Chicago is a vibrant city that combines the best of city life with its skyscrapers and the burgeoning tech economy, as well as the Midwest’s emotional warmth and engaging people. Chicago is located on the popular Lake Michigan, and spending time by the lake is one of the most popular ways to experience Chicago. Lake Michigan runs over more than 200 miles and provides several options for swimming, boating, and fishing. Alternatively, take a walk along the lakefront and enjoy the spectacular views of the Chicago skyline. The Navy Pier, Shedd Aquarium, Lincoln Park, North Avenue Beach, and Adler Planetarium are just a few of the attractions along Lake Michigan’s shoreline.
We recommend visiting historically significant places in Chicago like the Chicago Cultural Center which has a special exhibit on the Great Chicago Fire, which is a historic disaster that you must learn about. The Chicago History Museum also has a film that it plays about this horrific disaster. You can also visit the iconic Wrigley Field which is home to the Chicago Cubs team, explore the greenery at the Garfield Park Conservatory, and eat the famous Deep Dish Pizza at Pequod’s.
7 Places to Visit In Chicago
Chicago River
The Chicago River runs through the city and offers a very unique view of the city from its shorelines. Explore the river via kayak, and if the weather permits, enjoy a relaxing stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk, a pedestrian walkway built along the Chicago River’s shoreline. Go boating, eat at one of the riverfront restaurants or pubs, or simply relax in the Riverwalk’s wide, beautiful gardens while admiring the city skyline. Don’t miss out on the legendary Chicago-style hot dogs, which can be found at various restaurants here.
John Hancock Center
The John Hancock Center is a 10-story building with an observation deck that provides amazing views of the city. Get on Take a trip to the top of the building and see the city as you’ve never seen it before. It was recently renamed 875 North Michigan Avenue. The 360 Chicago Observation Deck is located here, from which you may observe the city’s skyline.
Lincoln Park Zoo
If you want to spend the day doing something entertaining, go visit the Lincoln Park Zoo. Over 1100 creatures, including gorillas, lions, and polar bears, live in this gorgeous park. The zoo also provides a range of educative activities, making it an excellent choice for families with children. This one-of-a-kind zoo promotes the well-being of every single animal, with a team of scientific professionals caring for them, and it plays a significant role in animal welfare and endangered species conservation. The zoo has been free and open to the public for 150 years, thanks to the zoo’s members and supporters. Expect to see all of your favorite creatures, from gorillas to polar bears!
Art Institute Of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago, founded in 1879, is a well-known museum that is often regarded as the best museum in downtown Chicago. It is located in Chicago’s Grant Park, and was founded in 1879 making it one of the world’s oldest and largest art museums. Known for its curation initiatives and appeal to art enthusiasts, it welcomes around 1.5 million visitors each year. The collection here spans more than 5,000 years of how humans developed various art forms from civilizations all over the world, with over 300,000 pieces of art in 11 departments from ancient Japanese prints and Byzantine Empire art to modern American art.
Millennium Park
Millennium Park, located in the centre of the city, is a popular site with a variety of public art projects, including the renowned Cloud Gate sculpture, better known as The Bean. Throughout the year, the park also offers a variety of concerts and activities, making it an ideal spot to spend a beautiful afternoon. No vacation to Chicago is complete without a visit to Millennium Park, which is located near the Art Institute of Chicago and directly on the Loop. You have to also visit the stunning interactive exhibit called Crown Fountain while you’re here.
Downtown Chicago
The downtown area of Chicago is a swarm of activity, offering a diverse range of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Visit the Magnificent Mile on Michigan Avenue, which is known for its high-end shops and department stores. Go to one of the numerous theatres, music venues, or art galleries in the downtown area. North Michigan Avenue, Skydeck Chicago, Buckingham Fountain, and the Field Museum are among the must-see sites in Downtown Chicago. You must also take the Architecture Foundation Center’s Architecture River Cruise, which takes you around the beautiful city while you learn all about its architecture.
Grant Park
Grant Park is a lovely lush park in the middle of the city, with meadows, gardens, and public art pieces. Throughout the year, the park hosts a variety of popular events and festivals, making it the ideal spot to spend a sunny day. Grant Park is commonly referred to as “Chicago’s Front Yard,” and with good reason. Many of the city’s famous attractions are located here, including the Field Museum Campus and the Art Institute of Chicago. Grant Park is right adjacent to Millennium Park. We highly recommend going ice skating at Maggie Daley Park which is right near here.
FAQ
Is 2 days enough for Chicago?
2 days is a good amount of time to explore some of the major spots in Chicago, but you might need between 5-7 days to get a true sense of the culture of the city and to explore the less-famous places in Chicago, while also being able to explore all of the food options that it has.
What is Chicago famous for?
Chicago is known for having a very lively and vibrant culture. There’s delicious food from every background, historically significant landmarks, stunning views, a busy nightlife, and so much more in the Windy City.
What is the most popular thing in Chicago?
The most popular things to do and places to visit in Chicago are:
- Chicago River
- John Hancock Center
- Jackson Park
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Millenium Park
- Chicago Shakespeare Theater
- Grant Park
How do you spend a day in Chicago?
If you have only one day in Chicago, we recommend heading over to Millenium Park, Grant Park, eating the famous Chicago-style pizza and hot dogs, and taking a stroll at the Chicago Riverwalk.
What are 5 facts about Chicago?
5 facts about Chicago are:
- It was the birthplace of modern architecture.
- It’s home to the world’s only backward-flowing river.
- The world’s first brownie was made in Chicago.
- Chicago is the third largest city in the USA.
- Chicago has over 2000 hot dog stands, owing to the famous Chicago hot dogs.
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