Area Attractions

One of the most venerated art museums in the world, The Art Institute is home to classic masterpieces including A Sunday on La Grande Jatte by Georges Seurat, Nighthawks by Edward Hopper, and American Gothic by Grant Wood.

Peruse thousands of works of post-World War II art, from such notable artists including Andy Warhol, Cindy Sherman, Kara Walker, and Takashi Murakami

Discover an incredible collection of gems, meteorites, fossils, and various artifacts from around the globe in this historic museum. Its piece de resistance is Sue, the largest T. rex specimen ever discovered.

Perched on Lake Michigan, this award-winning aquarium features exhibits on oceans, rivers, lakes, the Caribbean reef, and the Amazon River, with dozens of incredible aquatic species on full display as well.

The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) is the city’s new all-in-one architecture experience: a museum with two floors of exhibits and a gateway to more than 85 boat, walking, bus, bike, and L tours.

The Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain, one of the largest in the world, is located at Columbus Drive (301 East) and Congress Parkway (500 South) in Grant Park and runs from 8 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily, typically from early May through mid-October, depending on weather. Display times are subject to change during special events in Grant Park. While in operation, the Fountain produces a major water display for 20 minutes every hour. During the major display, a center jet shoots water to a height of 150 feet into the air. Major displays begin daily at 9:00 a.m. and continue thereafter, every hour on the hour. Beginning at dusk, a spectacular light and music display accompanies the major display, beginning every hour on the hour for 20 minutes. Each evening, the final major display begins at 10:35 p.m.

Go for a walk or jog along Chicago’s glorious waterfront path, which hugs 18 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and offers spectacular cityscape and museum campus views.

One of Chicago’s largest and most celebrated parks, Lincoln Park is home to a free-of-admission zoo, walking paths, a nature museum, and a string of lively beaches.

Billing itself as a “new kind of town square,” Millennium Park is a gathering spot in the city’s front yard, with impeccable lake views, the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture—known colloquially as The Bean—as well as an outdoor music venue, an ice-skating rink, public art installations, and so much more.

A favorite local beach, Oak Street sits in the shadow of John Hancock Center. Enjoy a lake swim (when lifeguards are on duty), relax in a lounge chair, play volleyball, people watch, and more.

The City of Chicago is pleased to welcome you to the Chicago Riverwalk! The 1.25-mile long path has been constructed in phases over time and includes four distinct districts; The Confluence, The Arcade, The Civic, and the Esplanade. The Chicago River is a treasured natural amenity in the urban canyon of world famous architecture and the Chicago RiverwaIk allows a close proximity to the waterway. The continuous path from Lake Street to the lake front also allows a vertical connection from Upper Wacker Drive down to the waterway.

Maggie Daley Park, a 22-acre public park open year-round and located on Chicago's lakefront, is a welcoming, urban retreat for children and adults of all ages. The free and interactive park offers children's play areas, rock climbing, a Skating Ribbon, tennis courts, and a fieldhouse, as well as picnic groves and a beautiful Cancer Survivors' Garden.

With the city’s largest fleet – 11 touring vessels and 6 water taxis – and dozens of architectural guides, Shoreline Sightseeing is one of Chicago’s most popular tours. Purchase your tickets today for your own awesome adventure: from scenic trips along the river to skyline tours on Lake Michigan.

Tuck into upscale-yet-relaxed Italian cuisine at this restaurant along the Magnificent Mile, featuring salumi, pizza, and pasta, alongside cocktails and a large wine list.

Known for its refined and rustic American-meets-European cuisine, this buzzy bar and restaurant also offers patrons incredible views of Millennium Park and a list of beers and award-winning libations.

Billing itself as a “classic American grill,” Remington’s serves up traditional steakhouse and seafood fare in a cozy and stylish setting with park views.

Goddess and the Baker is a fast-casual, fun cafe with locations in the heart of Chicago and one location outside Milwaukee in Brookfield, Wisconsin. We serve breakfast, sandwiches, salads, baked goods, and, of course, the best coffee around all day, every day. Our food is seriously good, our coffee is creative and delicious, and our culture is fun with a welcoming vibe. We are passionate about great food and service.

Located at 180 N. Upper Wacker Dr., between Randolph and Lake streets, Café Bonhomme combines the elegance of a European café with the casual ambiance of a neighborhood restaurant, celebrating a time characterized by continual socializing, often playful and extravagant, occasionally intellectual, and always high-spirited.