Top Things to Do in Chicago: Attractions, Dining, and Cultural Highlights for Every Traveler

Chicago is a very large city that offers numerous options to any traveler. Whatever you’re interested in, you’re almost certain to find it among the things to do in Chicago.

Do you love music? You can find great music in Chicago. Do you like sports? Perfect, Chicago has attractions for you. Are you into exploring museums? Chicago has you covered. Do you just want to check out famous landmarks? No problem, there are plenty of those to visit in Chicago. And let’s not forget the food. It is perfectly possible, and enjoyable, to eat one’s way through the Windy City. There are enough things to do in the city to keep any visitor entertained for weeks. When you’re planning your trip to Chicago, make sure to hit at least a few of these highlights.

Chicago Cultural Center

If you’re trying to visit Chicago on a budget, this free attraction is a great way to go. The cultural center, located across from Millennium Park, offer concerts, art and photography exhibits, live performances, and more. There’s always something to do, and it won’t cost you a thing. If you like to dance, stop in around noon on any Friday for the center’s “Wired Friday” lunchtime dance party.

Chicago Cultural Center
Chicago Cultural Center. Photo: wikipedia.org

Wrigley Field

This hugely popular baseball field is one of Chicago’s best-known attractions. If you aren’t going to see a game, it’s worth at least taking a tour of the field. Wrigley Field offers daily guided walking tours for about $25 per person.

Wrigley Field
Wrigley Field. Photo: unsplash.com

Art Institute of Chicago

If you love museums and art exhibits, this is definitely a must-see. Here you can view art collections that range from ancient to modern and originate from all parts of the world. General admission for an adult costs $23, and the museum offers free iPhone and Android apps that make a personalized tour fun and easy.

Art Institute of Chicago
Art Institute of Chicago. Photo: wikipedia.org

The Sears Tower (Willis Tower)

If this is your first visit to Chicago, it won’t be complete until you visit the famous Sears Tower, renamed as the Willis Tower after a change of ownership in 2009. The tallest building in the world at the time of its construction, this famous tower is now the second tallest in the United States and still among the top ten tallest buildings in the world. Visit the Skydeck at the top of the building and enjoy the view.

Willis Tower
Willis Tower. Photo: unsplash.com

Dining Options

It would be impossible to list all the great places to eat in Chicago, but here are a few to keep in mind: For a good Chicago-style hot dog, order a char dog at Gold Coast Dogs on North Wabash Avenue. For a sit-down restaurant, try The Gage on South Michigan Avenue. You may have to wait to be seated if you don’t have reservations, but the food is worth it. Try the sausage special, the scallops, or the venison burger. The Bloody Marys also come highly recommended.

Chicago style hot dog
Chicago style hot dog. Photo: wikipedia.org

The Windy City has plenty to recommend it, and once you visit the first time, you’ll want to keep going back until you’ve seen and experienced it all. Don’t hesitate to plan a trip to Chicago and experience all that the city has to offer.

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