Things to do in Central Chicago

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Central Chicago
Chicago showing rides
Chicago featuring landscape views, skyline and city views
Chicago which includes signage, a city and street scenes
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Central Chicago must see attractions

1. McCormick Place

McCormick Place is both the biggest convention center in Chicago and the biggest one anywhere in the U.S. This vast, sprawling complex is an impressive feat of architecture and engineering that was founded well over half a century ago. Attend an event here to get a sense of its incredible scale.
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McCormick Place showing a high rise building and a city

2. Navy Pier

Navy Pier draws more than 8.6 million visitors each year. It has rides, restaurants, shops, parks and boat tours, all within a 50-acre pier on Lake Michigan. Open year-round, it’s busiest in the summer months when there are open-air stalls selling souvenirs and weekly firework displays.
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Navy Pier featuring a sunset and rides

3. Soldier Field

Soldier Field has been one of Chicago’s most well-known landmarks since its construction in 1924 and is the oldest NFL stadium in the country.
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Soldier Field featuring landscape views and a city

4. Millennium Park

Millennium Park is a 25-acre (10 hectare) park in the central Loop. Locals and tourists gather year-round for concerts, biking and jogging, and to admire the sculptures dotting the landscape.
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5. Chicago Riverwalk

Get a sense of the culture and character of the Windy City by wandering along the Chicago Riverwalk. This scenic stretch of the city follows the banks of the Chicago River from near the edge of Lake Michigan through Downtown to where the river splits. As you follow the walkway, pass impressive bridges, fascinating museums and trendy dining spots.
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Chicago Riverwalk which includes a high rise building, a river or creek and a city

6. Grant Park

Grant Park is one of Chicago’s most loved and diverse public parks, with a host of family-friendly attractions and activities. It spreads across 319 acres (129 hectares) between Michigan Avenue and the banks of Lake Michigan. Grant Park is a scenic area blessed with everything from concert venues and museums to public art, statues and well-groomed lawns. Walk along wide tree-lined promenades dissecting the park.
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Grant Park which includes landscape views, a city and a garden

7. Willis Tower

Willis Tower, the tallest building in the US, is a 1,450-foot modern office block that offers unrivalled views of Chicago. Ride the elevators to the 103rd floor Skydeck, 1,353 feet above the sidewalks to check out a viewing platform and small museum. On a clear day it’s possible to see as far as Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin. Gaze across the city’s major attractions, including Lake Michigan and Millennium Park.
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Chicago

8. Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago holds nearly 300,000 works of art in eight buildings, encompassing nearly one million square feet (93,000 square meters) of gallery space. It’s best known for its collection of modern European and American paintings and sculptures, including works by Claude Monet, Vincent Van Gogh and Mary Cassatt. There’s also Ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman art, pieces from across Asia, and edgy contemporary installations. You’ll need a comfortable pair of shoes as you can spend from a few hours to a few days here.
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Art Institute of Chicago featuring interior views and heritage elements

Recommended things to do in Central Chicago

Number of things to do
239
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
eSIM: Airalo United States Package: $2
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Central Chicago

 

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

Magnificent Mile - River North showing night scenes, a city and signage

Michigan Avenue

4.5/5(332 reviews)

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.

Michigan Avenue
McCormick Place showing a high rise building and a city

McCormick Place

4.5/5(1,805 reviews)

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.

McCormick Place
Navy Pier featuring a sunset and rides

Navy Pier

4.5/5(4,870 reviews)

A Ferris wheel, shopping, restaurants and more can be found in this waterfront entertainment district.

Navy Pier
Soldier Field featuring a skyscraper, modern architecture and a city

Soldier Field

4.5/5(1,256 reviews)

Events center, NFL stadium and historic landmark all in one, this waterfront field is one of Chicago’s most popular destinations.

Soldier Field
Millennium Park featuring a city, modern architecture and fall colors

Millennium Park

4.5/5(7,198 reviews)

A landmark gathering place for locals and visitors who come to admire the unique art, architecture and landscape.

Millennium Park
Chicago Riverwalk which includes a city, a bay or harbor and a river or creek

Chicago Riverwalk

4.5/5(1,535 reviews)

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.

Chicago Riverwalk
Grant Park showing a garden and night scenes

Grant Park

4.5/5(3,318 reviews)

Chicago’s front yard is a pretty landscaped park, which is home to public art displays, museums, themed gardens and international music festivals.

Grant Park
Willis Tower which includes views, a city and a skyscraper

Willis Tower

4.5/5(3,369 reviews)

Visit the Skydeck and gaze down over the Chicago cityscape from a dazzling 1,353 feet above the sidewalk.

Willis Tower
Shedd Aquarium

Shedd Aquarium

4.5/5(1,675 reviews)

Make time in your itinerary to visit the sea life you'll find at Shedd Aquarium during your visit to Chicago. Amble around this vibrant area's lakeside or experience its acclaimed theater scene.

Shedd Aquarium

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Central Chicago

Magnificent Mile - River North

Magnificent Mile

Upscale shopping district with luxury department stores, boutiques, and acclaimed restaurants, featuring landmarks like the Wrigley Building and Chicago Water Tower. The Magnificent Mile is easily accessible by public transit and seasonal trolley service.

Magnificent Mile
River North showing railway items, street scenes and a city

River North

Artistic spirit thrives here, with art galleries and a design district featuring luxury interior furnishings. Explore Kingsbury Park, enjoy vibrant nightlife on Hubbard Street, and visit the iconic Contemporaine Building.

River North
Chicago showing rides

Theatre District

While you're in Theatre District, take in top sights like Michigan Avenue or State Street, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Washington Station or Monroe Station (Blue Line).

Theatre District
Navy Pier featuring general coastal views and wildflowers as well as a couple

Streeterville

This lakefront neighborhood features some of the city’s best shopping alongside art galleries, beach parks, fairground rides and a 94th-floor observation deck.

Streeterville
Magnificent Mile - River North showing night scenes, a city and signage

Near North Side

4.5/5(12,034 area reviews)

Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier 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.

Near North Side
Gold Coast featuring street scenes as well as a couple

Gold Coast

Enjoy upscale shopping, varied dining experiences and waterfront walks at this affluent suburb set on the shores of Lake Michigan.

Gold Coast
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Popular day trips from Central Chicago

Chicago which includes a city and a high rise building as well as a family

Chicago

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