Things to Do in Chicago

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

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

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.

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

If you're in Chicago and you're feeling brave, then come and discover the darker side of medieval times with this ticket to the Medieval Torture Museum.

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

Explore one of the largest science museums in the world with a ticket to Griffin Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. See science, technology, and engineering brought to life through exhibits.

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.

Ride coasters and enjoy live entertainment and family-friendly experiences

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

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

Experience the thrill of riding a Yamaha jet ski on Lake Michigan at North Avenue Beach. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline from the water and create unforgettable memories.

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.

Interact with installations and explore emotional projections

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.

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

Dine aboard a yacht and enjoy an extensive buffet meal while cruising down Lake Michigan. Dance to the live DJ or play exciting games like giant Jenga and shuffleboard as you enjoy Chicago's sights.

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!

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

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!

• Enjoy a 2.5-hour cruise on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan with a gourmet dinner and live entertainment onboard.
• Relax in a climate-controlled interior deck while enjoying scenic views of Chicago’s skyline and architecture.
• Enjoy a chef-prepared meal as you take in the breathtaking views of Chicago's skyline and iconic architecture.
• Live curated entertainment, along with an onboard bar with beverages available for purchase, enhances your dining experience, making it perfect for special occasions.
• Choose between a Chicago River cruise with a plated gourmet dinner, a Lake Michigan cruise with a plated gourmet dinner, or a Lake Michigan cruise with a buffet dinner.

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

Admire Chicago’s skyline and listen to city insights during an exciting speedboat ride on Lake Michigan. Choose the extreme thrills option to enjoy even faster speeds and a chance to be splashed.

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.

Try Paradise Plunge and Riptide, high-speed slides with twists and quick drops

Discover the most famous theater in Chicago and one of the most important venues in the United States on this tour of the historic Chicago Theater!

• Set sail from Michigan Avenue or Navy Pier in the heart of Chicago for an insightful 75-minute architecture river cruise.
• Board a vessel offering unparalleled views of over 40 landmarks, including the neo-Gothic Tribune Tower and the 398-foot Wrigley Building.
• The cruise features live commentary from a knowledgeable guide, vividly depicting Chicago's architectural history and evolution.
• Choose the preferred language for your tour with expert narration offered in both English and Spanish for tours departing from Michigan Avenue.
• 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.

Book your architecture river cruise and gaze at the most iconic buildings along the Chicago River!

Enjoy expedited entry with a skip-the-line entry ticket to the Art Institute of Chicago, home to a collection of art that spans centuries and the globe.

Our private walking tour of the Chicago History Museum offers a personalized, in-depth experience led by expert guides who bring Chicago’s vibrant past to life through captivating stories, insider insights, and exclusive information tailored to your interests.

A family-friendly introduction to Chicago's magnificent architecture

Enjoy sailing the waters of Lake Michigan with this dinner cruise. You'll enjoy a delicious dinner on board the ship—an unforgettable experience!

• Cruise Lake Michigan for up to 30 minutes on a speedboat and take in panoramic views of Chicago’s skyline and bustling lakefront.
• Glide past the city’s most iconic skyscrapers as expert guides weave entertaining stories and architectural facts into your journey.
• The speedboat tour is an adventure anyone who wants a highlights trip around Chicago's architectural landmarks can enjoy.
• Boarding at Navy Pier makes access a breeze, with its convenient location and popular attractions that you can explore nearby.
• This short cruise offers a combination of adventure, sightseeing, and water-based thrills in one fun experience.

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

Discover Chicago’s iconic architecture on a half-day tour of skyscrapers, historic bridges, and public spaces with expert guidance and a panoramic skyline finale.

Chicago is a big city with a lot of activities & sightseeing. To tour the city quickly, it requires the help of a knowledgeable local driving guide and that's where we step in to assist. Your Private Chicago Scenic Driving Tour will start by meeting our knowledgeable Guide/Driver who will pick you up at your hotel or other location provided and then proceed with the exploration of the beautiful windy city.

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

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

• Soak in panoramic views of Chicago’s skyline and iconic architecture on your 2.5-hour Lake Michigan dinner cruise.
• Enjoy a chef-prepared three-course dinner, unlimited coffee, tea, and a guaranteed table from the comfort of a climate-controlled deck.
• Infants under two cruise free, along with accommodations for any dietary restrictions, making this a welcoming cruise for all.
• A DJ curates the evening’s ambiance, adding a lively energy as you cruise past Chicago’s illuminated skyline.
• Creative cocktails and additional beverages are available for purchase on board, so that you get to customize your experience.

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.

Enjoy unbeatable views of the Navy Pier fireworks enhanced with commentary 3D glasses, a musical accompaniment, and lively narration on this cruise. Capture photos in front of the Chicago skyline.

Discover the rich history and architecture of downtown Chicago with local expert Dave Lineal. Walking underneath the soaring buildings, we will learn how Chicago grew to become a global force in culture, commerce, and architecture. How did this roaring city come to be? We will hear the tales of Chicago history immersed in the places where it happened -- exploring historic building interiors like the world's oldest skyscrapers, City Hall, and the old library. This deep dive in city history and architecture aims to deepen our appreciation of what Chicago is today.

Get a bird's eye view over the Magnificent Mile

With the Go City: Chicago Explorer Pass, you’ll get access to 2 to 7 of the city’s attractions. With the Essentials Pass, you’ll visit 3 attractions.

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

Experience the thrill of kayaking on the Chicago River. Learn paddling techniques, choose between single or tandem kayaks, and explore the city's stunning architecture.