Things to do in Evanston

Activities, attractions and tours

A historic building with a lighthouse, surrounded by lush greenery and trees.
A street with a Taco Bell restaurant, a brick building, and a row of parked cars.
A park with a walking path, trees, and a body of water.
A modern building with large glass windows and the name "Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art" on the facade.
A large white building with intricate architecture, a central fountain, and a symmetrical garden with trees and flowers.

Things to do

360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

€24
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
360 CHICAGO Observation Deck
Chicago: Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Regular & Express Ticket

Chicago: Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Ticket

€21
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Chicago: Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Ticket
Art Institute of Chicago

Art Institute of Chicago

€35
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Art Institute of Chicago
Flyover in Chicago

Flyover in Chicago

€27
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Flyover in Chicago
Wendella's 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour

Wendella's 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour

€35
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®

€95
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Chicago C3® by CityPASS®
cruise ship sailing past navy pier in chicago

City Cruises Chicago: Lake Michigan Premier Dinner Cruise

€125
per adult
82% of travellers recommend
City Cruises Chicago: Lake Michigan Premier Dinner Cruise
Medieval Torture Museum Ticket with Audio Guide and Ghost Hunting

Medieval Torture Museum Ticket with Audio Guide and Ghost Hunting

€31
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Medieval Torture Museum Ticket with Audio Guide and Ghost Hunting
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Most popular experiences in Evanston

Tours & day trips

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Big Bus Chicago Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Tour

Big Bus Chicago Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Tour

Activity duration is 1 day
8.6 out of 10 with 560 reviews
Free cancellation available
The previous price was €43 and current price is €38 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 26 activities
Chicago Favourites Ultimate Food and Walking Tour

Chicago Favourites Ultimate Food and Walking Tour

Activity duration is 3 hours
9.8 out of 10 with 1030 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €74 per adult
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Classes & workshops

See all 23 activities
Chicago: BYOB Spray Paint and Sip Workshop

Chicago: BYOB Spray Paint and Sip Workshop

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 15 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €35 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 22 activities
Chicago: Shooting & Spinning Art Experience (Neon Lights)

Chicago: Shooting & Spinning Art Experience (Neon Lights)

Activity duration is 45 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is €99 per adult
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Attractions

See all 9 activities
360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

Activity duration is 2 hours
8.6 out of 10 with 733 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €26 per adult
360 CHICAGO Observation DeckOpens in new tab

What to do in Evanston

Stay near popular Evanston attractions

A historic building with a lighthouse, surrounded by lush greenery and trees.

Grosse Point Lighthouse

8.8/10 (62 reviews)
This 113-foot maritime sentinel has guided Great Lakes sailors since 1873 with its rare second-order Fresnel lens. Tour the National Historic Landmark for panoramic lake views.
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Where to stay in Evanston

Find the best Evanston areas for the activities you enjoy most.
A historic lighthouse with a red roof, a white building with arched windows, and a flagpole with an American flag.

South Evanston

Get to know South Evanston and its many features like its restaurants and shopping. You might want to explore sights like Lake Michigan and Dawes Park, and you can jump on the metro at Main Street Metro Station or South Boulevard Station to get around the city.

A modern architectural building with reflective glass facades and a landscaped area with a pathway.

North Evanston

North Evanston is well liked for its restaurants and shopping. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Ryan Field and Welsh-Ryan Arena are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Central Station (Purple Line) or Noyes Station to get around.

A storefront with a black awning labeled "BOOKMAN'S ALLEY."
Photo by Tara Jabbari
Open Photo by Tara Jabbari

Downtown Evanston

While you're in Downtown Evanston, take in top sights like 1111 Church Street Evanston and jump on the metro at Davis Metro Station to see more of the city.

Lakeshore Historic District

While visiting Lakeshore Historic District, you might make a stop by sights like Evanston History Center and Dawes Park.

Church & Dodge

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Church & Dodge and surrounding area, you can visit Halim Time & Glass Museum and 1111 Church Street Evanston.

A city skyline with modern skyscrapers and a river with boats and people in the foreground.

Chicago

Three pizzas with different toppings in pans.

Lincolnwood

Frequently asked questions

Is Evanston worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Evanston is explore Lincoln Park Zoo. Check this top sight off your itinerary, then experience more of this area's nature and dining.
How do I spend a day in Evanston?
Lincoln Park Zoo and Montrose Beach are two awesome places to begin your getaway adventures. Be sure to explore the retail and dining options in Evanston while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Evanston?
The top tourist attraction in Evanston is Lincoln Park Zoo, so don't forget to add it to your itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Evanston?
Three days will give you time to check out many city attractions, including Montrose Beach, Riviera Theatre and Kathy Osterman Beach. The average stay in Evanston is three days. If you have the time to extend your break, Chicago isn't far away.
Is Evanston a walkable city?
With exciting neighbourhoods and major attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Evanston is a great place to experience on foot. Have fun wandering between North Shore Centre for the Performing Arts and Loyola Beach. Then take a stroll around Rogers Park, located 5 kilometres from the centre, and West Ridge, which is roughly 5 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Evanston with kids?
If you are after tours and attractions for all the family, we've got some great ideas for what to do in Evanston with kids.
What to do in Evanston for adults?
FEW Spirits and Armitage Avenue are just two of the things to do in Evanston. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Evanston?
One of the simplest ways to find free things to do in Evanston is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on exciting neighbourhoods, parks and other top attractions you can visit without reaching for your wallet. Montrose Beach is one spot that doesn't have an entrance fee.