Chicago is home to some of the most iconic tourist attractions in the United States, from world-class museums to skyline views and waterfront experiences. Whether it is your first visit or you are planning a return trip, these are the best things to do in Chicago for tourists. Many visitors begin at Skydeck Chicago, the highest observation deck in the city, where you can see Chicago from 1,353 feet above on The Ledge.
Top Chicago tourist attractions include Skydeck Chicago for skyline views, Millennium Park for iconic landmarks, Chicago River architecture boat tours for sightseeing, Shedd Aquarium for families, and the Chicago Riverwalk for outdoor exploration.
Table of Contents
What Are the Best Tourist Attractions in Chicago?
- Best overall: Skydeck Chicago
- Best free attraction: Millennium Park and The Bean
- Best guided experience: Chicago River architecture boat tours
- Best for families: Shedd Aquarium
- Best outdoor attraction: Chicago Riverwalk
- Best museum experience: Art Institute of Chicago and the Chicago Museum at Skydeck
Best Chicago Tourist Attractions
1. Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower (Best Overall Attraction)
Skydeck Chicago is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Chicago and one of the best places to start your visit. Located inside Willis Tower, it offers the highest views in the city.
Visitors can step onto The Ledge, a glass balcony extending 4.3 feet outside the building, and look straight down from 1,353 feet above the city. On a clear day, you can see up to four states and take in views of the Chicago River, Lake Michigan, and the skyline.
Skydeck is also recognized as one of the most Instagrammable attractions in Illinois, making it a top stop for visitors.
You can also enhance your visit with a slice above the city with our Pie in the Sky experience or explore more planning details using our Skydeck visitor guide.
Best for: First-time visitors, skyline views, and iconic Chicago experiences
Reserve timed entry tickets to secure your visit and avoid wait times.
2. Millennium Park and The Bean (Best Free Attraction)
Millennium Park is one of the most visited attractions in Chicago, home to Cloud Gate, also known as The Bean, along with Crown Fountain and seasonal programming in the heart of downtown.
Best for: Photos, central location, and free experiences
3. Chicago River Architecture Boat Tours (Best Guided Experience)
Architecture river cruises from Shoreline Sightseeing and Wendella Boats provide a guided look at Chicago’s skyline and design history from the water.
Best for: Learning about Chicago architecture and sightseeing
4. Art Institute of Chicago (Best Art Museum)
The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the top museums in the world, known for works like American Gothic and Nighthawks.
Best for: Art and culture
5. Shedd Aquarium (Best for Families)
The Shedd Aquarium features thousands of aquatic species, including penguins, sharks, and sea turtles, making it one of the top family attractions in Chicago.
Best for: Families and indoor activities
6. Adler Planetarium (Best for Science Experiences)
The Adler Planetarium offers immersive space exhibits and sky shows, including the Grainger Sky Theater.
Best for: Science and interactive learning
7. Chicago Riverwalk (Best Outdoor Attraction)
The Chicago Riverwalk is a 1.25-mile waterfront path with restaurants, kayaking, public art, and skyline views. Many visitors pair it with Skydeck Chicago to experience the city from both ground level and above.
Best for: Walking, dining, and outdoor activities
8. Field Museum (Best Natural History Museum)
The Field Museum is home to Sue the T. rex and extensive exhibits on natural history, science, and world cultures.
Best for: History and science
9. Museum of Science and Industry (Best Interactive Museum)
This museum features hands-on exhibits, a real submarine, and immersive science-focused experiences.
Best for: Interactive exhibits
10. Navy Pier (Best for Entertainment)
Navy Pier offers rides, restaurants, seasonal events, and lakefront views, making it one of Chicago’s most visited destinations.
Best for: Entertainment and lakefront experiences
11. Lincoln Park Zoo (Best Free Family Attraction)
Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the last free zoos in the country and sits in a scenic park near the lakefront.
Best for: Families and outdoor activities
12. Magnificent Mile (Best for Shopping)
The Magnificent Mile is Chicago’s premier shopping district with retail, restaurants, hotels, and historic architecture along Michigan Avenue.
Best for: Shopping and dining
13. Grant Park
Grant Park is one of Chicago’s signature green spaces and home to major events, gardens, and iconic public landmarks near downtown.
Best for: Walking, city views, and outdoor sightseeing
14. Buckingham Fountain
Buckingham Fountain is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Chicago and a favorite stop for visitors exploring Grant Park.
Best for: Photos and classic Chicago sightseeing
15. Chicago Cultural Center
The Chicago Cultural Center is a historic landmark known for its architecture, exhibitions, and free public programming.
Best for: Architecture, culture, and free indoor attractions
16. The Chicago Museum at Skydeck
The Chicago Museum at Skydeck adds more depth to a Skydeck visit with exhibits focused on Chicago history, neighborhoods, and architecture.
Best for: Visitors who want more local context as part of a Skydeck experience
What is Chicago Most Famous For?
Chicago is most famous for its skyline, architecture, museums, lakefront, and iconic attractions like Willis Tower, Millennium Park, and the Chicago River. For many visitors, Skydeck Chicago brings all of those elements together in one experience by offering sweeping views of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.
If You Only Have One Day in Chicago, What Should You Do?
If you only have one day in Chicago, prioritize a mix of skyline views, iconic landmarks, and one major sightseeing experience. A strong one-day plan includes Millennium Park, a Chicago River architecture boat tour or Riverwalk stop, and Skydeck Chicago in the evening.
How to Plan Your Chicago Attractions Itinerary
One-Day Chicago Itinerary
- Morning: Millennium Park and The Bean
- Midday: Architecture river cruise
- Afternoon: Chicago Riverwalk
- Evening: Skydeck Chicago for sunset views
Two-Day Chicago Itinerary
- Day 1: Skydeck Chicago, Millennium Park, Riverwalk
- Day 2: Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, museums
Chicago Tourist Attractions by Interest
- Best overall: Skydeck Chicago
- Best for views: Skydeck Chicago, Chicago Riverwalk
- Best for families: Shedd Aquarium, Lincoln Park Zoo
- Best for museums: Check out our guide to the best Chicago museums
- Best indoor attractions: Art Institute of Chicago, Shedd Aquarium, and the Chicago Museum at Skydeck
- Best outdoor attractions: Chicago Riverwalk, Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain
Do You Need Tickets for Chicago Tourist Attractions?
Many Chicago tourist attractions require tickets, including museums, tours, and observation decks. Some attractions, like Millennium Park, Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain, and Lincoln Park Zoo, are free.
Visitors planning ahead can book Skydeck Chicago timed tickets to secure entry and avoid long wait times.
Why Skydeck Chicago is One of the Top Attractions
Among all Chicago tourist attractions, Skydeck Chicago stands out for its height, views, and signature experience. It offers the highest vantage point in the city and allows visitors to step outside onto The Ledge.
It also works especially well as the start of a broader Chicago itinerary. Visitors can get oriented from above, then continue on to nearby attractions, museums, and neighborhoods.
Looking for more ideas? Explore additional things to do in Chicago to plan your visit.
FAQs About Chicago Tourist Attractions
What are the best tourist attractions in Chicago?
The best tourist attractions in Chicago include Skydeck Chicago, Millennium Park, the Chicago Riverwalk, museums, architecture boat tours, and family attractions like Shedd Aquarium.
What is the number one attraction in Chicago?
Skydeck Chicago is one of the top attractions in Chicago, offering the highest views of the city and the unique experience of stepping onto The Ledge.
What can you do in Chicago as a tourist?
Tourists can visit observation decks, take river cruises, explore museums, walk along the Riverwalk, enjoy parks and public landmarks, and experience Chicago’s dining and entertainment scene.
Are Chicago attractions free?
Some attractions, like Millennium Park, Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain, and Lincoln Park Zoo, are free, while others require tickets.
Where should I start when visiting Chicago?
Many visitors start with Skydeck Chicago to get a full view of the city before exploring other attractions at street level.
How many days do you need to see Chicago attractions?
Two to three days is ideal for seeing many of Chicago’s top attractions, though visitors can still cover major highlights in one full day.
What is the best time to visit Chicago attractions?
Late spring through early fall is one of the best times to visit Chicago attractions thanks to warmer weather, outdoor events, and full access to lakefront and Riverwalk experiences.
What are the best free attractions in Chicago?
Top free attractions in Chicago include Millennium Park, The Bean, Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain, Lincoln Park Zoo, and the Chicago Cultural Center.