Things to Do in Chicago

See amazing animals, incredible views, fascinating science, world-class art, and more with Chicago CityPASS tickets.

Experience Chicago’s legendary architecture from the best seat in the house: the river. Enjoy a comprehensive tour with a live fun guide as you navigate through the heart of the city covering all 3 branches of the Chicago River.

Enjoy a private two-hour sailing experience for up to six people along Chicago’s beautiful lakefront. Kick back, relax, and let the US Coast Guard licensed captain treat you to stunning views of Chicago’s spectacular skyline. Make the experience your own. The flexibility of a private charter allows customization of virtually any aspect of the sailing adventure from guest list to music selection to sailing route. Three departure times offered daily. This experience is not meant to be an in-depth guided tour; however, our captain is always happy to point out interesting sights with anecdotes and historical information. Just ask you captain. Looking for a sunset sail, see our other product listing "Come Sailing with us at Navy Pier - Sunset Sail on Lake Michigan". Looking to watch the Navy Pier Fireworks from a private sailing charter, see our other product listing "Come Sailing with us at Navy Pier - Saturday Fireworks Sail". All charters are NON-SMOKING experiences.

Rocket to the 103rd floor and enjoy spectacular views of the Windy City

Cruising down the Chicago River is one of the greatest ways to get to know the iconic city and discover how it became the birthplace of the skyscraper.

• Enjoy a 90-min guided architecture cruise on the Chicago River, complete with expert commentary, skip-the-line access, and onboard refreshments.
• Sail through the main river and its north and south branches, taking in Chicago’s skyline from an open-air deck or a climate-controlled interior.
• The tour highlights 130 years of Chicago’s architectural history as expert guides share fascinating stories behind the city's most famous and innovative buildings.

Enjoy a 90-minute comprehensive boat cruise of Chicago's legendary architectural wonders from the best seat in the house, the river.

Glide along the Chicago River and Lakefront as you're dazzled by the sparkle of the city at night. Enjoy breathtaking views of the dramatic skyscrapers and Buckingham Fountain's spectacular light display while listening to lively commentary.

This tour is the perfect way to experience the shoreline of Chicago in a new and exciting way! Our tour vessel is a former military Williard Marine, which provides a unique and interesting touch to the normal tour experience. Being both sturdy in the water, and fast! Reaching up to speeds of 35 Knots! We work hard to provide historical context for our great city, as well as provide an exhilarating experience through the use of high speed runs and spins!

Hang out with Picasso, Dalí, Monet, Renoir, Warhol, and many more!

Get the most stunning views of Chicago from the 360 Chicago Observation Deck, at the absolute best price! A must if you're in Chicago.

• Sail through the heart of Chicago on 45-min guided architecture cruise, enjoying expert commentary, gorgeous skyline views, and onboard refreshments.
• Glide along all three branches of the Chicago River including the North Branch, the Main Stem, and the South Branch, as your guide shares fascinating insights into the city's 130-year architectural evolution.
• Capture unobstructed views of Chicago’s iconic skyscrapers from the open-air upper deck, offering perfect photo opportunities of the cityscape.
• Spot famous buildings like the Tribune Tower, Apple Store, AMA Building and the Wrigley Building.

Admire Chicago from the 94th floor. Learn about Chicago's history and architecture and discover the CloudWalk and the 3D mural by Nate Baranowski.

Cruise down the Chicago River and see the city’s most spectacular landmarks on a boat cruise with live, family-friendly commentary and a full-service bar on board.

This lively overview of Chicago architecture explores iconic buildings from the 1890s to present. We'll compare and contrast a wide range of buildings with varying architectural styles and see how older structures connect to new skyline additions. On this tour, we'll make seven stops in downtown Chicago where we can compare the histories and styles of buildings located within sight of each other. The tour features 19th-Century Commercial, Beaux-Arts, Mid-Century Modern and Postmodern buildings, as well as the latest in architecture from Frank Gehry, Renzo Piano and Adrian Smith. At each stop, we’ll look at the connections between the past and present and discover what inspires design today. The tour culminates with a visit to Millennium Park, where world-class art and architecture combine, creating a unique urban fabric. As a certified nonprofit, all CAC ticket purchases directly support our education efforts and community engagement projects.

Get some of the best views of Chicago from this circular skyline spinner

This entrance to the Chicago Museum of Ice Cream really is a sweet deal! You can indulge your inner child and spend the day tasting delicious ice creams.

• Get timed entry and head straight up to Skydeck Chicago on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower for sweeping, unobstructed views of Chicago and up to four neighboring states.
• Step onto The Ledge—glass-floored balconies that extend 4.3 feet outside the tower—and look straight down from 1,353 feet above the ground, if you dare!
• Explore the newly expanded Chicago Experience, an interactive museum featuring digital exhibits that celebrate the city’s culture, history, and neighborhoods.
• Enjoy incredible photo ops from day to night, with prime views of the skyline, Lake Michigan, and iconic landmarks like Navy Pier and Wrigley Field.
• Ride one of the fastest elevators in the U.S. and reach the top in just 60 seconds—perfect for thrill-seekers, families, and first-time visitors alike.

Welcome to sweet home Chicago! Discover this remarkable city with your very own CityPASS and see top highlights.

Treat yourself to an exhilarating view over the whole of Chicago from the top of the Willis Tower. Ride 103 floors to the Skydeck and step out onto The Ledge, a glass-paneled box with vertical views to the ground below.

We’ll begin our photo walk in Millennium Park with portraits at Cloud Gate (The Bean) — one of Chicago’s most iconic landmarks. During our time together, we’ll visit a rooftop spot for skyline views, cross the scenic DuSable Bridge, and stop by the elegant Wrigley Building — all perfect for beautiful photos. Along the way, I’ll guide you with natural poses and creative ideas, helping you feel relaxed and confident. By the end of this walk, you’ll not only have a beautiful photo gallery — you’ll have also visited many of the MUST-SEE places in downtown Chicago.

Explore an endless array of artifacts in one of Chicago's best museums

Discover Chicago's iconic landmarks on a free walking tour, including a scenic park on Lake Michigan. Explore hidden gems in the Windy City!

• Glide along all three branches on a 90-minute architecture cruise led by Chicago Architecture Center docents, who share insider stories of the city’s iconic skyline and riverside landmarks.
• Guaranteed open-air seating ensures uninterrupted views of historic skyscrapers, modern marvels, and architectural treasures while your volunteer guide brings each structure’s narrative to life.
• Enjoy onboard comforts; restrooms, free stroller storage, and dedicated accessibility services, while treating yourself to craft beverages and tasty bites available at the full-service bar and snack station.
• Rain-or-shine departures mean you’ll witness Chicago’s architectural beauty in every season, and discounted nearby parking makes it easy to arrive and embark on your adventure stress-free.
• A portion of your ticket supports the educational work of the Chicago Architecture Center.

Book your architecture river cruise in Spanish and pass the most iconic buildings along the Chicago River!

Skip the ticket line for Chicago’s only architecture cruise on both Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. Learn about Chicago's internationally-known architecture from expert local guides as you discover the city from riverfront to shoreline.

Nightly Spirits’ Haunts and Hooligans Tour will illustrate Chicago’s haunted history of secret parlors, underground tunnels, murderous movie theaters and supernatural speakeasies. Whether you’re a recent transplant to Chicago or have lived among the Windy City’s ‘others’ for years, you’re about to get a haunted history that may leave you with more memories than you dare to retain.   Tours begin at the haunted Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse in downtown Chicago. A costumed guide will lead tour goers on a walking journey exploring the creepy past of one of Chicago’s most famous bootleggers, offering glimpses into the past and revealing the stories of long-dead phantoms and specters who still call Chicago home.

Discover the city from a new and incredible perspective

The Windy City has a wealth of attractions, museums and galleries you'll fall in love with. Discover them all with the Chicago CityPASS®.

• Rise above the ordinary, and see Chicago from a soaring 1,000-foot-high perspective that will take your breath away.
• The 3D mural on the deck creates an illusion of cloud-walking that's a joy for the 'gram.
• Skip the long snaking lines with your ticket and head straight to the observation deck.
• Unwind at Cloud Bar and soak up iconic Chicago views while sipping on locally brewed Moody Tongue beer, an unbeatable combo.
• Fun Fact: The elevators at 360 Chicago are among the fastest in North America, zipping you to the top in no time!

Discover Chicago's legendary architecture and the exceptional architects who created this ever-changing legacy for all to admire.

Skip the ticket purchase desk to enjoy the best panoramic views of Chicago, 94 stories above the Windy City. Enjoy stunning lake views and close-up vistas of Chicago’s amazing skyscrapers.

Take a tour of Chicago Loop's Pedway system, a network of underground pedestrian tunnels. We'll also go above ground to view some special Chicago sights. Our tour begins in the lobby of the Swissotel with a brief overview of the Pedway system.  We then descend into the Pedway and head to the Cultural Center.  After a brief tour of the Cultural Center and its famous Tiffany Dome, we return to the Pedway to visit Macy's department store and its famous Tiffany ceiling, then stop by the store's iconic Walnut Room. Back to the Pedway, we head west to the Civic Center plaza to see the Picasso sculpture and view the Chicago Temple and its Sky Chapel, one of the world's tallest church buildings.  A brief walk to takes us to City Hall and Marriage Court then to a nearby L Stop. A quick train ride takes us to the origin/terminus of Route 66 where we'll enjoy the Art Institute’s lion statues then Millennium Park's to Cloud Gate sculpture (aka, The Bean), Lurie Gardens and Crown Fountain.

Save up to 29% on combined admission to your choice of three top attractions

Ever dreamt of cruising on one of the Great Lakes in the United States? Enjoy a boat trip on Lake Michigan and experience Chicago from a new perspective.

• Enjoy a 90-min guided boat tour on the Chicago River and one of the five Great Lakes, Lake Michigan, with skip-the-line entry.
• Take in the city’s famous skyline and architectural icons from both the river and lake while relaxing indoors or on open-air decks.
• Learn how Chicago’s skyline came to life with engaging narration as you cruise past historic buildings and modern skyscrapers.
• This extended cruise offers more than standard river tours, covering additional landmarks and panoramic lakefront city views.
• Perfect for first-time visitors, architecture buffs, and photography enthusiasts looking to explore Chicago from a different perspective."

Learn what tragic story is covered by Chicago River's waters, explore the most haunted sites and buildings, hear about rise and fall of the most infamous gangsters.

Connect with your curiosity and explore Chicago with an immersive flyover ticket. Experience the city's highlights from this perspective, as your journey transports you over iconic destinations.

This is the only tour in Chicago that explores the movie "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" from the perspective of art. It's also the only walking tour that immerses you in the actual artwork featured in the 1986 American teen film. Over the course of the tour, you'll visit 3 floors of the museum, see 16 pieces of art, and leave with an appreciation of the works, their relationship to characters, and their placement in the camera's frame. ⚠️ NOTE: Admission to the Art Institute of Chicago is NOT included in the public walking tour. The tour starts under the stairs in the *Modern Wing* of the Art Institute, Griffin Court. Guests must digitally sign a general waiver of liability. Guardians must sign waivers for children under the age of 18.

Get a bird's eye view over the Magnificent Mile with 360 Chicago tickets

The Go City: Chicago Explorer Pass offers access to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 of Chicago’s attractions. Save up to 50% off prices!

• Unwind on a 90-min scenic cruise and enjoy the golden hues of Chicago’s skyline reflecting from the waters of Lake Michigan and Chicago River.
• Your premium boat features open-air decks and a climate-controlled cabin for year-round comfort.
• Enjoy a relaxing experience with light narration that shares interesting insights as you sail past Chicago’s architectural icons.
• Catch golden hour from the water — this evening cruise offers a romantic and peaceful way to end your day in Chicago.

Enjoy a charming and exciting night out in Chicago with dinner, music and sightseeing aboard the Chicago Premier Dinner Cruise.

Cruise along the Chicago River on a boat tour and discover hidden architectural gems among the city’s renowned landmarks, with live narration.

This extraordinary tour of the Prairie Ave District is one not to be missed. Get a sense for how Chicago's wealthiest residents lived around the turn of the century and what remains today. This unique Chicago tour begins with an exploration of one of the city's newly-revitalized spaces: The stunning Chicago Athletic Association Hotel. A short ride on the Green Line takes us to the Prairie Ave District, home to many historic sites such as Motor Row, the former Chess Records and the oldest house in the city. As we wander along Prairie Ave, we're treated to historic mansions and a beautiful park. The highlights of the tour, however, are TWO private, docent-led mini tours at the national landmark Second Presbyterian Church (with its many Tiffany windows) and the Glessner House. We'll also take a mid-tour break at a local employee-owned/woman-owned cafe. Then we board the train back to the Loop for our final stop (and a sweet treat) at the elegant Palmer House Hotel.

You won't believe your eyes at the Museum of Illusions

Climb to the highest observation deck in the United States by booking your tickets for Skydeck Chicago. You'll be on the 103rd floor of the famous Willis Tower!

• Set sail from Michigan Avenue dock in the heart of Chicago for an insightful 75-min architectural river cruise.
• Board a vessel offering unparalleled views of over 40 landmarks including the neo-Gothic Tribune Tower and the 398-feet Wrigley Building.
• The cruise features live English commentary from a knowledgeable guide, vividly depicting Chicago's architectural history and evolution.
• You also have the option to embark from the Navy Pier dock, positioned at the entrance of the renowned Navy Pier boardwalk.
• Did you know? The Tribune Tower has fragments of famous world structures like the Great Wall of China and the Taj Mahal embedded in its walls."

Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with music and a view of the Chicago skyline and try different mouthwatering meal options on your unique cruise.

Enjoy a fully immersive experience at the Museum of Ice Cream, delivering joy and entertainment for the whole family. Savor signature ice cream flavors and sweet treats as you explore the museum.