How to have fun in Chicago? Where to go hiking or shopping? What activities are worth travelling to Chicago for?
Outlook
Just about every American city attracts breathtaking views from high-rise buildings. Chicago is no exception.
Unfortunately, unlike, say, New York City, Chicago's overall skyline is difficult to see, so head to one of the skyscrapers. The most famous views are from these famous towers, details of which you can read about below by clicking on the link:
Perhaps the only decent view of the city skyline is fromNavy Pier.
Museums and theme parks
Chicago is home to many museums and amusement parks, but we'd name two attractions in particular that are among the absolute top in the world.
- Field Museum - One of the world's greatest museums of the planet's history
- Shedd Aquarium - the third largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere
There are other great museums to visit in Chicago. Click on the link to go directly to the museum's website:
- Art Institute of Chicago - The famous art museum with over 300,000 objects and the famous bronze lion statues outside the entrance.
- Adler Planetarium - the most visited planetarium in the USA
- Museum of Science and Industry - an interesting and very interactive museum with many technological instruments
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day
The feast of Ireland's patron saint, St. Patrick is a very significant day of the year for all Irish people. Chicago has historically been home to one of the largest Irish diasporas in the world, and since 1962 it has been an annual tradition to celebrate the saint in grand style.
Compare prices for flights to Chicago
St. Patrick's Day celebrations involve parades in traditional Irish costumes, and the color green is inherent to St. Patrick.
On this day, a section of the Chicago River in Downtown is dyed green with a plant-based dye.
St. Patrick's Day is celebrated every year on March 17.
Boat cruises
Lovers of water views head to one of the many marinas on the river and take a ride on the water right in the heart of the city among the skyscrapers. Speaking of boat rides in cities, Chicago's are definitely among the best in the world.
The cheapest option is a ride on one of Chicago Watertaxi's lines, which offers a single-trip pass for 10 usd, or a much cheaper all-day pass for 20 usd on all lines.
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Chicago Watertaxi schedules and routes can be found here: chicagowatertaxi.com
A cruise along the Lake Michigan shoreline is most conveniently arranged by Shoreline Water Taxi. Plus, you'll have the entire city skyline in the palm of your hand as you make your way from Navy Pier to Museum Campus. Head out in the morning or mid-morning when the skyscrapers are illuminated by the morning sun.
The cheapest all-day ticket is 30 usd.
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Shoreline Water Taxi information can be seen here: shorelinesightseeing.com
Compare prices at getyourguide.com
Walking along the Chicago River
Most tourists' first steps lead directly into Chicago's heart, the Downtown district.
To make your stay more enjoyable in good weather, take the roughly two-mile marked Riverwalk along the Chicago River waterfront.
It starts at the confluence near the Merchandise Mart and runs between skyscrapers and under beautiful historic bridges to Lake Michigan and Navy Pier.
Swimming in Lake Michigan
On hot summer days, Lake Michigan is a great substitute for the sea. You won't see the other end quite the same as the ocean, and the sun will be similarly warm, just expect very cool water. It's only swimmable perhaps in August and September (around 20°C).
Where are the best beaches in Chicago?
- North Avenue Beach (see map) - the largest beach, located near Lincoln Park
- Ohio Beach (see map) - a small beach right in the Navy Pier area
- Oak Street Beach (see map) - a beautiful urban beach under the tall skyscrapers at the north end of the Magnificent Mile
Sports in the parks
Chicago boasts over 40 miles of boardwalk along Lake Michigan, lined with dozens of parks interspersed with hundreds of miles of walking and biking trails.
It's tempting to put on your sneakers in the morning and go for a run like many locals do!
Music clubs and nightlife
The city is renowned within the US for its rich nightlife.
What's more, it's nice that the atmosphere is more intimate and definitely less hectic than, say, New York or Los Angeles.
Chicago nights are best spent in the many jazz and blues clubs (there are dozens of them around the city!), in cosy pubs or famous theatres.
