Whether on a short business trip or a fun vacation for yourself or your family, these are some of the best places to visit in Chicago.
Chicago Art Institute
Founded in 1879, the Chicago Art Institute is one of the most venerable and extensive art museums in the United States. Housing a permanent collection of hundreds of thousands of artworks, including masterpieces by Monet, Degas and Picasso, it showcases the very best of human artistic expression in the span of 5,000 years through numerous annual exhibitions.
Stunning skyscrapers
Popularly known as “The Windy City”, Chicago is also well known for jaw-dropping and gravity defying photo opportunities.
Skydeck (Willis Tower)
The Skydeck is an impressive observation deck located on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower. Soaring at 1,353 feet, Skydeck is the tallest of its kind in the US. It provides stunning 360 degrees views that encompass Lake Michigan and the states of Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana and Michigan, and a daring clear balcony box called The Ledge, which extends more than 4 feet outside of the building.
360 CHICAGO (John Hancock Center)
360 Chicago is another observation deck with dazzling views of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. Located on the 94th floor inside the avant-garde John Hancock Center, 360 Chicago is home to Chicago’s tallest thrill ride TILT, which leans you out above Michigan Avenue inside a mobile platform. And as if that weren’t enough, you can also do 360 Sky Yoga, a weekly yoga class that allows you to meditate and relax closer to the sun.
Chicago Architecture Foundation
Founded in 1966, the Chicago Architecture Center Foundation is one of the city’s largest cultural centers and showcases the history and stories of Chicago’s buildings through exhibitions and tours that are suited for all ages. Its mission is to highlight the importance of design, why it matters in architecture and how it influences the landscape in our daily lives.
River Cruise Tour
Chicago’s development and architectural history can also be appreciated from the waterline. Powered by the Chicago Architecture Center Foundation, the River Cruise Tour showcases the rapid transformation of Chicago as a settlement to one of the largest cities in the world while gliding through the waters of the Chicago River. Discover the Chicago Riverwalk, the Dusable Bridge and learn about the pivotal influence of architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in the development of the city’s aesthetic.
Navy Pier
The Navy Pier offers a wide variety of activities to visitors of all sizes and ages. It is home of the Centennial Wheel, the first Ferris wheel unveiled at Chicago World’s Fair in 1893; Polk Bros Park, a vintage Carousel and the Chicago Children’s Museum, which offers numerous educational, cultural and interactive experiences for the youngest ones. Art, fireworks, live entertainment and cruises can all be found and enjoyed at one of Chicago’s most notable historical landmarks.
Chicago Lakefront Trail
The Chicago Lakefront Trail is a pleasant 18.5-mile outdoor path that connects several of Chicago’s main lakefront parks (Jackson, Burnham, Grant and Lincoln Parks). With access to several skate and dog parks, beaches and recreational amenities throughout the path, the Chicago LFT is ideal for jogging, cycling and casual strolls along Lake Michigan’s western shore.
Wrigley Field
Named after chewing gum tycoon William Wrigley Jr., Wrigley Field is home of the Major League baseball team Chicago Cubs. Known worldwide for being the only professional ballpark with a brick outfield wall covered in ivy, its famous red marquee above the main entrance and for being one of the last Major League parks with a hand-turned scoreboard, Wrigley Field is a mandatory stop for baseball fans and enthusiasts.
Millennium Park
Millennium Park is Chicago’s most notable public park and civic center. Part of Grant Park and near Lake Michigan’s shoreline, it was previously occupied by rail yards and parking lots, and was transformed to become one of the world’s largest green roofs. Home to Frank Gehry’s bandshell Jay Pritzker Pavilion and Anish Kapoor’s Cloud Gate, Millennium Park is considered one of the most popular tourist attractions in Chicago and Mid-Eastern US.
Trendy neighborhoods in Chicago
With its numerous historical attractions, landmarks and trendy neighborhoods, Chicago is one of the most popular cities in the state of Illinois.
Wicker Park
Wicker Park is a Chicago Landmark District located in the community area of West Town. From its conception as a response to the Great Chicago Fire in 1871, it attracted wealthy North European immigrants and is well known today for a wide variety of commercial activity, entertainment establishments and real estate development oriented towards high-income, college-educated millennials.
The Loop
The Loop is Chicago’s official downtown and main business district. Home to Millennium Park, Willis Tower and Chicago Art Institute, it is one of Chicago’s trendiest and most popular neighborhoods. The Loop features bedazzling theatre marquees, exceptional dining and amazing city views, making it one of the most desirable and priciest residential areas in Chicago.
Logan Square
Logan Square is both a historical neighborhood and public square, located on the northwest side of Chicago. Notable for its preservation of numerous historical buildings, it is populated by bike-friendly streets, lovely green boulevards, community gardens and locally supported farm markets and breweries, as well as trendy establishments that offer affordable eats and artisanal cocktail lounges.
AIRE Ancient Baths Chicago
Nestled among the trendy and astonishing sights and experiences in Chicago lies a refurbished 1902 factory that houses AIRE Ancient Baths, a luxurious experience for body and mind in the style of Greek, Roman and Ottoman ancient baths. Complete your Chicago trip with a memorable relaxation journey in a historical atmosphere through various thermal baths and steam rooms that are guaranteed to replenish your soul.
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