ★★★★★ 37,919 reviews $$$

The Art Institute of Chicago is one of America's oldest and most respected art museums, housed in a grand Beaux-Arts building on Chicago's Grant Park. Inside, you’ll encounter an encyclopedic collection spanning ancient artifacts to modern masterpieces, including iconic Impressionist canvases, American and European painting, sculpture, photography, and decorative arts. Visitors can linger in elegant galleries, study intricate architecture, and admire Chicago legends such as Grant Wood and Picasso works. Don’t miss the world-renowned murals and the lively contemporary galleries, making this a must for culture lovers and first-time visitors alike.

111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603, USA

Opening hours · Today: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Monday11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Good for kids

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Chicago Riverwalk, rated 4.8/5

3

Tourist attraction

Chicago Riverwalk

4.8 ★★★★★ 22,358 reviews

The Chicago Riverwalk is a scenic, pedestrian waterfront promenade along the central Chicago River, weaving past towering architecture, parks, and dining spaces. Stretching through downtown neighborhoods, it offers inviting river views, public art, kayak launches, and shaded seating, with lively eateries and seasonal events that showcase the city’s culture. Visitors can expect a relaxed stroll, photo opportunities of iconic bridges, boat tours, and easy access to nearby Millennium Park and the Loop. It’s a versatile urban oasis, ideal for a leisurely day or a scenic evening by the water.

Chicago, IL 60601, USA

Opening hours · Today: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Monday6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Tuesday6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Wednesday6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Thursday6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday6:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Good for kids Dogs allowed Cards accepted

Entrance Parking Restroom

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Cloud Gate — Museum, rated 4.7/5

4

Museum Sculpture

Cloud Gate

4.7 ★★★★★ 39,163 reviews

Cloud Gate, affectionately known as "The Bean," is a seamless, polished stainless-steel sculpture by Anish Kapoor set in Millennium Park, Chicago. Its kidney-shaped form reflects the city skyline and sky, offering interactive views and entertaining distorted reflections from every angle. Visitors can walk around its 12-foot-high arch and beneath its reflective surface, capturing dramatic photographs on windy days when metal surfaces shimmer with light. The piece invites contemplation on perception and space, making it a must-see for architecture lovers, art enthusiasts, and first-time visitors exploring Chicago’s gleaming lakefront.

201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602, USA

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Griffin Museum of Science and Industry — Museum, rated 4.7/5

5

Museum

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

4.7 ★★★★★ 34,875 reviews

The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago blends grand architecture with hands-on learning, offering a dynamic journey through innovation and everyday wonder. Visitors step into interactive galleries that explore technology, transportation, energy, and the natural world, with live demonstrations and immersive simulations that spark curiosity in both kids and adults. Highlights include rotating science features, maker-style workshops, and a cutting-edge discovery lab where visitors can test ideas and build projects. Conveniently located near major neighborhoods, the museum makes science approachable, engaging, and endlessly Instagrammable for a full day of discovery.

5700 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60637, USA

Opening hours · Today: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Monday9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday9:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Good for kids

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Field Museum — Museum, rated 4.7/5

6

Museum

Field Museum

4.7 ★★★★★ 30,330 reviews $$$

The Field Museum in Chicago is a world-renowned natural history museum housed on Chicago’s lakefront Museum Campus. Home to vast collections in anthropology, paleontology and geology, it invites visitors to step through time from ancient civilizations to prehistoric giants. Highlights include the towering Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton, the spectacular Hall of Gems, and immersive exhibits on ancient Egypt and Indigenous cultures. Beyond exhibits, the museum conducts scientific research and offers Imax films, hands-on activities, and rotating special exhibitions, making it a full day of discovery for families and curious travelers alike.

1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605, USA

Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Monday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Good for kids

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Garfield Park Conservatory — Garden, rated 4.8/5

7

Garden Botanical GardenPark

Garfield Park Conservatory

4.8 ★★★★★ 10,444 reviews

Garfield Park Conservatory, nicknamed one of the great indoor gardens, is a vast glasshouse complex in Chicago's West Side. Housed in a 19th-century Victorian greenhouse with modern additions, it spans dozens of rooms filled with palms, orchids, cycads and seasonal displays that change throughout the year. Visitors can wander through lush rainforest corridors, prickly cactus gardens, and serene fern rooms, or join free workshops and gallery talks. The conservatory offers exceptional photo opportunities, quiet benches, and a sense of immersion in nature just minutes from the city center.

300 N Central Park Ave, Chicago, IL 60624, USA

Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

MondayClosed
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Good for kids

Entrance Parking Restroom

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Grant Park — Park, rated 4.7/5

8

Park City Park

Grant Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 20,838 reviews

Grant Park is Chicago’s grand, lakefront urban oasis, stretching along the city's downtown edge from the Chicago River to the lake. As the birthplace of Millennium Park, it also houses iconic landmarks such as Buckingham Fountain and easy access to the Art Institute of Chicago. Visitors wander sunlit lawns, formal terraces, and sculpture-filled promenades, then linger for summer concerts at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. In calm mornings or festive nights, the park offers architecture, skyline views, family picnics, and a front-row seat to Chicago’s culture and public life.

Chicago, IL, USA

Opening hours · Today: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Monday6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Tuesday6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Wednesday6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Thursday6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday6:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Good for kids Dogs allowed Cards accepted

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875 North Michigan Avenue, rated 4.7/5

9

Tourist attraction

875 North Michigan Avenue

4.7 ★★★★★ 20,185 reviews

Rising to about 1,128 feet, 875 North Michigan Avenue is Chicago’s iconic John Hancock Center, a 100-story modernist landmark designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and completed in 1969. Visitors come for the dramatic skyline and lake views from its high-altitude observation decks, plus urban photography opportunities and a touch of architectural history. Inside, you’ll find shops and dining options that complement the skyline experience, while the building’s distinctive X-braced exterior remains one of Chicago’s most recognizable silhouettes. It’s a quintessential stop for first-time visitors and architecture enthusiasts alike.

875 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA

Good for kids Cards accepted

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Navy Pier — Museum, rated 4.6/5

10

Museum Ferris WheelAmusement CenterCultural CenterEvent Venue

Navy Pier

4.6 ★★★★★ 87,389 reviews

Navy Pier in Chicago is a premier lakeside landmark stretching along Lake Michigan, not a museum—but it offers museum-worthy experiences. It features the iconic 150-foot Centennial Wheel, the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, galleries, and interactive exhibits, a historic Ferris wheel, and family-friendly attractions. Visitors can expect skyline views, riverwalk vibes, seasonal festivals, boat tours, and diverse dining. It’s ideal for a day of culture, architecture, and scenery, with indoor spaces for rain days and outdoor promenades for sunset strolls. Free fireworks shows in summer add sparkle, and the location is easily accessible by CTA trains and buses.

600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA

Opening hours · Today: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Monday11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Good for kids Cards accepted

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Chicago Botanic Garden — Garden, rated 4.8/5

11

Garden Botanical GardenParkMuseum

Chicago Botanic Garden

4.8 ★★★★★ 7,980 reviews

The Chicago Botanic Garden, set on 385 acres in Glencoe along Lake Michigan, is a lush, world-class refuge devoted to plants, landscapes, and sustainable beauty. Visitors wander 27 distinct gardens and four natural habitats, from serene water features and formal display beds to sunlit conservatories that showcase tropical and desert plant collections. With thousands of plant species, seasonal color displays, and thoughtfully designed trails, the garden offers a peaceful escape year-round. Expect expertly landscaped grounds, interactive family programs, rotating exhibitions, and inspiration for gardeners and nature lovers alike as you explore miles of winding paths.

1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe, IL 60022, USA

Good for kids Cards accepted

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Lincoln Park Zoo — Zoo, rated 4.6/5

12

Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo

4.6 ★★★★★ 38,207 reviews Free entry

Nestled in Chicago’s Lincoln Park, Lincoln Park Zoo is one of America’s oldest zoos, dating back to 1868, and remains proudly free to all visitors. Set against a backdrop of the city skyline, it offers diverse habitats and a compact, walkable layout that makes it easy to see elephants, big cats, penguins, primates, and more in naturalistic enclosures. Highlights include interactive exhibits for families, a charming farm area for younger kids, and rotating animal presentations. Visitors can expect a family-friendly, accessible urban wildlife experience with thoughtful conservation ties.

Chicago, IL 60614, USA

Opening hours · Today: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Monday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Good for kids Cards accepted

Entrance Parking Restroom Seating

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Skydeck Chicago — Viewpoint, rated 4.6/5

13

Viewpoint Observation DeckServiceStore

Skydeck Chicago

4.6 ★★★★★ 36,477 reviews

Skydeck Chicago offers breathtaking 1,353-foot elevation atop the Willis Tower, delivering sweeping views of the Windy City’s skyline, lakefront, and beyond. Standing on The Ledge, a glass-floored observation box, visitors feel thrilling vertigo as they peer straight down to Michigan Avenue and Millennium Park below. It’s worth visiting for memorable photo ops, especially at sunrise or twilight when the city glows. Expect fast elevators, helpful exhibits on Chicago’s architecture, and interactive Skydeck experiences that enrich the skyline perspective for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606, USA

Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Monday9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday9:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Good for kids

Entrance Parking Restroom Seating

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Brookfield Zoo Chicago — Zoo, rated 4.6/5

14

Zoo Aquarium

Brookfield Zoo Chicago

4.6 ★★★★★ 28,530 reviews

Brookfield Zoo in suburban Chicago is a renowned wildlife institution set on expansive grounds that showcase hundreds of animals in naturalistic habitats. Visitors can expect immersive experiences—from dramatic African savanna and rainforest exhibits to close-up encounters at the children’s zoo and sea lion and penguin presentations. The zoo emphasizes conservation and education, offering engaging talks, feeding demonstrations, and tram rides that ferry explorers between distant zones. A full day reveals diverse species, seasonal events, and family-friendly amenities, making it a worthwhile, accessible day trip for travelers staying in Chicago.

8400 31st St, Brookfield, IL 60513, USA

Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Monday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Good for kids Cards accepted

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Maggie Daley Park — Park, rated 4.7/5

15

Park City Park

Maggie Daley Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 8,531 reviews

Maggie Daley Park in downtown Chicago is a family-friendly extension of Millennium Park that centers on playful design and city views. Created on a portion of the former Municipal Parking Garage site, it wraps visitors in colourful geometry, with the standout feature a winding steel-skate ribbon and a playful playground with climbing towers, slides and imaginative landscape. Visitors can stroll shaded paths, picnic on green lawns, and watch skating in winter or simply enjoy sweeping views of the Loop and Lake Michigan. It’s ideal for kids, photography, and seasonal events.

337 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601, USA

Opening hours · Today: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Monday6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday6:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Good for kids Cards accepted

Entrance Parking

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Shedd Aquarium — Aquarium, rated 4.5/5

16

Aquarium Historical LandmarkHistorical Place

Shedd Aquarium

4.5 ★★★★★ 32,412 reviews $$$

Shedd Aquarium in Chicago is a premier aquatic destination showcasing a vast menagerie of marine life from around the world, housed in a striking Beaux-Arts building on the edge of Lake Michigan. Visitors wander through immersive habitats—from the Amazon River to the Caribbean Reef—seeing beluga whales, penguins, sharks, and colorful tropical fish up close. The public exhibits combine awe-inspiring displays with conservation-oriented storytelling, while interactive experiences and engaging talks enhance understanding of aquatic ecosystems. Expect family-friendly tours, seasonal exhibits, and breathtaking glass-ceiling views of the city skyline.

1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605, USA

Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Monday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Good for kids Cards accepted

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Willis Tower — Office, rated 4.5/5

17

Office Observation DeckCorporate Office

Willis Tower

4.5 ★★★★★ 23,738 reviews

Willis Tower, formerly the Sears Tower, is an iconic skyscraper in Chicago’s Loop and a defining feature of the city’s skyline. Rising 110 stories, it remains a magnet for visitors seeking a thrilling urban panorama. The SkyDeck on the 103rd floor offers expansive views across four states on clear days, with glass-floored ledges that put you literally above the streets. Expect a modern, high-rise experience: brisk elevators, museum-style exhibits about the building’s design, and a sense of awe as you gaze over Lake Michigan and a sprawling Chicago skyline.

233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606, USA

Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Monday9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday9:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Good for kids Cards accepted

Entrance Parking Restroom

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Chicago Cultural Center — Museum, rated 4.7/5

18

Museum Cultural Center

Chicago Cultural Center

4.7 ★★★★★ 5,943 reviews Free entry

The Chicago Cultural Center is a grand Beaux-Arts landmark in Grant Park, housed in the former Chicago Public Library. It blends art galleries, performance spaces, and lively programming in a stunning, free-to-visit setting. Highlights include the two magnificent Tiffany glass domes, intricate mosaic floors, and rotating exhibitions that span visual art, design, and history. Visitors can expect free concerts, lectures, and cultural events year-round, plus postcard-perfect interiors perfect for photos. It’s a welcoming hub where locals and travelers soak up Chicago’s creativity, architecture, and community spirit without an admission fee.

78 E Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602, USA

Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Monday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Cards accepted

Entrance Parking Restroom

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360 CHICAGO — Viewpoint, rated 4.5/5

19

Viewpoint Observation DeckBarEvent Venue

360 CHICAGO

4.5 ★★★★★ 20,605 reviews

360 CHICAGO is an iconic observation viewpoint on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center, offering 360-degree city vistas from one of Chicago’s tallest buildings. Visitors can expect panoramic views of the downtown skyline, Navy Pier, and Lake Michigan, day or night, with floor-to-ceiling glass and high-powered telescopes to zoom in on landmarks. The experience is enhanced by the Tilt, a gravity-defying platform that slowly tilts guests over the Chicago Avenue traffic below for a thrilling, unforgettable moment. Accessible elevators, a café, and interactive exhibits complete the visit.

875 N Michigan Ave 94th floor, Chicago, IL 60611, USA

Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Monday9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Tuesday9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Wednesday9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Thursday9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday9:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Good for kids

Entrance Parking Restroom

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Crown Fountain — Landmark, rated 4.7/5

20

Landmark Fountain

Crown Fountain

4.7 ★★★★★ 5,480 reviews

Crown Fountain, an iconic Chicago landmark by Jaume Plensa, sits in Millennium Park as two towering glass block sculptures flanked by a reflecting pool. From a distance, it resembles a futuristic pair of faces, but up close visitors discover a dynamic, interactive spectacle: the faces project varying digital images and facial expressions while water jets emerge from their mouths in a synchronized fountain display. Visitors, especially on hot days, can cool off in the shallow pool and linger to watch the changing art, light, and crowd energy that make Chicago’s riverfront feel alive.

201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602, USA

Opening hours · Today: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Monday6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Tuesday6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Wednesday6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Thursday6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday6:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Good for kids Dogs allowed

Entrance Parking

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The Wrigley Building — Landmark, rated 4.7/5

21

Landmark Business Center

The Wrigley Building

4.7 ★★★★★ 4,187 reviews

The Wrigley Building is a landmark skyscraper on the Chicago River, famed for its striking red brick facade and white terra-cotta detailing in a Venetian Gothic style. Completed in 1924 as the headquarters of the William Wrigley Jr. Company, it remains a symbol of Chicago’s business heritage and architectural boldness. Visitors can expect photogenic river and skyline views, especially from nearby bridges and the Chicago Riverwalk, plus a dramatic clock tower that lights up at night. Though interiors are primarily office space, its exterior is a must-see for architecture lovers and photographers.

400-410 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA

Opening hours · Today: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Monday8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
SundayClosed

Entrance Parking

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Museum of Illusions Chicago — Museum, rated 4.6/5

22

Museum Art MuseumAmusement CenterArt Gallery

Museum of Illusions Chicago

4.6 ★★★★★ 4,858 reviews

The Museum of Illusions Chicago is a playful, mind-bending gallery where science meets whimsy through interactive exhibits and optical tricks. Here, visitors step into rooms of impossible perspectives, transforming shadows, shapes, and perceptions into unforgettable photo ops and surprising discoveries about how our brains process images. It’s a family-friendly, social-media-worthy experience that blends education with entertainment, offering hands-on installations, holograms, and holographic displays that challenge intuition. Expect a brisk, engaging visit suitable for all ages, with plenty of chances to test what you see and leave with a story to retell.

25 E Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602, USA

Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Monday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Good for kids Parking

Entrance Restroom

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Chicago Architecture Center — Nonprofit, rated 4.7/5

23

Nonprofit Non Profit OrganizationMuseumAssociation Or Organization

Chicago Architecture Center

4.7 ★★★★★ 2,044 reviews $$

The Chicago Architecture Center is a nonprofit hub for design-minded visitors, housed in the city’s iconic McCormick Place complex. Here, architectural tours, exhibitions, and hands-on programs illuminate Chicago’s renowned skyline, from historic tall buildings to modern riverfront towers. Expect immersive galleries, scale models, and city guides that bring eras of innovation to life, plus guided architectural river cruises and neighborhood walks. A visit offers vivid storytelling about architects like Sullivan, Burnham, and Gehry, along with practical insights on urban planning, sustainability, and how Chicago’s built environment shapes everyday life.

111 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601, USA

Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Monday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Entrance Parking

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MUSEUM OF ICE CREAM — Museum, rated 4.1/5

24

Museum Ice Cream ShopDessert ShopConfectioneryFood Store

MUSEUM OF ICE CREAM

4.1 ★★★★★ 5,099 reviews

The Museum of Ice Cream in Chicago is a playful, interactive gallery devoted to all things frozen sweet and colorful, blending art, whimsy, and culture for a multisensory experience. Visitors wander through themed rooms—think oversized sprinkles, candy-colored pools, and Instagram-worthy installations—while sampling edible art and snapping vibrant photos. It’s more experiential playground than traditional museum, making it ideal for families, friends, and dessert lovers seeking bright, immersive moments, conversations, and lighthearted fun amid a city rich in architecture and culture. Expect joy, aroma, and plenty of photo opportunities.

435 N Michigan Ave Suite G, Chicago, IL 60611, USA

Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM

Monday11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Good for kids Parking Cards accepted

Entrance Restroom

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Adler Planetarium — Planetarium, rated 4.2/5

25

Planetarium

Adler Planetarium

4.2 ★★★★★ 2,828 reviews

The Adler Planetarium in Chicago sits along the lakefront offering immersive, skyward adventures at America’s first planetarium. Visitors step into state-of-the-art cosmic theaters to glimpse ancient stars, distant galaxies, and the latest space science through dynamic shows and interactive exhibits. Beyond astronomy, the museum highlights NASA missions, astronomical history, and the role of Chicago in scientific discovery. Expect inspiring visuals, hands-on activities for all ages, and planetarium shows timed with sunrise over Lake Michigan’s horizon. It’s a compelling blend of education, wonder, and breathtaking cityscape views.

1300 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605, USA

Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Monday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday4:00 – 10:00 PM
Thursday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Good for kids Cards accepted

Entrance Parking Restroom Seating

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Tribune Tower — Historic site, rated 4.7/5

26

Historic site Historical LandmarkHistorical Place

Tribune Tower

4.7 ★★★★★ 956 reviews

The Tribune Tower is a defining 1920s Neo-Gothic skyscraper on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, built for the Chicago Tribune and crowned by a slender, crenellated crown. Its fame comes not only from dramatic vertical lines and flying buttresses, but also from the Tribune Tower Stones-From-Around-the-World display, a quirky collection of architectural fragments reputedly gathered from famous sites worldwide. Visitors can admire the ornate exterior, gargoyles, and intricate detailing, then soak up the historic newsroom aura and downtown views from nearby vantage points. It’s a must for architecture lovers and city history buffs.

435 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA

Entrance

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American Writers Museum — Museum, rated 4.7/5

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Museum

American Writers Museum

4.7 ★★★★★ 872 reviews

The American Writers Museum in downtown Chicago is a lively tribute to the nation’s literary heritage, celebrating voices from Mark Twain to Toni Morrison. Step inside to explore interactive galleries, dynamic timelines, and engaging storytelling that bring American writing to life beyond the page. Visitors can expect immersive exhibits, rotating collections, and multimedia displays that spotlight genres, diversity, and the craft of writing. It’s a compact, accessible visit for book lovers and curious travelers alike, offering insightful context, memorable quotes, and a playful appreciation of how literature shapes American culture.

180 North N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601, USA

Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Monday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
TuesdayClosed
WednesdayClosed
Thursday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Good for kids Parking

Entrance Restroom

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