Best Free Things to Do in Chicago

THE 10 BEST Free Things to Do in Chicago

Best Free Things to Do in Chicago

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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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229 places 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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Showing results 1-30 of 229

What travellers are saying

  • Agusss
    Wilmette, IL5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It is big and very beautiful, especially in autumn with all the colorful trees. You can go with someone or alone, it doesn't matter.
    Written 3 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ug O
    17 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Impressionist paintings are among the stunning works of art in the Art Institute. Observed the entire city from the 360's 90th level. In the same region, there is excellent shopping. Even though there was a lengthy wait on a Friday night, the hamburgers we had at Au Cheval were fantastic.
    Written 30 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • luckydog172
    Laguna Niguel, CA617 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We really enjoyed this place. I already reviewed this under Millennium Park. A fall visit with Chicago wind floating yellow and orange leaves all over the air. We enjoyed it.
    Written 30 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Lind.344
    Chicago, IL2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing place I would reccomend for everyone it looks like a magical place from photos but when you see in front its awsome🙏🏻
    Written 3 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Emily M
    Indianapolis, IN255 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Hard to believe this is free!!! We spent 3 hours here today with our two preschoolers but could have stayed longer. There is a wonderful walking path on the south side of the zoo and lots of animals to see. Not a lot of bigger animals, but really nice exhibits!! Will definitely be back!
    Written 25 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ledbury5
    Ledbury, UK119 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I visited when everything was closed so just had a lovely walk round the pier. The views back to the skyline are beautiful.
    Written 1 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Heather M
    Racine, WI26 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Incredible building. Went to see an Indian concert. Acoustics were great. Restrooms were clean. A great experience. It was a free event, and we could purchase Indian food and beverages for a great price!
    Written 16 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Enor A
    Saint Louis, MO15 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful outdoors. Ride Car-age available for fees, food and snacks vendors. Street parking available for $7 hourly. Lots of foot traffic and vehicles traffic too.
    Written 19 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jeremy C
    Atlanta, GA950 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very nice garden with several large interior gardens and a large outdoor area. Lots of pretty water features and a very broad selection of plants, especially in the fern and desert rooms.
    Written 25 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jeffery D
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great trip. Would do it again. Next time I would plan ahead more. I would allow more days. We decided not to take our RV trailer (29’) and glad we didn’t. Many times we wouldn’t have been able to park where we were if we were towing the RV. Be sure to purchase your RT.66 shirts early (and often) and when we wore them we met lots of other travelers, some going WB (west bound) while others were EB (east bound) and we shared much information.
    Written 27 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • doctorfoxtrot
    Taguig City, Philippines13,158 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A huge radius encompassing everything. From shops , restaurants, convenience stores , hotels , theaters , historical buildings. Seeing an upward train , it reminds you of typical downtown. Be wary however of occasional sketchy situations at certain areas specifically at night time .
    Written 12 July 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Chris J
    Chicago, IL7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is an excellent time to visit Cathedrals, as the summer weather often allows for more comfortable exploration and photography. A perfect time to appreciate their architectural beauty and historical significance.
    Written 5 August 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • JFWhite
    Moncton, Canada7,477 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    As a huge fan of this show, this was by far one of the coolest thing to visit and see in person. Highly recommended if you are in the Chicago region. Something I'll never forget!a
    Written 28 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Disneybus
    Pittsgrove, NJ986 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    After arriving on the Zephyr, my wife and I had a rough time traversing thought the subterranean maze, collecting our suitcases, and exiting to find Ubers. There's lots of construction in the abyss, and as such there's little helpful signage and direction. It was difficult for us as seasoned travelers; we did ask questions multiple times and finally found our way to street level. I was excited seeing the famous staircase filmed in the Untouchables where Kevin Costner and Andy Garcia captured the bookkeeper! Of course I couldn't resist reenacting the scene - "Got him"
    Written 7 June 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • StephenCross
    Dublin, Ireland31,425 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful area to walk / run / jog or dog walk. The boats are great and pass close to the shore so it’s always a vibrant and exciting place.
    Written 22 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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