Chicago
USA (IL)
The Windy City
World-class architecture, world-famous deep dish pizza, a stunning lakefront, legendary blues and jazz, and the friendliest big-city vibe in America.
Things to do
- Cloud Gate (The Bean) & Millennium Parkmust-see
Chicago's iconic 110-ton polished steel sculpture in free Millennium Park — stunning at any time of day.
1 hr · Free · attraction - Chicago Architecture River Cruisemust-see
Chicago Architecture Center's boat tour reveals 50+ landmark buildings and the story of the world's most influential skyline.
90 min · $48 · culture - Art Institute of Chicagomust-see
One of the world's greatest art museums — home to Seurat's Sunday on La Grande Jatte and Grant Wood's American Gothic.
Half day · $32 · culture - Navy Pierrecommended
Chicago's most visited attraction — Ferris wheel, IMAX, Chicago Children's Museum, and free lakefront access.
2–3 hrs · Free (rides extra) · attraction - Deep Dish Pizza at Lou Malnati's or Giordano'smust-see
The authentic Chicago deep dish — a knife-and-fork experience unlike any pizza anywhere else.
1.5 hrs · $15–25/person · food - Willis Tower Skydeck & The Ledgerecommended
Step onto a glass balcony 103 floors above Chicago — spectacular on a clear day with 50-mile views.
1.5 hrs · $30–38 · attraction - Lincoln Park Zoo & Conservatoryrecommended
One of America's last free admission zoos — 200+ species in a beautiful lakefront setting.
2–3 hrs · Free · nature - Chicago Blues & Jazz Clubsrecommended
Buddy Guy's Legends, Green Mill, and Kingston Mines — the living birthplace of electric blues.
Evening · $10–20 cover · activity