Whether you wish to savor your taste buds in fine dining restaurants, or shop till you drop at the world-class shopping malls, or explore and discover the American heritage by visiting the grand museums or party till dawn at the local pubs and lounges, Chicago has everything to cover your taste and liking and has several things to offer. As a foreign visitor, it is difficult to know what is really worth visiting and discovering the options on display. You will definitely be spoilt for choices with several things to do in Chicago. There are numerous Chicago attractions and endless places to visit in Chicago like exploring the depth of the ocean in the marvelous Shedd Aquarium or catching a fly ball at Wrigley Field or enjoying a play at the Chicago Theater or riding the Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier or witnessing the best orchestras in the world in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and much more. Chicago sightseeing will surely soak up all your energy. With the government investing heavily in Chicago tourism over the past decade or so, the results are there to see. Chicago has transformed into a hot-spot tourist destination across all age groups. So, apply for US visa and gear up for the trip of a lifetime. We have handpicked a list of what to see, do and eat in USA which will help you cover the unique offerings of Chicago during your USA holidays. Not to forget, Route 66 road trip attractions too are a must-see on a USA excursion.
We have narrowed down some of the most awesome things to do in Chicago.
Lincoln Park Zoo
This small 35 acres zoo is home to more than 1200 types of animals’ right from zebras to apes. This is probably the oldest and the very few zoos still existing in the country. Some of the power punch attractions include the Regenstein Center for African Apes and Kovler Lion House. The latest feature to its cap is the Regenstein Macaque Forest where the snow monkeys keep haunting the trees and rejuvenate in a hot tub.
Wrigley Field
This legendary stadium has hosted several iconic baseball games. Erected in the year 1914 and reinvigorated in the year 2009 due to change in ownership, the Wrigley Field has plenty to offer in the off-season for baseball. There are several seasonal tours which offer an insider peek at the Friendly Confines when the Cubs are roaming on the road or away for spring training.
Also read -> Travelling to USA During Off-Season
The 606
An abandoned stretch of elevated railway track runs through Logan Square, Bucktown, Humboldt Park and Wicker Park has been renamed as The 606, the first three digits in every Chicago zip code. Many have defined it as one of the quickest ways to travel on the North side from east and west connecting several public art installations and parks on its 2.7-mile path. This path is popular among cyclists and joggers so be prepared for a dodge them on the journey.
360° Chicago
Formerly known as the John Hancock Observatory, this place is a true delight with its dining, sightseeing, and interactive tours. With 1000 feet high on the 94th floor, you can probably check out four states and catch a distance of up to 55 miles. Feel the loud airplanes whiz passed by. One of the recent additions to its bucket list is the 30° tilt attraction that extends from the building, where guests step onto an enclosed platform.
Millennium Park
The grand lush green environment spread over 24.5 acre features the sculptor Anish Kapoor’s 110-ton Cloud Gate, Frank Gehry’s Pritzker Pavilion, Jaume Plensa’s Crown Fountain, and much more. The list goes on. You can even relax and chill out in the shade or enjoy the warmth of the sun. The Park’s Lurie Garden is also home to several varieties of flowers and monthly garden walks.
The Second City
Many distinguished comedians like Tina Fey, John Belushi, Steve Carell, Bill Murray, Stephen Colbert, Joan Rivers, and Chris Farley have kick-started and at times resurrected their careers from the Second City. A destination which has probably mapped sketching and improved comedy onto a single platform. The place is home to several top-notch shows even though many mainstage revenues are at times tedious.
Art Institute of Chicago
This iconic institution is home to more than 300,000 artworks and artifacts from all around the globe from each era right from antiquity to the present era. Some of the popular ones include fragments of local buildings by Frank Lloyd Wright, Thorne Miniature Rooms, and Japanese prints. The perfect place to admire the art and design collection is the Renzo Piano’s light-filled Modern Wing. Explore and discover modern and contemporary art along with the gorgeous views of the neighboring Millennium Park.
Garfield Park Conservatory
Launched in the year 1908, this conservatory has often been referred as the Landscape art under glass. Definitely one of the largest in the world, the structure has been a revolutionary piece of architecture. With stratified stonework walls and haystack shaped buildings, the landscape architect Jens Jensen has considered the Fern Room (Prairie waterfall) as one of his masterpieces. With 120,000 plants featuring close to 600 species that are spread over 1.6 acres of land, the flower shows premieres are hosted four times a year.
Field Museum
The gigantic history museum was founded in the year 1893 to house the anthropological and biological collections that were collated for the World’s Columbian Exposition. Spread over an area of 300,000 square feet, the museum has hosted more than 30 permanent exhibitions. The permanent display collections include the glowering dinos, Halls of Gems and Jade, antique artifacts from a royal Egyptian tomb, and the artifacts in the Cyrus Tang Hall of China.
Museum of Contemporary Art
This has to be the largest collection of modern and contemporary art in the nation. It has also featured major touring exhibits, film screenings and hosted many performing artists in the past. Take a break from the extensive galleries by grabbing a bite from the on-site restaurant or strolling through the picturesque sculpture garden. The Gift shop features an awesome collection of offbeat tchotchkes.
