Top 10 Things to Do in Chicago That You Can't Miss

Chicago is one of the most popular cities in the world. Located on the shore of Lake Michigan, Chicago is known for its deep-dish pizza, Cubs, and blues music. The hustle and bustle of this large city can be overwhelming, but with the proper knowledge of places to visit, you can make the most out of your visit to Chicago—without missing out on all the great activities! Here are our top 10 things to do in Chicago that you can't miss!

1) River Walk

The mile and a half long Chicago River is quite the destination. Catch a boat tour or take your camera and enjoy this wonder of nature.

River Walk is on the river near where the river and Lake Michigan meet, providing you with wonderful views of both bodies of water. The best time to visit River Walk is at dusk, when you can see all the colors change while gazing over these two beautiful features. Be sure to bring a camera as there are tons of great photo opportunities.

2) Skydeck at Willis Tower

One of the more memorable and truly unique experiences of your trip will be a visit to the Skydeck at Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower. The observatory is located on the 103rd floor and offers 360 degree views of all of Chicago and Lake Michigan from 2,000 feet. Try to arrive early in the day when it's not too crowded for you to see the sights. And don't forget to grab a souvenir from one of their gift shops or restaurants on your way out!

3) Lincoln Park Zoo

Located on Chicago's North Side, Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the best and most respected zoos in the world.

The zoo is home to over 2,000 animals representing 300 different species, and has a strong conservation focus with plenty of exhibits about animal conservation and endangered species. There's also a wonderful waterfowl area where you can see birds migrating north for the summer.

Best of all? It's FREE!

4) Millennium Park

This outdoor attraction and public space was designed by famed architect Frank Gehry and was given its official title in 2004, the same year it opened. The sprawling park includes a variety of exhibits, attractions, fountains and green spaces with notable features including the Jay Pritzker Pavilion and Lurie Gardens. The park welcomes visitors all year round as well as hosting free concerts and events during the summer months.

5) Shedd Aquarium

No visit to Chicago is complete without a stop at the world-renowned Shedd Aquarium. Home to more than 32,000 aquatic plants and animals and 5 million gallons of water, the Shedd Aquarium gives an amazing and educational experience. There are over 400 exhibits that showcase fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates, with dozens of those displays being featured behind the scenes tours.

6) Second City Comedy Club

If you have the chance, a comedy show should definitely be on your list. Second City is one of the best improvisation and sketch comedy troupes in the country. Buy tickets early and make sure you're seated when doors open because it gets crowded fast.

7) Grant Park Orchestra Concerts

Grant Park Orchestra (or GPO) is a legendary Chicago-based orchestra that has gained national recognition over the past few decades. Grant Park Orchestra Concerts are typically held at different venues throughout the summer season and feature classical music of all sorts, as well as ballet and theater performances.

8) Field Museum of Natural History

The Field Museum of Natural History is one of the top museums in Chicago, showcasing well-preserved specimens that date back 150 million years ago. One of the top attractions at The Field Museum is Sue – an original T. rex fossil and what's considered a national treasure by many people today. Tours are available that take visitors into The Laboratory where they can see how scientists study bones and other specimens.

9) Adler Planetarium

Have you ever dreamed of being an astronaut, or watched those space travel documentaries with a dreamy look in your eye? Now, you don't have to go all the way into outer space just to get that experience; Adler Planetarium lets you immerse yourself in the universe right here on earth. From exhibits focused on NASA and its missions, like one designed by Walt Disney Imagineering, to screenings of recent science fiction movies like War of the Worlds and Interstellar, there's something for everyone.

10) Gallery 37

1. Go to the Willis Tower - At 1,450 ft high, The Willis Tower is the tallest building in Chicago and home of the ever-popular Skydeck. Getting up there is about as terrifying as it gets - nine out of ten people throw up on their first visit! But if you've got a thing for heights, this will be your kind of place. Buy tickets online because lineups can be over an hour long during the height of tourism season.