So you’re coming to Chicago, and looking for things to do? We’re glad you’re here and this article represents the collaborative efforts of the staff here at The Chicago Traveler :: we want you to enjoy our great city. With that in mind, here are the Top 10 Things to Do in Chicago.
Pro Sports :: If Chicago is known for anything, it’s passion for our sports teams. Whether it’s Da Bulls or Da Bears, the Cubs, Sox or Blackhawks, you’re sure to enjoy “our boys.” In fact, some of what makes seeing a game in Chicago so much fun is watching and hanging out the spectators rather than the game itself.
You’ll know what we’re talking about if you sit in the bleachers at Wrigley and drink an Old Style with 5,000 of your closest neighbors. Speaking of Wrigley, some of the best places to watch the game aren’t even inside The Friendly Confines. The Wrigely rooftops are incredible in the spring and summer and offer preferred service to guests and groups. In addition, the Wrigleyville area itself has some of the coolest bars in the city :: all outfitted with big screen HDTVs showing the games live. Read reviews of the top betting sites for USA residents at BettingSitesUSA.net and find out where you can bet on the Cubs online.
Deep Dish :: Yes, of course we’re going to mention the pizza. We recently wrote out Top 10 Pizza Places In Chicago article, but there is a lot more to it than just great eats. Many visitors spend an entire week on a Chicago pizza tour. It’s a great way to see some of Chicago’s best neighborhoods while seeing for yourself just who makes the best pie :: you may even begin to like some of our thin crust offerings as well :: say it ain’t so!! By the way, there’s a lot more to pizza outside of the crust – it’s the sauce that really makes the pie! Tell us what you think.
Michigan Avenue :: If you’re into shopping, then Michigan Avenue is your destination in Chicago. But there area also other great areas that we like to browse when we can and one of them is Wicker Park. If you’re into vintage clothing, Wicker Park is the place to start. Another great place to find cool stores is Oak Street, which is pretty close to the Mag Mile. There you’re find men’s and women’s fashions, as well as kids. There are also some nice bridal shops and salon and spa.
Navy Pier :: One of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of Lake Michigan, the Navy Pier has become a major attraction for Chicago visitors over the last century. With dozens of shops, restaurants, live-theater attractions, IMAX, botanical gardens, and more, there’s easily an entire day’s worth of experiences right here.
Shoreline Sightseeing :: To really see Chicago from a different angle, Shoreline Sightseeing is the way. They offer tours of Lake Michigan, which provide phenomenal views of the Chicago skyline. If you want to get up close and person, take a river tour (Architectural Tour in-particular) to learn the history of the industrial giants towering over you. If you want a quick, yet enjoyable jaunt’ skip the yellow taxis and utilize their water taxis to get across town.’It’runs every half-hour between Navy Pier and the Sears Tower, Michigan Avenue, and the Shedd Aquarium.
The Second City Theater :: Having become major center of comedy every since its inception in 1959, the Second City Theater is known for being the comedy venue where legends like Bill Murray, John Belushi, Chris Farley, Dan Aykroyd, Stephen Colbert and others cut their teeth on improv comedy. There’s no better place to see rising comedy stars than here.
Millennium Park :: A monumental downtown park filled with modern sculpture and art, Millennium Park is a must-see; besides, nobody should visit Chicago without seeing the Bean.
Willis Tower :: Formerly known as the Sears Tower, going to the top and overlooking the city is an experience unlike any other. Except maybe the Hancock building, which will let you do it for free so long as you buy a drink when you get to the top.
Shedd Aquarium :: With more than 22,000 species of fish, amphibians, and other water creatures, Shedd is the largest indoor aquarium in the world.
Museum of Science and Industry :: Set on a beautiful campus overlooking Lake Michigan, the Museum of Science and industry is filled with things like America’s only complete German U-Boat, the Smart Home of the future, and a full-sized Curiosity rover.
Live Theater :: From comedy, to Broadway in Chicago, to Shakespearian theater, and experimental projects, Chicago never has a lack of live-performances to amaze you.
More Places & Things
Chicago’s Little Italy Restaurants – Italian on Taylor Street
Taylor Street is well known as the Chicago Little Italy (also University Village); however, over the years it has expanded from only having Italian influence. Fortunately, in the midst of barbecue and Mexican restaurants, some of the best Italian restaurants in...
Adrenaline Guide to Aerial Extreme Sports in Chicago – Skydiving + More
For some, blasting across Lake Michigan on a jetski– or meeting up with those random Tinder matches that seem like there is a 91% chance that it was not them in their photos– does not quite provide the sense of adrenaline that they crave. For some, they must take to...
Top 10 Chicago Food Tours – Foodies’ Heaven
Chicago is a city known for its culinary diversity, but trying to experience it all can be overwhelming and expensive. Food tours offer a great way to experience the city, and there are a lot of them available throughout our great city. Guided tours will take you...
11 Best Chicago Disc Golf Courses – In the City & Beyond
Disc Golf remains somewhat of a niche sport. It has definitely grown in popularity over the years and professional series do exist, but there is still a good amount of people who have never played it or don’t know much about it. Fortunately, for the people that do...
10 Chicago New Years Bashes For $25 or less!
Taking a step into the New Year does not mean that you need to spend your annual salary to celebrate. Chicago New Years bashes are found on every corner at every price range. However, entertainment can be had for very little commitment from you. You can even snag a...
Top 10 Mouthwatering Italian Beef Sandwiches in Chicagoland
As with many things in Chicago– people have very strong opinions about their favorite teams, music and food. Italian beef has become a staple in Chicago. I still remember my first– it was homemade and completely soaked through the bun with all of the hot goodness...
Bacon Havens – Chicago’s Bacon Bars Go All Out
Chicago was once known as one of the bacon capitals of the world. Back in the day, much of the pork in the U.S. of A. came from Chicago. Maybe that is one of the reasons that bacon bars exist in this land– a homage to the yesteryears. Or, maybe I need to stop being...
The Best Pho Chicago Warms Up With – Vietnamese Perfection
Pho is somewhat of a miracle in a bowl. It has this way of bringing comfort into your life when you didn’t even know that you needed to be comforted. If you happen to find yourself sick or a little hungover, Pho can speed up the healing process. Whether you are...
Poutine Chicago – Canada’s Gift to the City
Poutine Chicago options are beginning to expand, from the traditional ways that originated in Canada, to some of the most exquisite ways that you could ever imagine eating fries, cheese-curds, and gravy. When eggs, brisket, pulled pork, or even prime rib are added...
Top 10 Chilaquiles For A Chicago Mexican Breakfast
Chicago Mexican breakfast options are a welcome change to the traditional fifteen stack of pancakes and twelve-egg omelets that are large enough that you could wrap yourself in it. The primary reason to crave south of the border before noon is chilaquiles. ‘What are...
Humana is Bringing Health and Nutrition to Taste of Chicago
Humana to present healthy mocktail challenge featuring WXRT DJ Mary Dixon and ‘Check, Please!’ host Catherine De Orio on July 9 Health and well-being company Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) will showcase its largest ever list of healthy food items through its signature Humana...
10 Ultimate Chicago Food Tours – Bring Your Tastebuds
Chicago’s rich with diversity, from activities to people to food. That is why whether you are visiting or a native, a Chicago Food Tour is a phenomenal idea. Not only might you learn of a few new places to indulge in, but you are also able to taste food from many...
Oktoberfest Chicago Area Activities – Prost!
The spirit of Oktoberfest can be summed up into a single word– Gemütlichkeit. It essentially means being in a place that makes you happy, relaxed, social, and feel accepted. This must be why Oktoberfest revolves around beer and friends. There is no shortage of...
What is the deal with Divvy? Chicago Bike Rental Service
Divvy Review, From a Traveler’s Perspective: The streets are crowded and parking is expensive. Owning a vehicle in the heart of downtown Chicago is not always the most convenient thing. Public transportation and taxis are great, but sometimes being outside is...
10 Yoga Studios That Center Chicago – Find Your Place
Yoga has been growing in popularity immensely over the last handful of years, especially. With many people seeking it out solely as a form of exercise, there are many studios opening that also treat it as exercise, rather than the classical form of yoga which involves...
Bike Chicago – Your 2-Wheel Guide
Are you the type of person that likes to enjoy life on just two-wheels? Chicago is becoming a model city as far as being bicycle friendly. This guide covers all of the essential to pedaling around the city and surrounding areas. We also provide you will other great...
The Best Chicago Parks To Escape To
The cityscape is a great place to explore, but with everything a break is needed from time to time. Chicago parks offer a diverse amount of atmospheres that all hold something unique. From sandy beaches to sculptures and conservatories, you will surely be able to find...
Top 10 Nightclubs In Chicago
Chicago, of course, is renowned for its night life, offering chic hangout spaces, trendy dive bars, great dance clubs, and everything in between. The options are often overwhelming, though. Are you looking for a great night out over the weekend? Here are our choices...
Bars With Outdoor Games in Chicago – Do More Than Just Drink
There seems to be more and more bars catching onto the notion that sometimes it’s nice to do more at a bar than just drink. Below, we have listed a number of bars with outdoor games in Chicago. Pretty much all of these options are only available spring through fall–...
Top 22 Bloody Marys In Chicago– You Won’t Believe Some
Bloody Marys are one of those drinks that can made in many different way– which is why people have such split reviews on bars and restaurants that serve them. Some like it spicy, some mild and don’t get me started with garnishes. Every place listed is notable in their...
Forest Park Bars – Madison Street Is Flowing With Beer & Wine
Forest Park, Illinois is known well for neighborhood dining, but in the past it was known for its many Irish pubs. In fact, Forest Park has its own St. Patrick’s Day parade which is quite popular. Some of the Irish pubs and as some like to call, the “old-man” bars...
Chicago Soccer Bars – Top 10 For The World Cup
The World Cup is not something to take lightly – it is for worldwide bragging rights after all. The right venue can make all the difference, much like lucky underwear. The Chicago soccer bars are just as stoked about the World Cup as you are! If you are wandering in...
Top 10 Wine Bar Chicago List
Chicago has an explosive craft brewery scene and an upcoming distillery scene, but we must not forget to reap the fruit of our labor – wine. The wine bar Chicago scene provides great venues to enjoy intimate conversations and indulge in some exquisite food options...
Top 10 Attractions In Chicago Kids Will Enjoy
Chicago is already a massive world of adventure for us adults; imagine what it is like for children. Skyscrapers seem that much larger and so do the slices of famous Chicago pizza. Luckily, many establishments have realized this and have created attractions in Chicago...
Top 10 Things To See At The Field Museum of Natural History
Get off the couch, gather up the family, and go explore the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago. One of the many exciting institutions that makes up the city’s museum campus, the Field Museum offers great attractions for families and school groups. Here are...
Top 10 Things To Do At Shedd Aquarium Chicago
Whether you are just visiting the Windy City or you have lived here your whole life, an afternoon spent at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium will be an experience you’ll never forget. Resting on the outskirts of Lake Michigan, the Shedd Aquarium is as close to Sea World as you...
15 of the Best Pancakes in Chicago – Cake for Breakfast
Sometimes in the morning nothing is more satisfying than a simple, quintessential breakfast. Nothing tends to fit the bill more perfectly than a plate of some of the best pancakes in Chicago– especially after an aggressive night. Yes– French toast is bomb and it...
Patios are Starting to Open Up in Chicago
This is a sign– a sign of everything great to come the next handful of months. Sitting outside on a patio just makes food taste better and beer more refreshing. While a few locations are still a few weeks out from opening, others have embraced the weather and opened...
The Chicago New Restaurant Rundown of 2014
This is a city of fierce competition. For a Chicago new restaurant to stand out above other new venues, as well as match or surpass well-established names, is a feat of its own. There were many openings last year, but these 15 restaurants have broken through the mold...
Get The Most Out Of A Chicago Christmas Season
Experiencing a Chicago Christmas season can almost be a surreal experience. The city is swept with Christmas decorations and the sounds of the holiday. Plus, a white Christmas is almost always guaranteed. The spirit of the season takes many forms in Chicago. There are...
Top 5 Venues for Outdoor Movies Chicago Area
Chicago in the summer is a fantastic place to be, especially to be outdoors. Cooping yourself up in a traditional theater should be reserved for the winter-time blues. If you are looking for a new experience, the outdoor movies Chicago scene will surprise you. It is a...
Chicago Coffee Shops without Wifi – It’s Okay to Disconnect
There was once a time when people went to coffee shops either alone to decompress or to meet up with friends to converse over caffeine– think Central Perk coffee shop from the show friends. Now people tend to visit coffee shops to sit on their computers, tablets or...
Top 10 Chicago Vegetarian Restaurants – Eliminate Meat, Not Flavor
Chicago vegetarian restaurants offer many forms of cuisine– from takes on meat dishes to full blown Mexican food and so much more in-between. Being a vegetarian doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor and only eating celery– which seems to be a common misconception. In fact,...
Popular Chicago Area Christmas Restaurants
The holidays are meant to bring everyone together– but not everyone fancies meeting in the kitchen. There are many choices for Christmas restaurants around Chicago, along with Christmas Eve choices. There is a chance that your favorite venue may be open, but here are...
North Avenue Chicago – Restaurant Row
This strip of North Avenue Chicago, between Oak Park Avenue and Thatcher Avenue, is a vibrant strip of fantastic dining. Lined with some of area’s best restaurants– the dining scene in this part of Chicago and the Western Suburbs is diverse as well as delicious....
Top 10 Buffets In Chicago – All You Can Eat
Sometimes being unrestricted is much needed. The buffets in Chicago aim to lift limitations and let you choose your own boundaries. Buffets do not always have to be traditional style, as you will see, some of the buffets in Chicago are quite exquisite with their...
The Best Juice Bar Chicago Squeezes Into? Here Are 10
Juicing is a great and easy way to obtain your daily intake of fruits and vegetables. Avoid the shops that load their drinks with sugar – the best juice bar Chicago offers can be found at any one of these locations. Juice Bar Chicago Guide: Vegetarian Express – $...
Best Donuts In Chicago – Top 12
Chicago may be known for its famous deep dish pizza and Chicago style hot dogs – but now it is time for the donut world to receive its praise. From the traditional buttermilk, to maple bacon, and banana Nutella infused creations – your taste buds will dance with every...
BYOB Chicago Restaurants – Top 10 In The City
Spending an evening dining out is an enjoyable way to pass the time – especially when in good company. On top of food prices, alcohol can quickly make the bill escalate. Fortunately there are numerous BYOB Chicago restaurants to choose from. Being able to indulge in...
Top 10 Tapas Chicago Venues
Going out to eat should be an experience, something that you can make a night of. Small plates of gourmet dishes eaten amongst friends is the perfect reason to check out these tapas Chicago venues. Tapas Valencia Tapas Valencia is an award winning Spanish tapas venue...
Great Lakes Tattoo – 1st Annual Walk-Up Classic Tattoo Convention
Great Lakes Tattoo is taking everything that they’ve come to not fancy about mainstream tattoo conventions and proceeding to do the opposite. GLT’s owner Nick Colella commented: “I feel that present-day tattooing and standardized tattoo conventions have gotten so far...
Riot Fest – the Good, the Bad & the Muddy
Riot Fest is perhaps the oddest duck of the major Chicago summer music festivals. It feels something like a combination of Pitchfork, early 90s Lollapalooza, Warped Tour, and the Gathering of the Juggalos– thanks to its diverse, often random, lineup and collection of...
Chicago Photography Guide – Galleries / Shops / Classes
In this large city, there are plenty of opportunities for Chicago photography. You may be an enthusiast, professional, or maybe you just really enjoy looking at photographs. Keep in mind, there are a handful of great options for galleries, shops, and schools – but the...
Top 5 Chicago Summer Festivals
Chicago is one of the most amazing cities to visit during the summer months. The lakefront is a buzz with people, the streets are alive with activity, and there are some amazing festivals during the “season” that visitors and residents alike can enjoy. Top 5 Chicago...
Top 5 Minor League Baseball Teams In And Around Chicago
Sure, Chicago has the Cubs and the Sox, but there are plenty of minor league teams spread out across the Chicagoland area. Going to see a minor league game is a cheap way to spend a summer day, and doesn't involve the hassle of commuting downtown. Minor league teams...
Top 10 TV Shows Set In Chicago
Filmmakers looking for an interesting setting for their television or film have long been drawn to the Second City; with a rich history, dynamic setting, and a famously cosmopolitan culture, Chicago has strong cinematic appeal across a variety of genres. Over the...
14 Touristy Things Chicago Natives Need to Do
The city of Chicago is filled with cultural activities, famous buildings, and hot spots known to the incoming tourists and long-lived locals. But, what local wants to stand in lines and pay cover fees in their own city? From what time to go to The Bean to what day to...
Top 10 Water Parks In Chicago For Summer Fun
With hot weather, comes the need for two thing: outdoor fun and a way to cool off. Spending your day at one of the water parks in Chicago or the area is really one of the most enjoyable ways to do it. Wether you are looking for a quick visit or willing to head to...
Top 5 Chicago Basketball Courts
Chicago basketball courts are in abundance outside of the Chicago Bulls’ United Center home court. With so many options, it is sometime hard to narrow it down to one. Many of the courts are located in fantastic parks that provide activities to do when not on the...
Top 5 High-End Chicago Car Rental Services
Sometimes life is about indulging in the finer things. Whether you are on a trip, want to test out a new vehicle before you buy, or just want to cruise around in something flashy for the day, these five high-end Chicago car rental services know just what it takes to...