What to do in Chicago, IL

Activities, attractions and tours

Chicago which includes a high-rise building and a city as well as a family
Chicago showing a high-rise building, signage and a city
Chicago
Chicago showing a skyscraper and street scenes as well as a family
Willis Tower showing city views, a high-rise building and a city

Places to Visit in Chicago

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Chicago, Illinois while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Chicago attractions from NZ$4, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Chicago tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 220 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Chicago. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.


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Most fun & popular experiences in Chicago

Tours & day trips

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Adventure & outdoor

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What to do in Chicago


Discover the most popular places to visit in Chicago

Explore areas of Chicago

Downtown Chicago featuring a city

Downtown Chicago

The heart of the Midwest’s glittering metropolis has many offerings, from shopping and dining to parks, museums and exciting contemporary public art.

Downtown Chicago
Magnificent Mile - River North

Magnificent Mile

An avenue brimming with superb shops and restaurants, the Magnificent Mile more than lives up to its name.

Magnificent Mile
The Loop - Downtown which includes a river or creek

The Loop

4.5/5(93 area reviews)

Bordered roughly by the surrounding elevated train circuit, this Chicago neighborhood has restaurants, galleries, parks and a giant silver bean.

The Loop
Default Image

River North

Known for its fantastic nightlife, stunning river views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in River North. Top attractions like Merchandise Mart and Bally's Casino Chicago are major draws. Catch the metro at Merchandise Mart Station or Chicago Station (Brown Line) to see more of the city.

River North
Chicago showing a city and modern architecture

Lincoln Park

5/5(4 area reviews)

Both a neighborhood and a park, this northern Chicago area has gorgeous scenery, residential streets lined with stately homes and extensive shopping and dining.

Lincoln Park
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 of the city at Washington Station or Monroe Station (Blue Line).

Theatre District

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Day trip destinations from Chicago

Frequently asked questions

Is Chicago worth visiting?
Offering a blend of views and dining, there's no shortage of things to do in Chicago. While you're here, head to Michigan Avenue, a major attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Chicago?
Once you've checked off top attractions like Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier, spend the rest of your day discovering Chicago's shopping and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Chicago?
Michigan Avenue is one of the top tourist attractions in Chicago and should be high on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Chicago?
Three days in Chicago is enough to visit the city's key attractions. Many guests book for two days on average. Michigan Avenue, Navy Pier and Millennium Park are highly rated sights. Like to discover more? Stick around a little longer to visit nearby hotspots such as Rosemont.
Is Chicago a walkable city?
Some key attractions in Chicago, like Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier, are within walking distance. You can also experience several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Just 2 kilometres from central Chicago is Central Chicago and Near North Side is 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Chicago with kids?
Planning what to do in Chicago with kids has never been easier. Whether you're holidaying with teenagers or toddlers, there's a range of family-friendly attractions to keep them entertained here.

What to do in Chicago for adults?
McCormick Place and Wintrust Arena are just a couple of the things to do in Chicago. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Chicago?
In Chicago, Michigan Avenue is an unmissable spot for anyone wishing to tour the city without taking their wallet out. Also, stroll around the green spaces and other neighbourhoods, and ask a local tour guide for ideas. It's a simple way to discover the best free things to do in Chicago.