THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Central, Chicago
Top Things to Do in Central
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Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
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694 results sorted by traveller favourites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
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Points of Interest & Landmarks • Parks
Downtown / The Loop
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Neighbourhoods • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Magnificent Mile
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Downtown / The Loop
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Admission tickets from $74
Architectural Buildings • Observation Decks & Towers
Magnificent Mile
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Admission tickets from $50
Natural History Museums • Science Museums
South Loop
Admission tickets from $49
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
Downtown / The Loop
Amusement & Theme Parks • Piers & Boardwalks
Streeterville
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Architectural Buildings • Civic Centres
Downtown / The Loop
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Fountains
Downtown / The Loop
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Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites
Near North Side
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Downtown / The Loop
Parks • Playgrounds
Downtown / The Loop
Speciality Museums • Observatories & Planetariums
South Loop
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Downtown / The Loop
Historic Sites • Department Stores
Downtown / The Loop
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Speciality Museums • History Museums
Downtown / The Loop
Admission tickets from $27
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Showing results 1-30 of 694
What travellers are saying
- KatlangnerMiami, FL29 contributionsI loved the collection at the Chicago Art Institute. I’m an avid art fan so I love visiting museums. I think this is my favorite museum in the US. The American and Impressionist collections are really exquisite. I highly recommend you visit if your in Chicago!Written 2 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Brenna H5 contributionsMillennium Park in Chicago is a must-visit! The iconic Cloud Gate (aka “The Bean”) is even more impressive in person, reflecting the city’s skyline in a cool, surreal way. The park itself is spacious, with beautiful green areas, stunning art installations, and a great vibe. I loved walking around the Crown Fountain, watching the video projections and water spray. It’s a perfect spot to relax or snap some great photos. Definitely a highlight of Chicago!Written 5 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- LeAnn K38 contributionsWonderful to walk the mile from the John Hancock building to Millennium Park to check out “The Bean”. We checked out various stores along the way and enjoyed the holiday lights. Parking was easy as we prepaid (so you save money!) at One Millennium Mile Parking at 120 E. Walton St. Super Efficient!Written 5 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Laurence PNewhaven, UK439 contributionsVery high and stunning views.
One of the better viewing platforms we had in America.
The information at the start gives all teh history you need to know.Written 26 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - badgerma1Chicago, IL22 contributionsI attended the tour of Graceland Cemetery and found it fascinating. Our tour guide, Robin S, was incredibly knowledgeable and engaging. The group asked a lot of questions and it took a lot to stump her! For anyone who is a fan of “The Guilded Age”, this is a trip into Chicago’s version of that HBO show. It made for a perfect way to spend an afternoon for anyone intrigued by Chicago’s history or cemeteries in general. (Note in the photos that we even had a coyote sighting!)Written 7 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Laurence PNewhaven, UK439 contributionsWe had done the skydeck as well a couple of days before. The 360 has great views, just from a different point in the sky. The advantage here was being able to see in all directions.
And then you can have a go on the tilt, great funWritten 26 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - OldWulfWolverhampton, UK415 contributionsStarted on the lower level and was actually considering leaving, nothing of interest and being asked for more money to see exhibits, not a good start. Middle floor was better so joined a tour group as it was free . Good move because it just got better and better. The top floor alone is worth the entry fees, the history of the planet is shown in incredible detail and you get to see exhibits from all over the world, including a dinosaur named Sue. Four hours seems a long time to spend in a museum but you could easily spend all day and not see everything.Written 19 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Laurence PNewhaven, UK439 contributionsA lot better in real life than on pictures. Quite surprised at the size. Intersing to find out about the British designer too. Well worth stopping here for a hour.Written 26 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Roselyn S2 contributionsIt was incredible to walk in the windy city, it has different energy that u can feel. Its must see place of city and night with lights, it would be incredibleWritten 14 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Laurence PNewhaven, UK439 contributionsAs expected, full of tourists (like us). However, it was great fun. We popped on and off a few times as we had boat rides from here.
We also rode a couple of rides, the wheel was worth it.Written 26 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - danstar68Melbourne, Australia270 contributionsExpensive!! Whilst this was a return visit because it is a cool aquarium and I enjoyed the last visit, be prepared for the cost. $45!!! And multiple sections closed 😡. Not even a student discount. Hard to justify going back sadly.Written 2 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jessica G1 contributionHorribly interesting museum, worth the visit as it is a different kind of experience. Staff was very friendly :) ThanksWritten 1 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- NoraatcSudbury, MA40,000 contributionsWe lived close to the River and admired its clear waters on every walk. Chicago River is unrecognizable now thanks to the very bold cleanup project of routing Lake Michigan water into the river and making it a shining beauty of Chicago. What a contrast from the dingy poisonous river of the old days to the glistening turquoise transparent waters of today!Written 21 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- The_Gallagher_7Cornelius, NC85 contributionsAmazing that such beauty and history are free for the observer. We enjoyed our walk through the building to see the treasures.Written 5 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Potomac_11Potomac, MD472 contributionsThis beautiful fountain is worth a visit. It sits between Lake Michigan and downtown Chicago, and is a great place to take a break with an ice cream, coffee, or beer,Written 9 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
