Best Budget-Friendly Things to Do in Chicago
THE 10 BEST Cheap Things to Do in Chicago
Best Budget-Friendly Things to Do in Chicago
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Points of Interest & Landmarks • Parks
Downtown / The Loop
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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
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 • Architectural Buildings
West Loop
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Points of Interest & Landmarks
Downtown / The Loop
Parks • Playgrounds
Downtown / The Loop
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Near West Side
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Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Downtown / The Loop
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Showing results 1-30 of 279
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.
- Basso102Chicago, IL42 contributionsMy daughter got us tickets for Thanksgiving Friday. I was expecting to be mildly amused but mostly bored. Wow! Was I wrong!
We viewed the exhibit on James Bond movie technology which was thorough and engaging. Took a few pictures on the phone and sent to my nephew. He enthusiastically responded: You have to go see U- 505!
On our way to the boat, we walked through the Boeing 727 airliner on display and marveled at the unique airplanes in the exhibit.
On to the U- boat . Come around the corner into the exhibit after a very fine historical overview, You are overlooking the bow of this World War II submarine. Again, the presentation on the history from both sides was incredible. They offered a tour of her inside- which was a little pricey- but totally worth it.
Our tour was capped off with a walk-through of The art deco locomotive and the tour of the model train exhibit.
I heartedly recommend this museum for all agesWritten 10 December 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.
- Millian CChicago, IL4 contributionsStopped in to see a Cubs game while on a baseball road trip. What an amazing stadium. We found it easy to get to using the Chicago L subway system. For such an old and iconic stadium it is unbelievably clean! Even the brick looks fresh. Every usher we met was friendly and helpful as well. We truly enjoyed the game and just the Chicago Cubs experience as well.Written 8 November 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.
- TravelinFieldGuySilicon Valley, California243 contributionsIn December, come at night for "ZooLights", when the place is lit up with literally millions of Christmas lights. You have to get tickets online, but on Mondays they are free. This makes a great family activity!
We came up on the the CTA bus #151 from our hotel near the Mag Mile, then had dinner at the wonderful "Mon Ami Gabi" French restaurant just a block from the zoo entrance before heading in. Folks who have visited Las Vegas might know the name of this restaurant. Turns out, the original is in Chicago, and it is even more fabulous!
The lights are magical! And the place is packed with locals who enjoy this winter institution. Allow about one to two hours for you tour of the lights within the zoo.
So if you are in Chicago in the Christmas season, head north to Lincoln Park and enjoy this wonderful local winter institution. If you have the time (and don't mind spending some $$$), enjoy a dinner at Mon Ami Gabi before or after your visit.Written 4 December 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. - 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.
- Betty3,067 contributionsThe conservatory has so many variety of plants and it is so nicely maintained. We like to walk around and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and hear the waterfall. It is free to visit although a donation would help maintain the place.Written 19 November 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.
