The Top 10 Best Things to do in Chicago, IL
Chicago is by far my favorite city in the United States, which definitely says a lot. This windy city is home of the Chicago Bulls, deep dish pizza, and the most fun main attractions. There is so much to experience in such a lively but here is my top 10 things to do in Chicago. My favorite time to visit Chicago is definitely during the summer around July or August. The reason I love summer there is because you can actually enjoy Lake Michigan and hangout in the parks without being freezing. Chicago is very cold and windy in the winter and I honestly would say try avoid it during that season. Stick to Chicago in the summer months.
1. Chow Down on Some Chicago Delicacies
You have to start your Chicago trip with my favorite part: the food! A Chicago favorite is absolutely deep-dish pizza. It is delicious! Our favorite place to go is Giordano’s. Another Chicago delicacy I love is their Chicago-style hot dogs. A Chicago-style hot dog includes the following: yellow mustard, chopped white onions, bright green sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato slices or wedges, pickled sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt. It is honestly so good to take my word for it. Two places that have yummy hot dogs are Chicago dog house and Kim & Carlos Chicago Style hot dog. Lastly, you have to get an Italian beef-dipped sandwich. I can’t even describe to you how good it is. The one place I enjoy going to is Portillos but you can also go to Al’s #1 Italian Beef.
2. Stroll Through Navy Pier
Navy pier is a great place for many fun attractions including a Ferris wheel, restaurants, gardens, and many others. It is a perfect spot to enjoy Lake Michigan views or even have a nice bite to eat. During the summer they also usually have fireworks to watch there!
Downtown Chicago
Downtown Chicago
3. Lincoln Park Zoo
Also known as Lincoln Park Zoological Gardens, it is a 35-acre zoo in Lincoln Park. I love the Lincoln Park area beyond the zoo it has a theatre, park, and many fun restaurants. The zoo however is one of the most established zoos in the country! Not to mention it is completely free to visit!
4. Hangout in Millennium Park
Millennium Park is the perfect place to enjoy the beautiful weather. It is conveniently placed next to the city and Lake Michigan, giving you incredible views of both. In the summer months, you can definitely expect to see live performances and live music. In the winter months, Chicago usually has an ice skating rink set up.
5. Go to the Bean!
f you are heading to Millenium park, don’t miss the bean while you’re there. It’s actually called the cloud gate and it’s one of Chicago’s main attractions. The bean is a modern sculpture that reflects the city, which is my favorite part about it. Since it is such a huge tourist attraction definitely visit in the early morning so you can miss the crowds!
6. Visit One (or all) of Chicago’s World-Class Museums
The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the world’s greatest art museums so if this is your thing, you can’t miss it! General admission tickets are $14 and can be purchased in advance online. Other popular museums that are definitely worth a visit are Adler Planetarium, The Field Museum, and The She’d Aquarium.
7. Shop Until you Drop at The Magnificent Mile
Magnificent Mile is the perfect place for shopping, amazing cuisine, live entertainment, and beautiful architecture. It is the most popular destination in Chicago and for good reason! Definitely don’t miss this on your trip to the Windy City. It is 13 blocks along Michigan Ave and has so many main attractions!
8. Visit the 360 CHICAGO
Located in downtown Chicago in the heart of the Magnificent Mile, The John Hancock Center is one of the tallest buildings in Chicago. At the top of the skyscraper is the 360 CHICAGO which is an incredible observation deck. On a clear day, you will get the most incredible views of Lake Michigan and the Windy City!
9. Visit the Sears Tower (aka Willis Tower)
It used to be called the Sears tower but now goes by the Willis Tower. It is another building you don’t want to miss. This building is actually the tallest building Chicago has. At the top, you can go to the Skydeck which is a glass box that stretches out so you can clearly see the city below you. It can be a bit scary but can also be one of the best views you will get of the city!
10. Go to a Sporting Event
Depending on which season you go to Chicago for will depend on the sporting event you end up at. My favorite would be a baseball game at Wrigley Field. It is home to the Chicago Cubs and it is such a fun time. You can also go to the United Center for a Chicago Bulls game or a Blackhawks game in the winter.
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