4 Fun Things to do in Chicago

Chicago Travel Guide: Top 4 Fun Things to do in Chicago

Chicago is such a beautiful city, from it’s breathtaking skyline on beautiful Lake Michigan, exquisite architecture, and lakefront trails, Chicago has it all. While there are hundreds of activities to choose from, if you’re a first-timer, you’ll want to experience some of the more iconic spots that the Windy City has to offer. Here are my top four Chicago sightseeing picks that are always a great time.

SkyDeck Chicago

For some, the Willis Tower will forever be known and called the Sears Tower. This iconic skyscraper is 110 stories tall and once was the tallest building in the world, until the One World Trade Center was completed in 2014. In 1974, the Skydeck, an observation deck, opened on the 103rd floor. Guests are jetted to the deck in elevators that reach the top in just 60 seconds. On clear days, there are views of 4 states, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin, from the panoramic windows! In 2009, 4 glass boxes, called The Ledge, were added to the deck. The glass enclosures allow guests to step out of the building itself and have a clear view of the busy city below! Standing or sitting on the Ledge is a feeling like no other, with only glass separating you from the street 1,000 plus feet below, this is not for the faint of heart. The memories and pictures you take, will be so worth the adrenaline rush!

Chicago River Tour

Chicago has many architecture tours offered by several cruise lines. Each company has a unique experience from family friendly and humorous to a more learning based, and historical information tour. A few companies offer both daytime and twilight tours. If you are able to swing both, you won’t be disappointed. The daytime tours offer impressive views and better visuals of the details of these historic skyscrapers, many built by some of the world’s most famous architects. The twilight tours are very popular and allows guests to see the city come to life as the sun goes down and the skyline’s lights go on. This city feels enchanting and so serene. Whichever tour you take will leave you both impressed and a little more knowledgeable about Chicago’s gorgeous skyline.

Wrigley Field

Even if you don’t “root, root, root for the Cubbies”, you can’t deny that their home, Wrigley Field, is an iconic, Chicago landmark. Baseball fans around the world come to Wrigleyville for the experience, the restaurants, bars and newer luxury hotels that have gone up in the recent years. Game day means the streets are jam packed with fans out for a good time. Wrigley also hosts headlining acts for some unforgettable concerts. Billy Joel, Lady Gaga, Pearl Jam and Jimmy Buffett are a few acts that have graced the field.

Millennium Park

This public park is located in the heart of the city and is on 25 beautiful acres, within the much larger Grant Park. Nature meets city here as the grounds are surrounded by Chicago’s, gorgeous buildings. You can hear live music at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, stroll the tranquil Lurie Garden, and splash in the Crown Fountain, which is a 50-foot glass tower that displays images of Chicago’s residents while a stream of water jets from their pursed lips. I can’t forget Cloud Gate, affectionately known as ‘The Bean”, for its shape. The Bean is covered in reflective stainless steel and offers amazing reflections of the city and guests. This has become an iconic part of Chicago.

When visiting Chicago you can feel the energy of a big city while still being surrounded by the beauty of its smaller parks and neighborhoods. Whether you’re here for a day or a week, you can make the most of your visit with any of these picks!

I’ll be heading back to Chicago this summer. Got any other recommendations for me while I’m there?