Things to do in Central Chicago
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Most popular activities in Central Chicago
Tours & day trips
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Chicago Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Tour
Private & custom tours
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Ultimate Chicago Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour Bundle
Attractions
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Chicago CityPASS®: Experience 5 must-see attractions
Adventure & outdoor
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Chicago: 3-Hour Private Speakeasy Cocktail VIP Tour
Classes & workshops
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BYOB Spray Paint 'n' Sip at Studio W.I.P. Chicago
Recommended things to do in Central Chicago
Number of things to do | 269 |
|---|---|
Things to do from | $6 |
Cheapest thing to do | A Storied Neighborhood: A Self-Guided Audio Tour with Bill Ayers |
Top 5 things to do | |
Under $25 | |
With kids |
Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Central Chicago? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!
Discover the most popular places to visit in Central Chicago
Wrigley Field
Tour the iconic grounds and catch a game March through September at Chicago’s beloved baseball stadium.
Navy Pier
A Ferris wheel, shopping, restaurants and more can be found in this waterfront entertainment district.
McCormick Place
Attend an event at the United States’ largest convention center, which features hyper-modern facilities and huge exhibition spaces connected by promenades and sky bridges.
Grant Park
Chicago’s front yard is a pretty landscaped park, which is home to public art displays, museums, themed gardens and international music festivals.
United Center
Catch an event at United Center during your trip to Chicago. Amble around this vibrant area's lakeside or experience its fascinating museums.
Millennium Park
A landmark gathering place for locals and visitors who come to admire the unique art, architecture and landscape.
Soldier Field
Events center, NFL stadium and historic landmark all in one, this waterfront field is one of Chicago’s most popular destinations.
Michigan Avenue
You can enjoy some retail therapy when you visit Michigan Avenue, a popular shopping spot in Chicago. Amble around this vibrant area's riverfront and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.
Chicago Riverwalk
Stroll along the waterfront of the Chicago River to pass some of the city’s most appealing attractions and appreciate how a once grim area has been successfully revamped.
Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Central Chicago
Downtown Chicago
The heart of the Midwest’s glittering metropolis has many offerings, from shopping and dining to parks, museums and exciting contemporary public art.
Magnificent Mile
Shopaholics need look no further this glittering street packed with boutique and luxury shops, famous department stores and cafes.
The Loop
Bordered roughly by the surrounding elevated train circuit, this Chicago neighborhood has restaurants, galleries, parks and a giant silver bean.
Lincoln Park
Both a neighborhood and a park, this northern Chicago area has gorgeous scenery, residential streets lined with stately homes and extensive shopping and dining.
River North
Known for its fantastic nightlife, stunning river views, and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in River North. Top attractions like Merchandise Mart and Bally's Casino Chicago are major draws. Catch the metro at Merchandise Mart Station or Chicago Station (Brown Line) to see more of the city.
Near North Side
Navy Pier and Michigan Avenue are a few top attractions in Near North Side. Hop around the city on the metro at Clark-Division Station or Chicago Station (Brown Line) and check out the area's fascinating museums, panoramic lake views, and popular shops.
- Places to visit
- Hotels near popular Chicago Attractions
- Nearby cities for things to do
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Navy Pier
- McCormick Place
- Grant Park
- Soldier Field
- Millennium Park
- Michigan Avenue
- Chicago Riverwalk
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Willis Tower
- Chicago Theatre
- Field Museum of Natural History
- Merchandise Mart
- Water Tower Place
- John Hancock Center
- Northwestern Memorial Hospital
- Cloud Gate
- Chicago Water Tower
- State Street
- Wintrust Arena
- Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum
- Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital
- Chicago Children's Museum
- Northerly Island Natural Area
- Skydeck Ledge
- Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
- Buckingham Fountain
- Lollapalooza
- House of Blues Chicago
- Chicago City Hall
- CIBC Theatre
- Columbia College Chicago
- Roosevelt University
- Michigan Avenue Bridge
- Cadillac Palace Theatre
- 311 S Wacker Dr
- Auditorium Building and Theatre
- Chicago Cultural Center
- Aon Center
- Prentice Women's Hospital
- Hotels near Soldier Field
- Hotels near Grant Park
- Hotels near Navy Pier
- Hotels near Millennium Park
- Hotels near McCormick Place
- Hotels near Michigan Avenue
- Hotels near Chicago Theatre
- Hotels near Chicago Riverwalk
- Hotels near Lollapalooza
- Hotels near House of Blues Chicago
- Hotels near Art Institute of Chicago
- Hotels near Merchandise Mart
- Hotels near Wintrust Arena
- Hotels near Northerly Island Natural Area
- Hotels near Field Museum of Natural History
- Hotels near Water Tower Place
- Hotels near Northwestern Memorial Hospital
- Hotels near State Street
- Hotels near Cloud Gate
- Hotels near Willis Tower
- Hotels near Cadillac Palace Theatre
- Hotels near Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital
- Hotels near John Hancock Center
- Hotels near Buckingham Fountain
- Hotels near Columbia College Chicago
- Hotels near CIBC Theatre
- Hotels near Roosevelt University
- Hotels near Michigan Avenue Bridge
- Hotels near Chicago Water Tower
- Hotels near Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum