Top Must-See Attractions in Chicago

Chicago is often overlooked by tourists simply because it is known as The Second City. This is a pity since I regard Chicago as one of my best cities of all time in the world, although it receives less visitors than Los Angeles and New York City.

There are some great museums, restaurants that have a Michelin star, an incredible architecture and beautiful parks in Chicago. It has plenty to do with a rich historical backdrop. That’s why more people should visit this city.

The city comes alive during springtime despite its harsh winters. Streets, outdoor cafes and sunny parks fill up with residents who spend most of their time outside to enjoy good weather. In my view, summer in Chicago is unmissable.

For those visiting Chicago, here are some top things you can do:

1.Take a Walking Tour

One of the initial things to do when landing in a foreign city is to go for a walk around that city. This gives an opportunity to see some of the major landmarks, get a sense of what the area is like and link up with local guide experts who can answer any questions you have. Free Chicago Walking Tours offers regular complimentary tours that highlight the city's best buildings and history. The tour lasts for a few hours and at its end it is customary to give your guide a tip.

Try something different like Gangsters and Ghosts Tour where as you explore the Chicago Loop, you will be brought into contact with the eerie past of Chicago as well as its criminal side. For this one, two-hour excursion covers one stage in this city’s history, which is amazing even if someone does not have much interest in history.

2.Relax in Grant and Millennium Parks

These huge downtown parks are perfect for picnics, jogging or just taking it easy. On nice days expect to see people playing chess while summer means free concerts, events etc. stretching all along the waterfront of Chicago is grant park whereas millennium park which is part of grant park houses ‘the bean’ sculpture (Park). Every noon on first and third Saturdays of every month from April until November Chicago Culture Center offers walks that hone on art works found at Millennium Park. It’s such an interesting place take leisurely walks or sit back with some good book

3.Take a Look at the Art Institute of Chicago

Ever since 1879, the Art Institute of Chicago has been fascinating visitors with its collection that cuts across different cultures in art from around the world. Situated within Grant Park, famous paintings like ‘American Gothic’ by Grant Wood, Edward Hopper’s ‘Nighthawks’, and Georges Seurat’s ‘A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte’. Other works are Picasso’s, Monet’s, Renoir’s, Van Gogh’s, Jasper Johns’, and Jackson Pollock’s along with African, Asian and Native American art. To comprehend the numerous collections here one has to spend some hours. In order to avoid many people visit it during Monday or Thursday evenings.

4.Take an Architecture River Cruise

The city of Chicago is architecturally stunning when viewed from a river cruise boat. You can relax as you sail through channels while listening to a guide who explains about architectural history of this city. Highlights include Tribune Tower; Navy Pier; Wacker Drive 333; Willis Tower (formerly known as Sears Tower); Wrigley Building and Marina City. This tour is more enchanting than it may seem because they have close to fifty structures for you observe.

5.Walk Along the Magnificent Mile

From Oak Street to the Chicago River on Michigan Avenue is often referred to as “Mag Mile” due its high-end shops and stores selling designer merchandise. The cost of renting an apartment here is among highest in U.S.A.” Nonetheless these should not discourage anyone from walking down this avenue, marvelling at the beauty of Chicago River or even just visualizing what it would be like if they were rich enough to afford any item displayed in those stores!

6. Visit the Shedd Aquarium

Great for kids and adults alike, the Shedd Aquarium is the third-largest in the Western Hemisphere, housing over 32,000 animals. Educational exhibits feature turtles, penguins, sea otters, snakes, sharks, and more. Additional experiences, such as feeding penguins and sharks, and evening events like live music, are available for an extra fee. Book tickets in advance to avoid crowds, especially on weekdays.

7. Discover Natural History at the Field Museum

The Field Museum, established from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition artifacts, boasts extensive collections in anthropology, geology, botany, and zoology. Highlights include taxidermied animals, an astronomy wing, and ancient Egyptian artifacts. Allocate 3-4 hours to fully explore this massive museum.

8. Get a View at 360 Chicago Observation Deck

Located atop 875 N. Michigan (formerly the John Hancock Building), the 360-degree observation deck offers stunning views of Chicago and Lake Michigan. The Cloud Bar, serving local Moody Tongue beer, is an added bonus. For thrill-seekers, the Tilt attraction provides a unique perspective by tilting visitors forward over the edge of the building.

9. Savor Deep-Dish Pizza

Chicago is synonymous with deep-dish pizza, invented in 1943 by Pizzeria Uno. For a local favorite, try Lou Malnati’s. If you're eager to sample various styles, the Chicago Pizza Tour offers tastings across the city.