Top places to visit in Chicago
Chicago is a city in Illinois and among the largest cities in the USA; all Chicago tourist attractions make this city a great destination for people who like to see everything that can be found in big cities, including many parks and gardens, zoos, stadiums, observation decks, concert halls, and aquariums.
Recently, Choose Chicago has shown that the number of tourists who visit Chicago in 2023 has increased by %13 from last year, and about 50 million domestic and international visitors came to this city.
If you happen to be here, 3-5 days are enough to visit the tourist sights in Chicago; however, all you need is the best itinerary to explore Chicago’s must-see attractions.
Also, you can use public transportation during your visit to these tourist sites in Chicago, and there is no need to rent a car. Therefore, we will mention the top tourist spots in Chicago to see in 3 days.
Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower near River North
If you are not scared of heights and would like to see the never-before-seen view of Chicago city in a safe aerial place, then Skydeck is a place to go.
Skydeck is located on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower, the tallest building in Chicago and the 3rd tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, offering spectacular views of 4 states. It is one of the Chicago tourist attractions which has a ledge with a glass balcony extending 4 feet outside the 103rd floor, at 1,353 feet in air.
Moreover, if you would like to dine in Skydeck, date with your loved one, celebrate your birthday, or have an office meeting, ‘Pie in the Sky’ and ‘Pumpkin Pie in the Sky’ are great choices on Willis Tower. The Pumpkin Pie in the Sky is on the 103rd floor with a 3-course meal and 7- tables per evening, serving world-famous Chicago pizza for dinner on Thursday and Friday at 10 pm. The Pie in the Sky is on the 99th floor of Willis Tower and offers dinner at 7 pm on Friday and Saturday. In these 2 places, you need to pay about $150 per person.
The Skydeck is open year-round, and the opening hours are from 9 am to 8 pm every day of the week. In order to be in Skydeck, you need to buy a ticket from their website; the admission fee for adults aged +12 starts from $32 and for youth aged 3 to 11 starts from $24. Also, it is free for children under 3 years old.
The exact location of this famous spot is at 233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606, United States.
Shedd Aquarium in South Loop
It is a historic home and an outdoor public aquarium in Chicago that opened in 1930. Shedd Aquarium is the third largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere and holds about 32,000 animals like Sharks, Belugas, Turtles, Penguins, Sea otter, etc. If you are interested in seeing underwater creatures and enjoy being around them, then this Chicago tourist attractions is for you.
Shedd Aquarium provides many exhibits to let visitors see, do, touch, and explore animals like Plankton Revealed, where many Plankton are growing; Abbott Oceanarium, containing Beluga Whales, Pacific white-sided Dolphins, Sea Otters, California Sea Lions; a garden exhibits in which you can see region’s dunes, prairies, and seasonal wetlands, and many other exhibits.
It has a terrace where you can enjoy the view of Chicago Skyline and Lake Michigan, with some tables available.
Remember that you need to reserve a ticket before you go to Shedd Aquarium, the ticket price for Chicago Residence is $19.95 for adults every day, but the general admission ticket price for adults and children varies, so you need to check their website.
It is noticeable that all of the ticket sales support Shedd’s mission, which includes public education, animal welfare, conservation, and more.
This aquarium’s opening hours are every day from 9 am to 5 pm and it is located at 1200 S DuSable Lk Shr Dr, Chicago, IL 60605, United States.
Places to visit in Chicago for free
Some Chicago tourist attractions are free to go, learn, and enjoy, including the zoo, park & garden, and sculptures. In the part below, we will mention 3 spots in Chicago that you do not need to pay for.
Lincoln Park Zoo in the North of Chicago
It is located in Lincoln Park in the North of Chicago, near Lake Michigan, and is also known as Lincoln Park Zoological Gardens.
Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the free Chicago tourist attractions and the fourth oldest zoo in North America.
Annually, about 3.42 million people visit this city; it is a clean place with friendly staff and is an ideal choice for both adults and children to walk, enjoy, and learn new things.
It has many areas, including lions, primates, reptiles, a children’s area, and an interactive farm exhibit. If you manage to go early in the morning, you can see lions eating out; that would be a terrific experience.
Zoolights is one of the most loved and recommended parts of Lincoln Park Zoo among visitors. It is from November 17 to January 7 and features amazing lighting for animals. Although visiting the zoo is free, for zoo lights, except on Mondays, you need to pay $7–$10.
Lincoln Park Zoo is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm and is located in Chicago, IL 60614, United States.
River Walk in Near North Side
It is a pavement near the Chicago River with a picturesque view. This Chicago tourist attractions is not just a simple pavement; it includes some restaurants, bars, and cafes where you can have a hot or cold drink or a portion of fresh food and dessert.
Also, you can participate in watersports activities available here, like renting a boat or a kayak, and enjoy sailing the Michigan. It will be an unforgettable time for all people, especially couples.
This Riverwalk in Chicago has something for all people to do; a small dog park brings you a place to have a nice morning walk with your lovely dog. The other facilities available here are the Vietnam War Memorial and River Theater, which are really worth a visit.
This Riverwalk in Chicago gives services every day from 6 am to 11 pm at 22 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601, United States.
Garfield Park Conservatory in West Garfield Park
Garfield Park Conservatory is one of the most remarkable and largest conservatories in the world, located at 300 N Central Park Ave, Chicago, IL 60624, United States.
If, on a rainy day, you are looking for a place to walk and surround yourself with positive energies, then it is free to go to this nice, warm, and humid conservatory. Garfield Park Conservatory is known as one of the Chicago tourist attractions, so your trip would be incomplete without visiting this conservatory.
It is more than a park and has lots of facilities, including a swimming pool, a fishing lagoon, athletic fields, and a tennis court; it is considered a peaceful and well-kept display of natural beauty with thousands of plant species worldwide.
If you happen to be here, then remember to reserve the time of your entry beforehand.
Garfield Park Conservatory is open on Wednesday from 10 am to 8 pm and Thursday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.
