Things to do in Central Chicago

Activities, attractions and tours

Want to get a great view of Chicago? Walk up the Adler Planetarium pier at sunset and enjoy the show. Don't leave straight after the sun sets, let the lights come out and take it all in!
Want to get a great view of Chicago? Walk up the Adler Planetarium pier at sunset and enjoy the show. Don't leave straight after the sun sets, let the lights come out and take it all in!
Central Chicago
Iconic signage in Chicago. It's best to go when it's all lit up for the best shots. It was quite a rainy night in Chicago when I tried to take this shot.
Navy Pier Rides.
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Top places to visit

1. 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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McCormick Place showing a high rise building and a city

2. Navy Pier

Navy Pier draws more than 8.6 million visitors each year. It has rides, restaurants, shops, parks and boat tours, all within a 50-acre pier on Lake Michigan. Open year-round, it’s busiest in the summer months when there are open-air stalls selling souvenirs and weekly firework displays.
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Navy Pier featuring a sunset and rides

3. Millennium Park

Millennium Park is a 25-acre (10 hectare) park in the central Loop. Locals and tourists gather year-round for concerts, biking and jogging, and to admire the sculptures dotting the landscape. Conveniently located near other attractions, it’s easy to combine a walk through the park with a visit to the Art Institute of Chicago or shopping along the Magnificent Mile.
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Reflection of a Chicago buildings in a mirror of Chicago Bean, Millennium Park, Chicago city, USA., Shutterstock ID 1129809965, Purchase Order: SP-2109, Order Number: SP-2109 Qantas AU US Sale New Ads

4. 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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Soldier Field featuring landscape views and a city

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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Chicago Riverwalk featuring a river or creek, a city and a ferry

6. 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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Grant Park featuring landscape views, a park and a city

7. Willis Tower

Willis Tower, the tallest building in the US, is a 1,450-foot modern office block that offers unrivalled views of Chicago. Ride the elevators to the 103rd floor Skydeck, 1,353 feet above the sidewalks to check out a viewing platform and small museum. On a clear day it’s possible to see as far as Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin. Gaze across the city’s major attractions, including Lake Michigan and Millennium Park.
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Chicago

8. Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago holds nearly 300,000 works of art in eight buildings, encompassing nearly one million square feet (93,000 square meters) of gallery space. It’s best known for its collection of modern European and American paintings and sculptures, including works by Claude Monet, Vincent Van Gogh and Mary Cassatt. There’s also Ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman art, pieces from across Asia, and edgy contemporary installations. You’ll need a comfortable pair of shoes as you can spend from a few hours to a few days here.
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Art Institute of Chicago featuring interior views and heritage elements

What to do in Central Chicago

Popular places to visit

Scene of Chicago street bridge with traffic among modern buildings of Downtown Chicago at Michigan avenue in Chicago, Illinois, United States, Business and Modern Transportation concept

Michigan Avenue

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home when you visit Michigan Avenue, a popular shopping spot in Chicago. Amble around this vibrant area's riverfront and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Michigan Avenue
McCormick Place showing a high rise building and a city

McCormick Place

Attend an event at the United States’ largest convention center, which features hyper-modern facilities and huge exhibition spaces connected by promenades and sky bridges.

McCormick Place
Navy Pier featuring a sunset and rides

Navy Pier

A ferris wheel, shopping, restaurants and more can be found in this waterfront entertainment district.

Navy Pier
Millennium Park featuring street scenes, autumn leaves and modern architecture

Millennium Park

A landmark gathering place for locals and visitors who come to admire the unique art, architecture and landscape.

Millennium Park
Soldier Field which includes a city, modern architecture and a skyscraper

Soldier Field

Events center, NFL stadium and historic landmark all in one, this waterfront field is one of Chicago’s most popular destinations.

Soldier Field
Chicago Riverwalk featuring a bay or harbour, a city and a river or creek

Chicago Riverwalk

Stroll along the waterfront of the Chicago River to pass some of the city’s most appealing attractions and appreciate how a once grim area has been successfully revamped.

Chicago Riverwalk
Grant Park showing a garden and night scenes

Grant Park

Chicago’s front yard is a pretty landscaped park, which is home to public art displays, museums, themed gardens and international music festivals.

Grant Park
John G.Shedd Aquarium view from Michigan Lake in Chicago City

Shedd Aquarium

Make time in your itinerary to visit the sea life who live at Shedd Aquarium during your visit to Chicago. Amble around this vibrant area's lakeside or experience its entertainment choices.

Shedd Aquarium
Willis Tower which includes a city, central business district and a skyscraper

Willis Tower

Visit the Skydeck and gaze down over the Chicago cityscape from a dazzling 1,353 feet above the sidewalk.

Willis Tower

Areas of Central Chicago

Magnificent Mile - River North

Magnificent Mile

Shopaholics need look no further this glittering street packed with boutique and luxury shops, famous department stores and cafes.

Magnificent Mile
River North showing railway items, street scenes and a city

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
Beautiful fireworks

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
Navy Pier featuring wild flowers and general coastal views as well as a couple

Streeterville

Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier are just a few worthwhile attractions to visit in Streeterville. Travellers also love the fascinating museums, panoramic lake views and popular shops.

Streeterville
Chicago_NearNorthSide_137043_09

Near North Side

Known for its fascinating museums, panoramic lake views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Near North Side. Top attractions like Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier are major draws. Catch the metro at Clark-Division Station or Chicago Station (Brown Line) to see more of the city.

Near North Side
Gold Coast which includes street scenes as well as a couple

Gold Coast

Enjoy upscale shopping, varied dining experiences and waterfront walks at this affluent suburb set on the shores of Lake Michigan.

Gold Coast
Chicago which includes a city and a high-rise building as well as a family

Chicago

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