What to do in Illinois

Activities, attractions and tours

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Silhouettes of people against a cityscape at night.
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A natural cave with a small pond and lush greenery.
A waterfront building with a sign reading "Water Street."

Activities

360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

NZ$47
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
360 CHICAGO Observation Deck
Chicago: Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Regular & Express Ticket

Chicago: Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Ticket

NZ$42
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Chicago: Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Ticket
Wendella's 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour

Wendella's 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour

NZ$70
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Wendella's 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour
Chicago C3® : Save on admission to your choice of 3 top attractactions

Chicago C3® by CityPASS®

NZ$189
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Chicago C3® by CityPASS®
Chicago Panoramic Night Tour

Big Bus Chicago Sunset Tour

NZ$62
per adult
Big Bus Chicago Sunset Tour
Flyover in Chicago

Flyover in Chicago

NZ$54
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Flyover in Chicago
Discover Chicago A Walking Tour

Discover Chicago: A Self-Guided Walking Tour

NZ$2
per adult
Discover Chicago: A Self-Guided Walking Tour
Chicago: Tiki Bar Cruise on Chicago River

Chicago: Tiki Bar Cruise on Chicago River or Lake Michigan

NZ$66
per adult
Chicago: Tiki Bar Cruise on Chicago River or Lake Michigan
Art Institute of Chicago

Art Institute of Chicago

NZ$69
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Art Institute of Chicago
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Top places to visit

1. Wrigley Field

For sports-fans, Chicago is about one of two things – the Bears or the Cubs. But while the Chicago Bears football team switched from Wrigley Park in 1971, its legendary baseball team, the Chicago Cubs, have stuck true to their long heritage here. They've stayed put at one of America's most iconic sports fields, ever since it was built in 1914. After all, Wrigley Park has legendary sporting triumphs (and disasters) steeped into every seat, and written on every leaf of its ivy-covered outfield walls.
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An aerial view of a baseball stadium surrounded by urban buildings.

2. Navy Pier

Navy Pier has been many things to Chicago, since it first struck out its 1006 metres into Lake Michigan in 1916. It was once a transport hub, a navy training centre, and even a place for the city to cool down in the days before air-conditioning. Now it’s the capital of fun for Chicagoans, home to circuses, fun fairs, fireworks and flower shows. It's one of the city's most popular attractions when summer arrives, and its twice-weekly firework shows begin. It's also a great launching off point for getting all nautical along Lake Michigan's 483-kilometre length.
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A Ferris wheel and a carousel at a fairground.

3. Soldier Field

Soldier Field has been one of Chicago’s most well-known landmarks since its construction in 1924 and is the oldest NFL stadium in the country.
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4. McCormick Place

McCormick Place is both the biggest convention center in Chicago and the biggest one anywhere in the U.S. This vast, sprawling complex is an impressive feat of architecture and engineering that was founded well over half a century ago. Attend an event here to get a sense of its incredible scale.
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A modern cityscape with tall buildings, a clear sky, and a tree-lined street.

5. Chicago Riverwalk

Get a sense of the culture and character of the Windy City by wandering along the Chicago Riverwalk. This scenic stretch of the city follows the banks of the Chicago River from near the edge of Lake Michigan through Downtown to where the river splits. As you follow the walkway, pass impressive bridges, fascinating museums and trendy dining spots.
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A river with boats, surrounded by tall buildings and a clear sky.

6. Millennium Park

You may know Chicago as the Windy City. But its motto is actually Urbs in Horto - or 'City in a Garden.' And parks, large and small, abound in this surprisingly spacious city on Lake Michigan's shore. But none is quite like the Millennium Park, which was added to Chicago's long park list just this side of the new millennium (2004 to be exact – punctuality isn't big with Chicagoans). Less a park, more a 'new kind of town square', Millennium Park is a very 21st-century blend of art, open-spaces, dramatic vistas and engrossing events.
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A cityscape with modern skyscrapers and the Cloud Gate sculpture.

7. Six Flags Great America

Locals and visitors come to Six Flags Great America to escape the heat during Milwaukee’s summer months. The theme park has almost 7 miles (11 kilometers) of roller coaster track alongside a host of other family attractions and entertainment set over a sprawling area close to the Wisconsin–Illinois state line.
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A roller coaster in motion against a clear blue sky.

8. Grant Park

Grant Park is one of Chicago’s most loved and diverse public parks, with a host of family-friendly attractions and activities. It spreads across 319 acres (129 hectares) between Michigan Avenue and the banks of Lake Michigan. Grant Park is a scenic area blessed with everything from concert venues and museums to public art, statues and well-groomed lawns. Walk along wide tree-lined promenades dissecting the park.
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A park with walking paths, trees, and benches. In the background, there are tall buildings, including a prominent skyscraper.

What to do in Illinois

Stay near popular Illinois attractions

An aerial view of a baseball stadium surrounded by urban buildings.
Photo by © City of Chicago
Open Photo by © City of Chicago

Wrigley Field

9.0/10 (11,704 reviews)
A big piece of Chicago's soul, an ancient stadium that keeps alive the quirky, edgy madness of baseball.
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Our guide on where to stay in Illinois

Find the best Illinois areas for the activities you enjoy most.
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Downtown Chicago

Known for its fascinating museums, stunning river views and gorgeous architecture, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Chicago. Top attractions like Navy Pier and Lake Michigan are major draws. Catch the metro at State Station or Clark-Lake Station to see more of the city.

A river with yellow boats, a bridge, and tall buildings.

The Loop

Lake Michigan and Michigan Avenue are a few top attractions in The Loop. Hop around the city on the metro at Washington Station or Lake Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries.

A historic castle-like building with intricate stonework and a paved walkway.

Magnificent Mile

Are you interested in fascinating museums, panoramic lake views and popular shops? A visit to Magnificent Mile might be the perfect thing. You can also explore top sights like Michigan Avenue and Chicago Water Tower.

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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.

The Chicago Theatre with illuminated marquee and a wet street reflecting lights.
Photo by Mattyboy876
Open Photo by Mattyboy876

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).

 

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