Find Car Rentals in Chicago
What are the top attractions in Chicago?
Must-see places, ranked by popularity
Quick answer 16 top-rated attractions in Chicago, ranked by traveler popularity. Tickets & tours bookable via Viator with free cancellation on most experiences.
Book Chicago Attractions & Tours on Viator300,000+ experiences worldwide • Free cancellation on most bookings • Instant confirmation
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★ 4.8
Millennium Park
Chicago, IL 60602, USA
Explore →92,273 reviews
★ 4.6
Navy Pier
600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Explore →87,553 reviews
★ 4.8
The Art Institute of Chicago
111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603, USA
Explore →38,484 reviews
★ 4.8
Wrigley Field
1060 W Addison St, Chicago, IL 60613, USA
Explore →35,598 reviews
★ 4.7
Cloud Gate
201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602, USA
Explore →39,344 reviews
★ 4.7
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
5700 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
Explore →35,788 reviews
★ 4.6
Lincoln Park Zoo
Chicago, IL 60614, USA
Explore →38,310 reviews
★ 4.7
Field Museum
1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
Explore →31,453 reviews
★ 4.6
Skydeck Chicago
233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606, USA
Explore →37,220 reviews
★ 4.8
Chicago Riverwalk
Chicago, IL 60601, USA
Explore →22,438 reviews
★ 4.6
Brookfield Zoo Chicago
8400 31st St, Brookfield, IL 60513, USA
Explore →29,018 reviews
★ 4.7
Grant Park
331 E. Randolph St N Columbus Dr, Chicago, IL 60601,...
Explore →21,021 reviews
★ 4.5
Shedd Aquarium
1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
Explore →33,275 reviews
★ 4.7
Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain
301 S Columbus Dr, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
Explore →17,086 reviews
★ 4.5
Willis Tower
233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606, USA
Explore →24,049 reviews
★ 4.5
360 CHICAGO
875 N Michigan Ave 94th floor, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Explore →20,602 reviews
What are the best tours and experiences in Chicago?
Hop-on-hop-off, food tours, day trips, skip-the-line tickets
Quick answer Top tour formats in Chicago include hop-on-hop-off bus loops, food and walking tours, day trips, and skip-the-line attraction tickets. All bookable through Viator or GetYourGuide with free cancellation on most options.
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Hop-On Hop-Off
Walking Tours
Food Tours
Day Trips
Boat Cruises
Skip-the-Line
Private Tours
Adventure Tours
Photography Tours
Night Tours
Hop-On Hop-Off BusHop-On Hop-Off Bus in Chicago
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Food and Wine ToursFood and Wine Tours in Chicago
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City Walking ToursCity Walking Tours in Chicago
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Day TripsDay Trips in Chicago
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Boat and CruisesBoat and Cruises in Chicago
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Skip-the-LineSkip-the-Line in Chicago
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Private ToursPrivate Tours in Chicago
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Nightlife ToursNightlife Tours in Chicago
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Photography ToursPhotography Tours in Chicago
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Helicopter ToursHelicopter Tours in Chicago
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Where to eat and go out in Chicago?
Restaurants, bars, and entertainment
Quick answer Browse top-rated restaurants, nightlife venues, and live shows happening now in Chicago. Listings ranked by traveler ratings; tickets and tables bookable directly through partner sites.
Where to Eat
Pizzeria Portofino$$
★ 4.8
Giordano's$$
★ 4.5
Quartino Ristorante$$
★ 4.7
Portillo's & Barnelli's Chicago$
★ 4.4
Au Cheval$$
★ 4.7
Aba$$$
★ 4.8
The Dearborn$$
★ 4.7
Pequod's Pizza$$
★ 4.4
Nightlife
Gino's East$$
★ 4.7
360 CHICAGOBar / Club
★ 4.5
Starbucks Reserve Roastery$$
★ 4.5
Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!$$
★ 4.7
Three Dots and a Dash$$$
★ 4.6
Beatrix Streeterville$$
★ 4.7
House of Blues Chicago$$
★ 4.5
The Purple Pig Restaurant$$
★ 4.6
Shows & Events
Monkeys On EcstasyAug 17
Balloon Museum | EmotionAir - Art You Can Feel - ChicagoAug 17
CHIODOS: IT'S NOT YOU, IT'S ME TOURAug 17
The Best of The Second CityAug 17
Welcome to The Show with Derek BishAug 17
USD 0
FREE MONDAY w/ Brinstarr (Album Release) / Snake Eater / Kauboj / Bone Study (DJ)Aug 17
USD 0
Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise Aboard First LadyAug 17
ChiTown Drive-In Presents - GreaseAug 18
Where can I shop in Chicago?
Malls, markets, and retail districts
Quick answer Top shopping destinations in Chicago from major malls to local markets. Browse the rail below for hours, locations, and ratings.
★ 4.5
Water Tower Place
835 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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★ 4.3
Macy's
$$
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★ 4.5
Costco Wholesale
1430 S Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60608, USA
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★ 4.5
Costco Wholesale
$$
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★ 4.2
Chicago Ridge Mall
444 Ridgeland Ave, Chicago Ridge, IL 60415, USA
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★ 4.2
North Riverside Park Mall
7501 W Cermak Rd, North Riverside, IL 60546, USA
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★ 4.6
Trader Joe's
1147 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
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★ 4.3
Block
108 N State St, Chicago, IL 60602, USA
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★ 4.5
Costco Wholesale
Receiving, 2500 S Harlem Ave #1153b, North Rive...
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★ 4.1
Walmart Supercenter
7050 S Cicero Ave, Bedford Park, IL 60638, USA
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★ 4.1
Walmart Supercenter
$
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★ 4.6
Trader Joe's
$$
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★ 4.2
Christkindlmarket Chicago
50 W Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602, USA
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★ 4.6
Trader Joe's
$$
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★ 4.4
Nordstrom
55 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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★ 3.9
Walmart Supercenter
3320 S Cicero Ave, Cicero, IL 60804, USA
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What events are happening in Chicago?
Concerts, sports & shows in the next 90 days
Quick answer 17 upcoming events in Chicago across the next 90 days, including concerts, sports, and live shows. Tickets via Ticketmaster.
ConcertMonkeys On Ecstasy
Aug 17, 2026
Get Tickets →
EventBalloon Museum | EmotionAir - Art You Can Feel - Chicago
Aug 17, 2026
Get Tickets →
CHIODOS: IT'S NOT YOU, IT'S ME TOUR
Aug 17, 2026
Get Tickets →
Arts & TheatreThe Best of The Second City
Aug 17, 2026
Get Tickets →
EventWelcome to The Show with Derek Bish
Aug 17, 2026
Get Tickets →
ConcertFREE MONDAY w/ Brinstarr (Album Release) / Snake Eater / Kauboj / Bone Study (DJ)
Aug 17, 2026
Get Tickets →
Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise Aboard First Lady
Aug 17, 2026
Get Tickets →
ChiTown Drive-In Presents - Grease
Aug 18, 2026
Get Tickets →
ChiTown Drive-In Presents - Scream (The Original!)
Aug 18, 2026
Get Tickets →
EventBalloon Museum | EmotionAir - Art You Can Feel - Chicago
Aug 18, 2026
Get Tickets →
Citizen with Anxious, Hotline TNT, and Rocket
Aug 18, 2026
Get Tickets →
Chicago Sky vs. New York Liberty
Aug 18, 2026
Get Tickets →
The Crane Wives w/ Brye
Aug 18, 2026
Get Tickets →
ConcertZoofunkyou, Radiator Charlie
Aug 18, 2026
Get Tickets →
ConcertTreyf / Baby / First Electric
Aug 18, 2026
Get Tickets →
Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise Aboard First Lady
Aug 18, 2026
Get Tickets →
EventBalloon Museum | EmotionAir - Art You Can Feel - Chicago
Aug 19, 2026
Get Tickets →
Concert
AUG
17
Monkeys On Ecstasy
1001 W Washington Blvd, Chicago, IL
Event
AUG
17
Balloon Museum | EmotionAir - Art You Can Feel - Chicago
4120 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL
Concert
AUG
17
CHIODOS: IT'S NOT YOU, IT'S ME TOUR
329 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL
Arts & Theatre
AUG
17
The Best of The Second City
1616 N. Wells St., Chicago, IL
Event
AUG
17
Welcome to The Show with Derek Bish
1357 N Elston Avenue, Chicago, IL
Get Tickets
USD 0
Concert
AUG
17
FREE MONDAY w/ Brinstarr (Album Release) / Snake Eater / Kauboj / Bone Study (DJ)
1035 N. Western Ave., Chicago, IL
Get Tickets
USD 0
Event
AUG
17
Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise Aboard First Lady
112 E. Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL
Film
AUG
18
ChiTown Drive-In Presents - Grease
2343 S Throop St, Chicago, IL
Film
AUG
18
ChiTown Drive-In Presents - Scream (The Original!)
2343 S Throop St, Chicago, IL
Frequently asked questions about Chicago
Common traveler questions answered
What are the top things to do in Chicago?
Chicago offers world-class attractions, guided tours, restaurants, nightlife, shopping districts and live events. Explore the rails above for ranked attractions, food & drink picks, shows and experiences happening in the next 90 days.
How many days do I need in Chicago?
Most travelers find 3-5 days is enough to see the main attractions in Chicago, with extra time for day trips or beach time. Long weekends (3 days) work for highlight tours; a full week lets you slow down and explore neighborhoods, cuisine and nearby destinations.
What's the best way to get around Chicago?
Public transport, walking, taxis and rideshares cover most central areas. Renting a car gives you the most flexibility for day trips, beaches, and destinations outside the city center, with all major suppliers available at Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).
When is the best time to visit Chicago?
Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) typically offer the best balance of weather, crowds, and prices. Summer brings peak attractions and events but also the highest hotel rates and longest queues. Check current event listings above to align your visit with festivals or shows that interest you.
Where is the best area to stay in Chicago?
Central neighborhoods near top attractions are convenient for first-time visitors. Compare hotel rates from hundreds of sites using the KAYAK link in the sidebar to find the right balance of price, location, and amenities for your trip.
Do I need a car in Chicago?
It depends on your itinerary. For city-focused trips with central hotels, public transport and rideshares often work fine. If you plan beach days, day trips, or visits to suburbs and surrounding areas, a rental car is usually faster and cheaper than booking individual transfers.