Chicago
Sightseeing
The Magnificent Mile is one of the most famous shopping areas in the world — home to a dizzying array of popular stores, restaurants, attractions, and architecture all on one iconic street.
598 locals recommend
Hot Tix - Mag Mile Location
The Magnificent Mile is one of the most famous shopping areas in the world — home to a dizzying array of popular stores, restaurants, attractions, and architecture all on one iconic street.
Cruise down the Chicago River to see the city's famous architecture on this boat tour. With commentary from your onboard guide, watch the spectacular skyline glide by, including more than 40 notable buildings like Navy Pier, the Wrigley Building, and the John Hancock Building. Cover all three branches of the Chicago River, passing the East Bank Club, the old Post Office Building and the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower).
34 locals recommend
Architectural Tour
1220 W Le Moyne StCruise down the Chicago River to see the city's famous architecture on this boat tour. With commentary from your onboard guide, watch the spectacular skyline glide by, including more than 40 notable buildings like Navy Pier, the Wrigley Building, and the John Hancock Building. Cover all three branches of the Chicago River, passing the East Bank Club, the old Post Office Building and the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower).
Navy Pier is where you go in Chicago for events, free public programs, attractions, culture, dining, shopping and more. It's where fun lives large, whether you're a visitor or local, with family or friends.
933 locals recommend
Navy Pier
600 E Grand AveNavy Pier is where you go in Chicago for events, free public programs, attractions, culture, dining, shopping and more. It's where fun lives large, whether you're a visitor or local, with family or friends.
Navy Pier's Centennial Wheel is an iconic part of the Chicago skyline and a treasured piece of Chicago cultural history. Soaring to heights of nearly 200 feet, the Wheel offers visitors unparalleled, 360-degree views of Chicago and Lake Michigan.
Centennial Wheel
Navy Pier's Centennial Wheel is an iconic part of the Chicago skyline and a treasured piece of Chicago cultural history. Soaring to heights of nearly 200 feet, the Wheel offers visitors unparalleled, 360-degree views of Chicago and Lake Michigan.
Cloud Gate, aka “The Bean”, is one of Chicago’s most popular sights. The monumental work of art anchors downtown Millennium Park and reflects the city’s famous skyline and the surrounding green space.
473 locals recommend
Cloud Gate
201 E Randolph StCloud Gate, aka “The Bean”, is one of Chicago’s most popular sights. The monumental work of art anchors downtown Millennium Park and reflects the city’s famous skyline and the surrounding green space.
The 110-story building is one of the tallest buildings in the world and the second tallest building in North America, making it impossible to miss when appreciating the city's skyline. The magnitude of this magnificent steel frame skyscraper can seem incomprehensible.
324 locals recommend
Willis Tower
233 S Wacker DrThe 110-story building is one of the tallest buildings in the world and the second tallest building in North America, making it impossible to miss when appreciating the city's skyline. The magnitude of this magnificent steel frame skyscraper can seem incomprehensible.
The Lakefront Trail is one of Chicago's best attractions. It runs north and south parallel and to the east of Lake Shore Drive. You can walk it, skate it, bike it or rent Divvy bikes along the way. And the best part is it's FREE
229 locals recommend
Lakefront Trail
Lakefront TrailThe Lakefront Trail is one of Chicago's best attractions. It runs north and south parallel and to the east of Lake Shore Drive. You can walk it, skate it, bike it or rent Divvy bikes along the way. And the best part is it's FREE
One of The World's Largest Fountains
The Buckingham Fountain measures 85 metres in diameter, making it one of the largest constructions of the sort in the world. It rises more than 7 meters high and consists of three successive levels of basins, engulfed by four pairs of bronze seahorses.
219 locals recommend
Buckingham Fountain
301 S Columbus DrOne of The World's Largest Fountains
The Buckingham Fountain measures 85 metres in diameter, making it one of the largest constructions of the sort in the world. It rises more than 7 meters high and consists of three successive levels of basins, engulfed by four pairs of bronze seahorses.
Few places capture the spirit of summertime Chi more than LH Rooftop. Perched on the 22nd floor of LondonHouse Chicago, the outdoor terrace is popular for its sweeping views of the Chicago River, Lake Michigan, and the city’s towering skyscrapers. The kitchen complements the experience with re-imagined American bites that focus on locally-sourced ingredients.
28 locals recommend
LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton
85 E Wacker DrFew places capture the spirit of summertime Chi more than LH Rooftop. Perched on the 22nd floor of LondonHouse Chicago, the outdoor terrace is popular for its sweeping views of the Chicago River, Lake Michigan, and the city’s towering skyscrapers. The kitchen complements the experience with re-imagined American bites that focus on locally-sourced ingredients.
Kayaking on the Chicago River or lake front is one way to shake up your perspective while visiting. Urban Kayaks offers tours along either. Move through the pulsing heart of the city on the river or travel Lake Michigan and circle Museum Campus (featuring the Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium and Soldier Field). A night tour on the river boasts views of the glowing Merchandise Mart, which is showered in rotating, digital art displays projected onto the building. A one and a half hour skyline paddle in Lake Michigan gives you all the tourist sites without the foot traffic and crowds, showing you Grant Park and Navy Pier on a route few tourists trek.
22 locals recommend
Urban Kayaks on the Chicago River
435 E. Chicago RiverwalkKayaking on the Chicago River or lake front is one way to shake up your perspective while visiting. Urban Kayaks offers tours along either. Move through the pulsing heart of the city on the river or travel Lake Michigan and circle Museum Campus (featuring the Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium and Soldier Field). A night tour on the river boasts views of the glowing Merchandise Mart, which is showered in rotating, digital art displays projected onto the building. A one and a half hour skyline paddle in Lake Michigan gives you all the tourist sites without the foot traffic and crowds, showing you Grant Park and Navy Pier on a route few tourists trek.
Located in the heart of Chicago's Lincoln Park, this zoo offers free, family-friendly entertainment year-round including the festive Zoolights around the holidays (reservations are required for all visits though). The sprawling grounds are seamlessly woven into the park’s landscape, balancing open, natural spaces and numerous animal exhibits. If you skip the pricey concessions (but maybe spring for a paddle boat ride), Lincoln Park Zoo is a great option to keep all ages occupied while staying on a budget.
1117 locals recommend
Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 N Clark StLocated in the heart of Chicago's Lincoln Park, this zoo offers free, family-friendly entertainment year-round including the festive Zoolights around the holidays (reservations are required for all visits though). The sprawling grounds are seamlessly woven into the park’s landscape, balancing open, natural spaces and numerous animal exhibits. If you skip the pricey concessions (but maybe spring for a paddle boat ride), Lincoln Park Zoo is a great option to keep all ages occupied while staying on a budget.
If you're coming to Chicago for culture, you're hitting the Art Institute first. It is the city's grandest museum, a Beaux Arts gem flanked by two bronze lions that are as much a symbol of the city as the Willis Tower and it has as fine an impressionist collection as you'll find anywhere. While you're there, plan to take a stroll through Millennium Park next door.
1159 locals recommend
The Art Institute of Chicago
111 S Michigan AveIf you're coming to Chicago for culture, you're hitting the Art Institute first. It is the city's grandest museum, a Beaux Arts gem flanked by two bronze lions that are as much a symbol of the city as the Willis Tower and it has as fine an impressionist collection as you'll find anywhere. While you're there, plan to take a stroll through Millennium Park next door.
Food scene
Deep dish pizza is always among the first things to come to mind when tourists think about Chicago cuisine and very few have been doing it for as long as Lou Malnati’s. The Malnati family claim to be one of the inventors of the style and today their famed pizzeria has dozens of locations around the city and suburbs. Regardless of where folks stand on the pizza spectrum, the appeal of the ‘Malnati Chicago Classic’ is undeniable. Grab a knife and fork and dig into layers of mozzarella cheese, vine-ripened tomato sauce, and housemade sausage on flaky, buttery crust. It’s a pie that defines Chicago.
513 locals recommend
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
1120 N State StDeep dish pizza is always among the first things to come to mind when tourists think about Chicago cuisine and very few have been doing it for as long as Lou Malnati’s. The Malnati family claim to be one of the inventors of the style and today their famed pizzeria has dozens of locations around the city and suburbs. Regardless of where folks stand on the pizza spectrum, the appeal of the ‘Malnati Chicago Classic’ is undeniable. Grab a knife and fork and dig into layers of mozzarella cheese, vine-ripened tomato sauce, and housemade sausage on flaky, buttery crust. It’s a pie that defines Chicago.
Everything from the décor to the service screams kitsch but Chicago’s beloved fast food chain deserves to be experienced by both tourists and locals. Diners will find first-rate versions of the city’s most iconic foods, such as the Chicago-style hot dog and Italian beef sandwich. Save some room for dessert and the rich, moist chocolate cake, which is also available in the form of a milkshake.
270 locals recommend
Portillo's Hot Dogs
100 W Ontario StEverything from the décor to the service screams kitsch but Chicago’s beloved fast food chain deserves to be experienced by both tourists and locals. Diners will find first-rate versions of the city’s most iconic foods, such as the Chicago-style hot dog and Italian beef sandwich. Save some room for dessert and the rich, moist chocolate cake, which is also available in the form of a milkshake.
Popcorn is the official state snack of Illinois so it’s no surprise that Chicagoans are in love with Garrett. The shop has been a city tradition since 1949 and its signature bags and tins can be spotted all over the downtown area and at the airport. The classic Garrett Mix is an addictive combination of CheeseCorn and buttery CaramelCrisp that compels folks to keep eating until it’s all gone.
58 locals recommend
Garrett Popcorn Shops
173 Michigan AvePopcorn is the official state snack of Illinois so it’s no surprise that Chicagoans are in love with Garrett. The shop has been a city tradition since 1949 and its signature bags and tins can be spotted all over the downtown area and at the airport. The classic Garrett Mix is an addictive combination of CheeseCorn and buttery CaramelCrisp that compels folks to keep eating until it’s all gone.
There are multiple outposts of the Italian emporium around the world but that hasn’t taken the shine off the Chicago location. The 60,000-square-foot marketplace features wines, meats, cheeses, and other high-end retail goods along with a variety of restaurants. Whether visitors are in the mood for Italian staples like pizzas and pastas or just want a scoop of gelato, they will find solid versions of it here. Eataly also offers cooking classes and special weekly events.
140 locals recommend
Eataly Chicago
43 E Ohio StThere are multiple outposts of the Italian emporium around the world but that hasn’t taken the shine off the Chicago location. The 60,000-square-foot marketplace features wines, meats, cheeses, and other high-end retail goods along with a variety of restaurants. Whether visitors are in the mood for Italian staples like pizzas and pastas or just want a scoop of gelato, they will find solid versions of it here. Eataly also offers cooking classes and special weekly events.
There really aren’t too many reasons to visit Navy Pier but for those who find themselves at Chicago’s ultimate tourist trap, it’s not without its perks. The Original Rainbow Cone has an outpost on site and its signature treat is more than just a pretty picture. Make the Navy Pier experience more tolerable with a kaleidoscope of colorful ice creams in a cone. The classic combination of chocolate, strawberry, Palmer House (vanilla with walnuts and cherries), pistachio, and orange sherbet puts a smile on anyone’s face, young or old.
Original Rainbow Cone - Navy Pier
600 E Grand AveThere really aren’t too many reasons to visit Navy Pier but for those who find themselves at Chicago’s ultimate tourist trap, it’s not without its perks. The Original Rainbow Cone has an outpost on site and its signature treat is more than just a pretty picture. Make the Navy Pier experience more tolerable with a kaleidoscope of colorful ice creams in a cone. The classic combination of chocolate, strawberry, Palmer House (vanilla with walnuts and cherries), pistachio, and orange sherbet puts a smile on anyone’s face, young or old.
The wait is often several hours long but that doesn’t deter Chicagoans or out-of-towners from toughing it out for what some say is one of the best burgers in the country. Hogsalt Hospitality’s modern diner is renowned for its cheeseburger — an extraordinary specimen featuring griddled patties topped with American cheese, pickles, and Dijonnaise — as well as elevated takes on comfort foods, such as fried bologna sandwich and potato hash with duck heart gravy.
620 locals recommend
Au Cheval
800 W Randolph StThe wait is often several hours long but that doesn’t deter Chicagoans or out-of-towners from toughing it out for what some say is one of the best burgers in the country. Hogsalt Hospitality’s modern diner is renowned for its cheeseburger — an extraordinary specimen featuring griddled patties topped with American cheese, pickles, and Dijonnaise — as well as elevated takes on comfort foods, such as fried bologna sandwich and potato hash with duck heart gravy.
Stephanie Izard rocketed to fame by winning Top Chef and became a household name with her first restaurant. Almost a decade after opening, Girl & the Goat is still one of the toughest reservations to snag. Don’t be deceived by the throng of out-of-towners, though, because it’s much more than just a tourist trap. Izard’s signature dishes — sautéed green beans, goat empanadas, oven-roasted pig face — pack bold flavors and are well worth planning in advance for.
496 locals recommend
Girl & The Goat
809 W Randolph StStephanie Izard rocketed to fame by winning Top Chef and became a household name with her first restaurant. Almost a decade after opening, Girl & the Goat is still one of the toughest reservations to snag. Don’t be deceived by the throng of out-of-towners, though, because it’s much more than just a tourist trap. Izard’s signature dishes — sautéed green beans, goat empanadas, oven-roasted pig face — pack bold flavors and are well worth planning in advance for.
The Chicago Athletic Association’s beautiful rooftop restaurant is the place to be. Sitting on the 13th floor of the Michigan Avenue hotel and offering unparalleled views of the skyline and Millennium Park, Cindy’s quickly became a must-visit destination upon its arrival in 2015. Battle the crowds for an opportunity to relax in an open-air beach house setting while enjoying dynamic cocktails and large-format seasonal plates. Yes, there will be lots of tourists but a glass of rosé or a boozy popsicle should help minimize the annoyance.
139 locals recommend
Cindy's
12 S Michigan AveThe Chicago Athletic Association’s beautiful rooftop restaurant is the place to be. Sitting on the 13th floor of the Michigan Avenue hotel and offering unparalleled views of the skyline and Millennium Park, Cindy’s quickly became a must-visit destination upon its arrival in 2015. Battle the crowds for an opportunity to relax in an open-air beach house setting while enjoying dynamic cocktails and large-format seasonal plates. Yes, there will be lots of tourists but a glass of rosé or a boozy popsicle should help minimize the annoyance.
While Chicago-style hot dogs and deep dish pizzas can be found all over the United States (to varying degrees of success), Italian beef is a specialty that doesn’t stray too far from home. That means tourists often go to birthplace of the sandwich: Al’s. Fortunately, the Taylor Street stand hasn’t lost a step. The beef is roasted in a secret blend of spices and at its best when “dipped” in jus. To avoid making a mess, it’s recommended that diners roll up their sleeves and assume the proper upright stance while eating.
62 locals recommend
Al's Beef
1079 W Taylor StWhile Chicago-style hot dogs and deep dish pizzas can be found all over the United States (to varying degrees of success), Italian beef is a specialty that doesn’t stray too far from home. That means tourists often go to birthplace of the sandwich: Al’s. Fortunately, the Taylor Street stand hasn’t lost a step. The beef is roasted in a secret blend of spices and at its best when “dipped” in jus. To avoid making a mess, it’s recommended that diners roll up their sleeves and assume the proper upright stance while eating.
Coffee lovers rejoice — the long-awaited Starbucks Reserve Roastery is now open on The Magnificent Mile. The massive five-story location occupies more than 35,000 square feet, making it the largest Starbucks in the world.
31 locals recommend
Starbucks Reserve Roastery
646 N Michigan AveCoffee lovers rejoice — the long-awaited Starbucks Reserve Roastery is now open on The Magnificent Mile. The massive five-story location occupies more than 35,000 square feet, making it the largest Starbucks in the world.
The menu at Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe includes everything from egg dishes to sandwiches, and both breakfast and lunch are available from open to close. Enjoy favorites like omelets made with farm-fresh AA eggs or more complex dishes like the corned beef Benny. However, what Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe is best known for are their fluffy pancakes, waffles and crepes. Choose between plain pancakes or the Signature Berry Bliss pancakes among many other types for an exciting twist on the classic.
75 locals recommend
Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe
130 E Randolph StThe menu at Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe includes everything from egg dishes to sandwiches, and both breakfast and lunch are available from open to close. Enjoy favorites like omelets made with farm-fresh AA eggs or more complex dishes like the corned beef Benny. However, what Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe is best known for are their fluffy pancakes, waffles and crepes. Choose between plain pancakes or the Signature Berry Bliss pancakes among many other types for an exciting twist on the classic.
Ricobene’s remains an old-school Chicago comfort food staple, most famous for their breaded steak sandwich.
70 locals recommend
Ricobene's
252 W 26th StRicobene’s remains an old-school Chicago comfort food staple, most famous for their breaded steak sandwich.
Maple & Ash
8 W Maple StAba
302 N Green StBeatrix
Entertainment
Chicago is synonymous with blues music and this Lincoln Park club is one of the oldest places to experience it. Established in 1968, Kingston Mines is home to two stages of live entertainment every night. Performers cover a range of different styles and play as late as 4 a.m. There’s a kitchen, too, that cranks out Southern specialties such as ribs, blackened catfish, and po’ boy sandwiches.
458 locals recommend
Kingston Mines
2548 N Halsted StChicago is synonymous with blues music and this Lincoln Park club is one of the oldest places to experience it. Established in 1968, Kingston Mines is home to two stages of live entertainment every night. Performers cover a range of different styles and play as late as 4 a.m. There’s a kitchen, too, that cranks out Southern specialties such as ribs, blackened catfish, and po’ boy sandwiches.
Do not come here expecting fancy drinks—or anything fancy, really. This is living, breathing history. And it's a rocking good time. The Green Mill is a warm and inviting throwback to a bygone era. There’s live jazz, cheap drinks, and loads of local history (Al Capone used to have a booth reserved here during Prohibition); what's not to love? Bar eats are not on the menu here. Bring your own potato chips if you think you'll need a snack (no one will judge you). The craft beer list has expanded commendably over the past few years. So grab yourself a cold one or a whiskey soda and see where the night takes you.
471 locals recommend
The Green Mill
4802 North BroadwayDo not come here expecting fancy drinks—or anything fancy, really. This is living, breathing history. And it's a rocking good time. The Green Mill is a warm and inviting throwback to a bygone era. There’s live jazz, cheap drinks, and loads of local history (Al Capone used to have a booth reserved here during Prohibition); what's not to love? Bar eats are not on the menu here. Bring your own potato chips if you think you'll need a snack (no one will judge you). The craft beer list has expanded commendably over the past few years. So grab yourself a cold one or a whiskey soda and see where the night takes you.
One of five Tony award-winning venues in Chicago, the Chicago Theatre warrants a photo, even if you’re not planning to see a show.
That’s partly because of the marquee and vertical sign, which often appear in movies set in the city.
The venue opened in 1921 as an opulent motion picture house, and if you step back across State Street you can get a good look at the facade.
This has a beautiful central arch that mirrors the false-perspective effect of the Palazzo Barberini in Rome, and is glazed with Tiffany stained glass.
Now one of Chicago’s best spots for performing arts, the theatre is owned by the Madison Square Garden Company and puts on a varied programme of comedians, world-famous musicians, dance companies and lectures by renowned cultural figures.
133 locals recommend
The Chicago Theatre
175 N State StOne of five Tony award-winning venues in Chicago, the Chicago Theatre warrants a photo, even if you’re not planning to see a show.
That’s partly because of the marquee and vertical sign, which often appear in movies set in the city.
The venue opened in 1921 as an opulent motion picture house, and if you step back across State Street you can get a good look at the facade.
This has a beautiful central arch that mirrors the false-perspective effect of the Palazzo Barberini in Rome, and is glazed with Tiffany stained glass.
Now one of Chicago’s best spots for performing arts, the theatre is owned by the Madison Square Garden Company and puts on a varied programme of comedians, world-famous musicians, dance companies and lectures by renowned cultural figures.
Nightlife
Hopleaf has made Andersonville a destination with good Belgian-style pub food and great beer — and no TVs. Owner Michael Roper offers a craft beer selection great enough to satisfy any beer nerd, but the interiors are comfortable enough to make any patron happy.
251 locals recommend
Hopleaf
5148 N Clark StHopleaf has made Andersonville a destination with good Belgian-style pub food and great beer — and no TVs. Owner Michael Roper offers a craft beer selection great enough to satisfy any beer nerd, but the interiors are comfortable enough to make any patron happy.
Before Lost Lake became the apple of Chicago’s eye, bartender Paul McGee worked with Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises on this basement tiki bar where patrons enter through a River North alley. Tropical vibes are prevalent, even in the middle of a frigid winter day. The bar is a popular after-work stop in Downtown Chicago, and there’s also a bar within the bar for a more intimate experience. Unlike Lost Lake, LEYE hasn’t addressed tiki’s complicated past, as it’s still known as a “speakeasy tiki bar.”
125 locals recommend
Three Dots and a Dash
435 N Clark StBefore Lost Lake became the apple of Chicago’s eye, bartender Paul McGee worked with Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises on this basement tiki bar where patrons enter through a River North alley. Tropical vibes are prevalent, even in the middle of a frigid winter day. The bar is a popular after-work stop in Downtown Chicago, and there’s also a bar within the bar for a more intimate experience. Unlike Lost Lake, LEYE hasn’t addressed tiki’s complicated past, as it’s still known as a “speakeasy tiki bar.”
The Dive Bar Tourist loves a good, old-fashioned bar that doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not. In our opinion, there is nothing better than a dive bar that owns it. Give us good drinks, fair prices, and great people, and we’ll go home happy.
Rossi’s is almost literally a hole in the wall. It’s a liquor store and bottle shop in the front, and a party (a.k.a. dive bar!) in the back. This joint is cash only, so make sure you hit the ATM before you come through the door. We promise it will be well worth this minor inconvenience.
Listen to music on the juke box—that’s right, a juke box—and sing along to some popular songs with the locals. We’ve all been in dive bars that feel “clique-y”, where newcomers are given the side eye and made to feel out of place. Don’t worry about that here! Everyone’s welcome.
7 locals recommend
Rossi's
412 N State StThe Dive Bar Tourist loves a good, old-fashioned bar that doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not. In our opinion, there is nothing better than a dive bar that owns it. Give us good drinks, fair prices, and great people, and we’ll go home happy.
Rossi’s is almost literally a hole in the wall. It’s a liquor store and bottle shop in the front, and a party (a.k.a. dive bar!) in the back. This joint is cash only, so make sure you hit the ATM before you come through the door. We promise it will be well worth this minor inconvenience.
Listen to music on the juke box—that’s right, a juke box—and sing along to some popular songs with the locals. We’ve all been in dive bars that feel “clique-y”, where newcomers are given the side eye and made to feel out of place. Don’t worry about that here! Everyone’s welcome.
House of Blues Chicago
329 N Dearborn StHowl at the Moon Chicago
26 W Hubbard StSoaring, glamorous venue featuring high-end Asian cuisine & cocktails, plus a posh nightclub.
12 locals recommend
TAO Chicago
632 N Dearborn StSoaring, glamorous venue featuring high-end Asian cuisine & cocktails, plus a posh nightclub.
LÝRA
Dublin Bar & Grill
1050 N State St