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15 Things You Shouldn’t Miss In Chicago

15 Things You Shouldn’t Miss In Chicago

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Tens of thousands of people travel each year to Chicago, the Windy City, to see what it has to offer. While big cities can be overwhelming in their opportunities for travelers, here are 15 things you shouldn’t miss in Chicago.

LakeShorePublicMedia.org
LakeShorePublicMedia.org

Wrigley Field

Whether you’re a baseball lover or entirely indifferent to the sport, Wrigley Field is an experience not to be missed. It’s the home of Chicago’s beloved baseball team, the Cubs, and the energy of the stadium on game day is incredible – an impressive testament to Chicago fans’ dedication, given the Cubs haven’t won a World Series in more than a century. Cheap seats can often be purchased for $5 or $10 if you’re willing to wait until the game has begun and scalp tickets on the street.

RangeTraveler.com
RangeTraveler.com

The Bean

Located smack in the middle of Millennium Park, which is smack in the middle of downtown Chicago, the Bean is an enormous reflective statue that is better seen than explained. Actually named Cloud Gate, local call it the Bean, and it serves as an impressive mirror for the Chicago skyline, as well as for tourists’ selfie poses.

ChicagoDossier.com
ChicagoDossier.com

Sears Tower

The Sears Tower (OK, it’s actually renamed the Willis Tower, but no true Chicagoan will ever call it that), is no longer the world’s tallest building, but is still one of the most impressive. The observation deck includes 360-degree views of the city, as well as a thrilling see-through box that allows visitors to feel as though they might drop down into the city below at any moment.

SignatureRoom.com
SignatureRoom.com

Hancock Building

The John Hancock building is another awesome opportunity to get fantastic views of the Chicago skyline. It’s not quite as tall as the Sears Tower, but here’s an insider tip for you: head to the Signature Lounge rather than the observation deck in the Hancock building – you won’t have to pay an admittance fee, and you’ll just need to purchase some kind of beverage to hang out there for a while. Plus, you’ll get three extra floors of elevation to make the views even cooler!

ChicagoTraveler.com
ChicagoTraveler.com

Museum of Science and Industry

The Museum of Science and Industry is one of the coolest science museums in the world, and isn’t just for kids either. There are tons of hands-on exhibits from interactive displays on storms to static electricity to watching chicks hatching. It also offers free days once a month, so be sure to check out when those are to save some coin.

Biography.com
Biography.com

Jazz and blues clubs

Chicago is one of the top destinations for jazz and blues, and has some of the best clubs in the country. Be sure to check out Green Mill Cocktail Lounge in Uptown, Kingston Mines in Lincoln Park or Buddy Guy’s Legends in the South Loop.

Amazon.com
Amazon.com

Pizza

The age-old debate about Chicago deep-dish pizza versus all other kinds can only be settled on a personal basis, which means you need to taste the glory for yourself. You really can’t go wrong with most of the pizza places in the city, although Lou Malnati’s is a particularly popular one.

ThePauperedChef.com
ThePauperedChef.com

Hot dogs

A Chicago hot dog is different from other hot dogs. You need to try one. Before you embarrass yourself asking for ketchup, a Chicago hot dog is a beef hot dog in a poppy seed bun, topped with yellow mustard, green sweet pickle relish, chopped onions, a dill pickle, tomato slices, pickled peppers, and celery salt. It’s said to be “dragged through the garden,” given the number of toppings it demands.

TopChicagoRealEstateNews.com
TopChicagoRealEstateNews.com

Navy Pier

Initially built as a cargo facility for freight ships in the early 1900s, Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s top attractions. With restaurants, bars, rides (the giant Ferris Wheel is always a crowd favorite), frequent festivals, and an incredible view of Lake Michigan, it’s definitely worth a visit. The pier also does fireworks every week during the summer, offering visitors the chance to see the lake light up against the Chicago skyline.

TravelMamas.com
TravelMamas.com

The Art Institute

For art lovers, look no further than the Art Institute, located smack in the middle of downtown, for some of the most impressive art in the country. With everything ranging from Impressionist paintings to interactive kids exhibits like the Touch Gallery, the Art Institute is a must-visit.

Gallagher.com
Gallagher.com

Lake Michigan

The fact that the city sits on the shores of Lake Michigan is one of the most attractive aspects about Chicago, and a feature visitors should take advantage of. In summertime, head out to the city’s beaches for a dip, or walk along the boardwalk in wintertime to see the lake frozen under sheets of glass.

Destination360.com
Destination360.com

Adler Planetarium

Located on the Museum Campus at the edge of the downtown area, the Adler Planetarium has awesome exhibits for those interested in space, with everything from telescopes to space crafts. The planetarium offers Adler After Dark events at night so visitors can check out the night sky with proper equipment. There’s also music, bars, and other entertainment.

CosaFarea.it
CosaFarea.it

Lincoln Park Zoo

One of the only free zoos in the country, Lincoln Park Zoo allows visitors to take a leisurely stroll through the park and check out everything from gorillas to giraffes to flamingos. It also offers a farm and children’s zoo, along with the great zoo carousel.

HuffPost.com
HuffPost.com

The Magnificent Mile

The Magnificent Mile is a stretch of Michigan Avenue that runs through the middle of the loop in downtown Chicago, and it’s a shopper’s dream. With hundreds of restaurants, stores, hotels, and entertainment options, there’s plenty to see and do.

Architecture.org
Architecture.org

Architecture river boat tour

Chicago’s architecture is one of its great features, and many companies operate tours along the Chicago River to allow visitors to get an up-close look at it. See the varying American architectural styles and learn how the city was rebuilt after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.