Must See Sights and Landmarks in Chicago Area

We've collected top 10 mentioned sights and landmarks in Chicago from other articles such as WTTW Chicago, Wheretraveler, If you only have a day.

Must See Sights and Landmarks in Chicago Area

Millennium Park
Millennium Park
4.8 (58155 ratings)4.5 (22489 ratings)
24.5-acre green space with a video display, the reflective "Bean" sculpture & an outdoor theater.
201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602, USA
ParkSights & LandmarksHistoric Walking AreasPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Navy Pier
Navy Pier
4.6 (50660 ratings)4 (13593 ratings)
Former Navy training center draws crowds with carnival rides, restaurants, shops & fireworks.
600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Sights & LandmarksAmusement centerCultural centerEvent venuePiers & BoardwalksTheme Parks
Mentioned by Attractions of America
Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Chicago, Illinois
"Navy Pier combines everything you could ever hope for in an area of a city you're visiting, and it has placed it right on the shores of Lake Michigan. There are shops, places to eat, boat tours, mini golf and a Ferris wheel. You might also find the Children's Museum of interest if you're there with family."
Mentioned by Crazy Family Adventure
25 Fun And Exciting Things To Do In Chicago With Kids
"Head over to Navy Pier to go up on the Centennial Ferris Wheel!. A fun way to get an amazing view of Chicago and the lakefront. You can get tickets through the Go Chicago Explorer Pass or check with the Loew’s hotel – they sometimes have specials going where you can get tickets with your stay."
Garfield Park Conservatory
Garfield Park Conservatory
4.8 (6118 ratings)4.5 (719 ratings)
184-acre park with a swimming pool, fishing lagoon, athletic fields, tennis courts & more.
300 N Central Park Ave, Chicago, IL 60624, USA
ParkSights & LandmarksBotanical gardenHistoric SitesGardens
Skydeck Chicago
Skydeck Chicago
4.5 (18620 ratings)4.5 (15971 ratings)
103rd floor of the former Sears Tower with clear observation boxes & views extending to four states.
233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606, USA
Observation deckSights & LandmarksMuseumArchitectural BuildingsObservation Decks & TowersPoints of Interest & Landmarks
360 Chicago
360 Chicago
4.6 (8741 ratings)4.5 (10009 ratings)
Observatory on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Building with a tilting glass lookout 1000 ft. up.
875 N Michigan Ave 94th floor, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Observation deckSights & LandmarksArchitectural BuildingsObservation Decks & TowersPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Graceland Cemetery
Graceland Cemetery
4.7 (112 ratings)4.5 (190 ratings)
Scenic burial grounds with many trees & tours of the tombs & headstones of notable figures.
4001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613, USA
CemeterySights & Landmarks
Mentioned by Curbed Chicago
14 secret parks and gardens in Chicago
"Potter Palmer, Marshall Field, Daniel Burnham, David Adler and Bruce Graham are just a handful of the notable burials at Graceland Cemetery in the Uptown neighborhood. While cemeteries may creep some people out, this one is notable for being a lush, tranquil place for Chicagoans to relax and enjoy the silence. The 2,000 trees and 50 species here are certified by the Morton Arboretum and carefully maintained."
Mentioned by Do312
The Best Parks In Chicago
"Although cemeteries can be eerie to some, this spot is anything but scary. Bring a blanket, your favorite book and pop a squat under one of the many honey locust trees for a relaxing day in the shade."
Mentioned by Fodor's Choice
Sights in Chicago
"Near Irving Park Road, this graveyard has crypts that are almost as strikingly designed as the city skyline. A number of Chicago's most…"
Calder's Flamingo
Calder's Flamingo
4.6 (288 ratings)4 (233 ratings)
Alexander Calder's large abstract sculpture, or stabile, was unveiled to the public in 1974.
50 W Adams St, Chicago, IL 60610, USA
SculptureSights & LandmarksMonuments & Statues
Saint Clement Church
Saint Clement Church
4.6 (174 ratings)4.5 (8 ratings)
642 W Deming Pl, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
Catholic churchSights & LandmarksSacred & Religious Sites
Mentioned by Your Day by MK
Chicago Wedding Guide: Catholic Churches
"Address: 642 W Deming PlSaturday Mass Times: 11:00am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm, 6:30pmA/C: YesCost: $1,900.00, includes organist and cantorParishioner?. Yes, at least one of youTime for photos after: 15 minutesCan you bring your own priest?. YesOther info to note:If there are 3 weddings already scheduled on a particular day, a visiting priest must preside at the 4th wedding."
Mentioned by usatales.com
10 Best Churches in Chicago
"The St. Clement Catholic Church of Lincoln Park- is a stunning example of the byzantine style that features greek geometrics. The inspiration behind the structure is the mosque of Istanbul- Hagia Sophia. You can find 12th and 13th-century fashioned mosaics on the apse of the dome."
The University of Chicago
The University of Chicago
4.5 (628 ratings)4.5 (423 ratings)
Storied, research-centric private school known for its medical & economics programs & scenic campus.
5801 S Ellis Ave, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
UniversitySights & LandmarksCollegeEducational sitesUniversities & Schools
Chicago Board of Trade Building
Chicago Board of Trade Building
4.5 (739 ratings)4.5 (108 ratings)
Art deco skyscraper with a pinnacle statue of Ceres, Chicago's tallest building from 1930 to 1965.
141 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604, USA
Business centerSights & LandmarksArchitectural Buildings

Free Museums in Chicago

Adler Planetarium
Adler Planetarium
4.3 (1340 ratings)4 (1931 ratings)
Interactive exhibits & high-tech sky shows entertain stargazers, lakefront views are a bonus.
1300 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
PlanetariumMuseumsObservatories & PlanetariumsSpecialty Museums
Mentioned by Chicago 3 days itinerary
3 Day Chicago Itinerary For First-Time Visitors
"Art Institute of Chicago* – Fast PassOR Adler Planetarium* – VIP Entry *Your CityPASS tickets include the option for you to choose between two attractions. There’s no need to decide upfront where you’d like to visit. You can choose when you get there."
Mentioned by Chicago 3 days itinerary
Chicago Itinerary – 3 Days in Chicago for First Timers
"The Adler Planetarium has a lot to offer curious visitors. With nine special exhibits, multiple theaters, and the historic Atwood Sphere experience, you’ll enjoy a plethora of things to do, whether you’re traveling with kids or a group of adults."
Mentioned by Fodor's Choice
Sights in Chicago
"Taking you on a journey through the stars to unlock the mysteries of our galaxy and beyond, the Adler tells amazing stories of space…"
Oriental Institute Museum
Oriental Institute Museum
4.8 (205 ratings)4.5 (526 ratings)
Dedicated to researching ancient civilizations of the Middle East & educating the public about them.
1155 E 58th St, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
Archaeological museumMuseumsArt museumHistory museumResearch instituteSpecialty Museums
Chicago Maritime Museum
Chicago Maritime Museum
4.8 (32 ratings)5 (19 ratings)
1200 W 35th St, Chicago, IL 60609, USA
Local history museumMuseumsMaritime museumHistory Museums

Top Best Restaurants in Chicago

The Budlong Hot Chicken (RFH)
The Budlong Hot Chicken (RFH)
4.2 (48 ratings)
Counter serve in Revival Food Hall for Nashville-style fried chicken, Southern sides, pies & sodas.
125 S Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA
American restaurantChicken restaurantFried chicken takeawayRestaurantSouthern restaurant (US)
Mentioned by UrbanMatter
Where to Get Takeout Tonight in Chicago
"A lil’ southern comfort from the comfort of your own home, nothing says takeout food quite like a giant batch of fried chicken. And let’s be honest, this spicy/sweet Nashville style bird is pretty impossible to eat politely in public anyway."
Mentioned by Bacon is Magic - The Best Food Around the World
21 Cheap Eats in Chicago - A Budget Guide to Eating in the Windy CIty
"The Budlong Hot Chicken Kitchen prides itself on serving always local, anti-biotic and hormone free meat. MAKE IT AT HOME: Nashville Hot Fried Chicken. Your slice of hot delight is served on top of classic Texas Toast."
Cira
Cira
4.6 (279 ratings)
Grand hotel option for all-day Mediterranean dining with small plates featuring coastal ingredients.
200 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
RestaurantBarCafeMediterranean restaurant
Mentioned by OpenTable
20 Best Lunch Spots in Chicago
"From Chicago's legendary Boka Restaurant Group is Cira, a new contemporary Mediterranean restaurant that serves some of the best lunch in Chicago. Diners who choose to lunch here w..."
sweetgreen
sweetgreen
4.4 (286 ratings)
1000 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
Health food restaurantDelivery serviceTakeout RestaurantRestaurantSalad shopVegan restaurantVegetarian restaurant

Best Fine Dining in Chicago

Band of Bohemia
Band of Bohemia
4.6 (436 ratings)
Funky-chic brewpub infusing culinary flavors into house beers & pairing them with global plates.
4710 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60640, USA
New American restaurantBreweryFine dining restaurantRestaurant
Dining Room At Kendall College
Dining Room At Kendall College
4.7 (61 ratings)
Culinary trainees cook & serve fixed-price New French lunches in a modern room with city views.
18 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603, USA
Fine dining restaurantFrench restaurant
Acadia
Acadia
4.6 (452 ratings)
An airy, upscale restaurant serving seasonal New American dishes inspired by coastal Maine.
1639 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60616, USA
American restaurantFine dining restaurantWine bar

Vacation Rentals, Airbnb, Hotels & Cabins near Chicago

Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel
Hotel
$416 /night
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Massive 4 Bedroom 3 Bath Condo 2 blocks from Beach
Apartment
$935 /night
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4.3 (9 reviews)
Sonder at 943 Crosby
Hotel Suite
$111 /night
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