Area Attractions

This stunning and historic landmark welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Chicago Cultural Center holds many events that are often free to the public which include music, dance, theater events, films, lectures, art exhibitions and more.

Immerse yourself in music by visiting the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Offering many different shows each year, you don't want to miss a chance to hear an incredible orchestra and see this magnificent space.

Theater lovers staying at Chicago Athletic Association don't have to go too far when seeing productions of all kinds. CIBC theater is yet another historic and breathtaking property downtown Chicago that has been home to shows like, Hamilton, The Book of Mormon, and Jersey Boys.

Having many different names and identities throughout its long life, the Nederlander Theater remains just around the corner for a chance at nothing but pure entertainment. On top of its breathtaking interior, theatergoers can see shows like The Addams Family, Wicked, Big Fish, among many others.

This iconic space, most well-known for its name, lives at the tip of the theater district. For nearly a century, The Chicago Theatre has welcomed many of the world's most beloved artists and visitors through its doors. Visit to see an array of different acts as well as its historic and stylish interior and exterior.

If you are looking for something fun that the whole family can enjoy, you can find it at the Museum of Illusions. Immerse yourself in mind baffling brain teases right in the center of the Loop.

Experience nature in the heart of the city.

Soldier Field is home to the Chicago Bears! It is also used as a popular concert venue for you to see your favorite bands.

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.

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.

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.

Buckingham Fountain is a beloved Chicago landmark located in Grant Park. This outdoor fountain features exciting water displays hourly and, at dusk, showcases a stunning lights and music display as accompaniment. Buckingham Fountain operates seasonally from early May through mid-October.

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.

Encouraged rowdy fun with your best mates and be found at the British-inspired pub, Elephant and Castle. Enjoy a cool pint and tasty food where the mood is "always vibrant.”

Try German cuisine located within walking distance. As one of the oldest restaurants in Chicago, this 100% family-owned and operated establishment has been around as long as Chicago Athletic Association.

Experience a classic Chicago pastime by trying some Pizano's Pizza. Located right around the corner, dine in or take out to experience delicious thin and of course, Chicago deep dish style pizza along with a fantastic selection of pastas.

The Taste of Chicago is the world's largest food festival, held for five days in July in Chicago, Illinois in Grant Park. Non-food-related events include live music on multiple stages, including the Petrillo Music Shell, pavilions, and performances.

A Chicago staple for almost 40 years, the festival’s diverse lineup has included everyone from B.B. King and Buddy Guy to Etta James and Koko Taylor and beyond. Performances showcase the genre’s contributions to soul, R&B, gospel, rock, hip-hop, and more.

The Chicago Jazz Festival is a Labor Day weekend tradition that promotes all forms of jazz through free, high-quality music programming. The festival showcases Chicago's local talent alongside national and international artists to raise awareness and appreciation for one of the city’s most beloved art forms.

This is a 10-week concert series taking place in Jay Pritzker Pavilion on Randolph St. within Millennium Park. The Grant Park Chorus and Grant Park Symphony Orchestra perform on select days within this 10-week period, in addition to guest conductors and performers.

This festival features live music and DJs that exhibit all of the styles and sounds of house music, a genre that found its inception in Chicago and has gone on to be very influential when it comes to dance music around the world.

This is the biggest music festival in Chicago, lasting four days every summer in Grant Park on Randolph St. Festival-goers can enjoy amazing live musical performances from some of the best groups and artists in the world with a backdrop of a scenic lakefront and a Windy City summer.

Celebrate Pride Month with this diverse and inclusive music festival featuring LGBTQ+ performers, artists, vendors, and more. Held in lakefront Grant Park, Pride in the Park features an exciting lineup of live music, drag performances, local food, and more.

Celebrating the genre’s deep Chicago roots with traditional choirs and contemporary urban gospel music, the Chicago Gospel Music Festival has been a staple on the Chicago festival circuit for more than 30 years. This summertime fest features free performances by local and national artists, spanning traditional and contemporary genres.

This citywide, multi-venue, 11-day festival attracts over 650,000 concertgoers. World Music Festival has presented more than 650 artists and ensembles from more than 80 countries since it began in 1999. Concerts will be held all over the city over the 11 days.

Every summer, the Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park transforms into an urban dance floor. Learn new moves during free lessons led by professionals, then dance to the beat of different live bands and DJs at Chicago SummerDance. Glide across the open-air dance floor while learning swing, waltz, cha-cha…or simply enjoy the music.