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Chicago

Experiential journeys will make you a storyteller
About Chicago

Situated on the freshwater lake of Michigan in Illinois, USA, the windy city of Chicago is the international hub for telecommunications, technology, education, industry, commerce, culture and finance.

To take a break from the city clamor you can soak in the natural beauty of Chicago that lies in its green parks. Nature abounds the city just about every place you go. Whether you are in the suburbs or someplace else the place has many natural oases that add to its beauty. To experience the rich biodiversity and natural beauty of Chicago, you must come to the nature preserves and prairies overlooking Lake Michigan.

You can have a walk through the Millenium Park in downtown Chicago to marvel at the 110-ton stainless steel masterpiece called the Cloud Gate, or stroll around the historic carousel and Ferris Wheel in Navy Pier Park. For the history aficionados, there is the Field Museum of Natural History that displays 20 million specimens and artifacts. Chicago is one of the most attractive places to visit in USA because of Michigan Avenue that houses numerous luxury shops, boutiques and galleries where you can engage in a whole lot of things.

Chicago offers more thrill than chill in terms of fun activities. To explore the city from a unique vantage point you can kayak along the riverwalk of Chicago. Those that would like to test their skills at climbing can scale the structures at the Maggie Daley Park to witness the spectacular skyline of Chicago. You can also try something completely extraordinary by indulging in flyboarding at 31st Street Harbor.

Chicago has a continental weather with warm summers and cold winters. The climate faces frequent fluctuations in wind direction, cloudiness, humidity and temperature from time to time.

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Attractions

Art Institute Of Chicago
One of the most interesting and unique things to see in Chicago, the Art Institute of Chicago is one of the biggest and oldest museums in the USA. It is situated in Chicago's Grant Park and was established in the year 1879. This museum, which features pieces by notable artists like Grant Wood, Georges Seurat, Pablo Picasso, Edward Hopper, and more, is one of the top destinations for history fans in Chicago.
Shedd Aquarium
Shedd Aquarium is an indoor public aquarium, and one of the best things to see in Chicago, with over 32000 creatures. It was the first aquarium on land to have a steady supply of saltwater fish. Its collection contains 1500 different kinds of fish, birds, insects, snakes, amphibians, and marine animals. The aquarium's permanent displays, including the Caribbean Reef, Waters of the Worlds, Amazon Rising, Abbott Oceanarium, and the Wild Reef, are available for your enjoyment.
Chicago History Museum
One of the best historical attractions in Chicago is the Chicago Historical Museum, which was established in 1856 and was once known as the Chicago Historical Society. It was established with the intention of researching and comprehending Chicago's illustrious past. Here, you can examine the collection's around 22 million items, which cover both Chicago and American history.
Field Museum
The Field Museum of Natural History has established itself as a leader in the field of natural history thanks to its extensive collection of scientific artifacts and models. It is also known for its high caliber of educational and scientific activities. Listed among the best Chicago tourist attractions, know that the World's Columbian Exposition in 1893 is where the Field Museum got its start.
Willis Tower

Noted amongst the most unique Chicago tourist attractions, the Willis Tower, one of the world's tallest buildings with 110 stories, was first made available to the public in 1973. The building's Skydeck was first used in 1974, and it underwent renovation in 2009 to include The Ledge. The Ledge has enormous windows that spread outward and provide a sweeping view of the city below. On a clear day, the Skydeck offers views across four states and more than 50 miles.

360 Chicago

The 360 is among the most breathtaking locations in Chicago, and is one of the best Chicago tourist attractions to visit . A viewing platform called Chicago is located on the 94th level of the John Hancock Center. In addition to offering a magnificent view of the Michigan River, Chicago's skyline, and three more neighboring states, it soars over the Michigan River. The Tilt, Chicago's tallest thrill attraction, is available to experience here.

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Chicago FAQ's

Which are the best places to visit in Chicago?

1. Millenium Park: Known for organizing festivals, events, and concerts, Millenium Park is Chicago’s most popular tourist attraction. The park is spread over 25 acres of land, housing several contemporary installations and unique sculptures. The park was opened on 16 July 2004. Its other name is the "front lawn" of downtown Chicago. 

Location:
Loop community area, Chicago, USA 
Price: Free entry 
Timing: 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM (Monday to Sunday)

2. Lincoln Park Zoo: 
Opened in 1866, Lincoln Park Zoo is known as Chicago’s most popular zoo, spread over 35 acres of land. Its other name is Lincoln Park Zoological Gardens, regarded as the 4th oldest zoo in North America. A tour of this place will rejuvenate your soul if you’re a nature admirer or animal lover. Here, you can catch a glimpse of around 200 unique species of animals. The most famous are the African Penguin Chick, Egyptian Fruit Bat, Prehensile-tailed Skink, Carlsbad Green Tarantula,  Red Panda and others.  

Location:
  2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614, United States
Price: $20 for adults 
Timing: 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM

3. Field Museum: 
Officially known as the Field Museum of Natural History, Field Museum in Chicago is a natural history museum known to be the largest of its kind. The museum was founded on 16 September 1893. The structure is one of the finest examples of Neoclassical architecture.

Location:
1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605, United States
Price: $40 for adults and $35 for Adults with ID. 
Timing: if applicable

4. Shedd Aquarium: 
Tucked neatly close to Lake Michigan, Shedd Aquarium is a popular site in Chicago, housing more than 1500 mammals and fishes. Regarded as one of the world’s largest aquariums, this place is ideal for spending a fun-filled afternoon or evening with friends or family. The aquarium was opened on 30 May 1930.

Location:
1200 S Dusable Lk Shr Dr, Chicago, IL 60605, United States
Price: $19.95
Timing: 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM

5. Art Institute of Chicago:
 One of Chicago’s most executive sites to travel to, the Art Institute of Chicago is a renowned art museum founded in 1879. The museum boasts a vast collection of more than 30,000 artworks of famous artists from all around the globe. Even if you’re not an art enthusiast, Japanese prints, stained glass installations and beautiful Greek sculptures will make you fall in love with this place. Inside the art museum, there is a restaurant called Terzo Piano to grab quick meals.

Location:
111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603, United States
Price: $25
Timing: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM 

7. Riverwalk
When talking about sightseeing in Chicago, there’s no better place than the Riverwalk. A stroll alongside the famous Riverwalk while adoring the spectacular city lights is truly an experience to behold. The place is lined by some of the most iconic restaurants and a vast number of pubs, bars, and cafes. You can explore this place via a water taxi. 

Location:
Riverwalk, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
Price: Free 
Timing: 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM

8. Navy Pier: 
Craving a relaxed evening in Chicago? Travel to Navy Pier and dive into an array of experiences like a Giant Ferris Wheel, a beer garden, and live entertainment. You can also attend the live music festival or classic plays at the world-famous Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. Navy Pier is lined by several renowned restaurants and cafes to satisfy your taste buds. 

Location:
600 E Grand Ave, Chicago 
Price: Free 
Timing: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM 

9. 360 CHICAGO:
 Originally known as John Hancock Observatory, 360 Chicago is an iconic structure in the city’s heart. Offering a breathtaking view of Chicago's skyline, the lakefront, and four states from 1000 feet above the ground level, it is truly a sight to behold! Reach upto 94-floor and indulge in a lifetime experience! 

Location:
875 Michigan Avenue, Chicago
Price: $30 for adults and $20 for children 
Timing: 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM 

10. Buckingham Fountain:
 Located in the heart of Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain is a historical structure inspired by the Art Deco movement. Opened on 26 May 1927, it is one of the world’s largest fountains boasting 15,000 gallons of water which moves to create special designs and effects. Sound and light shows are organized here to enhance their magic during the evenings. 

Location:
301 S Columbus Dr, Chicago
Price: Free 
Timing: Opens 24 hours

11. Chicago History Museum:
 Home to more than 20 million artifacts, Chicago History Museum is an important historic site nestled in Chicago’s city center. The museum was founded in 1856 to study and interpret the history of Chicago. The museum houses archives, manuscripts, and photographs that played a significant role in the city’s past. If you’re a history buff, it is a must-visit place!

Location:
1601 N Clark St, Chicago
Price: $17.00
Timing; 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Which are the best things to do in Chicago?

1. Spend an afternoon at Navy Pier: Navy pier is a quintessential tourist destination to make a boring afternoon fun-filled. With colored buildings, vibrant lights, and bustling crowds, a visit to this palace will add fun to your day out in Chicago. Some of the best things to do at Navy Pier are Centennial Wheel & rides, architecture river cruise, classic lake tour, or sailing under the open sky. Besides these, there are plenty of exciting activities at Navy Pier which will entertain you throughout! 

Location:
600 E Grand Ave, Chicago 
Price: Prices differ based on the activity! 
Timing: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM

2. Take the Lake Michigan sightseeing boat tour: 
Get a mesmerizing view of Chicago’s skyline from the famous Lake Michigan, which will soothe your senses. It is one of Chicago’s most visited tourist destinations, where you can take a boat ride to admire the state's diverse landscape, the legendary city of Detroit, and lush green surroundings. It is the only lake in Chicago which completely borders U.S. soil. After completing the lake Michigan boat tour, head to Millenium park, located close to Lake Michigan.

Location:
Lake Michigan, Chicago, USA
Price: Prices differ based on various factors! 
Timing: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM

3. Enjoy the City view from 360 Chicago Observation Deck:
One of the most mesmerizing attractions of Chicago is the 360 Chicago Observation Deck, which offers spectacular views from the 94th floor. It is one of the world’s oldest decks offering breathtaking sights of the city’s most famous attractions from the height of 1000 feet—Park yourself at an in-house cafe and bar for a delightful meal. The best time to travel here is during the evening.

Location:
875 Michigan Avenue, Chicago
Price: $30 for adults and $20 for children 
Timing: 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM

4. Explore the Medieval Torture Museum:
Situated on St. George Street, Medieval Torture Museum in Chicago displays a glimpse of medieval torture devices used in the past. It is an iconic museum that houses a vast collection of over 100 pieces used to pin down people. The displays in the museum showcase several torturous scenes which offer a thrilling experience. If you’re looking for a lighter experience, the museum also houses a Micro Art Collection.

Location:
177 N State St, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
Price: $30.00
Timing: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM

5. Enjoy at Escape Room:
Get ready for an exciting escape room tour in Chicago. It includes room activities such as solving puzzles, Prison Break, Gold Rush, Mission Mars, Mysterious Market, and The Heist. These activities are designed for groups as well as solo players. You can also participate in finding hidden gold, solving an unexpected mystery, or breaking out of prison. In all, this place has fun-filled rooms for all skill levels.

Location:
Escape Room, Chicago, USA 
Price: $39.99
Timing: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM

What are the best adventurous activities to do in Chicago?

1. Rock climb at Maggie Daley Park: The first and only outdoor park in the heart of Chicago is Maggie Daley Park. These are classified into beginners and advanced levels, making them ideal for amateurs and experts. These places can easily accommodate between 50 to 100 people at one time. The place remains open from April to October throughout the year.

Location:
337 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
Price: $16–$22
Age limit: Minimum age is 4 years 

2. Kayaking at Chicago Riverwalk: 
Another extremely exciting adventurous activity designed for thrill-seekers is Kayaking at Chicago Riverwalk. Riverwalk in Chicago is a mesmerizing tourist site in the city’s heart. Here, you will paddle by the historic city bridges, soaring skyscrapers, and crowded Chicago Riverwalk. You can also catch a glimpse of the fireworks show organized on Saturdays and Wednesdays every summer.

Location:
Riverwalk, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
Price: $7.50 per 15 minutes
Age limit: Guests under 18 years must be accompanied by guardians. Travelers below 16 years will go only in a double kayak.

3. Take a speedboat ride: 
Get some major adrenaline rush while taking a speedboat ride on the waters of Lake Michigan in Chicago. With sharp turns and twists, you will be amazed by the mesmerizing surroundings and spectacular views. Note you might sprinkle some water on you as well!

Location:
Lake Michigan, Chicago, USA
Price: $30
Age limit: 14 years or above

4. Jet ski on Lake Michigan: 
Another excellent way to unwind yourself amidst nature is going on a Jet ski on Lake Michigan. It is one of the most famous adventure activities, perfect for the expert boater. This lake is around 60 feet deep; hence one needs to be careful while opting for this thrilling ride. 

Location:
Lake Michigan, Chicago, USA
Price: $57 per hour
Age limit: 14 years or above

5. Go for Flyboarding:
 One of the most popular water activities in Chicago, flyboarding is one of the first choices of every adventure-seeker. Here, you get a chance to open your wings and fly above the lake using a flying board that gets connected to the jet ski. On visiting Lake Michigan, you can try your hands at flyboarding and make lifetime memories. The best time to go for this activity is from May to August when the weather is pleasant and ideal for flyboarding. 

Location:
Lake Michigan, Chicago, USA
Price: $56.00
Age limit: 21 years or above

How many days are enough to explore Chicago?

One minimum of 3-5 days is needed to explore Chicago. Chicago is a traveler's favorite destination, which they cannot get enough of. From historical sites to churches and fun-filled amusement parks, this city has a lot to offer to its guests.

Which is the best month to visit Chicago?

The best month to visit Chicago is late September. It is a summer month when travelers can find folk at a vast number of tourist attractions and indulge in ample adventurous activities. Some of the most famous places to visit in Chicago during summer are Electric Boats and Shopping, Cycle Boats, Champagne, Street Festivals, 360 Chicago, Ravinia, and others.

Is Chicago worth visiting?

Yes, Chicago is one of the USA’s most mesmerizing cities offering scenic skyline views, lined by parks and long trails. From amazing food to tourist attractions and sky-high buildings, you will find it all here.

What is Chicago famous for?

Known for its architectural beauty and renowned museums, art institutes, shopping malls, and other places, Chicago is one of the largest cities in the United States. Some of the most famous attractions of Chicago are The Art Institute of Chicago, Cloud Gate, Millennium Park, the Museum of Science and Industry and Wrigley Field.

Chicago Reviews

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Wooyeong Kim
Reviewed: 27 Oct 2023
4.0/5
I loved the atmosphere 
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Harry White
Reviewed: 12 Dec 2022
5.0/5
The art collection here is simply astounding, and there are even exhibits on knights and Thorne Miniature Rooms. Grateful to Thrillophilia for this amazing and their hassle-free bookings. Would definitely visit again!
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Drona Nayar
Reviewed: 21 Nov 2022
5.0/5
We got a chance to wallow in hundreds of years at this museum. It is also the second largest museum of the country and we saw some spectacular works of art by the likes of Warhol, Van Gogh, and Hokusai. Even though my wife and I are not great art enthusiasts, what we say swept us completely off our ... Read More
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Imogen Roberts
Reviewed: 08 Nov 2022
5.0/5
Our guide for the aquarium tour was simply the best and told us so many fun facts about the marine animals. Thrillophilia’s instant confirmation of our bookings was a delightful experience too. Highly Recommended to everyone.
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Isaac Patel
Reviewed: 31 Oct 2022
5.0/5
I purchased the Shedd Aquarium tickets from Thrillophilia & got good deals with hassle-free booking. We had a great time exploring the beautiful underwater world.
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Aurora Clarke
Reviewed: 25 Oct 2022
5.0/5
During my last visit to Chicago with my friends, we booked Shedd Aquarium tickets on Thrillophilia and it was a great experience. Kudos to Thrillophilia.

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