10 Places You Can’t Miss Seeing In Chicago

Check out the top 10 places you don’t want to miss when planning a trip to Chicago! There is so much to do and see in The Windy City! From Parks, Rooftop Bars, Shopping, and more. Great for the budget and family travelers out there since some of these activities are FREE, yes free! Don’t miss out and get the full list below.

1. The Bean and Millennium Park

This is one of Chicago’s most visited tourist attractions and you can’t visit without taking your picture in the reflection right?!

Located in the middle of everything touristy these two activities are both free and centrally located if you wanted to check off some numbers on your list! There are free movies in the park and the bean is free to observe and take plenty of pictures with!

2. The Magnificent Mile

This is a long shopping street that has a variety of different upscale and expensive shops, restaurants, and hotels to choose from. The Mile also has other places to visit like the Chicago Water Tower and John Hancock Center.

3. John Hancock Center

Here you can see one of the best views of the entire city! Sorry boys, ladies only seeing as the best view is from the ladies restroom on the 95th floor of the Signature Lounge. It is FREE to take the elevator up there but there might be a line. I didn’t care to pay money for the Willis Tower Outlook and heard about this gem and decided to walk down the Magnificent Mile to the Hancock Center instead!!

4. Navy Pier & Centennial Wheel

This is another hot spot in Chicago tourism. The Wheel, games, restaurants, activities, shows, etc. You will have plenty of things to explore here.

The views from the wheel are beautiful and a chance to see the skyline with the lake in sight. It wasn’t expensive but we had to wait in line for a long time. I was here during the summer so crowds might depend on the season.

5. Shows

Chicago has so much entertainment to offer on your stay! The arts and theater are heavily supported here so you could find a show at any time of year you choose to visit.  Chicago Theatre, Chicago Shakespear Theatre, and iO Improv Comedy Theatre (many people from SNL got their start here) to name a few.

For info on shows click here!

6. Beach

There are several beaches in Chicago some larger than others. Several have the traditional sand and waves and if it’s a hot day out then you should probably expect a crowd. I visited North Shore Beach which was nice and had plenty of space for people to spread out. Others areas that are labeled a beach are really just a big slab of concrete up against the water. Still enjoyable, but not if you want to get your feet in the sand.

7. Buckingham Fountain

Buckingham Fountain is towards the end of the tourist hot spot areas of Chicago. From here you can not only have an amazing view of the city but of the lake as well. I enjoyed the park and then sat at the edge of the dock to take in the sunset.

8. Logan Square and Wicker Park

These areas of town is very unique and affordable. Lots of cozy coffee shops, bars, antique and thrift stores. There is so much to explore here! I had coffee at The Wormhole Coffee in Logan Square and Intelligentsia Coffee in Wicker Park. Both neighborhoods are great to explore and have so much life and creativity! I stayed in Wicker Park but it was an easy walk to be able to explore both neighborhoods especially with public transit.

9. River North And Lincoln Park

River North has some great rooftop bars to enjoy a beautiful nighttime view of the city and Lincoln Park has plenty of nature to indulge in! It’s particularly beautiful during fall with all of the leaves start changing colors.

I visited Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery which has a great view of the city! The atmosphere was laid back and the food/drinks were both reasonably priced plus good quality.

10. River Boat Tour

The Architectural Boat Tour is one of the best ways to see the city and if you like history it’s an added bonus! The views and picture opportunities are one you won’t want to miss.

Chicago is a great city to visit and explore! Don’t miss out on a thing when you take your trip to the Windy City. Use this list as a guide to sightseeing Chicago and you’ll be set! Don’t forget to take plenty of pictures and enjoy.

I hope this helps you on your future adventures!  Don’t forget to follow my blog for updates and new destinations. You don’t want to miss any travel tips or tricks that could save you a hassle and a headache!