Things to do in Chicago

Best Things to do in Chicago

Planning a trip and wondering about the top things to do in Chicago? From historic landmarks to modern experiences, the city offers something for every traveller, making it a perfect getaway in 2026.

With over 419 activities in Chicago, there is plenty to explore. Visit some of the most popular tourist attractions in , including iconic sites, vibrant neighbourhoods and cultural hubs. Whether you’re exploring bustling markets, sampling local delicacies or relaxing at scenic spots, every corner has something new to discover.

With experiences starting at INR 449, it’s never been easier to plan your perfect trip. Make the most of your visit to Chicago in January and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Things to Do in Chicago for Lakeside Exploration

About Chicago

Chicago is a bustling city on the shores of Lake Michigan, known for its stunning architecture, vibrant arts scene, and rich history. Whether you're exploring its iconic skyscrapers or enjoying its world-class museums, Chicago offers something for every type of traveller.

Explore attractions like the Willis Tower Skydeck, Millennium Park, Navy Pier, and the Art Institute of Chicago. Don't miss the scenic Lakefront Trail, the Magnificent Mile for shopping, and the iconic Chicago-style deep-dish pizza.

With its unique blend of culture, architecture, and history, Chicago is the perfect city for those seeking adventure and urban excitement.

Here’s What You Should Do When You Chicago!

Unique Experiences

Chicago Scavenger Hunt Adventure

Explore the city like never before with a Chicago Scavenger Hunt Adventure. It's one of the fun things to do in Chicago, where you solve clues and complete challenges while discovering hidden gems around the city. It’s a great way to explore the local culture and landmarks with friends or family.

Where: Dearborn Street, Chicago
Price: It ranges between ₹500 to ₹3,000 per person.
Timing: 8:00 am to 7:00 pm. The activity duration is around 3 hours.
When to Visit: May to June

Experience a Speedboat Ride on Lake Michigan

For an adrenaline rush, take a speedboat ride in Lake Michigan. It's one of the most unique things to do in Chicago, offering stunning views of the skyline and a fun ride on the water. Feel the wind in your hair as you zoom across the lake, making unforgettable memories.

Where: E Grand Ave, Chicago
Price: It ranges between ₹2,000 to ₹6,000 per person.
Timing: It offers multiple slots from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm. The duration of the activity is around 30 minutes.
When to Visit: May – September

Chicago Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

Discover the local delicacies of Chicago by embarking on this food tour. Walk around the Loop area and relish classic Chicago foods, including the deep-dish pizza.

Where: Chicago
Price: It ranges between ₹4,000 to ₹10,000 per person.
Timing: It offers multiple slots from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm. The duration of the activity is around 3 hours.
When to Visit: May – September

Top Attractions

Lincoln Park & Zoo

Escape from the city's hustle and bustle into Lincoln Park - Chicago’s largest park and a favourite tourist attraction in Chicago for both locals and visitors. Visiting this park is one of the top things to do in Chicago, whether you are planning a picnic or spending a day in the park's beautiful grounds. This is an ideal place to unwind and relax! Moreover, you should also explore the Lincoln Park Zoo to see a variety of animal exhibits.

Where: North Cannon Drive, Chicago
Price: Adult (12+): ₹2,670+; Youth (3–11): ₹2,000+; Children (<3): Free
Timing: May 24 – September 30: Sunday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Saturday: 8:30 AM – 10:00 PM
October 1 – May 23: Sunday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Saturday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
When to Visit: May

Shedd Aquarium

Located along the shore of Lake Michigan, Shedd Aquarium is one of the unique attractions in Chicago. It houses more than 1,500 species of aquatic life, including Oceanarium, Wild Reef, and Amazon Rising. If you want to experience marine life or teach your kids about it, visiting Shedd Aquarium should be one of the first things to do in Chicago.

Where: DuSable Lake Shore Drive
Price: Free
Timing: 8 AM to 5 PM
When to Visit: April–May and September–October

Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower (Sears Tower)

Once the tallest building in the world, Willis Tower is home to a Skydeck on its 103rd floor, from where you can take in the views of the city below. Seeing panoramic views from here is among the most famous things to do in Chicago.

Where: Wacker Drive, Chicago
Price: Adults (12 years and above): ₹2,660+; Children (3 to 11 years): ₹2,000+; Children under 3 years: Free
Timing: Open daily. Mar-Sept: 9 am-10 pm, Oct-Feb: 10 am-8 pm. Last entry 30 minutes prior to close.
When to Visit: May to October

Chicago River

The Chicago River is one of the prominent tourist attractions in Chicago, offering iconic landmarks, such as the Wrigley Building and Navy Pier. This river offers some decent activities in Chicago, including boarding a cruise to see the city from a different angle or paddling through it in a kayak for a closer look at the stunning skyline. Try visiting the river during the night to see Chicago lit up in all its glory.

Where: The Loop, Chicago, Illinois
Price: Free
Timing: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
When to Visit: May to June and September to October

Day Trips

Chicago-Style Holiday Hike: Festive Food and Walking Tour

Discover the streets of Chicago, explore the European-inspired Christmas market, check out State Street, and go ice skating at Millennium Park. All these things to do in Chicago make for a fantastic vacation experience!

Where: Michigan Ave, Chicago
Price: It ranges between ₹4,000 to ₹10,000 per person.
Timing: 11:30 am to 2:30 pm. The tour duration is around 3 hours.
When to Visit: Late November to Late December

Chicago in a Day: Explore Food, History, and Iconic Architecture

Join this tour to experience Chicago like a true insider. You can gain insight into the city's awe-inspiring architecture and rich history. This is going to be an unforgettable experience. While having deep-dish pizza and watching legendary skyscrapers, you will understand what makes the Windy City a world-class destination.

Where: The Chicago Theatre
Price: It ranges between ₹5,500 to ₹11,000 per person.
Timing: It offers tours from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. The tour duration is around 4 hours and 30 minutes.
When to Visit: April to May and September to October

Sightseeing Tours

Big Bus Chicago: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour by Open-Top Bus

Take a hop-on, hop-off tour of Chicago to explore the city at your own pace. The tour has multiple strategically located stops, allowing you to explore the Windy City at your own pace. This tour allows you to visit attractions like the iconic Art Institute and famous skyscrapers, making it one of the best things to do in Chicago, majorly preferred by first-time visitors.

Where: Chicago
Price: It ranges between ₹2,000 to ₹7,000 per person.
Timing: It offers multiple slots from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The tour duration is around 2 hours.
When to Visit: April to May and September to October

Chicago Walking Tour: Connecting Past and Present

Go on this exciting tour, discovering the iconic buildings. Explore the Wrigley Building and Marina City on this tour. Moreover, discover the work of Renzo Piano and Frank Gehry as you get to know the insider stories and Chicago's history!

Where: Chicago
Price: It ranges between ₹1,500 to ₹5,000 per person.
Timing: 1 PM to 2:45 PM
When to Visit: April to May and September to October

Boat Tours

Small-Group Sightseeing Boat Tour in Chicago

Embark on this boat tour that allows you to witness a variety of attractions, including Navy Pier, Soldier Field, the Vietnam Memorial, the Shedd Aquarium, and more. This is one of the best boat tours in Chicago, allowing you to revel in the beauty of the landscape surrounding you.

Where: Cannon Dr A Dock, Chicago
Price: It ranges between ₹5,000 to ₹10,000 per person.
Timing: It offers multiple tours from 7:55 am to 5:55 pm. The tour duration is around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
When to Visit: May to October and June to September

Lake Michigan Sunset Cruise in Chicago

Have a mesmerising evening on this cruise along the Chicago River. Witness the incredible Chicago skyline, witness the lovely skyscrapers and watch the sun set as you move towards Lake Michigan.

Where: Chicago River
Price: It ranges between ₹2,000 to ₹7,000 per person.
Timing: 7:30 PM to 9 PM
When to Visit: May to October and June to September

Getting Around

• Chicago's extensive public transport system, including the ‘L’ (elevated trains) and buses, is the most affordable and convenient way to get around the city.
• Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft are readily available for more comfort and door-to-door travel.
• Rent a bike or use the Divvy bike-sharing system to explore areas like Lakefront Trail, Millennium Park, and Lincoln Park.
• Walking is great for exploring downtown Chicago and iconic spots like Navy Pier, the Art Institute, and Michigan Avenue.
• The CTA train system is efficient and can take you to popular spots such as the Museum Campus and Wrigley Field.
• For a fun and unique experience, take a water taxi along the Chicago River for scenic views of the skyline and waterfront.

Traveller Tips

• Always be aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and stick to well-lit areas when walking.
• Chicago is known for its deep-dish pizza, so make sure to try a slice from iconic places like Giordano’s or Lou Malnati’s.
• Dress in layers, as Chicago’s weather can change quickly, especially in the winter, when it can be very cold.
• The city has a vibrant arts scene, so don’t miss out on free events like concerts in Millennium Park or museum exhibitions.
• The public transport system is reliable, but be sure to check for service updates and delays, especially during peak hours.