The city of Chicago welcomes 50 million visitors each year and offers many attractions. The top Chicago attractions are well worth a visit, and many of these will be worth crossing off your list more than once. Read on to learn more. Here are some places that you can’t miss: Navy Pier, Navy Yard Beach, Art Institute of Chicago, and Willis Tower.
Willis Tower
Located in the city of Chicago, the Willis Tower is one of the tallest buildings in the world. You can ride in an elevator to the top floor to view Chicago from above. The ride takes about 70 seconds and takes you to the Skydeck Chicago observation deck. At 1,729 feet (527 m) tall, it is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.
Magnificent Mile
The Magnificent Mile is Chicago’s premier shopping district, with upscale shops, luxe fashion outlets, chic restaurants, and posh hotels. The area is home to several notable buildings, including the terra cotta Wrigley Building, the neo-Gothic Tribune Tower, and the historic Chicago Water Tower. Other notable buildings include the John Hancock Center, which is home to an observation deck and fine dining.
Art Institute
You may want to include the Art Institute of Chicago among your Chicago sightseeing list. This popular museum is located east of the Loop and is accessible by multiple transportation methods. The Brown, Green, and Orange lines stop at the Adams/Wabash underground station. The Red and Blue lines stop at Monroe underground station. Buses are also plentiful and several stop in front of the museum. If you live in Illinois, you can also take the Metra, which has stops at Van Buren and Millennium underground stations. The Art Institute is also accessible by bike share services.
Navy Pier
If you’re looking for a fun-filled Chicago experience, the Navy Pier is the place to go. It has tons of shops and restaurants, including a Ferris wheel that offers stunning views of the city. It is also home to the Crystal Gardens, a six-story glass atrium filled with tropical plants and live palm trees. It is also a popular wedding venue and offers boat tours of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River.
John J. Shedd Aquarium
The Shedd Aquarium is a Chicago tourist attraction that features over 32,000 animals. The aquarium is a world-class facility that opened on May 30, 1930. It was, for a time, the largest indoor aquarium in the world.
Terzo Piano
Terzo Piano is one of Chicago’ tourist attractions that offers dining and music in one. Located on the third level of the Modern Wing, the piano is a light-filled space that offers panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. This restaurant offers no museum admission, and offers a special dinner menu made from local ingredients.
Frederick C. Robie House
You’ll want to spend some time in the Frederick C. Robie House when you’re in Chicago. The home was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and completed in 1909. The open floor plan and linear geometry of the form make it a classic Prairie School house. Wright was famous for creating harmonious environments, and the Robie House is one of his most stunning examples. There are even guided tours available for visitors. You can take an hour-long tour if you’d like to see the interior, or take a self-guided audio tour.
