No matter what time of year you visit, Navy Pier remains one of the best things to do in downtown Chicago, offering a mix of indoor and outdoor fun, seasonal events, eclectic restaurants, and family-friendly attractions. And to make the most of your day, pair your Navy Pier adventure with a visit to Skydeck Chicago. Just two miles away, Skydeck offers panoramic views of the city, including a unique bird’s-eye view of Navy Pier itself. Together, these two attractions offer an unforgettable experience of the city from both the ground and the sky.
Free Year-Round Fun at Navy Pier
There’s always something exciting happening at Navy Pier. From outdoor movies and pop-up art to live jazz and dance performances, the pier buzzes with energy all year, and most of it is free!
Visiting in the summer? You’re in for a treat. Every Wednesday and Saturday night, the sky over Lake Michigan comes alive with fireworks—an unforgettable way to end your day. Pair it with dinner by the water or a spin on the Centennial Wheel, and you’ve got one of the most magical things to do in downtown Chicago.
Navy Pier & Skydeck: A Perfect Chicago Combo
- Navy Pier: Stroll along Lake Michigan, enjoy the Centennial Wheel, dine at local favorites, and enjoy live entertainment.
- Skydeck Chicago: Step onto The Ledge, a glass balcony extending 1,353 feet over the city, for an exhilarating perspective of Chicago’s skyline, or immerse yourself in the all-new multimillion-dollar museum experience that tells the story of Chicago’s rich history.
Why Visit Both? After experiencing Chicago from the water, complete your adventure by seeing it from the sky at Skydeck Chicago!
Chicago Navy Pier Restaurants
Fuel your adventure with a taste of the city! Onsite Chicago Navy Pier restaurants offer everything from quick bites to full-course meals, with flavors representing neighborhoods across the city—from Wrigleyville to Pilsen to Ukrainian Village. Craving local favorites? Grab a deep-dish slice from Giordano’s, a classic cheeseburger from Billy Goat Tavern, or a famous Chicago-style hot dog from America’s Dog & Burger.
Looking for variety? Enjoy:
- Giordano’s for deep-dish pizza
- Lalo’s for tacos and margaritas
- Big City Chicken for chicken tenders and waffle fries
- Tiny Tavern for elevated bites and cocktails
- Garrett Popcorn for their famous Chicago popcorn
- Hand-scooped Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream for delicious ice cream
With indoor seating, seasonal outdoor patios, and stunning lakefront views, dining at Navy Pier is as much an experience as it is a meal, and one of the tastiest Chicago attractions for families.
Explore Navy Pier and Skydeck Chicago
Looking to maximize your visit? Combine two of the best things to do in downtown Chicago into one unforgettable day. Start at Skydeck Chicago, where you’ll enjoy incredible Chicago skyline views from the 103rd floor. Then, head to Navy Pier to explore lakefront rides, take a boat cruise, enjoy local eats, or simply stroll the scenic shoreline.
Located just two miles apart and easily connected by the Lakefront Trail, Navy Pier and Skydeck Chicago offer a full-circle city experience—from the water to the sky.
Plan your visit to Skydeck Chicago today!