10 Best Things to Do in Chicago

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Things to do in chicago

Chicago has activities for all ages and budgets. From high quality shopping on the Magnificent Mile to a free day out at Lincoln Zoo there is something for everyone.

Chicago is the gateway to mid west America, built on the shores of Lake Michigan the city offers visitors a wide selection of high quality attractions and entertainment.

The Navy Pier

Navy Pier, on the shores Lake Michigan, is an entertainment center for all ages. Attractions include the Chicago Children’s Museum, the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, an IMAX theater and the Pepsi Skyline Stage. The site covers over 50 acres with a wide selection of shops and restaurants.

Sightseeing boat trips regularly leave from the pier and a ride on a 15-story Ferris wheel offers an alternative view of the Chicago skyline. During the summer months, there are regular firework displays on Wednesday and Saturday evenings

Magnificent Mile Shopping

North Michigan Avenue ranks alongside Fifth Avenue New York and Rodeo Drive Beverly Hills as one of the elite shopping streets in the US

Chicago’s “Magnificent Mile” has four shopping centers with exclusive boutiques and world renown designers at every turn. These are interspersed with a selection of top class hotels and fine restaurants and excellent theaters. There is also a host of other shopping malls scattered across Greater Chicago.

Millennium Park

Just off Michigan Avenue, Millennium Park offers a respite from city life. Enjoy an outdoor concert, admire the selection of art and sculpture or simply wander round the stunning grounds The park claims that the Jay Pritzker Pavilion is “the most sophisticated outdoor concert venue of its kind in the United States.”

Lincoln Park Zoo

The Zoo is open 365 days a year and admission is free of charge (although there is a charge for car parking). Over 1200 animals call the zoo “home” ranging from wild lions and tigers to pets in the “the Farm-in-the-Zoo”. Watch chimpanzees swing from tree to tree, then make friends with a goat. There are also a section of attractions including swan boat rides and African Safari simulator rides.

Panoramic Views Of Chicago

Sears Tower Skydeck, 233 S. Wacker Dr. (entrance on Jackson Blvd.)

The Sear’s Tower is the nation’s largest building and the skydeck at the top offers superb views of the city skyline and Lake Michigan.

Alternately, go to the 94th floor of the Hancock Tower with an open-air viewing deck , almost a quarter of a mile above the Magnificent Mile.

Gangsters and Ghosts 2-Hour Walking Tour

Take a 2-hour history-based guided tour and discover Chicago’s gangsters and ghost stories. See the city’s darker side as you walk through the famous Chicago Loop district.

The Loop was known as the vice district during the 1920s and 30s. See the places where gangsters such as Al Capone use to party, make deals, and carry out threats.

Lakefront Segway Tour

Segways are amazingly fun and there is no better way to tour a world-class city like Chicago than on your own personal set of wheels–a Segway!

The eight-mile Lakefront Chicago Segway tour lets you learn about and view many of Chicago’s attractions in a highly unique way. You’ll learn the history of the city from a professional tour guide.

With countless attractions, gorgeous parks and dazzling gardens the tour guides will ensure you receive the most stunning photo opportunities. You will get to see Grant Park, the BP Bridge, The Bean, and the Buckingham Fountain, in addition to getting generous views of Lake Michigan and the majestic skyline.

Chicago Food Tasting: 2.5-Hour Guided Walking Tour

Combine an enjoyable walk around Chicago’s downtown to see some of the city’s top sites with stops to sample some of the city’s famous tastes.

On this 2.5-hour guided walk, you’ll get to taste the foods Chicago is best known for doing right. Enjoy deep-dish pizza, the original Italian pastries, Chicago-style hot dog, and a classic Italian beef sandwich. Enjoy a VIP craft beer sample for an additional fee.

Haunted Bar Tour

Chicago is one of the most haunted cities in America. Explore downtown Chicago and Lincoln Park ghosts on this authentic ghost tour, which has been featured in The Chicago Tribune and chosen as one of “The Top 10 Ghost Tours in America”.

This tour focuses on some of the oldest ghost stories in Chicago. Don’t miss your chance to experience spirits in multiple forms on this ghost and pub tour.

You will hear tales of murder, tragic accidents, and gangsters. The ghosts of the area date all the way back to when the historic neighborhood was the Chicago City Cemetery. Approximately 25 minutes will be spent in each pub where you can enjoy a beverage, if desired. You will visit four different historic bars/pubs throughout the 2.5-hour journey.

Wicker Park Donut Tour

The Wicker Park version of the Underground Donut Tour is the only donut tour devoted solely to Wicker Park, one the trendiest neighborhoods in Chicago. Making 4 stops at some of the cities best donut shops, you’ll sample all the best donuts Wicker Park has to offer. At each location you’ll be able to taste a curated sample of that locations best donuts.

conclusion

The nightlife in Chicago is unforgettable and you won’t be able to choose between so many options once you get out in the evening.

There are comedy clubs, shopping opportunities, restaurants, dining spots, clubs, and numerous cultural venues.

Chicago is generally safe for tourists, though some neighborhoods are best avoided. You can easily find out which areas not to visit from your hotel staff.

In many ways, Chicago is like all other major cities in America. There are areas to avoid as well as areas you should definitely visit.

Chicago is very cold, windy with extreme temperatures in winter, while Chicago’s summers are milder, and not as hot as the southern U.S. Summer is a good time to visit Chicago, as it offers an array of parades, festivals, and events.