Chicago Attractions - Top 10 Most Popular Destinations

Welcome to the third largest city in the United States. Known as the 'Windy City', Chicago is famous not only for its basketball team, the Chicago Bulls, but also for 'Taste of Chicago', the world's largest food festival, and its impressive art museum. Here, you can find art objects from over five millennia.

Pack your bags and get ready for a special city trip, because Chicago combines culture, sports, fun, and relaxation like no other city. There's so much to experience that we have compiled a list of the top 10 most popular attractions in Chicago. Your journey to the state of Illinois is now ready to begin!

It is probably the most beautiful place in all of Chicago - Millennium Park. Spanning 99,000 square meters, it unites tranquility, fun, and culture. Opened in 2004 as an extension of Grant Park, the park has since become a tourist attraction. Take a stroll through the park and experience special highlights like the Lurie Garden.

A place full of attractions

In addition to Wrigley Square and the famous Pedestrian Bridge, there are many other sights to marvel at in the park:

Address

201 E Randolph St.

60602 Chicago

Illinois, USA

Visit the tallest building in Chicago and the second tallest skyscraper in the USA. The construction of the building took four years and it soars 442 meters into the sky. After its opening in 1974, it was long considered the tallest building in the world. For adrenaline junkies of all kinds, the glass balcony where you can look down 412 meters from the 103rd floor is highly recommended.

Above the rooftops of Chicago

One special highlight you should not miss during your vacation in Chicago is the Skydeck. Located on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower, it offers a 360° view of four states (Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin) on clear days for a fee.

Address

233 S Wacker Dr

60606 Chicago

Illinois, USA

Founded in 1866, the Art Institute of Chicago is a must-see for every visitor to the city. Experience culture over two floors and 24,500 square meters. Organized by theme, you will find works spanning over five millennia by world-renowned artists like Vincent van Gogh and Claude Monet. Nearly 1.4 million visitors admire these artistic masterpieces every year.

More than just a museum

Since 2009, there has been an expansion of the museum, the Modern Wing, which makes it the second largest in the United States. But that's not all: the museum has also housed the School of the Art Institute of Chicago since its opening - the city's art college. On average, 2,000 students are trained here.

Did you know? Walt Disney, the founder of the Walt Disney Company, and Playboy founder Hugh Hefner both studied at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Address

111 S Michigan Ave

60603 Chicago

Illinois, USA

Located in Millennium Park in Chicago, Cloud Gate is one of the highlights you should not miss. The construction of the sculpture, made from 168 stainless steel plates, took two years (from 2004 to 2006). The sculpture's unique shape earned it the nickname 'The Bean'. Don't forget your camera; the distortion of the mirrored surface creates very funny images!

A competition in Chicago

Cloud Gate was the result of designs from two artists commissioned in 1998 by the official representatives of Millennium Park. While American Jeff Koons envisioned a kind of playground slide, artist Anish Kapoor created the design of Cloud Gate. Ultimately, the committee chose Kapoor's proposal because it exactly matched their vision with its seamless surface and reflection of the skyline.

Address

201 E Randolph St.

60602 Chicago

Illinois, USA

What would a trip to Chicago be without a special shopping experience? That awaits you on the Magnificent Mile. Between the Chicago River and Lake Shore Drive, you can visit great shops, countless museums, and restaurants along the promenade. This way, you can explore the diverse attractions of Chicago on a leisurely stroll.

The oldest building in Chicago

Anyone visiting the Magnificent Mile should take a look at one of the city's landmarks - the Old Water Tower. Built in 1869, it is one of the oldest buildings in the entire city.

Did you know? Along the Magnificent Mile, you will encounter not only many people but also several of the tallest buildings in the city, such as the Water Tower Place (262 m) or the Park Tower (257 m).

Ranked sixth in our list is a true highlight - the Chicago River. Over 251 km, the river winds from Lake Michigan through the city. Here, a variety of boat tours offer visitors a chance to discover more about Chicago.

The river that flows backward

One reason a boat tour on the Chicago River is worthwhile is especially its water flow direction. Once, the Chicago River flowed into Lake Michigan, which became heavily polluted by industrial waste from Chicago. However, in the 19th century, the flow direction was changed by a canal, ensuring cleaner water within the city and preventing the river from smelling. Today, you can enjoy relaxing strolls along the river.

Did you know? Since 1962, the river has been dyed green with a plant-based dye every St. Patrick's Day, turning it a vibrant shade of green just for that special holiday.

Pack your fins and let's go! For in seventh place is the largest indoor aquarium in the world. Nearly 32,000 animals call it home. With a total of 650 species, this aquarium delights around two million visitors every year, both young and old. Meet sea otters, turtles, sharks, or jellyfish and have a spectacular day among the most beautiful and also the most fearsome creatures on Earth.

The oldest museum aquarium in the world

A visit to the Shedd Aquarium offers more than just a view of many marine animals. Surrounding the aquarium, which is one of the oldest aquarium facilities in the world, is Chicago's Museum Campus. Here, you can marvel at giant eagles in the planetarium of the same name and visit the Field Museum of Natural History.

Address

1200 S Lake Shore Dr

60605 Chicago

Illinois, USA

Also located on the famous Magnificent Mile is the former John Hancock Center, now known as '875 North Michigan Avenue'. It was designed by architect Bruce Graham and constructed from 1965 to 1969. Today, the building with its 100 floors is the fourth tallest structure in the city and noticeably stands out in the cityscape with its black color.

A beautiful view

Those who are not afraid of heights should venture up to the 94th floor of 875 North Michigan Avenue. On the observation deck, 'the observatory', you have a view of nearly 100 kilometers across Chicago and Lake Michigan on clear days. If this view makes you hungry, be sure to visit the 'Signature Room' restaurant located in the two floors above.

Did you know? The highest swimming pool in all of North America is located in this tower - on the 44th floor. Here, you can swim laps while enjoying an incredible view.

Address

875 North Michigan Avenue

175 East Delaware Place

60605 Chicago

Both big and small explorers must not miss our number nine! Here, almost 1,100 animals from 200 species thrive on 14 acres. Whether polar bears, penguins, or monkeys - Lincoln Park & Zoo has something for every safari lover. Since its opening in 1868, the zoo has continued to delight its visitors, making it one of the oldest zoos in North America.

On safari in Chicago

Your exciting walk through Lincoln Park & Zoo will take you through the icy Arctic, the tropical rainforest, the endless plains of Africa, the reptile house, the bird house, and even a farm. So definitely pack your safari hat and embark on this thrilling journey to meet the most extraordinary animals in the world.

Address

2204 N. Cannon Drive

60605 Chicago

Illinois, USA

When visiting Chicago, make sure to take the time to explore the city a bit. The Lakefront Trail is perfect for this. The path stretches nearly 30 kilometers along the west shore of Lake Michigan. Not only can you walk, but biking through the city is a lot of fun as well, as there is a separate bike lane on the Lakefront Trail. This way, you can turn your trip into an exciting active vacation!

From Lincoln Park to South Shore

The route of the Lakefront Trail is a true highlight of the city, not only for tourists but also for locals. On a sunny warm day, up to 70,000 people use this path that runs through four Chicago parks - from Lincoln Park to Grant Park, through Burnham Park, and finally to Jackson Park. This offers pedestrians a perfect opportunity for a peaceful walk through all parts of the city.

Chicago has much to offer its visitors. From towering skyscrapers to vibrant green parks, there is something for everyone. Experience works of art from ancient times, observe exotic animal species, and take in the skyline from the skyscrapers. If you're eager to explore Chicago and its sights, now is the time to pack your bags and get going!